Polymeric Recognitive Network for Controlled Payload Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gelatinous imprinted polymers used for controlled release of payloads face issues with payload leakage due to swelling in solvents, leading to ineffective delivery of active agents.
Innovation Solution
Development of a polymeric recognitive network with micro- or nano-vacuoles that recognize specific molecules, causing internal stresses and rupture upon binding, allowing controlled release of active agents without leakage, utilizing molecularly imprinted polymers and biomimetic structures with hydroxyl propyl cellulose and mannitol as spacer and binder, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gelatinous imprinted polymers are used for controlled release, then payload delivery is enabled, but payload leakage occurs due to swelling in solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the polymer structure into distinct functional layers: an outer shell layer and an inner matrix layer. The shell layer acts as a containment barrier that prevents payload leakage while the inner matrix provides the recognitive function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the containment function from the release function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the polymer structure are assigned different properties: the shell layer has low swelling characteristics to prevent leakage, while the inner matrix has high recognitive affinity for selective payload binding. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve reliable containment and effective controlled release.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polymers are designed to recognize specific molecules, then controlled release is enabled, but structural integrity is compromised due to swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is segmented into two functional zones: the shell layer maintains structural integrity and resists swelling, while the inner matrix provides molecular recognition capabilities. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining materials with different properties: the shell layer uses materials with low swelling characteristics to maintain structural integrity, while the inner matrix uses materials with high recognitive affinity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between structural stability and molecular recognition adaptability.
3Strength
If crosslinking is increased to prevent leakage, then structural integrity improves, but release control mechanism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention localizes high crosslinking to the shell layer where structural integrity is needed for leakage prevention, while the inner matrix maintains lower crosslinking to preserve molecular recognition and release control mechanisms. This spatial segmentation of crosslinking density resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
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
Enables controlled and targeted release of active agents by manipulating factors like crosslinking, osmotic agents, and layer thickness, ensuring minimal swelling and structural integrity, suitable for various applications including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Implementation Method 1
forming micro- or nano-vacuoles in the polymeric recognitive network about the one or more targets; removing the targets from the micro- or nano-vacuoles, wherein subsequent binding of the target to the micro- or nano-vacuoles causes disruption of the polymeric recognitive network
Implementation Method 2
manipulating factors like crosslinking, osmotic agents, and layer thickness
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.