Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Occlusion for Reversible Contraception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contraceptive methods, particularly for males, lack long-lasting and reversible options, and existing vas-occlusive contraceptives face challenges in safe and effective reversal across species, while female contraceptives often result in permanent occlusion, lacking easily reversible alternatives to intrauterine devices.
Innovation Solution
Development of stimuli-responsive polymer masses that can be administered into body lumens to occlude them reversibly upon exposure to specific stimuli, such as light or other agents, allowing for on-command reversal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If vas-occlusive contraceptives are used for long-lasting contraception, then contraceptive duration is improved, but reversal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing stimuli-responsive materials that alter their physical or chemical properties in response to specific triggers. The occlusive material transitions from an occlusive state to a non-occlusive state through changes in solubility, swelling, or structural integrity when exposed to stimuli such as temperature changes, pH variations, or enzymatic degradation, enabling reversible contraception without invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical reversal methods (such as surgical intervention or physical disruption) with chemical or biological degradation mechanisms. The occlusive material is designed to degrade or dissolve through chemical reactions or enzymatic processes triggered by specific stimuli, substituting complex mechanical reversal procedures with simpler chemical transformation processes
2Reliability
If invasive reversal methods are used for vas-occlusive contraceptives, then reversal effectiveness is improved, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing occlusive materials that automatically reverse through degradation or dissolution when exposed to physiological stimuli present in the body. The material contains embedded degradation triggers or responds to endogenous conditions (such as pH changes, enzyme presence, or temperature variations), enabling the system to reverse itself without requiring external intervention or complex procedural steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances or triggers that facilitate the reversal process. These intermediaries may be chemical agents, enzymes, or physical stimuli that mediate the transition from occlusive to non-occlusive state, simplifying the reversal mechanism by providing a direct chemical or biological pathway rather than requiring complex mechanical or surgical procedures
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
Provides a safe and effective method for reversible occlusion and de-occlusion of body lumens, suitable for contraception, embolization, sealants, and drug delivery, without invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
reversible occlusion by way of degradation as a result of exposure to light or through other stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods for reversible occlusion of a body lumen by way of degradation as a result of exposure to one or more stimuli such as light. The methods include administering one or more substance(s) into a body lumen of a subject and forming a stimuli-responsive polymer mass in the body lumen from the one or more substance(s). The mass is sufficient to occlude the body lumen in a manner that prevents transport of at least one material through the body lumen and is susceptible to on-command reversal in the body lumen upon exposure to one or more stimuli. The methods include administering one or more stimuli to a polymer mass in a body lumen for a time and intensity to cause the reverse the polymer mass. The methods are particular useful for applications in which it is desirable to temporarily occlude a body lumen, such as male and female contraception.