Metal Ion Nanoclusters for Stable pH-Resistant Supplements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal ion supplements, such as iron sucrose injections, have stability issues at varying pH levels, leading to reduced shelf life and tissue irritation, and are not palatable or compatible with dietary supplements, limiting their effectiveness and convenience in treating disorders like anemia and osteoporosis.
Innovation Solution
Development of water-soluble nanoclusters ranging from 2 nm to 500 nm in diameter, composed of metal cations, anions, and nonpolymeric water-soluble ligands, specifically selected from groups like carbohydrates and amino acids, which form stable solutions across a broad pH range, are used to create dietary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal ion supplements are formulated as conventional solutions, then they can be administered orally or topically, but they exhibit stability issues at varying pH levels and cause tissue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms metal ion supplements from conventional molecular solutions into nanoscale clusters (2-500 nm diameter), fundamentally changing the physical parameter of size. This nanoscale transformation enables the metal ions to remain stable across a broad pH range (pH 2-12) and significantly reduces tissue irritation upon injection, as the nanocluster form factor modifies both chemical stability and biological compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite nanocluster structures containing metal cations coordinated with organic ligands (such as carbohydrates, amino acids, or their derivatives). These composite nanoclusters combine the essential metal ion functionality with stabilizing organic components, achieving simultaneous pH stability, reduced toxicity, and improved solubility that neither component achieves alone
2Reliability
If metal ion supplements use polymeric ligands, then stability may be improved, but the compositions become less compatible with dietary supplements and less palatable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies nanocluster diameter parameters (2-500 nm, preferably 2-90 nm, more preferably 2-50 nm) that optimize both stability and compatibility. This precise size parameter control maintains colloidal stability while ensuring the nanoclusters remain small enough to be palatable and compatible with dietary supplement formulations, avoiding the drawbacks of larger polymeric structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses nonpolymeric ligands with specific local chemical properties (such as carbohydrates, amino acids, or their derivatives) that provide sufficient coordination stability at the nanocluster surface while maintaining overall molecular simplicity. This localized functional approach achieves stability without the bulk complexity of polymeric ligands, preserving compatibility with dietary supplements and palatability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional metal ion formulations are used, then administration is simple, but shelf life is reduced and effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation to nanoscale clusters fundamentally extends shelf life by stabilizing metal ions against precipitation and degradation across varying pH conditions. The nanocluster structure prevents aggregation and maintains solubility over extended periods, dramatically improving storage stability compared to conventional formulations while enhancing therapeutic effectiveness through improved bioavailability
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 nanocluster compositions are physiologically compatible, palatable, and stable over long periods, suitable for intravenous and intramuscular use, improving the treatment of disorders like anemia, osteoporosis, and diabetes, while being versatile in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the nanoclusters contains one or more metal cations, one or more anions, and one or more nonpolymeric water-soluble ligands. The one or more nonpolymeric water-soluble ligands are selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide, a hydrogenated monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a hydrogenated disaccharide, an oligosaccharide, and an oligosaccharide derivative.
Implementation Method 2
The nanocluster compositions are physiologically compatible, palatable, and stable over long periods, suitable for intravenous and intramuscular use
Data Source
AI summary
A composition containing a plurality of water-soluble nanoclusters ranging from 2 nm to 500 nm in diameter. Each of the nanoclusters contains one or more metal cations, one or more anions, and one or more water-soluble ligands. Also disclosed is a method of using the composition for treating various disorders such as anemia, heartburn, and diabetes.