Nanocomposite Hydrogel Gelation Control Using Nanoparticle Precursors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrogels face challenges in accurately adjusting gelation time, leading to issues such as over-implantation and drug leakage, due to limitations in traditional methods of varying gelation rate.

Innovation Solution

Nanocomposite hydrogels are formed by mixing precursors containing PEG-NHS and serum albumin with nanoparticles, allowing for controlled gelation time adjustment through pH-sensitive reactions, facilitated by nanoparticles that promote biological processes like osteogenesis and angiogenesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If traditional methods adjust gelation time by changing gel precursor and crosslinker concentration, then gelation time can be modified, but accurate quantification becomes difficult and leads to over-implantation and drug leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegelation timeVSAvoidquantification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the controlling parameter from gel precursor/crosslinker concentration to nanoparticle concentration. By varying nanoparticle concentration (e.g., 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 2.0 wt%), the gelation time can be precisely adjusted and quantified without the measurement difficulties associated with traditional concentration-based methods. This parameter substitution enables accurate control while avoiding over-implantation and drug leakage issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If gelation time is not accurately controlled, then hydrogels can be formed, but over-implantation and drug leakage occur increasing side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegelation consistencyVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nanoparticle concentration serves as a controllable variable that directly influences gelation time. By establishing a quantitative relationship between nanoparticle concentration and gelation rate, the system provides feedback control that ensures consistent gelation timing, preventing over-implantation and drug leakage, thereby reducing side effects and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Nanoparticles act as an intermediary substance that mediates the gelation process. Instead of directly controlling gel precursor concentration, the patent uses nanoparticles as a mediating agent to regulate gelation time. This intermediary approach enables precise control over gelation kinetics while maintaining system stability and reducing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydrogels are used for tissue regeneration, then tissue repair is promoted, but gelation time control is limited and difficult to tailor for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication tailoringVSAvoidgelation control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal gelation control mechanism using nanoparticles that can be applied across different tissue regeneration applications. The same nanoparticle-based system can tailor gelation times for various applications (bone tissue, cartilage, soft tissue) by simply adjusting nanoparticle concentration, eliminating the need for complex application-specific gelation control mechanisms and enabling broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

The nanocomposite hydrogels provide consistent and tunable gelation times, enhancing tissue regeneration by promoting cell adhesion and growth, while reducing side effects and improving tissue repair.

Implementation Method 1

nanoparticles to trigger the crosslinking reaction, thereby controllably adjusting the gelation time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the dissolution products promote biological processes such as osteogenesis, angiogenesis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20250345481A1Nanocomposite hydrogels and related methods and applications

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

Nanocomposite hydrogels suitable for bone tissue regeneration may include (i) a scaffold comprising serum albumin and a cell adhesion promoter crosslinked with polyethylene glycol and (ii) a nanoparticle dispersed in the scaffold. Said nanocomposite hydrogels may formed from an injectable composition that includes: a nanocomposite hydrogel precursor A comprising that comprises a polyethylene glycol with two or more N-hydroxysuccinimide-terminal groups (PEG-NHS); and a nanocomposite hydrogel precursor B comprising a serum albumin, a nanoparticle, and a cell adhesion promoter; wherein the nanocomposite hydrogel precursor A and the nanocomposite hydrogel precursor B are physically separated.