Non-Digestible Fluid-Absorbing Capsules to Reduce Dialysis Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for fluid retention, such as hemodialysis, are costly, inconvenient, and cause significant discomfort to patients, necessitating a more effective and less frequent method to remove excess fluid and toxins from the body.

Innovation Solution

A non-digestible, nitrogen-free capsule containing insoluble hydrophilic, cross-linked polymer material is ingested to absorb excess fluid and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the need for frequent dialysis by diverting fluid elimination from the renal route to the gastrointestinal route.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hemodialysis is used to remove excess fluid and toxins from the body, then fluid retention and toxin accumulation are reduced, but treatment cost increases and patient convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid removal effectivenessVSAvoidpatient convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patient's own gastrointestinal tract is utilized to perform the fluid removal function that would otherwise require external dialysis machinery. The capsule system enables the body to self-regulate fluid balance through natural digestive processes, eliminating dependence on external dialysis infrastructure and improving patient autonomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers fluid-absorbing material directly to the gastrointestinal tract. This intermediary system bypasses the need for direct connection to dialysis machines, transforming a complex medical procedure into a simple oral administration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hemodialysis frequency is reduced, then patient comfort improves, but fluid retention worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidfluid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid-absorbing material is delivered in advance to the gastrointestinal tract before excess fluid accumulation becomes severe. By pre-positioning the absorbing agent in the digestive system, the body continuously manages fluid balance throughout the week, preventing rather than merely treating fluid retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule system provides continuous fluid absorption capability throughout the digestive tract, maintaining constant fluid balance management rather than periodic intervention. This continuous action allows significant extension of dialysis intervals while preventing fluid overload

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If water intake is restricted, then dialysis frequency is reduced, but patient comfort and adherence deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedialysis frequency reductionVSAvoidpatient adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gastrointestinal tract, which would normally be a route of fluid loss through feces, is converted into a beneficial fluid removal pathway. By delivering absorbing material to the GI tract, fluid that would otherwise be retained is deliberately channeled to the digestive system for elimination, turning a potential problem into a therapeutic advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the route of fluid elimination from renal (urine) to gastrointestinal (feces). This parameter change in elimination pathway allows fluid removal to proceed independently of water intake restrictions, as the absorbing material pulls fluid from the body into the digestive tract regardless of recent fluid consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 capsule effectively reduces fluid retention and toxin accumulation, decreasing the frequency of dialysis and improving patient comfort by increasing fluid excretion through the gastrointestinal system, thereby extending survival time and reducing caloric intake.

Implementation Method 1

insoluble hydrophilic, cross-linked polymer material is ingested to absorb excess fluid and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the fluid-absorbing material absorbs all molecules by means of 3D entrapment

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D entrapment: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260007607A1Non-digestible capsules for the delivery of fluid absorbing materials

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 HB BIOTECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

AI summary

The invention relates to a product, method of use, and/or method of preparing a capsule or capsular like product that comprises hydrophilic fluid-absorbing materials that bind, entrap, and/or absorb large quantities of fluid. The capsules or capsular like product may be capable of diverting the mode of fluid and waste elimination from the renal route to the gastrointestinal route.