Multi-vinylsulfone Polymer Modification for Mild Condition Hydrogel Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydroxyl-bearing water soluble polymers used in biomedical applications lack functionality towards animal cells or tissues and require complex and harsh modifications to form hydrogels, which are not suitable for biomedical use.
Innovation Solution
A method to modify hydroxyl-bearing water soluble polymers with two or more vinylsulfone groups, allowing them to form crosslinks at mild physiological conditions, creating a multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule that can combine with a multi-thiol containing molecule to form a hydrogel or drug delivery system in an aqueous medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydroxyl-bearing water soluble polymers are modified with vinylsulfone groups, then functionality toward animal cells or tissues is achieved, but the modification process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modification process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, the polymer is modified with vinylsulfone groups under controlled conditions; second, the modified polymer is activated toward thiol-containing molecules at physiological pH. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving functionality while managing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vinylsulfone groups are introduced as a preliminary modification step before the final activation toward biological targets. This preliminary action prepares the polymer with reactive groups that can subsequently interact with thiol-containing molecules under mild physiological conditions, thereby achieving functionality without requiring complex simultaneous modifications.
2Strength
If traditional hydrogel formation methods are used, then crosslinking is achieved, but harsh conditions and high costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslinking process utilizes parameter changes in pH to control the reactivity of vinylsulfone groups. At physiological pH (around 7.4), the vinylsulfone groups become activated toward thiol-containing molecules, enabling crosslinking under mild conditions. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for harsh chemical conditions while maintaining strong crosslinking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Thiol-containing molecules serve as intermediaries that mediate the crosslinking process. The vinylsulfone groups on the polymer react with thiol groups on the mediator molecule to form crosslinks. This intermediary approach allows crosslinking to occur under mild physiological conditions rather than requiring direct harsh modification of the polymer itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hydroxyl-bearing water soluble polymers are used alone, then solubility and non-toxicity are maintained, but functionality toward animal cells or tissues is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The modified polymer achieves multi-functionality by retaining the beneficial properties of the parent polymer (solubility and non-toxicity from hydroxyl groups) while adding new functionality through vinylsulfone groups. The polymer can now both maintain aqueous solubility and provide targeted interactions with thiol-containing biomolecules, achieving multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer structure becomes a composite system combining hydroxyl-bearing segments (providing solubility and non-toxicity) with vinylsulfone-functionalized segments (providing biological functionality). This composite architecture allows the polymer to integrate multiple properties that were previously mutually exclusive, maintaining biocompatibility while gaining targeted functionality.
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 formation of biocompatible hydrogels and drug delivery systems that can be administered at body sites, providing controlled release of therapeutic molecules while maintaining the stability of labile biomolecules and avoiding cytotoxicity.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogel is formed from an aqueous solution that includes the modified polymer and the multi-thiol containing molecule by a covalent bond between the modified polymer and the multi-thiol containing molecule
Implementation Method 2
The vinylsulfone groups are chemically reactive... The modified polymer can be combined with an active agent and/or form crosslinks between polymers at in aqueous medium
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule is described herein. The multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule can be formed by dissolving a water soluble polymer containing a hydroxyl group in an aqueous solution to form a polymer solution; adding a molecule containing two vinylsulfone groups to the polymer solution; and forming a modified polymer by controlling a number of the vinylsulfone groups that are added to the polymer. A hydrogel is also described herein that can include the multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule and a multi-thiol containing molecule. The hydrogel can be formed from an aqueous solution that includes the multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule and the multi-thiol containing molecule by undergoing gelatation upon delivery to a site in the body. Also described is a drug delivery system that employs the hydrogel.