PCBAA Zwitterionic Hydrogel for Postoperative Adhesion Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a frequent and severe complication of abdominal and pelvic surgeries, leading to adverse consequences such as chronic pain, infertility, and intestinal obstruction, with current treatments often requiring further surgical intervention and risking recurrent adhesions.

Innovation Solution

Development of implantable anti-adhesion zwitterionic compositions comprising poly(3-((3-acrylamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)propanoate) (PCBAA) in an aqueous liquid, which can be administered to the tissue surface post-surgery to inhibit adhesion formation without requiring curing or polymerization, and are biodegradable and pharmaceutically acceptable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If surgical intervention is performed to lyse pre-existing adhesions, then tissue adhesion is removed, but the risk of recurrent adhesion increases and operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue adhesionVSAvoidrecurrent adhesion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by coating the tissue surface with anti-adhesion composition before surgery or during surgery to prevent adhesion formation in the first place. This proactive approach avoids the need for subsequent adhesiolysis and reduces recurrent adhesion risk by establishing a protective barrier that prevents the initial adhesion formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-adhesion composition acts as an intermediary substance between tissue surfaces, preventing direct contact and adhesion formation. The composition creates a physical and chemical barrier that interferes with the fibrin matrix formation and fibroblast adhesion processes, thereby preventing adhesions without requiring surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If surgical adhesiolysis is performed to treat postoperative adhesions, then existing adhesions are removed, but operation time increases and patient recovery is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepostoperative adhesionsVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by administering the anti-adhesion composition to counteract the adhesion-forming processes before they can establish mature adhesions. This prevents the harmful process from developing, eliminating the need for time-consuming surgical adhesiolysis and reducing overall treatment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The composition converts the harmful adhesion-forming processes into beneficial outcomes by interfering with fibrin deposition and fibroblast recruitment in a controlled manner, transforming the natural wound healing response that causes adhesions into a process that prevents adhesion formation while still allowing proper tissue repair.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional anti-adhesion materials are used, then adhesion prevention is achieved, but the materials require curing or polymerization processes that complicate administration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue adhesionVSAvoidadministration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex chemical curing or polymerization systems with a simpler aqueous-based composition that works through physical and biochemical mechanisms. The composition relies on zwitterionic polymer properties and controlled degradation rather than requiring activation by light, heat, or chemical catalysts, thereby simplifying administration and eliminating the need for additional curing equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the anti-adhesion material by using water-soluble zwitterionic polymers with specific molecular weights and charge distributions. These parameter changes allow the composition to function effectively without requiring curing or polymerization, enabling direct application and eliminating complex activation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If permanent adhesion barriers are used to prevent recurrent adhesions, then adhesion prevention is sustained, but the barriers may cause chronic inflammation or foreign body reactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion prevention durationVSAvoidchronic inflammation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing a biodegradable composition that performs its adhesion-preventing function temporarily and then degrades into harmless byproducts. The controlled degradation releases anti-inflammatory agents and eliminates the need for permanent foreign materials, allowing the body to recover without chronic inflammation or foreign body reactions while still providing sustained protection during the critical adhesion formation period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 zwitterionic compositions effectively prevent tissue adhesion by inhibiting the formation of fibrin matrices and fibroblast adhesion, reducing postoperative adhesions and associated complications, as demonstrated in various animal models, with no significant adverse effects or recurrent adhesions observed.

Implementation Method 1

zwitterionic polymer, wherein the zwitterionic polymer is, consists essentially of, or includes, poly(3-((3-acrylamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)propanoate) (PCBAA)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20230398265A1Compositions and methods for inhibition of tissue adhesion
Publication Date: 2023.12.14 WAYNE STATE UNIV
  • US20230398265A1 patent drawing
  • US20230398265A1 patent drawing
  • US20230398265A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for inhibition of tissue adhesion. According to specific aspects, implantable anti-adhesion zwitterionic compositions which include: an aqueous liquid; and a zwitterionic polymer are disclosed, wherein the zwitterionic polymer is, consists essentially of, or includes, poly(3-((3-acrylamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)propanoate) (PCBAA). According to specific aspects, implantable anti-adhesion zwitterionic compositions are provided which include nanoparticles and/or microparticles of zwitterionic hydrogel, wherein the zwitterionic hydrogel is, consists essentially of, or includes, PCBAA. Methods of inhibiting tissue adhesion in a subject in need thereof are provided according to aspects of the present disclosure which include administering an implantable anti-adhesion zwitterionic composition to a tissue surface exposed by surgery.