NO2 to NO Conversion via Antioxidant-Coated Silica Gel

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for generating nitric oxide (NO) are inefficient and unsafe due to the formation of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is oxidized from NO in the presence of oxygen, requiring high temperatures or costly catalysts, and pose risks during inhalation therapy.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle with a surface-active material coated in an aqueous antioxidant solution, such as ascorbic acid, is used to convert NO2 to NO at ambient temperatures, effectively removing NO2 before inhalation, using silica gel or activated alumina to ensure safe and efficient NO delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high temperatures or costly catalysts are used to convert NO2 to NO, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/thermal conversion systems (high temperature heating or catalyst-based conversion) with a simple chemical absorption system using aqueous antioxidants. The conversion of NO2 to NO is achieved through chemical reaction with antioxidants at ambient conditions, eliminating the need for heating equipment or catalyst beds, thus dramatically simplifying the device while maintaining conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from high temperature or catalytic conditions to ambient temperature chemical absorption. By using aqueous antioxidant solutions (such as ascorbic acid, vitamin E, or glutathione), the system achieves NO2 conversion under mild conditions, transforming the conversion process from a thermal/catalytic mechanism to a solution-phase chemical reaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If NO is stored in the presence of oxygen, then the availability of NO is improved, but toxic NO2 is formed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of NOVSAvoidtoxic NO2 formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces aqueous antioxidants as intermediary substances that mediate between NO and O2. These antioxidants (ascorbic acid, vitamin E, glutathione) act as reducing agents that prevent the oxidation of NO to NO2 by reacting with any formed NO2 or with oxygen, thereby protecting the therapeutic NO from degradation while allowing its availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful oxidation reaction (NO + O2 → NO2) into a beneficial process by using antioxidants to control the reaction pathway. The antioxidants preferentially react with oxygen or nascent NO2 to form harmless products, while regenerating or maintaining NO levels, thus transforming a harmful side reaction into a protective mechanism

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If antioxidants are applied to convert NO2 to NO, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the safety function (NO2 conversion) with the existing gas delivery system by incorporating antioxidants directly into the gas flow path. The aqueous antioxidant solution is placed in the gas delivery line or mixed with the gas stream, combining the therapeutic gas delivery function with the safety conversion function in a single integrated system rather than adding separate conversion equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a self-service safety mechanism where the antioxidant solution automatically converts any NO2 formed during NO delivery. The system continuously processes the gas through the antioxidant medium, providing ongoing safety conversion without requiring external control systems, monitoring equipment, or additional operational steps

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

This method allows for the safe and efficient conversion of NO2 to NO at ambient temperatures, ensuring the delivery of nitric oxide without toxic NO2, enhancing the safety and portability of inhalation therapy systems and simplifying the delivery process.

Implementation Method 1

nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of an antioxidant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS7560076B2Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO)

Publication Date: 2009.07.14 VERO BIOTECH INC

AI summary

Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid.