pH-Responsive H2S Donor Wound Dressing for Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for wounds, particularly gastrointestinal ulcers and diabetic skin ulcers, face challenges due to the limited availability of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors that can release H2S consistently and controllably, hindering effective wound healing.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable wound dressing incorporating a hydrogen sulfide donor, such as JK-1, integrated with a biodegradable scaffold material like polycaprolactone nanofibers, sodium alginate sponges, or hyaluronic acid hydrogels, which releases H2S at controlled concentrations and pH levels to promote wound healing through angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen sulfide donors are used to promote wound healing, then angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects are improved, but the availability of donors that can release H2S consistently and controllably is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pH-responsive polymers as intermediary carriers that mediate between the H2S donor molecule and the wound environment. These polymers respond to the acidic pH at wound sites by undergoing conformational changes or degradation, thereby controlling H2S release in a spatially and temporally regulated manner. This resolves the contradiction by providing a versatile platform that can be adapted to different wound types while ensuring consistent and controllable H2S delivery.
2Productivity
If high concentrations of H2S are used to accelerate wound healing, then angiogenesis is stimulated, but cytotoxic effects may occur at higher concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pH-responsive release mechanisms that change the release parameters of H2S based on the local environment. At the acidic pH of wound sites (pH 5.5-6.5), the polymers undergo conformational changes or degradation that accelerate H2S release to therapeutic concentrations. As the wound heals and pH returns to normal (pH 7.4), release decreases to avoid cytotoxicity. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between achieving high concentrations for healing and avoiding cytotoxic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The pH-responsive polymers provide periodic or pulsed H2S release rather than continuous release. The release occurs in cycles corresponding to wound healing stages: initial burst release at acidic pH to stimulate angiogenesis, followed by reduced release as pH normalizes. This periodic action pattern allows high concentrations when needed for productivity while avoiding sustained high concentrations that would cause harm.
3Productivity
If H2S is used to promote inflammation in the initial period post-injury, then wound healing is enhanced, but the dual role of H2S in both promoting and reducing inflammation requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The pH-responsive polymers provide self-regulated H2S release based on the intrinsic pH changes that occur during wound healing. The system automatically adjusts release rates in response to the wound's own pH environment without requiring external control mechanisms. In the initial inflammatory phase with acidic pH, release is enhanced to promote healing. As inflammation resolves and pH normalizes, release automatically decreases. This self-service mechanism achieves complex inflammation regulation without adding device complexity.
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 wound dressing enhances wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis and reducing inflammation, demonstrated by increased production of CD31 and Ki67 markers, and improved wound closure rates in both in vitro and in vivo studies, showcasing the effectiveness of controlled H2S release in accelerating tissue regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
releases H2S at controlled concentrations and pH levels
Data Source
AI summary
A dressing for wound healing is provided, wherein the dressing includes a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor compound. The dressing facilitates the delivery of H2S to a wound site in a controlled manner, which results in an improved wound healing process by stimulating angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory action. In some embodiments, the wound dressing can include an electrospun nanofiber dressing, a sponge dressing, or a hydrogel dressing.