Fiber-Reinforced Composite Rings for Intravaginal Drug Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravaginal drug delivery systems rely on non-absorbable, non-biodegradable polymers, which limit the controlled release of bioactive agents due to instability and mechanical issues, such as aggregation and diffusion challenges, particularly for bio-macromolecules and smaller polypeptides.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-reinforced composite ring system using an absorbable or non-absorbable matrix with absorbable, biodegradable reinforcing fibers made from cyclic monomers like glycolide, l-lactide, ε-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate, allowing for controlled bioactive agent release and mechanical property modulation through degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-absorbable, non-biodegradable polymers are used for intravaginal drug delivery, then mechanical strength is maintained, but controlled release of bioactive agents is limited due to instability and aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite ring system combining absorbable polymer matrix (providing controlled degradation and drug release) with non-absorbable polymer reinforcement (providing mechanical strength). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing each component to fulfill its optimal function: the absorbable matrix enables reliable controlled release while the non-absorbable reinforcement maintains structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If absorbable, biodegradable materials are used for controlled drug release, then ease of removal is improved, but mechanical strength retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure allows the absorbable polymer matrix to provide ease of removal through controlled degradation, while the integrated non-absorbable reinforcement maintains mechanical strength retention throughout the device's functional life. The synergistic combination resolves the trade-off between biodegradability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ring system have different properties: the matrix provides degradability for ease of removal, while the reinforcement provides strength retention. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of ease of removal and mechanical strength retention.
3Reliability
If absorbable coating is used to control drug release, then controlled release profile is improved, but mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbable coating is applied to the ring system in combination with non-absorbable reinforcement, allowing the coating to provide controlled release profiling while the reinforcement compensates for any mechanical strength reduction. The composite structure enables both controlled release profile and adequate mechanical strength.
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 system enables sustained and controlled release of bioactive agents, improved mechanical strength retention, and ease of removal, addressing the limitations of previous systems by utilizing biodegradable materials for enhanced stability and bioavailability.
Implementation Method 1
the absorbable/biodegradable reinforcing fibers are made primarily of one or more cyclic monomer(s) including glycolide, l-lactide, ε-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate
Implementation Method 2
The composite ring system is designed to modulate the bioactive agent(s) release profile as well as the mechanical property of the ring, in part or totally through the controlled degradation of the absorbable components of the composite system
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-reinforced composite ring for the controlled release of at least one bioactive agent includes a biocompatible matrix reinforced with absorbable/biodegradable fibers capable of providing the mechanical properties needed for inserting and maintaining the ring in a body cavity for a desired period of time. Such ring system as can be used for the intravaginal, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous delivery of at least one bioactive agent, including those used as contraceptives, antimicrobial agents, and/or antiviral agents, as well as those for the treatment of cancer.