Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel for Sutureless Ocular Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing ocular perforations, such as sutures and bioadhesives, cause discomfort and risk infection due to visible knots or granular adhesives, and may transmit pathogens or have neurotoxic effects.
Innovation Solution
A thermo-responsive hydrogel system composed of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymer that becomes adhesive and viscous at body temperature and non-adhesive at room temperature, used for temporary closure of ocular perforations without sutures, along with a device for precise delivery and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures are used to close ocular perforations, then the closure is secure and reliable, but the knots remain visible and cause discomfort leading to eye-rubbing and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suture-knot system with a chemical adhesive bonding system. The adhesive forms a smooth, knotless seal that maintains closure reliability while eliminating the mechanical protrusions that cause discomfort and infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes in the adhesive material. The adhesive transitions from a liquid state at room temperature (for easy application) to a gel state at body temperature (for effective bonding), enabling reliable closure without mechanical knots.
2Strength
If cyanoacrylate adhesive is used to close ocular perforations, then the adhesive bonds effectively, but the polymerized material feels granular like sand causing discomfort and eye-rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical state parameters of the adhesive through temperature control. By maintaining the adhesive as a gel rather than allowing complete polymerization to a rigid state, the material achieves effective bonding while maintaining a smooth, non-granular texture that does not cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite adhesive system combining poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with other polymers to achieve both effective bonding strength and a smooth, comfortable texture. The composite formulation eliminates the granular sand-like feel of pure cyanoacrylate while maintaining adhesive effectiveness.
3Reliability
If fibrin glue is used to close ocular perforations, then the adhesive is biocompatible and effective, but it carries risk of viral and pathogen transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a synthetic, non-biological adhesive system that is disposable and single-use. This eliminates the risk of pathogen transmission associated with biologic products like fibrin glue, while maintaining effective closure capability. The synthetic adhesive can be sterilized and packaged in a way that ensures no cross-contamination.
4Strength
If the hydrogel is adhesive at room temperature, then it bonds to tissue easily, but it cannot be manipulated and positioned properly during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, temperature-responsive adhesive system that changes its properties based on temperature. At room temperature, the hydrogel is non-adhesive and fluid, allowing easy manipulation and positioning. Upon contact with body temperature tissue, it transitions to an adhesive gel state, providing strong bonding. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of delivery and bonding strength.
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 system effectively seals ocular perforations, maintaining intraocular pressure, reducing discomfort, and allowing for easy removal, thus preventing infection and adverse reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo-responsive polymeric gel whose adhesive and viscous properties are temperature dependent. Typically, the gel is adhesive and viscous near body temperature, and non-adhesive and non-viscous at room temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes, among other things, a thereto-responsive hydrogel comprising a PNIPAM copolymer having adhesive properties that are temperature dependent, as well as a device for administering the hydrogel, and methods for making and using the foregoing.