Microporous Particle Hydrogel Adhesion Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adhesion barrier products are ineffective in covering all exposed surfaces, especially small crevices or narrow spaces between tissues, and often reabsorb before the healing process is complete, necessitating a new approach for creating and applying adhesion barriers.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining dry porous dextran or starch microparticles with a fluid polymer solution, which rapidly forms a hydrogel upon application, allowing for easy formation on vertical surfaces and in difficult-to-reach areas, using the gel-forming properties of microporous particles to create a thick, viscous gel that adheres to tissues and promotes hemostasis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If preformed gels or films are used as adhesion barriers, then the barrier can provide immediate protection, but they cannot effectively cover small crevices or narrow spaces between tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to cover crevices and narrow spacesVSAvoidapplication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the barrier material from preformed solid gels/films to a liquid composition that can flow into and cover crevices and narrow spaces, then transforms it into a gel state after application to provide protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a dynamic system where the barrier material transitions from a liquid state during application (enabling it to flow into difficult-to-reach areas) to a gel state after application (providing stable protection), making the system adaptable to different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If preformed gels or films are used as adhesion barriers, then the barrier can be applied to surfaces, but they reabsorb before the healing process is complete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier stabilityVSAvoidduration of barrier protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates preliminary action by including crosslinking agents or conditions in the liquid composition that will activate after application, causing the material to transform into a stable gel structure that resists reabsorption and provides prolonged protection throughout the healing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If thick viscous gel is formed rapidly upon application, then the gel can adhere to tissues and promote hemostasis, but the application process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion and hemostasis promotionVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the barrier system into two separate components: dry microporous particles and liquid polymer solution, which are applied separately and then combine to form the gel barrier. This segmentation simplifies the application process while maintaining the desired gel formation and tissue adhesion properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an intermediary mechanism where dry microporous particles serve as a substrate that the liquid polymer solution can rapidly penetrate and polymerize on, forming a gel barrier. This intermediary approach enables rapid gel formation and strong tissue adhesion without requiring complex composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 rapid formation of hydrogels effectively covers and protects tissues, reducing adhesion formation and promoting healing by forming a stable, adherent barrier that can be applied to hard-to-reach areas, including internal organs, without the need for preformed gels or films.

Implementation Method 1

A composition combining dry porous dextran or starch microparticles with a fluid polymer solution, which rapidly forms a hydrogel upon application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

using the gel-forming properties of microporous particles to create a thick, viscous gel that adheres to tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentration:

Implementation Method 3

forming a stable, adherent barrier that can be applied to hard-to-reach areas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2076246B1Formation of medically useful gels comprising microporous particles and methods of use

Publication Date: 2017.03.01 MEDAFOR INC

AI summary

Compositions and methods use the gel-forming properties of microporous particles to create useful formulations combining two free-flowing materials to produce a hydrogel mass. The free-flowing materials preferably provide dry microporous particles (preferably as an aerosol) that may contain additional agents, and a second composition of a fluid material which is an aqueous solution of one or more high molecular weight polymers capable of forming a hydrogel upon further concentration and/or reaction. The hydrogels can be preferably formed on a surface by spraying the two compositions as fluids together in the proper ratio onto the surface.