Porous Polymeric Particles for Controlled Active Agent Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering active agents and managing moisture lack effective porous polymeric particles that can efficiently store and release agents while maintaining structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
Development of porous polymeric particles formed from a reaction mixture containing a first phase with a nonionic surfactant and a second phase with a monomer composition and poly(propylene glycol), where the poly(propylene glycol) is removed to create pores, allowing for the loading and controlled release of active agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric particles are made highly porous to improve active agent storage and release capability, then the porosity increases, but the structural integrity and resistance to swelling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating a porogen (poly(propylene glycol)) during polymerization to create controlled porous structures. The porogen forms discrete domains within the polymer matrix that are subsequently removed to generate pores, achieving high porosity (up to 50% void volume) while maintaining structural integrity through the carefully designed porous architecture and polymer network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the polymer matrix with a porogen (poly(propylene glycol)) to create a composite structure. This composite approach allows the polymer to provide structural strength while the porogen creates the porous network for active agent storage, resolving the contradiction between porosity and structural integrity
2Quantity of substance
If polymeric particles are designed to release active agents effectively through high porosity, then the active agent storage capacity improves, but the particle swelling increases which may affect delivery control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous materials with controlled pore structures created by the porogen removal process. The pores provide extensive surface area and void volume for active agent storage while the rigid polymer network surrounding the pores prevents uncontrolled swelling, allowing high storage capacity without excessive volume expansion during release
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the porogen content, molecular weight, and distribution to optimize the balance between storage capacity and swelling. By adjusting these parameters, the particles can accommodate large quantities of active agent while maintaining controlled volume changes during the release process
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 resulting particles are highly porous, capable of loading and releasing active agents effectively while minimizing swelling, making them suitable for various applications including moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
The first phase contains (i) a compound of Formula (I) HO[-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-O]n-H where the variable n is an integer equal to at least 1 and (ii) a nonionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
The second phase contains (i) a monomer composition comprising a monomer of Formula (II) CH2=C(R1 wherein R1 is H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and (ii) a photoinitiator
Data Source
AI summary
Porous polymeric particles are provided that can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The porous polymeric particles can be used for the storage and delivery of various active agents or for moisture management. Reaction mixtures for forming the porous polymeric particles, methods of making the porous polymeric particles, and articles containing the porous polymeric particles are also provided.