Microbubble Composition with Copper Ions for Atherosclerosis Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for atherosclerosis, such as drug therapy and surgical interventions, often lead to plaque fragmentation, which can cause serious complications like embolism, and there is a need for effective and safe methods that inhibit plaque growth and reduction without causing fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising microbubbles with a core-envelope structure, where the core contains an inert gas and the envelope is made of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming material, combined with copper ions, which are targeted to atherosclerotic plaques using a calcium-chelating moiety, and ultrasonic or electromagnetic energy is applied to cause cavitation, reducing plaque size without fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microbubbles are ruptured through cavitation action to destroy atherosclerotic plaque, then plaque is destroyed, but plaque fragmentation occurs which may lead to embolism
Solution Approach 1:
Copper ions serve as an intermediary substance that mediates the interaction between microbubbles and atherosclerotic plaque. The copper ions are selectively taken up by the plaque, and when microbubbles come into contact with the plaque, the copper ions catalyze the rupture of microbubbles to release drugs directly at the plaque site, avoiding mechanical fragmentation of the plaque itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cavitation approach (which physically shatters plaque) with a chemical/catalytic approach using copper ions. Instead of using ultrasonic cavitation to mechanically destroy plaque, the copper ions catalyze microbubble rupture to deliver drugs chemically, thereby avoiding mechanical fragmentation and embolism risk.
2Productivity
If conventional drug therapy and surgical treatment are used to treat atherosclerosis, then plaque can be removed or recanalization achieved, but plaque fragmentation and shedding occur causing serious complications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the therapeutic function from mechanical plaque removal and concentrates it in a targeted drug delivery system. Microbubbles loaded with drugs are directed to the plaque site, where copper ions catalyze their rupture to release drugs directly into the plaque, achieving treatment effectiveness without the need for mechanical removal that causes fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment effect is localized precisely to the plaque site through the use of targeting moieties on microbubbles and the selective uptake of copper ions by plaque. This localized drug delivery ensures high concentration of therapeutic agents at the plaque while avoiding systemic side effects and mechanical disruption of surrounding tissues.
3Measurement precision
If microbubbles with targeting moiety are used to target calcium-containing tissue, then targeting precision is improved, but the method may cause plaque fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
Copper ions act as an intermediary that bridges the targeting function and the therapeutic effect. The targeting moiety on microbubbles guides them to the plaque site, copper ions facilitate selective accumulation and catalytic activity at the plaque, and this intermediary mechanism enables precise drug delivery without mechanical fragmentation.
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 composition effectively inhibits the growth and reduces the size of atherosclerotic plaques, specifically targeting and reducing lipid content without affecting plaque stability, thereby preventing fragmentation and associated complications.
Implementation Method 1
the microbubble is ruptured through cavitation action (e.g., using electromagnetic energy or ultrasonic energy) to release energy sufficient to cause destruction (e.g., dissolution or fragmentation) of the target tissue or lesion
Implementation Method 2
the microbubble is ruptured through cavitation action (e.g., using electromagnetic energy or ultrasonic energy) to release energy sufficient to cause destruction (e.g., dissolution or fragmentation) of the target tissue or lesion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present application is a use of a composition in treating atherosclerosis. Specifically, the present application relates to a use of a composition comprising microbubbles and copper ions in treating atherosclerosis.