Polycannabinoid Polymer Compositions for Stable Sustained Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cannabinoids face challenges with low bioavailability and thermal instability due to their lipophilic and acid-labile nature, leading to difficulties in effective dosing and sustained delivery, particularly in aqueous environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of polycannabinoid polymers comprising cannabinoid units linked by hydrocarbon chains, which form polymers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyethers, enhancing bioavailability and thermal stability through polymerization, allowing for sustained release systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cannabinoids are administered in conventional forms, then they can be delivered through standard routes, but their bioavailability remains low due to poor dissolution in aqueous environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by incorporating cannabinoids into polymer matrices or lipid-based carriers that combine hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. This composite structure allows the lipophilic cannabinoid to be embedded within a carrier that provides aqueous compatibility, thereby improving dissolution and bioavailability while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the cannabinoid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state and chemical properties of cannabinoids through derivatization, salt formation, or encapsulation. These modifications alter solubility parameters, molecular size, and surface properties to enhance aqueous dissolution without compromising the core cannabinoid structure's ability to bind to cannabinoid receptors.
2Ease of manufacture
If cannabinoids are stored or processed at elevated temperatures, then processing and administration becomes easier, but thermal decomposition occurs at relatively low temperatures (130°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediaries such as polymer matrices, lipid carriers, or protective coatings that act as thermal buffers between the cannabinoid and high-temperature processing conditions. These intermediary materials have higher thermal stability and protect the cannabinoid from direct thermal exposure, enabling processing at elevated temperatures without decomposition while still allowing for effective administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encapsulating or pre-formulating cannabinoids in thermally stable carriers before processing. This preliminary encapsulation protects the cannabinoid during subsequent thermal processing steps, storage, and transportation, preventing decomposition until the formulation reaches the point of use where controlled release occurs.
3Reliability
If sustained release systems are developed to improve bioavailability, then efficacy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting polymer molecular weight, crosslinking density, degradation rate, and carrier particle size to control drug release kinetics. By optimizing these parameters, the formulation achieves sustained release of cannabinoids over desired time periods while maintaining relatively simple single-phase or biphasic structures, avoiding overly complex multi-component systems.
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 polycannabinoid polymers improve cannabinoid delivery by increasing bioavailability and thermal stability, enabling effective treatment of various medical conditions and facilitating administration through diverse routes.
Implementation Method 1
Development of polycannabinoid polymers comprising cannabinoid units linked by hydrocarbon chains, which form polymers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyethers, enhancing bioavailability and thermal stability through polymerization
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.