Functionalized Polymeric Materials for Sustained Nitric Oxide Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric materials struggle to release nitric oxide in antimicrobially effective quantities over extended periods, particularly when already manufactured, and conventional methods for introducing nitric oxide precursor groups are limited and affect mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
Functionalization of already manufactured polymers by reacting carbonyl or siloxyl groups with aminosilane or epoxy silane to introduce pendant amino or epoxy groups, which are then bound to form nitric oxide precursor groups, allowing for nitric oxide release in antimicrobially effective amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilants (ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) are used to sterilize medical devices, then sterilization is achieved, but the sterilants chemically react with or decompose quickly, limiting their effectiveness and applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates nitric oxide precursor groups into the polymer structure during manufacturing, so that the active sterilizing agent is generated in situ when needed, rather than applying external sterilants that may decompose or react adversely. This preliminary incorporation ensures the polymer can generate effective sterilizing concentrations of nitric oxide on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nitric oxide precursor groups as intermediaries that convert to active nitric oxide sterilant. These precursors are stable during storage and handling but release active nitric oxide under appropriate conditions, serving as a stable intermediary that solves both the stability and effectiveness requirements.
2Reliability
If antimicrobial agents (zinc complexes, colloidal silver, triclosan) are incorporated into materials, then antimicrobial effect is provided, but these agents are problematic for medical devices or articles that contact food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the antimicrobial agent from traditional metals and organics to nitric oxide, a gas that can be generated from precursor groups. This parameter change allows achieving antimicrobial效果 while avoiding the toxicity and regulatory issues associated with zinc complexes, silver, and triclosan in medical and food contact applications.
3Quantity of substance
If nitric oxide precursor groups are introduced into polymer at the time of polymerization, then nitric oxide can be released, but the quantity of precursor groups is limited and the process is restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary incorporation of nitric oxide precursor groups into the polymer structure during the polymerization process, ensuring maximum incorporation efficiency. This preliminary action allows the polymer to be manufactured with high quantities of precursor groups integrated into the backbone or side chains, while still maintaining manufacturing flexibility for different polymer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal method that can be applied to various polymer types (polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylonitrile, etc.) to introduce nitric oxide precursor groups. This multi-functional approach allows the same chemical methodology to work across different polymer chemistries, enhancing manufacturing flexibility and applicability.
4Duration of action of moving object
If modified supramolecular polymer complexes or surface modified nanoparticles are used, then nitric oxide release is achieved, but these materials are suitable only for in vivo use and not for microbial control over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates nitric oxide precursor groups directly into the polymer structure at specific locations (backbone or side chains), creating local nitric oxide-generating sites. This local quality ensures sustained release over extended periods while maintaining the polymer's structural integrity and mechanical properties, making it suitable for both in vivo and microbial control applications.
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 modified polymers can release nitric oxide effectively over extended periods, providing antimicrobial properties without adversely affecting mechanical properties, and can be used in various applications including medical devices and consumer products.
Implementation Method 1
the oxygen of respective carbonyl groups in which the oxygen of respective carbonyl groups participates in a catalytic reaction with an aminosilane to so introduce a pendant amino group into the polymer
Implementation Method 2
The so introduced amino group is then reacted with and covalently bound to a reagent that contains a thiol group
Implementation Method 3
subsequently reacted with a nitrite or nitric oxide in gas phase to so form the corresponding S-nitrosothiol as the pendant nitric oxide precursor group
Implementation Method 4
capable of decomposing to form nitric oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A modified polymeric material is presented that contains substantial quantities of nitric oxide precursor groups within and on the surface of a variety of polymeric materials. Advantageously, the nitric oxide precursor groups are covalently bound to the oxygen atoms of carbonyl or siloxyl groups in the polymer via a functionalized organosilane, thereby enabling large quantities in the polymer. In further desirable aspects, the modifications can be introduced into already produced polymeric materials using a conceptually simple and simple sequence of reactions.