Electrosprayed Chitosan Hemostatic Particles to Reduce Device Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivering hemostatic agents to internal wounds, such as gastrointestinal hemorrhages, is challenging due to issues with particle size and shape that can clog medical devices, impeding effective delivery to the target site.
Innovation Solution
A modified electrospraying process is used to produce chitosan-based particles with controlled size, shape, and porosity, facilitated by crosslinking agents like sodium tripolyphosphate, to create spherical particles with a narrow size distribution, suitable for delivery through medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hemostatic agents are used, then hemostatic effect is achieved, but particle size and shape cause clogging of medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling particle size (10-500 μm), shape (spherical with aspect ratio 0.7-1.3), and surface properties through modified electrospraying parameters including voltage (5-25 kV), flow rate (0.5-5 mL/h), and solvent composition to produce particles that can pass through medical devices while maintaining hemostatic efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The hemostatic agent is segmented into discrete spherical particles with controlled size distribution rather than using bulk or irregularly shaped materials, enabling individual particles to navigate through catheters and delivery devices without clogging while collectively providing the required hemostatic function
2Ease of operation
If particle size is reduced to improve delivery, then flow through devices is improved, but particle integrity and hemostatic effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously including particle size (10-500 μm range), spherical shape (aspect ratio 0.7-1.3), surface charge density, and porosity to achieve a balance where particles are small enough for device delivery but large and structurally intact enough to maintain hemostatic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The hemostatic particles are formulated as composite structures incorporating chitosan or other hemostatic polymers with controlled crosslinking and porosity, providing mechanical integrity at reduced sizes while maintaining the biochemical functionality required for hemostasis
3Manufacturing precision
If electrospraying parameters are optimized for particle size control, then particle uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for electrospraying (voltage 5-25 kV, flow rate 0.5-5 mL/h, needle gauge 20-27, distance 1-10 cm from substrate) that can be implemented using standard electrospraying equipment, achieving controlled spherical particles without requiring complex custom apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The electrospraying process utilizes the natural electrostatic forces and fluid dynamics to self-organize droplets into uniform spherical particles during deposition, reducing the need for additional processing steps or complex control mechanisms to achieve particle uniformity
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 process ensures effective delivery of hemostatic agents to internal wounds by maintaining particle integrity and flow, reducing aggregation, and enhancing the ability to reach the target site without clogging, thereby promoting efficient hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
A modified electrospraying process is used to produce chitosan-based particles
Implementation Method 2
crosslinking agents like sodium tripolyphosphate
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including a plurality of particles that may be prepared from a chitosan salt and methods for preparing the same. The plurality of particles may have an average diameter ranging from about 100 μm to about 750 μm, such as from about 150 μm to about 500 μm; a steepness value ranging from about 30 to about 90; and an average aspect ratio greater than 0.6. The plurality of particles may be substantially spherical in shape, for example. Methods of preparation include electrospraying a chitosan salt solution through a needle.