Polyfunctional Radical Scavenger Hydrogel for Wound Healing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wound healing can be stalled or regress to the inflammation phase due to excessive release of reactive oxygen species, which damages healthy tissue and collagen extracellular matrix, inhibiting the transition to the proliferation phase.

Innovation Solution

A polyfunctional radical scavenger hydrogel formulation comprising a hydrogel polymer, a first radical scavenger, and a second radical scavenger with differing properties to provide extended protection against reactive oxygen species, accessing both extracellular and intracellular spaces, thereby assisting in transitioning from the inflammation phase to the proliferation phase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If reactive oxygen species are released to kill infectious organisms and clear debris during inflammation phase, then wound cleaning and pathogen elimination are improved, but healthy tissue and collagen extracellular matrix are damaged, causing wound healing to stall or regress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereactive oxygen species damageVSAvoidwound healing progression

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using radical scavengers to convert the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species into beneficial outcomes. The radical scavengers selectively neutralize reactive oxygen species that damage healthy tissue and collagen while allowing sufficient reactive oxygen species to remain for pathogen elimination and wound cleaning. This transforms the harmful indiscriminate damage into a controlled process where only pathogenic organisms are destroyed and healthy tissue is protected, enabling reliable progression from inflammation to proliferation phase.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Duration of action of moving object

If a single radical scavenger is used to protect against reactive oxygen species, then some protection is provided, but the protection duration and scope are limited due to the scavenger's depletion and inability to access all wound spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection durationVSAvoidaccess to wound spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the radical scavenging function into multiple components with different properties. The formulation includes a first radical scavenger (water-soluble) that accesses extracellular spaces and a second radical scavenger (lipid-soluble) that accesses intracellular spaces and lipid membranes. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage of all wound spaces and extends protection duration as each scavenger operates in its optimal environment and can be replenished from the hydrogel reservoir.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional radical scavenger formulation that performs multiple protective functions simultaneously. The hydrogel formulation provides both extracellular and intracellular protection, maintains moisture, and delivers sustained release of radical scavengers. This multi-functionality ensures extended protection across all wound compartments and accelerates the transition from inflammation to proliferation phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the inflammation phase is prolonged to ensure complete cleaning of the wound, then thorough pathogen elimination is achieved, but excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation damages healthy tissue and prevents transition to proliferation phase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen eliminationVSAvoidtime to transition to proliferation phase

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing radical scavengers in advance within the hydrogel formulation applied to the wound. These scavengers are positioned to neutralize reactive oxygen species before they can accumulate to damaging levels, thereby protecting healthy tissue and collagen from oxidative damage while allowing the inflammation phase to proceed efficiently. This preliminary protection enables faster transition to the proliferation phase without compromising pathogen elimination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 formulation effectively neutralizes reactive oxygen species, reducing damage to healthy tissue and collagen, facilitating the transition from inflammation to proliferation in wound healing by providing sustained protection and promoting tissue repair.

Implementation Method 1

A polyfunctional radical scavenger hydrogel formulation comprising a hydrogel polymer, a first radical scavenger and a second radical scavenger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadical scavenging: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20240350408A1Polyfunctional radical scavenger hydrogel formulation

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 RXOS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A polyfunctional radical scavenger hydrogel formulation providing extended protection of the extracellular space within a wound site. The polyfunctional radical scavenger hydrogel formulation is generally formed from a hydrogel, a first radical scavenger and a second radical scavenger differing from the first radical scavenger with respect to at least one property. A portion of the first radical scavenger included with the formation and/or second radical scavenger included within the formulation may be dissolved, suspended and/or bonded to a polymer of the hydrogel.