Ice Template Nanoparticle Preparation for Drug Purity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for preparing nanoparticles, such as solvent-exchange processes and anodized aluminum oxide template-assisted methods, face issues like large batch-to-batch variations, low production rates, and contamination from organic templates, which affect the purity and safety of drug compounds.

Innovation Solution

A method using an ice template to prepare nanoparticles by applying a solution containing the compound and solvent, followed by solvent removal, resulting in small, reproducible, and highly dispersible nanoparticles with improved bioavailability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If solvent-exchange process is used to prepare nanodrugs, then particles are formed through precipitation, but large batch-to-batch variations and low production rates occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch-to-batch variationVSAvoidproduction rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the template material from organic (AAO) to inorganic (ice), which fundamentally alters the preparation process characteristics. This parameter change enables both high reproducibility through controlled freezing conditions and high production rates through scalable ice template fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition of water (liquid to solid to liquid) as the template material. The ice template is formed by freezing water, provides a structured mold for nanoparticle formation, and is then melted to release the nanoparticles. This phase transition approach enables precise control over particle formation while maintaining high production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Manufacturing precision

If AAO template-assisted method is used to prepare nanoparticles, then improved reproducibility and higher production rate are achieved, but contamination and biodegradation from aluminum residues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereproducibilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful aluminum template material by replacing it with an ice template. The ice template is biodegradable and completely melts away, leaving no toxic residues. This extraction of the harmful component while retaining the beneficial templating function resolves the contamination issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ice template serves as a disposable, short-lived structure that is used once and then completely melts away. Unlike AAO templates that leave persistent aluminum residues, the ice template naturally degrades through melting, eliminating contamination concerns while maintaining its templating function during the preparation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to prepare nanoparticles, then particle formation is achieved, but particle sizes are relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size controlVSAvoidproduction rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the template material parameter from organic to inorganic (ice), which enables precise control over particle size through controlled freezing conditions. The ice crystal structure provides well-defined cavities that template nanoparticle formation at controlled sizes, while the method remains scalable for high production rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ice template method provides nanoparticles with enhanced water dispersibility, bioavailability, and cell penetration efficiency, reducing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy while avoiding contamination from organic solvents.

Implementation Method 1

a method of preparing nanoparticles by using an ice template

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Implementation Method 2

a solvent removing step in which said solvent is removed from the ice template

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10085942B2Nanoparticles, method of preparing the same and their use

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

The present invention provides nanoparticles and a method of preparing the nanoparticles by using an ice template. Pharmaceutical formulations including such nanoparticles and their use are also described. The method allows for an environmentally friendly provision of advantageously small particles with higher production rate and improved reproducibility.