Cyclodextrin Copolymer Microspheres for Controlled Embolization Drug Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microspheres for therapeutic embolization and drug delivery lack effective methods to incorporate therapeutic agents and maintain stability and controlled release, particularly for angiogenic-dependent diseases like cancer.

Innovation Solution

Microspheres composed of a copolymer containing acrylamide monomers and cyclodextrin derivatives, which allow for the incorporation and controlled release of therapeutic agents, such as anti-neoplastic drugs, while maintaining biocompatibility and flexibility for targeted delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microspheres are designed for therapeutic embolization and drug delivery, then treatment efficacy for angiogenic-dependent diseases is improved, but the complexity of incorporating therapeutic agents and maintaining controlled release increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidcomplexity of incorporating therapeutic agents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite polymeric materials comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments that self-assemble into microspheres with distinct internal structures. The hydrophobic core provides a reservoir for therapeutic agents while the hydrophilic shell enables controlled release and biocompatibility, thereby achieving effective drug delivery without complex fabrication processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The microspheres are designed with a porous internal structure resulting from the phase separation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer segments. This porosity facilitates the incorporation of therapeutic agents within the matrix and enables controlled release through diffusion pathways, simplifying the drug loading process while maintaining reliable therapeutic delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Strength

If microspheres use cross-linked polymers for structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility and controlled release capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility and controlled release capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in polymer hydration state to modulate microsphere properties. In the dry state, the cross-linked network provides structural stability; upon contact with aqueous environments, the hydrophilic segments swell and create a gel-like matrix that enhances flexibility and enables controlled drug release through water-dependent diffusion pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The microspheres exhibit dynamic properties that change in response to environmental conditions. The polymeric network transitions from a rigid cross-linked structure in the dry state to a more flexible, hydrated gel structure in physiological conditions, allowing the material to maintain both structural integrity and release capability through state-dependent mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If microspheres are designed for targeted delivery, then treatment precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted delivery precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The microspheres utilize self-assembly of amphiphilic polymer segments to form uniform spherical structures with consistent internal morphology. This self-organizing behavior during fabrication naturally produces microspheres with controlled size distribution and homogeneous drug distribution, achieving targeted delivery capability without requiring stringent manufacturing precision controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 microspheres provide effective drug delivery and embolization by ensuring controlled release of therapeutic agents, reducing inflammation, and maintaining biocompatibility, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy for angiogenic-dependent diseases.

Implementation Method 1

controlled release of therapeutic agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

bio-resorbable cross-linked polymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

copolymer comprising an acrylamide monomer and a cyclodextrin or a derivative

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic interaction: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentEP3416626B1Microspheres for use in therapeutic embolization

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 BIOSPHERE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Microspheres, compositions including the microspheres, and methods of using the microspheres are disclosed herein. The microspheres can be substantially spherical and can include a copolymer of a monomer (such as an acrylic monomer) and a cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof. The microspheres can also include a therapeutic agent, such as a platinum-based drug.