Ionic Polymer Medical Devices for Antimicrobial Agent Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices such as catheters and IV access devices face challenges with antimicrobial and antithrombogenic agent retention, as existing methods like impregnation and surface coating are ineffective for long-term antimicrobial and antifouling properties, and require complex manufacturing processes that increase costs.

Innovation Solution

Ionic polymers with cationic, anionic, or zwitterionic functional groups are ionically bonded to antimicrobial and antithrombogenic agents, allowing for controlled release and stable antimicrobial and antifouling characteristics without the need for priming or plasma treatments, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If impregnation or surface coating techniques are used to attach antimicrobial and antithrombogenic agents to medical devices, then the agents can be stabilized on the polymer substrate, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly due to required priming and multiple coating steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagent retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymer substrate by introducing ionic functional groups (anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic) through chemical reactions such as oxidation or grafting. This parameter change in the polymer's chemical structure enables direct ionic bonding with oppositely charged active agents, eliminating the need for complex priming and multiple coating steps while ensuring reliable agent retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where the polymer substrate is chemically modified to contain ionic functional groups that form ionically bonded complexes with active agents. This composite material approach integrates the bonding functionality directly into the polymer matrix, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective agent attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If impregnation techniques are used to attach antimicrobial and antithrombogenic agents to medical devices, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the agents are lost quickly due to lack of chemical bonding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidantimicrobial efficacy duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the polymer substrate from a non-ionic to an ionic material by introducing charged functional groups. This parameter change enables strong ionic bonding with active agents, ensuring long-term retention and sustained antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The ionic functional groups are introduced through straightforward chemical modifications of the polymer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If surface coating techniques are used to stabilize active agents on polymer substrates, then agent retention is improved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly due to multiple processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagent retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymer substrate's chemical parameters by introducing ionic functional groups that enable direct ionic bonding with active agents. This single-step chemical modification approach replaces multiple complex coating steps, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable agent retention through strong ionic interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the substrate modification and agent attachment steps into a single integrated process. The ionic functional groups on the polymer substrate directly bond with oppositely charged active agents in one step, eliminating the need for separate priming and coating operations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ionically bonded active agents provide extended antimicrobial and antithrombogenic protection, reducing the risk of infections and thrombosis, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex surface treatments.

Implementation Method 1

an ionic polymer ionically bonded to an active agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic bonding: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

ionic polymer comprising one or more of an anionic polymer, a cationic polymer, and a zwitterionic polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS20230166001A1Ionic Polymers for Medical Device Applications

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

Medical articles formed from ionically bonding an ionic polymer and an active agent provide enhanced properties. The ionic polymer may be one or more of an anionic polymer, a cationic polymer, and a zwitterionic polymer. The device may also include a nonionic polymer. Medical articles herein have antimicrobial, anti-fouling, and/or antithrombotic characteristics.