NO-Donor Nanofiber Composite for Sustained Nitric Oxide Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood-contacting medical devices made from hydrophobic materials often lead to thrombosis due to protein absorption and activation of coagulation factors, with existing treatments like Plavix, coumadin, and heparin having limited effectiveness and adverse effects, and there is a need for a controlled release of nitric oxide to prevent platelet aggregation and biofilm infections.
Innovation Solution
Development of nitric oxide-releasing electrospun fibers with an elastomeric composite matrix that allows for sustained release of nitric oxide, utilizing NO-donor molecules like OctaAPOSS and PEI-POSS, which are infiltrated with a permeable elastomeric polymer such as PDMS to regulate the release rate and prevent spontaneous release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hydrophobic materials are used to fabricate blood-contacting medical devices, then the devices have good mechanical properties and ease of manufacture, but protein absorption occurs leading to thrombosis and coagulation activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface properties of the medical device by incorporating nitric oxide-releasing compounds into the polymer matrix. This chemical modification allows the device to release NO that prevents platelet aggregation and coagulation activation, thereby reducing thrombosis risk while maintaining the original hydrophobic material's mechanical properties and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining nitric oxide-donor molecules with biocompatible polymer matrices. This composite structure enables the device to simultaneously possess the mechanical advantages of hydrophobic materials and the thromboresistant properties provided by controlled NO release
2Reliability
If nitric oxide is released to prevent platelet aggregation, then thrombosis risk is reduced, but uncontrolled release leads to spontaneous decomposition and reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical environment of nitric oxide by encapsulating it within polymer matrices and controlling its release through diffusion mechanisms. This transforms NO from an unstable, spontaneously decomposing gas into a controlled, sustained-release therapeutic agent that maintains stability while preventing thrombosis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polymer matrices and elastomeric materials as intermediary substances that mediate between the nitric oxide donor and the biological environment. These intermediaries control the release kinetics, preventing spontaneous decomposition while ensuring reliable thrombosis prevention through regulated NO delivery
3Reliability
If existing anticoagulants like heparin are used, then platelet aggregation is inhibited, but adverse effects such as hemorrhaging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nitric oxide release locally at the surface of the medical device where blood contact occurs. This localized therapy provides anticoagulation effectiveness precisely where needed while avoiding systemic anticoagulation, thereby preventing the hemorrhaging adverse effects associated with drugs like heparin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the medical device to self-regulate blood compatibility through autonomous nitric oxide release. The device itself generates the protective effect without requiring external administration of anticoagulants, eliminating the systemic side effects while maintaining local anticoagulation effectiveness
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 solution provides a controlled and sustained release of nitric oxide for extended periods, reducing thrombosis risk and biofilm infections, with enhanced biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, suitable for medical devices like catheters and vascular grafts.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric matrix that has desirable permeability to both water and gas molecules
Implementation Method 2
water will permeate through the elastomeric matrix to the NO donor molecules
Implementation Method 3
a dissociation reaction that releases NO gas
Implementation Method 4
electrospun at relatively high voltage to form a fiber mat
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material containing polymeric nanofibers, themselves containing NO-donor molecules, imbibed with an elastomer matrix is permeable to both water and gas so that dissociation reactions in the presence of water releases NO gas in a sustained manner. The NO-donor nanofibers may be formed by synthesizing acceptable NO-donor molecules, blending such molecules in solution with PVP, PCL or PVAc, electrospinning the blend at relatively high voltage for form fiber mats, applying PDMS rubber to the fiber mat and crosslinking it. The resulting NO-releasing electrospun fiber composite may be used in medical devices such as catheters, stents, or vascular grafts, with the purpose of releasing nitric oxide within a controlled rate and for a sustained period of time, as well as other known medical applications for NO.