Polysaccharide Polymer Particles for Copper Binding in Wilson's Disease
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Wilson's disease, such as low-molecular-weight chelators and zinc salts, are limited by severe side effects and inefficiencies in copper management, leading to toxic copper accumulation in the body, and there is a need for a safer, more effective method to prevent and mitigate the disease's consequences.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymer particles containing functional groups that selectively adsorb copper(II) ions in the digestive tract, preventing copper absorption and excretion while being non-toxic and non-absorbable, thereby shifting the copper balance towards excretion without causing adverse effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If low-molecular-weight chelators (penicillamine, triethylenetetramine, tetrathiomolybdate) are administered to reduce copper in the body, then copper excretion is increased, but severe side effects occur including myelosuppression, lupus, and myasthenia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymer particles as an intermediary substance that selectively binds copper ions in the gastrointestinal tract. These particles act as a mediator between copper intake and systemic absorption, preventing copper from entering the bloodstream while allowing normal copper metabolism to proceed without the toxic side effects of traditional chelators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of copper binding by using polymers with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl) that have different binding characteristics compared to traditional chelators. This parameter change allows selective binding of copper without disrupting other essential metal ions, thereby eliminating side effects while maintaining copper excretion.
2Productivity
If zinc(II) salts are administered in high doses (up to 1200 mg per day) to block copper intake, then copper absorption from diet is reduced, but severe gastrointestinal symptoms occur and zinc intoxication ensues
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer particles serve as an intermediary that blocks copper absorption without requiring high doses of zinc. The particles selectively bind copper ions in the gastrointestinal tract through their functional groups, preventing copper from being absorbed while having minimal impact on zinc metabolism and causing no gastrointestinal side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanism of copper blockage from zinc-based competition to polymer-based selective binding. This parameter change allows effective copper absorption blockage at much lower doses, eliminating the gastrointestinal symptoms and zinc intoxication associated with high-dose zinc therapy.
3Productivity
If copper-containing foods are omitted from the diet to reduce copper intake, then copper accumulation is reduced, but nutritional deficiency occurs since copper is ubiquitous in food
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer particles act as an intermediary that selectively intercepts copper ions in the gastrointestinal tract without affecting other nutrients. This allows patients to maintain a normal, nutritious diet while the particles prevent copper from being absorbed, thereby reducing copper accumulation without causing nutritional deficiency.
4Productivity
If traditional chelating agents are used to increase copper urinary excretion, then copper is removed from the body, but essential elements are re-complexed and reabsorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer particles serve as a selective intermediary that binds copper ions in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents their re-absorption. Unlike traditional chelators that can re-complex essential elements, the polymer particles maintain selective binding for copper while allowing other essential elements to pass through unchanged, thereby ensuring reliable elemental balance while achieving copper excretion.
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 polymer particles effectively capture and bind copper in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing copper absorption and re-deposition in organs, thereby mitigating Wilson's disease symptoms without the severe side effects associated with existing treatments, and are completely eliminated through stools, ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
polymer particles containing functional groups that selectively adsorb copper(II) ions in the digestive tract
Data Source
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AI summary
Polysaccharide based polymer and its use for the prevention and treatment of the Wilson's disease The present invention relates to polysaccharide based polymers modified by cross-linking and copper-binding groups, which are suitable as preparations for peroral administration for use in prevention and/or treatment of Wilson's disease.