Photocrosslinked Polysaccharide Hydrogel Capsules for Immune Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implanted devices face challenges in modulating the biological immune response, leading to suboptimal fidelity and function, necessitating new compounds and compositions that can tune properties like capsule diameter, stability, and integrity.

Innovation Solution

Polysaccharide polymers with a photoactive crosslinking moiety, such as compounds of Formula (IV) and Formula (I), are used to create hydrogel capsules that allow for covalent crosslinking, enabling control over capsule properties and reducing the foreign body response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If polysaccharide polymers with photoactive crosslinking moieties are used to create covalently crosslinked hydrogel capsules, then capsule stability and integrity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polysaccharide polymers with photoactive crosslinking moieties to create composite hydrogel capsules. This composite structure enables covalent crosslinking between polysaccharide chains, significantly improving capsule stability and integrity while maintaining the benefits of the natural polysaccharide matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes photoactive crosslinking moieties that undergo chemical transformation upon light irradiation. This parameter change (from monomeric to crosslinked state) enables controlled gelation and creates a stable covalent network within the hydrogel capsule, enhancing structural integrity without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If covalent crosslinking is introduced into polysaccharide polymers, then capsule integrity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mixing or thermal processing with photopolymerization to achieve crosslinking. Light irradiation provides precise spatial and temporal control over the crosslinking process, enabling uniform covalent bond formation throughout the hydrogel capsule without requiring complex manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Photoactive crosslinking moieties serve as intermediaries between the polysaccharide chains. These moieties facilitate covalent bonding between polymer chains through light-induced reactions, creating a stable crosslinked network while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to direct covalent modification methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If photoactive crosslinking moieties are incorporated into polysaccharide polymers, then capsule stability is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule stabilityVSAvoidloss of substance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The photoactive crosslinking moieties undergo a chemical parameter change upon light irradiation, transitioning from a monomeric state to a crosslinked state. This transformation creates a stable covalent network that enhances capsule stability without requiring the loss of polysaccharide material or other substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel capsule system is self-sufficient for achieving crosslinking through photopolymerization. The photoactive moieties within the polysaccharide polymer structure itself initiate and facilitate the crosslinking reaction upon light exposure, eliminating the need for external crosslinking agents or substances that would otherwise need to be lost or removed.

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

The hydrogel capsules demonstrate improved stability, integrity, and reduced immune response, enhancing the functionality and longevity of implanted devices.

Implementation Method 1

the polysaccharide polymer comprises a photoactive crosslinking moiety... capable of covalent crosslinking... The inclusion of a photoactive crosslinker into the polysaccharide polymers... may allow for tuning certain properties of the hydrogel capsules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260008873A1Covalently photocrosslinked polysaccharides and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SIGILON THERAPEUTICS INC

AI summary

Described herein are polysaccharide polymers capable of covalent crosslinking to another moiety, such as another polysaccharide polymer, as well as related compositions, hydrogel capsules comprising the same, and uses thereof.