Hemoglobin Dressing Stabilized in Hydrocolloid Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hemoglobin-based dressings for treating ischemic wounds face challenges such as instability, oxidation, and the need for antioxidants or cofactors, which limit their effectiveness and stability, and can trigger allergic reactions or fail to penetrate deep into tissues effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dressing containing immobilized human or vertebrate/invertebrate hemoglobin stabilized in a physiologically acceptable matrix of polymerized hydrocolloids, such as chitosan, carrageenans, or alginates, with a water content of 0-98%, which prevents hemoglobin release and oxidation, allowing for sustained oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues without the need for antioxidants or cofactors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If natural hemoglobin is used for wound healing, then oxygen transport function is improved, but stability over time deteriorates and allergic reactions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen transport functionVSAvoidstability over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a gel matrix as an intermediary carrier to immobilize hemoglobin, preventing its direct contact with the bloodstream while maintaining oxygen transport function. The gel acts as a mediator that stabilizes hemoglobin structure and prevents degradation without compromising its physiological activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies hemoglobin by incorporating it into a gel matrix, changing its physical state from free-floating protein to immobilized structure. This parameter change stabilizes the hemoglobin against oxidation and degradation while maintaining its oxygen binding and transport capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If hemoglobin is used without stabilization, then simplicity of preparation is improved, but oxidation occurs reducing storage time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of preparationVSAvoidstorage time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gel matrix serves as a protective intermediary that shields hemoglobin from oxidation during storage. This physical barrier prevents contact between hemoglobin and oxidative agents in the environment, extending storage time without requiring chemical antioxidants or complex stabilization protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If gel is used to incorporate hemoglobin, then stability is improved, but bactericidal properties are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidbactericidal properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-function system where the gel matrix provides stability and oxygen delivery, while the hemoglobin itself provides bactericidal activity through oxygenation. The hemoglobin's heme groups can oxidize bacterial cytochromes, and the oxygen-rich environment inhibits anaerobic bacterial growth, maintaining harmful factor generation at the wound site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If hemoglobin is released from matrix, then ease of penetration into tissue is improved, but loss of sustained oxygen delivery occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration into tissueVSAvoidsustained oxygen delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the gel matrix gradually releases hemoglobin to tissues over time. The matrix structure allows controlled diffusion of hemoglobin molecules from the dressing into the wound bed, maintaining sustained oxygen delivery while enabling progressive tissue penetration without abrupt release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 dressing provides stable and sustained oxygen delivery to ischemic wounds, reduces the risk of allergic reactions, and effectively treats chronic wounds and periodontal diseases by creating an oxygen gradient, while also exerting bactericidal effects on anaerobic pathogens.

Implementation Method 1

Oxygen has a very low solubility in an aqueous medium, and is therefore distributed in the organism, very close to the cells, via hemoglobin by virtue of the capillary network, by diffusion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion