Nanofibre Bioactive Delivery via Reversible Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanofibre-based bioactive delivery systems struggle with slow or incomplete release of active agents on mammalian skin, as the bioactives often form irreversible bonds with the fibres, preventing timely and effective delivery.
Innovation Solution
The development of nanofibres formed from a base material solubilised with bioactives in an aqueous solvent solution, where the bioactives are chemically bonded and remain stable until exposure to moisture, allowing for controlled and repeatable release through dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bioactives are chemically bonded to nanofibres to ensure stability during storage, then storage stability is improved, but release speed on application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the bonding between nanofibres and bioactives by using reversible hydrogen bonds and metal coordination bonds instead of irreversible covalent bonds. This allows the bonding strength to be adjusted - strong enough for stable storage but weak enough for rapid release upon application, resolving the contradiction between storage stability and release speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bonding mechanisms that can transition between bound and unbound states. The reversible hydrogen bonds and metal coordination bonds allow the nanofibre-bioactive complex to dynamically adjust its bonding state based on environmental conditions (pH, moisture), enabling both stable storage and rapid release when needed.
2Productivity
If bioactives are incorporated into nanofibres to improve delivery to skin, then delivery capability is improved, but complete release of bioactives deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pH-dependent parameter changes in the bonding mechanism. The metal coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds are designed to be stable at neutral pH during storage but dissociate at the slightly acidic pH of skin surface, ensuring complete release of bioactives upon application while maintaining stability during storage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If irreversible bonds are used between bioactives and nanofibres to ensure stability, then storage stability is improved, but release completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temporary, reversible bonding mechanisms (hydrogen bonds, metal coordination bonds) that are sufficient for storage stability but naturally dissociate upon application, unlike permanent covalent bonds. This allows the bonding to be 'disposable' in the sense that it is intentionally designed to break down after serving its storage function, ensuring complete release.
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
This approach ensures stable storage and immediate, controlled release of bioactives upon moisture exposure, enhancing the efficacy of bioactive delivery for skin treatments such as wound healing, skin care, and antimicrobial applications.
Implementation Method 1
on exposure to moisture, the nanofibres dissolve, thereby releasing the bioactives
Implementation Method 2
the base material and bioactives are together spun via electrospinning to form dry fibres
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are compositions in nanofiber form including one or more bioactive compounds releasably incorporated thereon. In one embodiment a composition is described comprising at least one nanofiber and at least one bioactive compound. The nanofibers are formed from a base material that is solubilized with the bioactive or bioactives in an aqueous based solvent solution and the base material and bioactives are together spun via electrospinning to form dry fibers with the bioactives chemically bonded to the nanofibers and the bioactives remaining stable during storage of the composition under ambient conditions substantially free of moisture. On exposure to moisture, the nanofibers dissolve, thereby releasing the bioactives.