Electro-Responsive Biomaterial Release Near Implantable Stimulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering therapeutic substances to the inner ear, such as the cochlea, face challenges with localized administration due to difficulty in access and systemic administration due to pharmacokinetic limitations and potential systemic toxicity, making it hard to achieve effective concentrations without inducing side effects.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electro-responsive biomaterial systemically administered with an implantable medical device that activates upon exposure to a localized electromagnetic field generated by the device, allowing targeted release of therapeutic substances only in proximity to the implant, combining the benefits of systemic and localized delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If systemic administration of therapeutic substances is used, then the therapeutic substance can reach the inner ear through circulation, but the concentration at the target site is insufficient and systemic toxicity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the biomaterial responsive to localized electromagnetic fields. The biomaterial remains inactive during systemic circulation and only activates (changes physical state) when exposed to the localized activation field generated by the implantable medical device at the target site, thereby concentrating the therapeutic effect locally while minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the physical state of the biomaterial in response to electromagnetic field exposure. The biomaterial transitions from an inactive state during circulation to an active state (changed physical state) when exposed to the activation field, enabling controlled release of the therapeutic substance at the target site with high concentration while avoiding systemic side effects
2Quantity of substance
If localized administration of therapeutic substances is used, then high concentration can be achieved at the target site, but difficulty in accessing the inner ear prevents effective delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing an implantable medical device that generates electromagnetic fields as a mediator. This device facilitates the delivery of therapeutic substances to the inner ear without requiring direct physical access to the difficult-to-reach target site, thereby combining the benefits of systemic administration with localized delivery
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
Enables effective and targeted delivery of therapeutic substances to the inner ear by activating the biomaterial only in the presence of a localized electromagnetic field, ensuring high concentration at the target site while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects.
Implementation Method 1
in response to exposure to a localized activation field, altering a physical state of the electro-responsive biomaterial to cause a therapeutic effect to the recipient
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for localized release of systemically circulating therapeutic substances, which combine many of the advantages of systematic and localized administration, while eliminating many of the associated drawbacks. More specifically, in accordance with the techniques presented herein, an electro-responsive biomaterial is systemically administered to a recipient of an electrically-stimulating implantable medical device. The electro-responsive biomaterial comprises a therapeutic substance that is only activated (e.g., released) in the presence of an electromagnetic field generated by the electrically-stimulating implantable medical device.