Molecule-Imprinted Polymeric Network for Controlled Drug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microencapsulation techniques face challenges in optimizing particle coating processes for drug delivery systems, particularly in preventing payload leakage from gelatinous imprinted polymers when exposed to solvents, and in achieving controlled release mechanisms that are responsive to specific molecules.
Innovation Solution
Development of a molecule-imprinted polymeric network with micro- or nanovacuoles that recognize specific molecules, leading to internal stresses and controlled rupture for release, using polymers that swell between 2-20% upon solvent exposure, and incorporating active agents for targeted delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gelatinous imprinted polymers are used for payload delivery, then recognitive control is achieved, but payload leakage occurs when exposed to solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is pre-engineered with specific swelling properties (2-20% expansion) that are activated only upon recognition of the target molecule. This preliminary design ensures that the polymer structure is stable during storage and transport but becomes selectively permeable only when the cognate molecule is present, preventing premature payload leakage while maintaining recognitive control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the polymer network by controlling its swelling behavior. The polymer exhibits minimal swelling (2-20%) in the presence of solvent alone, maintaining structural integrity and preventing leakage. Upon recognition of the target molecule, the polymer undergoes controlled swelling that triggers payload release, thus using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between stability and controlled release
2Quantity of substance
If polymers swell upon solvent exposure, then payload release is enabled, but uncontrolled leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The target molecule acts as an intermediary that triggers the swelling process. The polymer does not swell in response to solvent alone but requires the presence of the specific cognate molecule to initiate controlled expansion. This intermediary mechanism ensures that payload release is precisely controlled and occurs only under the intended conditions, resolving the contradiction between enabling release and maintaining precision
3Volume of moving object
If fluidized bed coating is used for microencapsulation, then large particle coating is achieved, but small particles agglomerate and adhere to walls
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different coating strategies for different particle size ranges. For small particles, alternative coating methods are employed that prevent agglomeration and wall adhesion, while large particles utilize fluidized bed coating. This localized approach to coating quality ensures uniform coating across all particle sizes, resolving the contradiction between expanding particle size range and maintaining coating reliability
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 solution enables controlled and targeted release of active agents in response to specific molecules, preventing leakage and ensuring precise delivery, with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household products, utilizing polymers that recognize and respond to cognate molecules through changes in solubility, pressure, pH, or enzymatic breakdown.
Implementation Method 1
the polymeric network can rupture due to, e.g., osmosis upon recognition and binding of the molecule leading to rupture due to swelling
Implementation Method 2
molecule-imprinted polymeric network that includes a polymer or gel comprising one or more micro- or nanovacuoles, or micro- or nanopores wherein the nanovacuoles or nanopores recognize a specific molecule
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems and kits for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.