Multi-component injectable particles for controlled therapeutic release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic microspheres used for vascular occlusion and tissue bulking lack the ability to differentially deliver therapeutic agents and modulate their release, limiting their therapeutic efficacy and application in managing various diseases and conditions.
Innovation Solution
Development of multi-component particles comprising thermodynamically incompatible polymeric components that phase separate, allowing for the creation of heterogeneous particles with distinct regions for differential therapeutic agent loading and controlled release, including biostable and biodegradable polymers for tailored delivery profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-component polymer microspheres are used for embolization, then the procedure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the ability to differentially deliver and modulate therapeutic agent release is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microsphere is divided into multiple distinct polymeric components (first polymeric component and second polymeric component) that are thermodynamically incompatible and phase-separated. Each component can independently load and release different therapeutic agents at different rates, enabling differential delivery while maintaining a single particle structure that is relatively simple to manufacture using modified emulsion polymerization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite microspheres containing multiple polymeric components with different properties (biostable vs. biodegradable, different degradation rates). This composite structure allows the particle to perform multiple functions: occluding vessels while simultaneously delivering different therapeutics at different rates, thereby improving versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-component particles with phase-separated polymers are engineered, then differential therapeutic delivery is enabled, but the particle structure and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions within the microsphere (corresponding to different polymeric components) have distinct properties tailored for specific functions. The first polymeric component region can be optimized for one therapeutic agent while the second polymeric component region is optimized for another, allowing local quality differentiation that enables controlled and differential release profiles without requiring entirely separate delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the release characteristics by changing parameters of the polymeric components themselves - selecting polymers with different degradation rates, different biostability, and different therapeutic compatibilities. By adjusting these material parameters rather than complex structural geometry, the system achieves differential delivery with manageable complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If biostable and biodegradable polymers are combined in particles, then controlled release profiles are achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The different polymeric components are pre-formed and incorporated into the microsphere structure during the polymerization process. The first and second polymeric components are introduced as separate phases that self-organize during emulsion polymerization, allowing the complex multi-component structure to be built-in during manufacturing rather than requiring post-processing assembly, thereby managing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermodynamically incompatible polymeric components naturally phase-separate and self-organize into distinct regions within the microsphere during formation. This self-organization reduces the need for precise external control of component distribution, as the system spontaneously creates the desired multi-phase structure based on the inherent incompatibility of the polymer components.
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
Enables the engineering of particles for precise therapeutic agent delivery and modulation, enhancing the treatment of vascular conditions, tumors, and tissue bulking applications by providing controlled release and improved therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
novel particulate compositions containing injectable particles are provided in which the injectable particles contain at least two polymeric components that differ in composition from one another
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, novel compositions containing injectable particles are provided in which the injectable particles contain at least two polymeric components that differ in composition from one another (e.g., because at least one polymeric component contains a polymer that is not present in another polymeric component).