Open Cell Hydrogel Networks for Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fish attractants and drug delivery systems face challenges with controlled release of water-soluble molecules, as existing materials are either too permeable, leading to rapid dispersion, or too impermeable, resulting in slow release, and often use non-biocompatible and expensive materials that do not function across various water salinity and pH levels.
Innovation Solution
Development of open cell hydrogel networks that can be configured with specific polymers, initiators, and crosslinkers to create baits capable of controlled release of attractants and pharmaceuticals, mimicking the feel of living tissue and functioning in all water salinity and pH levels, using methods such as loading attractants through concentrated aqueous solutions or soaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hydrogels are used for controlled release, then release rate is slow due to low permeability, but this limits effectiveness for water-soluble attractants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous polymeric materials with controlled pore sizes and structures to achieve intermediate permeability between traditional hydrogels and sponges. This porous structure allows water-soluble attractants to diffuse at controlled rates, maintaining both effective release kinetics and sustained delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymeric materials that combine the advantages of hydrogels (water uptake capability) with porous materials (controlled permeability). These composite structures enable sustained release of water-soluble compounds while maintaining mechanical integrity and controlled diffusion properties.
2Reliability
If sponge-like structures are used for attractant delivery, then permeability is high allowing rapid uptake and release, but release is too quick for sustained delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous polymeric materials with controlled pore sizes and structures to achieve intermediate permeability between traditional hydrogels and sponges. This porous structure allows water-soluble attractants to diffuse at controlled rates, maintaining both effective release kinetics and sustained delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of polymeric materials, specifically controlling pore size, porosity, and crosslinking density, to achieve the desired intermediate permeability and sustained release profile for water-soluble attractants.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional delivery devices are used, then mechanical dispersal is achieved, but materials are non-biocompatible and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes inexpensive polymeric materials that can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need for expensive, non-biocompatible mechanical delivery devices. These polymeric attractant delivery systems provide effective deliverY while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric materials self-deliver attractants through controlled diffusion and degradation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical dispersal devices. The materials perform the delivery function inherently through their structural properties, reducing manufacturing costs and improving biocompatibility.
4Quantity of substance
If attractants are coated on lure surfaces, then initial concentration is high, but water-soluble attractants quickly disperse and become ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates attractants within the polymeric matrix during material synthesis or through pre-loading, rather than surface coating. This preliminary incorporation ensures attractants are released through controlled diffusion as the polymer degrades or swells, maintaining effective concentrations over extended periods rather than rapid surface dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymeric materials that combine the advantages of hydrogels (water uptake capability) with porous materials (controlled permeability). These composite structures enable sustained release of water-soluble compounds while maintaining mechanical integrity and controlled diffusion properties.
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 open cell hydrogel networks provide a controlled and sustained release of attractants and pharmaceuticals, maintaining effectiveness across different aquatic environments and ensuring biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogels are three-dimensional crosslinked polymer networks with the capability of swelling due to uptake of large amounts of water
Implementation Method 2
Many hydrogels have low permeability for structural and chemical reasons and are therefore slow to release therapeutic and other compounds
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to open cell hydrogel networks, methods of making the same and baits formed from the same, methods of loading the same with attractant molecules and compositions, and methods of catching fish and/or other aquatic organisms using the same. The open cell hydrogel networks disclosed herein can be configured to have different properties based on the specific polymers used for synthesis as well as any initiators, catalysts, and/or crosslinkers, thus allowing the fabrication of suitable baits for a variety of target species. In some aspects, the open cell hydrogel networks can be used as a filter or drug delivery device.