Nitric Oxide-Releasing Polysiloxane Polymer for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices such as catheters and endotracheal tubes often cause blood clotting and infection due to protein adsorption and platelet activation, leading to complications like embolism and frequent invasive surgeries, necessitating improved materials and methods to prevent these issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of nitric oxide-releasing materials, specifically a polymer matrix with polysiloxanes and nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties like S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), which covalently crosslink polysiloxanes to provide sustained nitric oxide release, reducing platelet activation and biofilm formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medical devices are used, then device functionality is achieved, but blood clotting and platelet activation occur leading to embolism risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties into the polymer matrix before the device contacts blood. These moieties proactively release nitric oxide to prevent platelet activation and blood clotting before they can occur, rather than reacting to clotting after it has started. The crosslinking moieties are pre-integrated into the polymer structure, ensuring immediate nitric oxide release upon blood contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of protein adsorption and platelet activation into a beneficial outcome by using the same surface interaction mechanism to deliver nitric oxide. The polymer surface that would normally cause clotting is modified to instead release nitric oxide, which prevents clotting and reduces thrombogenicity. The crosslinking moieties that could potentially cause immune response are designed to release nitric oxide, turning a potential harm into a protective benefit.
2Duration of action of moving object
If devices remain in patient for extended periods, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but infection risk increases requiring device removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through sustained nitric oxide release from the crosslinking moieties over extended periods. The nitric oxide release continues continuously as long as the device is in place, providing ongoing protection against bacterial growth and biofilm formation. This continuous release mechanism allows devices to remain implanted for longer durations without increasing infection risk, eliminating the need for frequent removal and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties that automatically release nitric oxide in response to physiological conditions without requiring external intervention. The crosslinking moieties self-regulate the release based on local environmental factors such as pH and temperature changes, providing continuous antimicrobial protection without needing external monitoring or adjustment. This self-service mechanism maintains device safety throughout the entire implantation period.
3Reliability
If nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties are incorporated into polymer matrix, then nitric oxide release is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single component: the crosslinking moieties serve both to crosslink the polymer matrix for structural integrity and to donate nitric oxide for thromboprotection. By combining the crosslinking function and nitric oxide donation function into one integrated moiety, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity compared to using separate crosslinking agents and nitric oxide donors. This merging eliminates the need for multiple synthesis steps and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer material where the crosslinking moieties are covalently integrated into the polymer matrix structure. This composite approach allows the nitric oxide-donating groups to be uniformly distributed and stably incorporated into the polymer network, simplifying manufacturing compared to physical blending or surface coating methods. The covalent integration ensures consistent nitric oxide release characteristics and simplifies quality control during manufacturing.
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 nitric oxide-releasing materials effectively prevent blood clotting and biofilm formation, demonstrating long-term antimicrobial and antithrombotic properties without systemic side effects, maintaining nitric oxide release for over 125 days and reducing bacterial adhesion and thrombus formation significantly.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties that covalently crosslink polysiloxanes in the plurality of polysiloxanes
Implementation Method 2
Each of the nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties can have S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine groups covalently attached thereto
Implementation Method 3
demonstrating long-term antimicrobial and antithrombotic properties without systemic side effects
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are nitric oxide releasing materials, methods of making nitric oxide releasing materials, and devices including nitric oxide releasing materials. The nitric oxide releasing material includes a polymer matrix having a plurality of polysiloxanes and nitric oxide-donating crosslinking moieties that covalently crosslink the polysiloxanes. Blood clotting or adhesion of a bio-material to a surface, as well as biofilm formation can be prevented using the methods and materials described.