Implantable Nanoporous Capsules for Controlled Therapeutic Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for the development of implantable devices that can sustainably release therapeutic agents at a controlled rate, with methods to control the release of these agents upon implantation in subjects.

Innovation Solution

The development of a device comprising a capsule with a reservoir and a nanoporous membrane, where the therapeutic agent is disposed within the reservoir, and an anti-inflammatory agent is either contained within the reservoir or disposed on the outer surface of the capsule, allowing for controlled release of the therapeutic agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If an implantable device releases a therapeutic agent at a controlled rate, then the duration of treatment is extended, but the therapeutic agent may be degraded by inflammatory responses at the implant site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of treatmentVSAvoidinflammatory degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating an anti-inflammatory agent that counteracts inflammatory responses before they can significantly degrade the therapeutic agent. The anti-inflammatory agent is released concurrently with or prior to the therapeutic agent, preventing the formation of harmful inflammatory environments at the implant site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-inflammatory agent serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between the implantable device and the surrounding tissue. It reduces the harmful inflammatory response that would otherwise directly degrade the therapeutic agent, allowing the therapeutic agent to maintain its efficacy over an extended period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the therapeutic agent is released through a nanoporous membrane, then the release rate is controlled, but the plasma levels of the therapeutic agent may be insufficient without additional protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease rate controlVSAvoidplasma levels of therapeutic agent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges two functional agents into a single delivery system: the therapeutic agent for disease treatment and the anti-inflammatory agent for protection. Both agents are released through the nanoporous membrane in a coordinated manner, ensuring that the therapeutic agent maintains sufficient plasma levels while being protected from degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a composite formulation containing both the therapeutic agent and the anti-inflammatory agent. This composite approach allows the two substances to work synergistically, with the anti-inflammatory component enhancing the overall efficacy and persistence of the therapeutic agent in the plasma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If an anti-inflammatory agent is added to the device, then the therapeutic effect is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nanoporous membrane serves multiple functions: it controls the release rate of the therapeutic agent, enables the release of the anti-inflammatory agent, and provides a barrier that maintains the integrity of both agents. By making the membrane multi-functional, the device avoids additional complex components while achieving enhanced therapeutic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The nanoporous membrane provides a versatile platform for controlled release of multiple agents. Its porous structure allows for tailored release kinetics of both the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory agents without requiring separate release mechanisms, thereby enhancing reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous 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

The device effectively improves plasma levels and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the therapeutic agent, enhancing its therapeutic effect by incorporating an anti-inflammatory agent, which suppresses inflammatory responses that can degrade the therapeutic agent.

Implementation Method 1

the nanoporous membrane provides a diffusion path for the therapeutic agent out of the reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

an anti-inflammatory agent, which suppresses inflammatory responses that can degrade the therapeutic agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnti-inflammatory suppression:

Data Source

PatentUS20250288527A1Devices and methods to improve bioavailability of therapeutic agents

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 NANO PRECISION MEDICAL INC

AI summary

The disclosure provides a device for sustained release of a therapeutic agent, comprising a capsule configured for implantation and having a reservoir; a nanoporous membrane with a plurality of pores; the therapeutic agent disposed within the reservoir; wherein the nanoporous membrane provides a diffusion path for the therapeutic agent out of the reservoir; and the device further comprising an anti-inflammatory agent.