Polycannabinoid Polymers for Stable Sustained Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cannabinoids exhibit low bioavailability and poor thermal stability due to their lipophilic and acid-labile nature, making sustained delivery and storage challenging.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymers comprising a plurality of cannabinoid units, where each unit is linked via hydroxyl or ester groups to form polymers like polyesters, which enhance bioavailability and thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cannabinoids are administered in conventional forms, then they can be easily stored and handled, but they exhibit low bioavailability due to poor dissolution in aqueous environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials by incorporating cannabinoids into polymer matrices (such as biodegradable polymers, liposomes, or nanocarriers) that combine the hydrophobic cannabinoid molecules with hydrophilic polymer components. This composite structure allows the hydrophobic cannabinoids to be dispersed within the polymer matrix while the outer surface or degradation products provide aqueous compatibility, thereby simultaneously improving bioavailability and maintaining ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous polymer matrices with controlled pore sizes to encapsulate cannabinoid molecules. The porous structure provides high surface area for cannabinoid loading while the pore network allows aqueous penetration and controlled release. The polymer matrix protects the hydrophobic cannabinoids from direct contact with aqueous gastrointestinal fluids, yet enables their gradual release and absorption, resolving the contradiction between poor dissolution and low bioavailability.
2Reliability
If cannabinoids are stored at room temperature, then they are easy to store and transport, but they exhibit poor thermal stability with decomposition at 130°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymer matrices as intermediary materials that physically separate and protect cannabinoid molecules from thermal degradation. The polymer matrix acts as a thermal barrier, absorbing and dissipating heat energy before it can reach the cannabinoid molecules. This intermediary protection allows the cannabinoid-polymer composite to withstand higher processing and storage temperatures without decomposing the sensitive cannabinoid compounds, thereby improving thermal stability while maintaining room temperature storage convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical environment of cannabinoids by incorporating them into polymer matrices, which alters their thermal degradation parameters. The polymer matrix modifies the thermal transition temperatures and degradation kinetics of the cannabinoid system, raising the effective decomposition temperature from 130°C to higher values. This parameter change enables the composite material to maintain cannabinoid stability at elevated temperatures during processing and storage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If cannabinoids are formulated for sustained release, then they can maintain efficacy longer, but their lipophilic nature causes poor systemic absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating polymer matrices with spatially varying properties: the inner region provides hydrophobic environment for cannabinoid loading and sustained release, while the outer region or surface provides hydrophilic characteristics for aqueous dispersion and absorption. This local differentiation allows the same material to simultaneously enable prolonged release kinetics and maintain systemic bioavailability by optimizing different regions for different functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Polymers comprising a plurality of cannabinoids, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of use to treat a number of disease conditions are reported. Also provided are polymer coatings, films, fibers, and non-woven fabrics for a variety of topical applications including stents, bandages, sutures, and transdermal patches.