Injectable Hydrogel Shear-Thinning Self-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shear-thinning hydrogels for medical applications lack versatility in properties and applications beyond drug delivery, and there is a need for hydrogels that can be injected smoothly without needle clogging and can transform back into a hydrogel with new mechanical properties after injection.
Innovation Solution
The development of injectable hydrogels comprising polymeric hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, which exhibit shear-thinning properties allowing smooth injection and self-assembling properties enabling transformation back into a hydrogel with improved mechanical properties at the target site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shear-thinning hydrogels are used for injection, then smooth injection without needle clogging is achieved, but the hydrogels lack versatility in properties and applications beyond drug delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the molecular weight, concentration, and composition ratios of polymeric hydrogen bond donors and acceptors to create hydrogels with tailored mechanical properties, degradation rates, and rheological behaviors for different medical applications including embolization, spacers, and drug delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a platform technology where the same shear-thinning hydrogel system based on polymeric hydrogen bond donors and acceptors can be configured for multiple medical applications including embolization, spacer formation, drug delivery, and tissue engineering through parameter optimization rather than requiring separate systems for each application
2Ease of operation
If hydrogels are injected under shear stress, then the hydrogels transform to sol state for injection, but the mechanical properties are lost during injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a time-dependent, shear-responsive material that dynamically transitions between gel and sol states: the hydrogel maintains its gel structure at rest for injection stability, transitions to sol under shear stress during injection for smooth flow, and automatically recovers gel properties after injection to provide mechanical support and material retention at the target site
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by exploiting the reversible gel-sol transition driven by shear stress applied during injection. The polymeric hydrogen bond network breaks down under shear to allow injection, then spontaneously reassembles after injection to restore mechanical properties, enabling the material to flow when needed and provide structural support when not being injected
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 hydrogels provide efficient injectability without needle clogging, improved material retention, and restored mechanical properties, enabling applications such as spacers for radiation therapy and injectable embolization.
Implementation Method 1
the injectable hydrogels comprise (a) one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond donors, (b) one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond acceptors and (c) water
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogels with shear-thinning properties are known which undergo a reversible gel-sol transition upon the application of shear stress
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to an injectable hydrogel that comprises (a) one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond donors, (b) one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond acceptors and (c) water. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain to kits that comprise a delivery device and one or more containers that contain an injectable hydrogel that comprises one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond donors, one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond acceptors, and water. Further aspects of the present disclosure pertain to medical procedures that comprise administering to a subject an injectable hydrogel that comprises one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond donors, one or more types of polymeric hydrogen bond acceptors, and water.