Self-Gelling Alginate System with Delayed Gelling Kinetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alginate gel manufacturing methods are limited in controlling gelling kinetics, are often restricted to specific shapes and sizes, and may require non-physiologic pH conditions, leading to the need for alternative systems that allow for delayed gelling and more flexible application in biomedical and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-gelling alginate system comprising soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles, where the gelling ions are slowly released to form a gel matrix, allowing for controlled gelling time and gel strength, and can be adapted for various biomedical applications by adjusting the concentration of alginate, gelling ions, and other factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diffusion gelling method is used, then rapid gel formation occurs, but time for shaping gel structure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-complexing calcium ions with glucono delta lactone (GDL) before the gelling process. This pre-complexing creates a reservoir of controlled calcium release, allowing the alginate solution to remain workable for extended periods while maintaining the ability to form gels rapidly when needed. The complexed calcium acts as a time-delayed gelling agent that can be activated on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses calcium-GDL complex as an intermediary substance between the calcium ions and alginate polymers. This intermediary controls the release kinetics of calcium ions, mediating the gelling process to occur at a controlled rate rather than immediately upon contact. The complex serves as a buffer that regulates calcium availability, extending the working time for shaping while ensuring complete gelation when required.
2Loss of time
If internal gelling system with calcium salt is used, then gelling speed is reduced, but control of gelling kinetics is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the calcium-to-alginate ratio, GDL concentration, and pH conditions to precisely control gelling kinetics. By adjusting these parameters, the system can be tuned to achieve desired gelling rates that balance workability time with final gel strength. The complexing ratio of calcium to GDL is specifically optimized to provide controlled calcium release at physiologic pH.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform calcium distribution through the GDL complexing system. The calcium ions are not uniformly distributed but are released locally where GDL hydrolyzes, creating gradients of gelation that can be controlled spatially and temporally. This allows different regions of the gel to form at different rates, enabling complex structuring while maintaining overall control.
3Productivity
If pH dependent calcium release is used, then gelling control is achieved, but non-physiologic pH conditions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural physiological buffering capacity of the body to trigger gelation. The calcium-GDL complex is designed to release calcium ions specifically at physiologic pH (7.4), utilizing the body's own pH environment as the triggering mechanism rather than requiring external pH adjustment. The system self-regulates based on the ambient pH conditions where it is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the calcium-GDL complex as a pH-sensitive intermediary that selectively releases calcium ions at physiologic pH. The GDL component acts as a pH-triggered mediator that remains stable at lower pH during storage and administration but hydrolyzes and releases calcium at physiologic pH, enabling controlled gelation only under appropriate biological conditions.
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
This system enables the formation of alginate gels with controlled gelling time and strength, suitable for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound treatment, and diabetes management, without the need for pH changes, and provides a biocompatible matrix for cell encapsulation and tissue bulking.
Implementation Method 1
Alginate gels are produced when a divalent cation forms ionic bonds with the negatively charged group from a G residue from each of two different alginate polymers, thereby cross-linking the two polymers.
Implementation Method 2
The formation of multiple cross-linkages among numerous alginate polymers results in the matrix that is the alginate gel structure.
Implementation Method 3
A self-gelling alginate system comprising soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles, where the gelling ions are slowly released to form a gel matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.