Hydrogel Particle Core-Shell Structure for Sustained Intracellular Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for introducing contrast agents into living cells, such as liposomes and sugar particles, face challenges with biological compatibility, controlled release, and maintaining substance concentration over a long period.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogel particle comprising a domain formed of a first hydrogel, a matrix encapsulating the domain formed of a second hydrogel different in degree of crosslinking or composition, and magnetic material particles supported on at least the first hydrogel, allowing controlled release and prolonged maintenance within cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liposomes are used to introduce contrast agents into living cells, then the introduction efficiency is improved, but biological compatibility deteriorates and the substances are easily degraded by cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintroduction efficiencyVSAvoidbiological compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of an inner hydrogel core and an outer liposome shell. The inner core provides biological compatibility and protection, while the outer liposome shell enables efficient cellular uptake and contrast agent delivery. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining the advantages of both materials while mitigating their individual disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If sugar particles are used to introduce contrast agents, then biological compatibility is improved, but the solubility becomes difficult to control and release of encapsulated substance cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiological compatibilityVSAvoidcontrolled release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions with different properties: the inner hydrogel core provides controlled solubility and sustained release characteristics, while the outer liposome shell provides biological compatibility. Each region is optimized for its specific function, allowing both controlled release and biological compatibility to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If gelatin particles are used to incorporate magnetic material particles, then cellular integration is improved, but the encapsulated substance cannot be maintained over a longer period of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellular integrationVSAvoidmaintenance period

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the particle structure into an inner hydrogel core and an outer liposome shell. The inner core is designed for sustained release over an extended period, while the outer shell facilitates cellular integration. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If a large amount of contrast agent is contained in the particle, then the substance concentration in cells is rapidly increased, but the substance is discharged out of cells by cell exocytosis and concentration cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstance concentrationVSAvoidmaintenance period

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic release mechanism where the hydrogel core gradually releases the contrast agent over time, preventing sudden large-scale release that would trigger exocytosis. This dynamic, controlled release maintains stable intracellular concentrations by delivering small amounts continuously rather than large amounts at once.

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 hydrogel particle enables efficient incorporation into cells, controlled release of magnetic material particles, and sustained maintenance within cells for an extended period, facilitating long-term imaging and drug delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a domain formed of a first hydrogel; a matrix encapsulating the domain and formed of a second hydrogel different in degree of crosslinking or composition from the first hydrogel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogel: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentUS12285500B2Hydrogel particle and method for producing same, cell or cell structure each enclosing hydrogel particle therein, method for evaluating activity of cell using hydrogel particle, and use of hydrogel particle as sustained release preparation

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a hydrogel particle which can be taken into a cell by the action of the cell and can control the release of a magnetic particle enclosed therein into the cell so as to retain the magnetic particle in the cell for a long period; a method for producing the hydrogel particle; a cell or a cell structure each enclosing the hydrogel particle therein; and a method for evaluating the activity of a cell using the hydrogel particle. The present invention solves the problem by a hydrogel particle including: a domain which is composed of a first hydrogel; a matrix which encloses the domain and is composed of a second hydrogel having a different crosslinking degree or composition from that of the first hydrogel; and a magnetic particle which is supported by at least the first hydrogel.