Gold Nanoparticle Crosslinked Hydrogels for CT Radiopacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiopaque hydrogels for medical applications lack enhanced radiopacity and crosslink density, which are essential for improved visibility under imaging techniques like CT scans while maintaining in vivo persistence.
Innovation Solution
The development of hydrogel compositions comprising reactive polymers with specific reactive moieties and gold nanoparticles, which form covalent crosslinks upon administration, enhancing radiopacity and crosslink density, and potentially using a double barrel syringe for delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iodine-labelled crosslinked hydrogels are used to provide radiopacity, then radiopacity is improved, but crosslink density per polymer molecule may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gold nanoparticles with reactive polymer chains to form a composite hydrogel system. The gold nanoparticles serve as radiopaque contrast agents while the polymer chains provide the crosslinking network, allowing both radiopacity and crosslink density to be optimized independently through formulation parameters rather than being mutually exclusive as in iodine-labelled systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radiopaque agent from iodine-based compounds to gold nanoparticles, fundamentally altering the material parameter for radiopacity. This enables achieving enhanced CT visibility through the high atomic number of gold while maintaining crosslink density through the separate polymer crosslinking mechanism, resolving the trade-off present in iodine-labelled systems
2Duration of action of moving object
If rapid crosslinking reaction rate is achieved in vivo, then in vivo persistence is improved, but radiopacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydrogel formulation into two separate components: a reactive polymer component that provides rapid crosslinking for in vivo persistence, and a gold nanoparticle component that provides radiopacity. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently without compromising the other, as the crosslinking reaction and radiopaque properties operate through separate mechanisms
3Duration of action of stationary object
If crosslink density per polymer molecule is increased, then in vivo persistence is improved, but radiopacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where gold nanoparticles are distributed within the crosslinked polymer network. The crosslink density can be increased by adjusting polymer concentration or crosslinker ratios without affecting the radiopaque properties of the gold nanoparticles, as these are independent formulation parameters in the composite material system
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 solution provides radiopaque crosslinked hydrogels with maintained or improved radiopacity and crosslink density, ensuring enhanced visibility under imaging and prolonged in vivo persistence, addressing the limitations of existing hydrogels.
Implementation Method 1
covalent crosslinks are formed between the reactive polymer and the gold nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
the first reactive moieties comprise thiol groups and the gold nanoparticles comprise a stabilization agent that exhibits a lower affinity for gold than the thiol groups
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to systems for forming hydrogel compositions that comprise a reactive polymer comprising a plurality of hydrophilic polymer segments and a plurality of first reactive moieties and gold nanoparticles, wherein the system is configured to deliver the reactive polymer and the gold nanoparticles under conditions such that covalent crosslinks are formed between the reactive polymer and the gold nanoparticles. The present disclosure also pertains to methods of treatment that comprise administering to a subject a mixture that comprises a reactive polymer comprising a plurality of hydrophilic polymer segments and a plurality of first reactive moieties and gold nanoparticles, under conditions such that the reactive polymer and the gold nanoparticles crosslink after administration, and to radiopaque crosslinked hydrogel compositions that comprise a crosslinked reaction product of a reactive polymer comprising a plurality of hydrophilic polymer segments and a plurality of first reactive moieties and gold nanoparticles.