Ulcerative Colitis Capsule with Large-Intestine-Triggered Indigo Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule formulations for treating ulcerative colitis using indigo as an active ingredient face challenges in avoiding side effects such as pulmonary arterial hypertension due to absorption in the small intestine, and they do not effectively target the large intestine for localized action.
Innovation Solution
A triple-layered capsule design comprising a content with indigo dispersed in an oily substance, a protective layer of an oily substance, and a film made from a mixture of natural water-soluble polymers with chitosan powder, designed to disintegrate only in the large intestine, thereby avoiding contact with the stomach and small intestine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a normal capsule is used for oral administration of indigo, then the capsule can be easily manufactured and administered, but the indigo is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine causing side effects such as pulmonary arterial hypertension
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner capsule containing indigo, a protective layer coating the inner capsule, and an outer film layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the inner capsule holds the drug, the protective layer prevents premature disintegration in the stomach and small intestine, and the outer film provides additional protection and controls disintegration location
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer and outer film act as intermediary barriers between the indigo and the stomach/small intestine environment. These intermediary layers prevent direct contact and absorption of indigo in the upper gastrointestinal tract, allowing the indigo to reach the large intestine where it is needed without causing harmful side effects
2Reliability
If indigo is administered to treat ulcerative colitis, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the indigo contacts and is absorbed in the small intestine causing harmful side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule structure is designed to have different properties at different locations: the protective layer and outer film have acid resistance and stability in the stomach and small intestine environment, while the inner capsule contains indigo that is released only in the large intestine. This local differentiation of properties ensures therapeutic action occurs only at the target site (large intestine) without systemic absorption causing side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer and outer film provide preliminary protection against the harmful absorption of indigo in the stomach and small intestine before the indigo reaches the large intestine. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect (absorption in wrong location) from occurring in the first place
3Productivity
If the capsule disintegrates in the stomach and small intestine, then the indigo is released for absorption, but the therapeutic effect is reduced and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer and outer film are pre-applied to the inner capsule before administration. These preliminary protective measures ensure that the indigo remains enclosed and protected during passage through the stomach and small intestine, preventing premature release and ensuring that drug release efficiency is maintained only at the target site (large intestine)
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 capsule effectively delivers indigo to the large intestine, reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy while maintaining high concentration in the target area, as confirmed by mouse experiments.
Implementation Method 1
a film which chitosan powder is dispersed in a film base material of a natural water-soluble polymer
Implementation Method 2
the protective layer contains an oily substance
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to obtain a capsule for treating ulcerative colitis which, when a capsule containing indigo is orally administered, acts more effectively than conventional ones and has less side effects of hepatotoxicity by not easily disintegrating in the stomach and small intestine but only in the large intestine. The present invention relates to a capsule for treating ulcerative colitis which disintegrates locally in the large intestine, comprising a drug-containing content, a protective layer coating the content and a film formed outside the protective layer, which are arranged concentrically, wherein the content is a content in which indigo, which is a drug for treating ulcerative colitis, is dispersed or dissolved, and the film is locally disintegrated in the large intestine.