COP COC Contact Lens Package Minimizing Drug Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contact lens packages absorb drug agents like ketotifen, leading to reduced availability for ocular delivery and potential microbial infections, as existing materials tend to absorb pharmaceutical agents during sterilization and storage.
Innovation Solution
The use of Cyclic Olefin Polymers (COPs) and Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COCs) for the package base and lidstock, which are designed to minimize drug absorption by selecting materials with specific structural properties that reduce solubility and diffusivity, such as polysulfone and polycarbonate copolymers, along with a novel lidstock structure that includes a protective, barrier, and sealant layer to maintain drug integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plastic materials (polypropylene, polyester) are used for contact lens packages, then the package can be manufactured with standard materials and processes, but the package absorbs drug agents like ketotifen during sterilization and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the packaging material by using COPs and COCs with specific molecular structures (cyclic olefin units) that have low polarity and hydrophobic characteristics. These material parameter changes result in reduced solubility and diffusivity of drug agents, preventing absorption while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including multi-layer lidstocks combining COP/COC with other materials (PET, aluminum foil, polypropylene) where each layer serves specific functions. The COP/COC layers provide drug non-absorption properties while other layers provide barrier, sealant, or structural functions, creating a composite solution that addresses both drug availability and manufacturing requirements
2Reliability
If heat sealing is used to seal the contact lens package, then a tight seal can be achieved, but conventional materials require high sealing temperatures that may affect drug stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the sealing material by using COPs and COCs that have appropriate melting points and sealability characteristics. These materials can be heat sealed at controlled temperatures that achieve tight seals without excessive heat exposure that would compromise drug stability in the contact lens solution
3Productivity
If the package allows greater uptake of drug from the lens, then drug delivery effectiveness is improved, but the package may inadvertently absorb the drug itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface and bulk properties of the packaging material by using COPs and COCs with low polarity and hydrophobic characteristics. These parameter changes create a package that is non-absorptive to drug agents while allowing the drug to elute from the lens into the storage solution, maintaining high drug availability for ocular delivery
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces drug absorption during sterilization and storage, maintaining drug availability for extended periods, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of drug-containing contact lenses and preventing microbial contamination.
Implementation Method 1
selecting materials with specific structural properties that reduce solubility and diffusivity
Implementation Method 2
selecting materials with specific structural properties that reduce solubility and diffusivity
Implementation Method 3
a novel lidstock structure that includes a protective, barrier, and sealant layer to maintain drug integrity
Implementation Method 4
the two like materials are heat sealed together to provide a tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a package for storing medical devices that substantially eliminates elution of a pharmaceutical agent, from the device into the package. As well, a new lidstock is described for use with the package, which results in better retention of drug throughout the bowl and lidstock.