Crosslinked MHA Hydrogel Hormone Delivery via Dual-Chamber Syringe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hormone therapies face challenges such as inconsistent dosage delivery, adverse effects, and poor compliance due to methods like pills, patches, creams, and injections, while subcutaneous hydrogel formulations face absorption and bioavailability issues, affecting stability and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A dual chamber syringe is used to administer a crosslinked methacrylate hyaluronic acid (MHA) polymer encapsulating hormones, which is injected subcutaneously to provide a controlled release of micronized testosterone or estradiol, utilizing a hydrogel polymer that forms microbeads for consistent medication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If subcutaneous hydrogel formulations are used for hormone delivery, then controlled release is achieved, but absorption and bioavailability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of hydrogel microbeads embedded in a crosslinkable hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel microbeads contain the hormone (testosterone or estradiol) and are composed of biocompatible polymers such as PLGA, PLA, or gelatin. This composite structure enables controlled release through the hydrogel matrix while the microbead formulation improves absorption and bioavailability by protecting the hormone and facilitating gradual release into surrounding tissue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hormone therapies are administered frequently to maintain effective levels, then consistent dosage is achieved, but patient compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by formulating hormones in pre-prepared hydrogel microbeads that are ready for single-step injection. The hydrogel matrix is designed to release the hormone over an extended period (weeks to months), eliminating the need for frequent administrations. This preliminary formulation approach maintains consistent dosage levels while significantly improving patient compliance by reducing the frequency of medical visits and injections.
3Duration of action of moving object
If solubilized hormones are injected frequently, then hormone levels are maintained, but the need for repeated doctor visits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hormone from its conventional solubilized form and incorporates it into solid hydrogel microbead matrices. This extraction from liquid solution to solid encapsulated form allows the hormone to be delivered in a single injection that releases the medication over an extended period. The hydrogel matrix acts as a reservoir, releasing the hormone gradually into the surrounding tissue, thereby maintaining hormone levels for weeks or months without requiring repeated doctor visits.
4Ease of operation
If pills are used for hormone therapy, then administration is simple, but dosage delivery consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogel microbeads as an intermediary between the hormone and the patient's body. Instead of administering pills that rely on gastrointestinal absorption (which varies significantly), the hydrogel microbeads are injected subcutaneously and serve as a controlled release mediator. The hydrogel matrix controls the release rate of the hormone, providing consistent dosage delivery while the injection method remains simple and can be performed in a single medical visit.
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 method offers a stable, extended-release hormone therapy with improved absorption and bioavailability, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits and enhancing patient compliance by providing consistent hormone levels for up to six months.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinked methacrylate hyaluronic acid (MHA) polymer that encapsulates a hormone. The crosslinked MHA polymer is the hydrogel polymer
Implementation Method 2
subcutaneously inserted slow-release hormone therapies (e.g., hormone hydrogels or pellets)... deliver drugs over time in a therapeutically effective dosage
Implementation Method 3
Piercing the separator generates a mixture that includes the diluent and the crosslinked MHA polymer that encapsulates the hormone
Data Source
AI summary
A method for administering a hormone encapsulated by a hydrogel polymer with a dual chamber syringe is described. The method includes providing a crosslinked methacrylate hyaluronic acid (MHA) polymer that encapsulates a hormone. The crosslinked MHA polymer is the hydrogel polymer. A dosage of the crosslinked MHA polymer that encapsulates the hormone to a subcutaneous tissue is administered with a dual chamber syringe. The dual chamber syringe includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a separator, and a plunger. The first chamber includes the crosslinked MHA polymer that encapsulates the hormone. The second chamber has a diluent for the crosslinked MHA polymer. The separator separates the first chamber from the second chamber. Piercing or bypassing the separator generates a mixture that includes the diluent and the crosslinked MHA polymer that encapsulates the hormone. The plunger forces the mixture through a needle.