Degradable Hydrogel Controlled Release Macromolecules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogel systems for delivering macromolecules like proteins and polypeptides are unable to achieve sustained release over an extended period, with chemically crosslinked hydrogels releasing the payload in days and physically entangled systems lasting only up to two months, necessitating a more versatile and customizable approach.
Innovation Solution
The development of hydrogels formed in situ using degradable hydrogel-forming polymers with linkages that can be hydrolytically or enzymatically cleaved, allowing controlled release of macromolecules over days to months, featuring polymers such as polysaccharides and polyethylene glycol derivatives with specific modifications and ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If chemically crosslinked hydrogels are used for macromolecule delivery, then structural stability is improved, but release duration is limited to a few days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinked hydrogel by incorporating degradable linkages (ester, anhydride, amide bonds) into the crosslinking structure. This allows the hydrogel to maintain structural stability through crosslinking while enabling controlled degradation over time, extending macromolecule release from days to months. The degradable crosslinkers gradually break down under physiological conditions, providing sustained release without compromising initial structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining stable polymer networks with degradable crosslinking agents. The composite structure includes both non-degradable polymer backbones (providing structural framework) and degradable crosslinkers (enabling controlled release), achieving a balance between structural stability and extended duration of action that neither component could achieve alone.
2Ease of manufacture
If physically entangled hydrogel systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but release duration is limited to about 2 months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely physical entanglement mechanisms with a hybrid system combining physical network formation and chemical crosslinking. The degradable chemical crosslinks provide additional structural support and controlled degradation pathways, extending release duration beyond what physical entanglement alone can achieve, while maintaining relative ease of manufacture through in situ gelation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If macromolecule modification is performed to extend circulation time, then release duration is improved, but financial and time investment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a degradable crosslinked hydrogel intermediary system that extends macromolecule circulation time without modifying the macromolecule itself. The hydrogel acts as a carrier matrix that protects the macromolecule from degradation and controls its release, achieving extended circulation through the delivery system rather than through complex macromolecule engineering.
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 hydrogels provide predictable and sustained release of target agents, maintaining biocompatibility and controlling the release rate through degradation, enabling prolonged delivery of proteins and polypeptides.
Implementation Method 1
The degradable backbone comprises precursor polymers linked by a degradable linker... The degradation may occur under physiological conditions... through hydrolytic cleavage
Implementation Method 2
The degradable linker is hydrolysable, enzymatically degradable, or otherwise cleavable
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Provided are a composition for controlled release of target agent, a kit comprising the composition, and producing method and use thereof. The composition comprises one or more hydrogel forming polymers comprising a degradable backbone, the degradable backbone comprising precursor polymers linked by a degradable linker.