Citric Acid Crosslinked CMC Hydrogel for Local Constipation Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new agents to treat constipation that are effective for various causes and act locally in the colon with minimal side effects, as existing treatments often have systemic side effects.
Innovation Solution
Administering a therapeutically effective amount of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, produced by cross-linking high viscosity carboxymethylcellulose with citric acid, in a substantially dry form, preferably combined with water, to treat constipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose is produced by conventional methods, then absorption capacity is achieved, but elasticity modulus is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of crosslinking by using citric acid instead of conventional crosslinking agents, and controls the degree of crosslinking to achieve optimal balance between elasticity modulus and absorption capacity. The specific crosslinking conditions (pH, temperature, time) are optimized to maintain high absorption while improving elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel structure by crosslinking carboxymethylcellulose with citric acid, forming a network that combines the high absorption capacity of CMC with the structural integrity provided by citric acid crosslinks, achieving both improved elasticity and maintained absorption.
2Reliability
If systemic agents are used to treat constipation, then effectiveness is improved, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the therapeutic action from systemic circulation and localizes it to the colon by using a polymer that remains intact through the gastrointestinal tract and only activates in the colon, thereby achieving effective constipation treatment without systemic side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinked carboxnymethylcellulose acts as an intermediary that delivers therapeutic effect locally in the colon without requiring systemic absorption, mediating between the need for effective treatment and the avoidance of systemic side effects.
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
The crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose exhibits improved elasticity and absorption capacity, maintaining significant absorption properties while increasing elasticity, and is resistant to high ionic strength of intestinal fluid, providing effective local treatment with minimal side effects.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinking high viscosity carboxymethylcellulose with citric acid
Implementation Method 2
high absorption capacity
Implementation Method 3
resistant to high ionic strength of intestinal fluid
Implementation Method 4
heating the carboxymethylcellulose/citric acid composite at a temperature of at least about 80 °C, thereby cross-linking the carboxymethylcellulose with the citric acid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method of treating constipation and compositions useful in said method. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose having high elastic modulus coupled with high absorbance capacity when swollen in simulated gastric fluid/water (1:8) and simulated intestinal fluids.