Multilayer Biocompatible Coating for Implantable IOP Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients are inadequate due to reliance on episodic measurements, leading to incomplete data and poor compliance with medication protocols, which can result in ineffective treatment and potential progression of the disease.

Innovation Solution

Development of an implantable device with a biocompatible coating for intraocular pressure sensors that allows for continuous monitoring of IOP, featuring a multilayer coating with a diffusion regulatory mechanism to release anti-inflammatory and anticlotting agents, and a wireless communication system for real-time data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coating is applied to the implantable device, then biocompatibility and reduced fibrotic response are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidcoating structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: an inner layer providing biocompatibility and anti-fibrotic properties, and an outer layer providing anti-inflammatory and anticlotting properties. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve overall biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating uses composite material structure combining different polymeric materials with specific properties. The inner layer uses materials with controlled cross-link density for biocompatibility, while the outer layer uses materials with different cross-link density for anti-inflammatory and anticlotting functions, creating a composite coating system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If a multilayer coating with diffusion regulatory mechanism is used, then controlled release of agents is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesustained release periodVSAvoidcross-link density control

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coating achieves controlled release by changing the cross-link density parameter across different layers. The inner layer has a first cross-link density that controls initial agent release, while the outer layer has a second cross-link density that regulates sustained release over time. This parameter variation enables prolonged therapeutic action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coating have different cross-link densities tailored to local functional requirements. The inner layer near the device surface has one cross-link density for immediate biocompatibility, while the outer layer has a different cross-link density for sustained drug release, creating local quality variations that achieve temporal control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of moving object

If the outer layer has lower cross-link density than the inner layer, then sustained release and hydrophilicity are improved, but mechanical strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease durationVSAvoidcoating strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is segmented into inner and outer layers with different mechanical and functional properties. The inner layer with higher cross-link density provides structural support and strength, while the outer layer with lower cross-link density provides sustained release and hydrophilicity, allowing the system to achieve both strength and prolonged action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite coating structure combines materials with different cross-link densities to achieve complementary properties. The high cross-link density inner layer contributes mechanical strength, while the low cross-link density outer layer enables sustained release and hydrophilic interactions, creating a composite system where the whole achieves properties neither layer could provide alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 continuous, accurate monitoring of IOP, improving patient compliance and treatment efficacy by providing real-time data to caregivers, and supporting better management of glaucoma treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a diffusion regulatory mechanism to release anti-inflammatory and anticlotting agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11684703B2Coatings for implantable devices

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 QURA INC

AI summary

Intraocular pressure sensors, systems, and methods of use. Implantable intraocular pressure sensing devices that are hermetically sealed and adapted to wirelessly communicate with an external device. The implantable devices can include a hermetically sealed housing, the hermetically sealed housing including therein: an antenna in electrical communication with a rechargeable power source, the rechargeable power source in electrical communication with an ASIC, and the ASIC in electrical communication with a pressure sensor.