Lipid Microbubble Formulations for Non-Invasive Oxygen Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for restoring oxygen levels in patients with lung injury or acute hypoxia are invasive, inefficient, and often lead to further lung damage and systemic inflammation, as they require mechanical ventilation, which can be burdensome and inadequate in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

The development of microbubble formulations with high oxygen content, produced through a high shear homogenization process, which encapsulate oxygen gas within a lipid-based carrier, allowing for non-invasive and rapid oxygen supplementation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mechanical ventilation is used to restore oxygen levels, then oxygen delivery to tissues is improved, but lung injury and systemic inflammation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen deliveryVSAvoidlung injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces microbubbles as an intermediary oxygen-carrying agent that transfers oxygen to tissues without requiring mechanical ventilation. The microbubbles serve as a mediator between oxygen supply and tissue demand, delivering oxygen directly to the bloodstream and bypassing the damaged lungs, thereby avoiding ventilator-induced lung injury while maintaining effective oxygen delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If mechanical ventilation is used to restore oxygen levels, then oxygen delivery to tissues is improved, but morbidity and mortality increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen deliveryVSAvoidmorbidity and mortality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs transient microbubble structures that are formed, deliver oxygen, and then naturally dissipate or are cleared from the body. These short-lived microbubbles provide a one-time oxygen delivery solution without the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation, reducing the burden on the patient and lowering morbidity and mortality associated with extended ventilator support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional oxygen delivery methods are used in emergency situations, then oxygen can be supplied to patients, but the process is time-consuming and requires specialized facilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen supplyVSAvoidtime to take effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares microbubble formulations in advance that can be rapidly administered intravenously. The microbubbles are pre-formed with high oxygen content and can be immediately delivered to the patient's bloodstream upon administration, eliminating the need for time-consuming emergency ventilation procedures and specialized facility interventions, thereby reducing the time to effective oxygen supply in critical situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 microbubble formulations effectively increase blood oxygen levels, reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hypoxia, and provide a rapid, non-invasive means of oxygen delivery, even in cases where traditional ventilation methods are ineffective, thereby minimizing lung injury and systemic inflammation.

Implementation Method 1

the precursor mixture is subject to high shear homogenization in an oxygen gas environment, for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient speed to produce a microbubble suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh shear homogenization: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 2

The microbubble formulations effectively increase blood oxygen levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxygen transfer: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS10357450B2Process for forming microbubbles with high oxygen content and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENT CORP

AI summary

Formulations containing a carrier and microbubbles encapsulating oxygen gas, and methods for making and using the formulations are described herein. The formulations are manufactured by a process which includes high shear homogenization. The resulting microbubble suspension may be centrifuged to further concentrate the microbubbles. The resulting concentrated LOM suspension preferably has an oxygen content ranging from 50 to 99% (vol). Prior to administration to a patient, the viscosity of the LOM suspension may be reduced to the desired viscosity, preferably similar to the viscosity of the patient's blood. The resulting LOM formulation typically has an oxygen concentration ranging from 65 to 80% (vol). The microbubbles are formed from one or more lipids, preferably one or more phospholipids, most preferably DSPC, and preferably also contain one or more stabilizing agents/excipients, preferably cholesterol.