S-Nitrosothiol Hyperbranched Polyesters for Tunable NO Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of hyperbranched polyesters for nitric oxide (NO) release applications has been hindered by the lack of effective NO-donor modified hyperbranched polymers and methods for their synthesis and use.
Innovation Solution
The creation of degradable polymers with a biodegradable backbone, nitric oxide linker moieties pendant from the polymer backbone, and nitric oxide molecules covalently bonded to these linkers, which can be triggered for NO release through stimuli such as heat, light, copper ions, or free thiols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dendritic polymeric scaffolds (e.g., PAMAM dendrimers) are used for NO release, then NO storage capacity and tunable NO release kinetics are improved, but scaffold toxicity against mammalian cells and poor biodegradability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymeric scaffold by using biodegradable polyester backbones (e.g., poly(glycerol sebacate), poly(ε-caprolactone)) instead of non-biodegradable PAMAM dendrimers. This parameter change maintains the dendritic structure for high NO capacity while improving biocompatibility and biodegradability, thus reducing scaffold toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite NO-donor modified hyperbranched polyesters by combining biodegradable polyester backbones with S-nitrosothiol (RSNO) NO donor groups. This composite structure integrates the advantages of both components: the biodegradable backbone provides biocompatibility while the RSNO groups provide high NO storage capacity and tunable release kinetics.
2Quantity of substance
If S-nitrosothiol-modified polyesters are synthesized via condensation of 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol and mercaptosuccinic acid, then NO donor functionality is achieved, but material preparation becomes tedious and NO storage capacity remains relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synthesis into two independent stages: first synthesizing the hyperbranched polyester backbone with multiple terminal hydroxyl groups, then separately introducing RSNO NO donor groups through thiol nitrosation. This segmentation allows optimization of each stage independently and simplifies the overall preparation process while increasing NO storage capacity through the hyperbranched structure's high functional group density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synthesis of the hyperbranched polyester backbone with predetermined architecture and high density of terminal hydroxyl groups before introducing the NO donor functionality. This preliminary action enables subsequent efficient nitrosation to occur at multiple sites simultaneously, greatly increasing NO storage capacity while simplifying the overall process through modular preparation.
3Ease of manufacture
If small molecule NO donors are used, then synthesis is simple, but NO payload and tunability of NO-release kinetics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hyperbranched polyester platform with multiple identical RSNO donor groups that can all release NO according to the same tunable kinetics. The dendritic structure provides universality in that all terminal groups are equivalent and accessible, enabling predictable and tunable NO release kinetics that cannot be achieved with small molecule donors, while maintaining relatively simple synthesis through standardized hyperbranched polymerization.
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
These polymers enable controlled and biocompatible delivery of nitric oxide, addressing the limitations of existing NO-release scaffolds by providing enhanced biodegradability and tunable NO release kinetics.
Implementation Method 1
The ensuing NO release is tunable and triggered via several decomposition pathways, including exposure to light, heat, and copper ions
Implementation Method 2
The ensuing NO release is tunable and triggered via several decomposition pathways, including exposure to light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to compositions comprising degradable polymers and methods of making degradable polymers. Specifically, the disclosed degradable polymers comprise a biodegradable polymer backbone, a nitric oxide linker moiety, and a nitric oxide molecule. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.