NO2 to NO Conversion via Antioxidant-Coated Silica Gel

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for delivering nitric oxide (NO) for therapeutic use often result in the formation of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can be harmful if inhaled, and require complex equipment or high temperatures to convert NO2 back to NO.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, to convert NO2 to NO at ambient temperatures, ensuring safe and effective delivery of NO without the need for pressurized gas bottles or high-temperature processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bottled gaseous nitric oxide (NO) is used for therapy, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but oxidation to toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) occurs in the presence of oxygen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of NO deliveryVSAvoidformation of toxic NO2

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of NO oxidation to NO2 by using the NO2 formed as a precursor to generate therapeutic NO on-demand. The system intentionally allows NO oxidation to occur, then uses a converter element to reversibly convert NO2 back to NO, transforming a harmful byproduct into the desired therapeutic agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical state parameter of nitrogen oxides from stable bottled NO to dynamic NO2-NO equilibrium. By controlling the converter element conditions, the system maintains the nitrogen oxide in a reversible state that can convert between NO2 and NO, allowing therapeutic NO to be generated at the point of use rather than delivered from pre-bottled gas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional NO delivery systems are used, then therapeutic gas is supplied, but complex equipment and high temperatures are required to convert NO2 back to NO

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of delivery systemVSAvoidcomplexity of NO2 conversion equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable converter element that contains the conversion chemistry in a simple, single-use component. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and maintenance-intensive high-temperature catalytic converters. The converter element can be easily replaced rather than repaired, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/thermal conversion systems (high-temperature catalytic converters requiring heat input and complex control) with a chemical conversion system based on reversible NO2-NO equilibrium. This substitution eliminates the need for heating elements, temperature control systems, and complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If high temperatures are used to convert NO2 to NO, then conversion efficiency is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiency of NO2 to NOVSAvoidenergy consumption of conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The converter element utilizes the ambient temperature and the chemical potential energy already present in the NO2 molecule to drive the conversion back to NO. The reversible chemistry allows the system to self-regulate the conversion based on local conditions (temperature, pressure, gas composition) without requiring external energy input or active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively converts NO2 to NO at ambient temperatures, providing a safe and efficient method for delivering nitric oxide therapy, reducing the risk of NO2 inhalation and simplifying the delivery system by eliminating the need for pressurized gas bottles and high-temperature processes.

Implementation Method 1

a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, to convert NO2 to NO at ambient temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

an aqueous solution of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, to convert NO2 to NO

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12059661B2Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) to nitric oxide (NO)

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 VERO BIOTECH INC

AI summary

A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.