Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogel Particles for Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer-based microspheres used in embolization and bulking procedures have limitations in controlling their swelling and therapeutic agent release, as they do not effectively respond to temperature changes within the body, which can affect the duration and efficacy of vessel occlusion and tissue augmentation.
Innovation Solution
Development of temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles with specific critical solution temperatures (CSTs) that change in response to body temperature, allowing for controlled expansion and therapeutic agent release, either by injecting them in a contracted state that expands in vivo or by having an LCST that increases post-injection, enhancing embolic or bulking effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polymer-based microspheres are used for embolization and bulking procedures, then vessel occlusion and tissue augmentation can be achieved, but the swelling and therapeutic agent release cannot be effectively controlled in response to body temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles with specific critical solution temperatures (LCST or UCST) that change in response to body temperature. This allows the particles to undergo predictable volume transitions (swelling or shrinking) based on temperature variations, enabling controlled swelling and therapeutic agent release that adapts to the physiological environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of temperature-sensitive hydrogels, which exhibit lower critical solution temperature (LCST) or upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior. These hydrogels undergo sol-gel transitions or volume changes at specific temperature thresholds, allowing the embolic or bulking particles to automatically adjust their swelling state in response to body temperature, thereby achieving reliable control over therapeutic agent release and particle expansion.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional polymer microspheres are injected, then embolization and bulking effects are achieved, but the duration and efficacy of vessel occlusion and tissue augmentation are affected by lack of temperature responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles whose physical parameters (volume, swelling ratio, mesh size) change in response to temperature variations. This enables the particles to dynamically adjust their properties based on the local thermal environment, extending the duration and efficacy of vessel occlusion and tissue augmentation by maintaining active response throughout the therapeutic period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the embolic and bulking particles by using temperature-sensitive hydrogels that can reversibly change their swelling state in response to temperature fluctuations. This dynamic adaptability allows the particles to respond to physiological temperature changes, thereby extending the functional duration of the treatment and improving overall efficacy through continuous environmental interaction.
3Manufacturing precision
If hydrogel particles with LCST above body temperature are used, then controlled expansion in vivo can be achieved, but the injection and handling before injection become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of temperature-sensitive hydrogels with LCST above body temperature. These hydrogels remain in a collapsed or contracted state at lower temperatures (facilitating easy injection and handling) and automatically transition to a swollen expanded state at body temperature (achieving controlled in vivo expansion). This phase transition behavior simplifies the overall system by using the temperature difference between storage and physiological conditions to control particle state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems with temperature-responsive behavior. Instead of requiring mechanical actuators or complex delivery mechanisms to control particle expansion, the system uses the inherent thermoresponsive properties of the hydrogel particles, which automatically expand in response to body temperature. This substitution of mechanical control with thermal response simplifies the injection and handling process while maintaining precise control over in vivo expansion.
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 temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles provide controlled swelling and therapeutic agent release, improving the efficacy of embolization and bulking procedures by adjusting to body temperature, thereby enhancing vessel occlusion and tissue augmentation.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles may have an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) below normal body temperature, they may have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above normal body temperature
Implementation Method 2
The temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles may have an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) below normal body temperature
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, injectable compositions are provided, which contain temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles. The hydrogel particles may be provided in dry form, or they may be provided in hydrated form in an aqueous fluid. The temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles may have an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) below normal body temperature, they may have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above normal body temperature, or they may have a LCST that changes from below normal body temperature to above normal body temperature after injection into a subject.