Electrospun Nanofibers for Wound Healing Using Birch Bark Extract
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low solubility of birch bark extract in both polar and non-polar solvents limits its therapeutic application due to poor bioavailability, and its tendency to form gel structures complicates the preparation of suitable pharmaceutical formulations for wound healing.
Innovation Solution
The development of sub-micron O/W-emulsions containing birch bark dry extract, processed via high-pressure homogenization with lecithin-based phospholipids, which are then blended with biodegradable polymers to form electrospun nanofibers, enhancing bioavailability and handling properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If birch bark extract is dissolved in oils, then solubility is improved, but gel structures form which complicate formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phospholipids as intermediary substances to create emulsions that solubilize birch bark extract without forming problematic gel structures. The phospholipids act as emulsifiers between the polar and non-polar phases, enabling stable dispersion of the extract in aqueous-based formulations while maintaining solubility and avoiding gelation issues.
2Reliability
If birch bark extract is used in traditional formulations, then wound healing activity is achieved, but bioavailability is poor due to low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the birch bark extract formulation by creating nanodispersions and emulsions with controlled droplet sizes and phase compositions. This transforms the extract from a poorly soluble substance into a bioavailable formulation that maintains its wound healing activity while improving absorption and delivery to the target site.
3Duration of action of moving object
If electrospun fibers are used for wound treatment, then controlled drug release is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the birch bark extract in the form of stable nanodispersions and emulsions beforehand, with optimized phospholipid concentrations and phase compositions. This preliminary preparation ensures that the active substance is ready for incorporation into electrospun fibers, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex in-situ formulation during fiber production.
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 nanofiber wound dressing provides improved bioavailability and controlled drug release, facilitating wound healing with enhanced bioactivity and patient acceptance, while maintaining stability and ease of application.
Implementation Method 1
sub-micron O/W-emulsions containing the active substance birch bark dry extract are first produced via high-pressure homogenization process
Implementation Method 2
sub-micron O/W-emulsions containing the active substance birch bark dry extract
Implementation Method 3
blended with commercially available biodegradable and biocompatible polymers to form nanofibers intended for wound therapy using electrospinning technology
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions based on nanodispersions which are preferably further processed to electrospun fibers comprising such nanodispersions. The nanodispersions may optionally contain birch bark extract. The electrospun fibers can be used in particular for the treatment of wounds. For this purpose the compositions containing electrospun fibers are preferably applied as such or in a spray or a foam.