Semi-solid polymer drug delivery systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery systems face challenges with low drug loading efficiency, the use of organic solvents that can damage sensitive drugs, and the need for improved sustained release mechanisms, particularly for thermally sensitive or solvent-sensitive agents like proteins and peptides.
Innovation Solution
Development of a semi-solid polymer material that allows for easy formulation and delivery of a wide range of drugs, including hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents, through minimally invasive methods, with tunable drug release rates and biocompatible degradation products, synthesized from commonly available molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If organic solvents are used to dissolve drugs during dosage preparation, then drug solubility is improved, but drug stability and safety are worsened due to damage to sensitive drugs and residual solvent concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the polymer from solid to semi-solid at room temperature, enabling drug dissolution without organic solvents. The semi-solid polymer matrix provides a liquid-like environment for drug solubility while maintaining structural integrity for safe administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-solid polymer acts as an intermediary medium between the drug and the administration system. It provides solubility for hydrophobic drugs through its semi-solid matrix while being biocompatible and degradable, eliminating the need for harmful organic solvents.
2Stability of the object's composition
If drugs are incorporated into solid polymers, then structural stability is improved, but drug loading efficiency is worsened due to low loading efficiency of micelles and particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymer physical state from solid to semi-solid at room temperature, creating a more accommodating matrix for drug incorporation. The semi-solid state allows better drug-polymer interaction and higher loading efficiency while maintaining structural stability for sustained release.
3Quantity of substance
If highly viscous semi-solid polymers are used for high drug loading, then drug loading efficiency is improved, but injectability is worsened due to difficulty in injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rheological properties to the polymer system. The semi-solid polymer exhibits shear-thinning behavior where viscosity decreases under shear stress during injection, enabling easy injection. After injection, the viscosity recovers to maintain the semi-solid structure for sustained drug release.
4Speed
If polymer degradation rate is increased for faster drug release, then treatment response time is improved, but duration of action is worsened due to inability to achieve sustained release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic polymer degradation where the semi-solid polymer matrix degrades progressively over time. The degradation rate can be tuned through polymer composition and structure, enabling controlled release kinetics that provide both initial rapid release and sustained release over extended periods.
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 semi-solid polymer system achieves high drug loading efficiency, is non-toxic, and provides sustained release of drugs, including proteins and peptides, with controlled release kinetics and biocompatibility, suitable for various therapeutic applications including cancer therapy and vaccine delivery.
Implementation Method 1
Drugs could be mixed with or dissolved in viscous semi-solid polymers directly at room temperature with loading efficiency of 100%
Implementation Method 2
The injectability of semi-solid polymers and administration via minimally invasive means is another advantage
Implementation Method 3
Because of their excellent biocompatibility and adjustable degradation rate, biodegradable and biocompatible polymers have been extensively studied as drug controlled release carriers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides semi-solid systems for delivering biologically active materials that include a polymer comprising 1) one or more units of formula Ia, IIa, or IIIa: (formula Ia, IIa, IIIa) and 2) one or more units comprising polycaprolactone; wherein R and Ra have any of the values defined in the application.