Particle Delivery Device with Pressure Relief for Tissue

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle bombardment methods for delivering biologically active molecules into tissues often cause tissue damage due to high pressure, and lack the ability to tailor delivery parameters to specific tissues.

Innovation Solution

The development of particle bombardment-based delivery devices that use a combination of pressurized gas, vacuum, and control modules to deliver biologically active molecules through needles or catheters with minimal tissue damage, allowing for tailored operating parameters to suit various tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high velocity particles are generated using highly pressurized gas, then particle delivery speed and penetration ability are improved, but tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is divided into separate functional modules: a particle generation system, a delivery conduit system, and a pressure control system. This segmentation allows independent optimization of particle velocity and pressure reduction, enabling high-speed particle delivery while minimizing tissue damage through controlled pressure management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pressure relief valve acts as an intermediary component between the high-pressure gas source and the tissue. This mediator automatically reduces excessive pressure before particles contact the tissue, preventing damage while maintaining delivery effectiveness. The pressure relief valve serves as a safety intermediary that decouples the high-pressure generation from the tissue interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If particle bombardment is used to deliver molecules into tissue, then delivery precision and penetration depth are improved, but the ability to tailor parameters to specific tissues is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable parameters including variable pressure relief valve settings, adjustable gas flow rates, and controllable particle generation intensity. These dynamic controls enable the system to adapt delivery parameters to match the specific requirements of different tissue types, transforming a static delivery system into a flexible, tissue-specific customizable platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows real-time modification of critical parameters such as gas pressure, particle velocity, and delivery duration. By enabling parameter changes during operation, the system can be optimized for different tissue types and delivery scenarios, maintaining high precision while gaining the versatility to handle diverse biological targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional particle bombardment devices are used, then molecule delivery capability is achieved, but device complexity and lack of control over delivery parameters occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can deliver various types of molecules (genes, proteins, drugs) through different delivery mechanisms (particle bombardment, microinjection, electroporation). This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high productivity across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor delivery parameters and adjust operations in real-time. Pressure sensors, flow meters, and control systems provide continuous feedback to maintain optimal delivery conditions, simplifying operation while ensuring consistent molecule delivery capability across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise and controlled delivery of molecules into tissues with reduced damage, accommodating a range of tissue types and applications, including gene therapy and research.

Implementation Method 1

a source of pressurized gas for acceleration of a particle, the particle comprising a biologically active molecule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure acceleration: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a vacuum system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

a pressure relief system comprising at least one pressure relief valve for reducing gas pressure within a portion of the particle acceleration lumen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure relief: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9358339B2Particle based biologically active molecule delivery systems

Publication Date: 2016.06.07

AI summary

Described here are devices and methods for the delivery of molecules, including biologically active molecules, into tissues. The devices and methods are generally particle based, and devised to deploy the molecules into a target tissue in a controlled manner to minimize tissue damage. The devices and methods may further be devised to tailor molecule delivery parameters to a variety of tissue types. Kits including various device components are also described.