Core-Shell Ocular Microparticles for Extended Drug Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other ocular diseases face challenges such as frequent injections leading to infections and side effects, and existing microparticles release therapeutic agents too rapidly due to biodegradation, necessitating improved drug delivery systems that are biodegradable and control release for up to six months.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising a core component with a therapeutic agent and a first polymer having a net positive charge, surrounded by a biodegradable shell layer, designed for controlled drug release to the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microparticles or nanoparticles are used for drug delivery in the eye, then the therapeutic agent can be delivered directly to the eye with minimal surgery, but the particles release the therapeutic agent too rapidly due to biodegradation within the first three months
Solution Approach 1:
The microparticle is divided into two distinct layers: a core layer containing the therapeutic agent and a shell layer surrounding the core. This segmentation allows each layer to have different functional properties - the core provides drug loading while the shell controls release kinetics and protects against rapid biodegradation, thereby extending the duration of drug release beyond three months
Solution Approach 2:
The microparticle uses a composite structure combining different materials in the core and shell layers. The core material is selected for optimal drug loading and encapsulation, while the shell material is specifically chosen to provide controlled biodegradation rates and sustained drug release over extended periods (up to six months or longer), resolving the contradiction between ease of injection and duration of action
2Reliability
If frequent intravitreal injections are administered monthly, then the therapeutic effect is maintained, but side effects such as infection, elevated intraocular pressure, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microparticle is pre-loaded with a sustained release formulation designed to maintain therapeutic levels of the anti-VEGF agent over extended periods (six months or longer). This preliminary action of engineering the release kinetics into the particle structure eliminates the need for frequent monthly injections, thereby maintaining therapeutic effect while avoiding the side effects associated with repeated intravitreal injections
Solution Approach 2:
The shell layer is designed to provide continuous, controlled release of the therapeutic agent over an extended period, ensuring that therapeutic levels are maintained continuously without the interruptions and peaks associated with monthly injections. This continuous action maintains reliability of treatment while reducing the frequency of administration and associated side effects
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
Provides sustained release of therapeutic agents for extended periods, minimizing side effects and improving treatment efficacy for AMD and other ocular diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a core component comprising a therapeutic agent and a first polymer having a net positive charge under physiological conditions
Implementation Method 2
a shell layer comprising a second polymer that is biodegradable under physiological conditions
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to relates to compositions, devices, and processes for drug delivery to an eye. The disclosed drug delivery compositions comprise a particle having a core component comprising a first polymer and a therapeutic agent, and a shell layer surrounding the core component comprising a second polymer. In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to methods of treating an ophthalmological disease or disorder. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.