Polycationic microfibers and methods of using the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polycationic nanofibers with a PSMA core are prone to tearing in aqueous environments and have limitations in sequestering non-nucleic acid DAMPs, leading to systemic toxicity and inadequate disease treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Development of polycationic microfibers with a blended polymeric core, combining two different polymers to enhance strength and resilience, integrated with extracorporeal filtration systems for sequestering various biomolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and exosomes, using a high-aspect-ratio polymeric structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If polycationic nanofibers with PSMA core are used to sequester biomolecules, then sequestration capability is improved, but the fibers are prone to tearing in aqueous environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequestration capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining PSMA polymer with at least one additional polymer (such as polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, or carboxymethyl cellulose) to form a composite nanofiber core. This composite structure provides both the sequestration capability of PSMA and the mechanical strength of the additional polymer, resolving the contradiction between sequestration effectiveness and structural integrity in aqueous environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If soluble NABPs are used for therapy, then ability to neutralize nucleic acid-sensing TLRs is improved, but dose-dependent toxicity occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutralization abilityVSAvoidsystemic toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful systemic exposure of soluble NABPs by immobilizing them onto solid support materials (such as nanofibers, beads, or filtration membranes). This allows the NABPs to remain at the site of action where they neutralize DAMPs and TLR activation, while preventing their systemic circulation and associated toxicity. The solid support acts as a carrier that localizes the therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If NABPs are designed to deliver genes and siRNAs into cells, then gene delivery capability is improved, but intracellular organelles are damaged and cell death is induced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegene delivery capabilityVSAvoidcellular toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful property of NABPs (their ability to interact with and disrupt cellular structures) into a beneficial therapeutic effect by using them to neutralize extracellular DAMPs and TLR agonists. Instead of allowing NABPs to enter cells and cause damage, they are positioned to act extracellularly where their polycationic properties enable them to bind and neutralize harmful biomolecules, transforming a harmful mechanism into a protective therapeutic action.

Inventive Principle:

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

4Reliability

If single or dual TLR inhibitors are used, then disease progression is attenuated in some pre-clinical studies, but therapeutic efficacy is limited due to interconnectedness and redundancy of TLR signaling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease attenuationVSAvoidtherapeutic efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using polycationic materials that can simultaneously neutralize multiple types of TLR agonists and DAMPs through a single mechanism (electrostatic binding). Rather than requiring separate inhibitors for each TLR pathway, the polycationic material provides a universal neutralization capability that addresses multiple signaling pathways concurrently, overcoming the limitations of pathway-specific inhibitors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 polycationic microfibers effectively sequester a wide range of biomolecules, reducing systemic exposure and inflammation, thereby treating conditions like thrombosis, sepsis, and autoimmune diseases with improved safety and efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

polycationic polymer-immobilized microfiber meshes can be used to remove DAMPs from the blood of trauma patients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS12447464B2Polycationic microfibers and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 DUKE UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed herein are polycationic microfibers comprising a high-aspect-ratio polymeric core, the polymeric core comprising a blend of a first core polymer and a second core polymer, and a polycationic polymer immobilized on the surface of the polymeric core. The polycationic microfibers are capable of sequestering or clearing nucleic acids, proteins, biomolecular complexes, exosomes, or microparticles from solutions and samples and may be formed into filters or integrated into filtration apparatuses. Also disclosed are methods for sequestering or clearing solutes from solutions and fluids, methods for the treatment of diseases or conditions, and methods for the prevention of diseases or conditions.