Nitrite Gel Composition for Sustained Nitric Oxide Delivery

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a safe and effective production of nitric oxide (NO) for medical applications, as existing methods involve hazardous gases like nitrogen dioxide and require careful handling to avoid toxicity, and there is a lack of effective methods for localized delivery and sustained release.

Innovation Solution

A composition and kit are developed using a hygroscopic gelling agent with a nitrite source, controlled viscosity, and low moisture content to generate nitric oxide in situ, allowing for controlled release and sustained delivery, including S-nitrosothiol groups for enhanced therapeutic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nitric oxide is stored in bottled gaseous form, then it can be delivered to patients, but it oxidizes to nitrogen dioxide in the presence of oxygen which is highly toxic

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful oxidation reaction from the storage system by removing oxygen from the environment. Nitric oxide is generated in situ within the device using nitrite and an acid source, eliminating the need to store gaseous NO in oxygen-containing environments. This extraction of the harmful factor (oxygen) prevents oxidation to toxic nitrogen dioxide while maintaining reliable NO delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-converting nitrite to nitric oxide within the delivery device just before administration to the patient. The nitrite source and acid source are combined in a controlled environment within the device, generating NO on-demand rather than storing it beforehand. This timing adjustment ensures NO is generated only when needed, preventing premature oxidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If nitric oxide is generated in situ using nitrite and acid source, then stability is improved, but the composition requires precise control of moisture content and viscosity

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific ranges for moisture content (less than 15%) and viscosity (5000 to 15000 centipoise) of the gelling agent. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between stability and controllability. The controlled parameters ensure the composition remains stable during storage while enabling controlled release of nitric oxide when administered, reducing the need for overly complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional NO delivery methods are used, then treatment can be administered, but invasive administration is required and efficacy against biofilms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional composition that simultaneously achieves several therapeutic effects. The nitric oxide generated provides vasodilation and anti-inflammatory effects, while the gelling agent matrix enables sustained release and enhances penetration into biofilms. This multi-functionality allows non-invasive administration while improving efficacy against biofilms through the combined action of NO release and the physical properties of the gelling agent.

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 method provides a safe and controlled production of nitric oxide, enabling localized treatment of medical conditions, wound healing, and prevention of biofilm formation with sustained release over extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

the hydgroscopic nature of the gelling agent such as honey can pull water from the surface of the skin or a wound and thus initiate NO production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopic: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

contacting a medium comprising a nitrite source admixed with a gelling agent with or without an effective amount of water to form nitric oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12611431B2Approach to sustained production and delivery of nitric oxide and S-nitrosothiols

Publication Date: 2026.04.28

AI summary

A composition and a kit comprising a nitrite source admixed with a gelling agent for nitric oxide production. Also disclosed is a method for generating nitric oxide, which finds applications in the treatment of various diseases.