Self-Degrading Enzyme-Loaded Microspheres for Predictable Embolization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolic agents for medical procedures have unpredictable resorption rates, require processing steps, and can cause non-specific occlusions, lacking selective degradation and efficient use in treating diseases or disorders.
Innovation Solution
Development of self-degrading enzyme-loaded biologically derived microspheres, crosslinked using divalent ions or photo-crosslinking, with controlled degradation rates through enzyme pre-treatment, pH variation, and metal-ion enzyme inhibitors, and post-preparation sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If temporary embolic agents are used for medical interventions, then the need for permanent embolization is avoided, but the resorption rate becomes unpredictable and complete absorption takes nearly a month
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the embolic agent through controlled degradation mechanisms. The biomaterial's molecular weight, crosslinking density, and enzyme loading are adjusted to achieve predictable resorption rates within specific timeframes (hours to months), transforming the unpredictable resorption of conventional agents into a controllable parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolic agent performs self-service through self-degradation via enzymatic breakdown. The biomaterial is designed to automatically degrade at a controlled rate without requiring external intervention, eliminating the need for surgical removal and enabling predictable temporal control over the embolization duration through intrinsic material properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional embolic agents are used, then embolization can be achieved, but processing steps are required before use (e.g., cutting Gelfoam into pledgets or slurrying)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing the biomaterial during manufacturing to achieve a ready-to-use state. The embolic agent is pre-crosslinked, pre-loaded with enzymes, and pre-formulated as sterile microspheres or particles that require no additional preparation before surgical use, eliminating steps like cutting or slurrying required for conventional agents.
3Reliability
If existing embolic agents are used, then temporary embolization can be achieved, but migration occurs causing non-specific occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring the embolic agent remains localized at the target site through controlled degradation. The biomaterial's physical properties and enzyme loading are optimized to maintain structural integrity at the injection site while preventing migration, ensuring degradation occurs locally rather than causing dispersed non-specific occlusions throughout the vascular system.
4Reliability
If enzyme-loaded microspheres are designed for rapid degradation, then predictable dissolution is achieved, but the duration of embolization action is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to decouple predictability from duration by adjusting multiple variables simultaneously: biomaterial molecular weight, crosslinking density, enzyme concentration, and environmental conditions. This allows the degradation to remain predictable while extending the operational duration from hours to months through optimized parameter combinations.
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 predictable dissolution rates and effective treatment of diseases/disorders without non-specific occlusion, suitable for embolization and tissue bulking applications, with controlled degradation from minutes to months.
Implementation Method 1
a self-degrading enzyme loaded biologically derived particle... the enzyme acts on the biologically derived particle, degrading the particle
Implementation Method 2
crosslinked using divalent ions or photo-crosslinking... the biomaterial is crosslinked by a divalent metal ion
Implementation Method 3
crosslinked using divalent ions or photo-crosslinking... the biomaterial comprises a photo-crosslinkable moiety which is photo-crosslinked
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides compositions including enzyme loaded biologically derived microspheres capable of self-degradation upon rehydration. The present disclosure also provides methods of making the enzyme loaded biologically derived microspheres. The present disclosure also provides methods of using the disclosed microspheres to induce an embolism in a subject as well as methods of using the disclosed microspheres to treat a disease or disorder in a subject.