Crosslinked Polysaccharide Hydrogel Hydrolysis for Tunable Spacer Degradation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogel-based spacers used in medical procedures, such as perirectal spacers for prostate radiation therapy, can cause patient discomfort, infiltration, urinary retention, and misplacement, and lack tunable degradation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hydrogel delivery system and a hydrolysis-accelerating catalytic composition is used to deliver and accelerate the hydrolysis of crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogels, utilizing hydrolysable ester bonds and catalysts like hydroxides or enzymatic proteins to break down the crosslinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrogel-based spacers are used to create space between tissues, then radiation exposure to surrounding tissues is reduced, but patient discomfort and complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the hydrogel by using hyaluronic acid crosslinked with BDDE under alkaline conditions to create ether bonds, forming a hydrogel with specific degradation properties that reduces patient discomfort while maintaining radiation protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tunable degradation capability through controlled hydrolysis of ester bonds in the crosslinked hydrogel structure, allowing the spacer to dynamically adjust its presence in the body - initially providing stable spacing for radiation therapy then degrading over time to eliminate long-term discomfort and complications
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydrogel crosslinks are made permanent to maintain spacer structure, then spacing effectiveness is improved, but degradation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite crosslinked structure combining hyaluronic acid chains with BDDE crosslinks forming ether bonds, achieving both structural stability for maintaining spacing effectiveness and built-in degradation pathways through the crosslink chemistry that provide tunable degradation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the crosslinks by using ester bonds with hydrolyzable characteristics, allowing the hydrogel to maintain structural integrity during radiation therapy while enabling controlled degradation over time through hydrolysis acceleration
3Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogel degradation is accelerated to improve patient comfort, then spacer removal capability is enhanced, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled hydrolysis that progresses over time, initially maintaining structural integrity for radiation therapy effectiveness then gradually accelerating degradation to improve patient comfort, achieving both goals through time-dependent structural evolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrolysis-accelerating catalytic composition as an intermediary substance that selectively targets and accelerates the breakdown of crosslinks in the hydrogel, enabling controlled degradation and spacer removal while preserving the overall structural integrity needed for therapeutic effectiveness
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 system improves patient comfort and spacer effectiveness by enabling controlled hydrolysis of hydrogels, addressing misplacement and discomfort issues while providing tunable degradation.
Implementation Method 1
accelerate hydrolysis of the hydrolysable ester bonds in the crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
hydrolysis-accelerating catalytic composition adapted to accelerate hydrolysis of the hydrolysable ester bonds
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the present disclosure provides kits for delivering and hydrolyzing crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogels, the kits comprising (a) a hydrogel delivery system configured to deliver a crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel to a subject, the crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel comprising polysaccharide molecules that are crosslinked by crosslinks that comprise hydrolysable ester bonds and (b) a hydrogel hydrolysis system configured to deliver a hydrolysis-accelerating catalytic composition to the subject, the hydrolysis-accelerating catalytic composition adapted to accelerate hydrolysis of the hydrolysable ester bonds in the crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel. In other aspects, the present disclosure provides methods of using the same.