Hydrolysable Polymer Linkers for Soluble Controlled-Degradation Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biodegradable polymers are often water-insoluble, leading to challenges in drug formulation and potential protein denaturation, and they have polydispersed molecular architectures resulting in variable and uncontrollable degradation profiles, limiting their commercial use.
Innovation Solution
Development of biologically-acceptable and biodegradable linear and multiarmed linkers and cross-linkers with tunable degradation profiles, specifically designed for synthesis of polymers like polyesters, polyurethanes, and degradable epoxy amine resin, using symmetrical and unsymmetrical ether carboxylic acids, amines, amide diols, and isocyanates to create polymers with controlled degradation rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If biodegradable polymers are made from hydrophobic linkages (esters, lactones, orthoesters, carbonates, phosphazines, anhydrides), then biodegradability is improved, but water solubility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydrophobic biodegradable moieties (esters, lactones, orthoesters, carbonates, phosphazines, anhydrides) with hydrophilic components to create composite polymer structures. This allows the polymer to maintain biodegradability through the hydrolytically-active components while simultaneously achieving water solubility through the hydrophilic segments, resolving the contradiction between these two properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water-soluble segments at specific locations within the polymer chain, creating local hydrophilic regions that enhance overall water solubility without compromising the hydrophobic biodegradable linkages. This localized modification allows different parts of the polymer to have different functions: biodegradation through hydrolysis and solubility through hydrophilic segments
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional biodegradable polymers are used, then biodegradability is achieved, but degradation profile control deteriorates due to polydispersed molecular architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer into discrete, well-defined segments with specific molecular weights and architectures. By using controlled polymerization methods and defined cross-linking agents, the patent creates polymers with uniform segmental structures rather than polydispersed architectures, enabling precise control over degradation profiles through systematic variation of segment composition and length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies key parameters such as cross-link density, molecular weight, and segment composition to tune degradation profiles. By controlling these parameters during synthesis, the patent achieves predictable and controllable degradation rates, transforming degradation from an uncontrollable property into a design parameter
3Stability of the object's composition
If water-insoluble biodegradable polymers are used for drug delivery, then biodegradability is improved, but drug formulation difficulty and protein denaturation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the polymer by incorporating hydrophilic segments and adjusting molecular architecture to achieve water solubility. This parameter change enables drugs to be formulated in aqueous solutions without requiring organic solvents, simplifying the formulation process and preventing protein denaturation while maintaining biodegradability
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 new linkers and cross-linkers enable the production of polymers with controlled degradation profiles, enhancing biodegradability and water solubility, facilitating controlled drug release and biomedical applications such as wound closure and tissue adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
the biodegradable moieties include esters, lactones, orthoesters, carbonates, phosphazines, and anhydrides... the rate of hydrolytic scission of the bonds holding a polymer network together is generally pH sensitive
Implementation Method 2
The fumaric acid reportedly allowed the linear polymer to be cross-linked through free radical polymerization in a second network forming polymerization step
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the discovery of new class of linear and multiarmed hydrolysable linkers and cross linkers for use in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers such as, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyureas and degradable epoxy amine resin. The linear and multiarmed hydrolysable linkers of the present invention include symmetrical and/or unsymmetrical ether carboxylic acids, amines, amide diols, amine polyols and isocyanates.