Polysuccinimide Derivative for pH-Responsive Biodegradable Nanoparticles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH-responsive carriers, such as those made from poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-histidine)-poly(L-lactide) triblock copolymers, face limitations in biodegradability and sensitivity to pH changes, which affect their ability to control the release of encapsulated drugs or dyes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A polysuccinimide derivative with a specific repeating unit structure, capable of forming nanoparticles that are both pH-responsive and biodegradable, allowing for controlled release of hydrophobic substances by changing their molecular structure in response to pH variations, thereby encapsulating and releasing hydrophobic substances like drugs or dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pH-responsive carriers are made from amphiphilic polymers like PEG-PH-PLLA triblock copolymer, then the carriers can control drug release through pH changes, but the biodegradability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by introducing succinimide rings and carboxyl groups, which fundamentally alter the biodegradability parameter while preserving pH-responsive behavior through the same ionization mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining hydrophobic segments (for drug encapsulation) and hydrophilic segments with succinimide rings and carboxyl groups (for pH-responsive behavior and biodegradability), achieving multiple functions simultaneously
2Quantity of substance
If conventional pH-responsive carriers are used, then drug encapsulation is achieved, but sensitivity to pH changes is insufficient for effective controlled release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pKa parameter of the polymer by incorporating succinimide rings and carboxyl groups, which enhances the sensitivity to pH changes and enables more effective controlled release response at physiological pH ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific functional groups (succinimide rings and carboxyl groups) at localized positions within the polymer chain to create regions of high pH sensitivity that trigger drug release, while other regions maintain encapsulation 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 polysuccinimide derivative exhibits enhanced biodegradability and sensitivity to pH changes, enabling controlled release of encapsulated substances, particularly effective in medical applications like drug delivery and antimicrobial treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Carriers having pH-responsive property and with specific components, e.g., drugs or dyes, encapsulated therein, have been widely studied and utilized in various fields
Implementation Method 2
Since polysuccinimide has inherent biodegradable property, polysuccinimide has the potential to be developed as a pH-responsive carrier
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a polysuccinimide derivative, which, under a pH of not greater than 6, includes a first repeating unit represented by formula (I), and a second repeating unit represented by formula (II),wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the Specification and Claims. The second repeating unit is present in an amount ranging from 1 mol % to 90 mol % based on 100 mol % of the first repeating unit. Also disclosed herein is a nanomaterial including a plurality of nanoparticles, each of which, under a pH of not greater than 6, includes a hydrophobic substance and a carrier which is made from the polysuccinimide derivative and which encloses the hydrophobic substance.