Shear-Thinning Hydrogel for Ocular Antibiotic Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Topical ophthalmic antibiotics do not provide extended contact time on the eye and can interfere with wound healing, while also causing vision blurring due to their formulation as eye drop solutions, suspensions, or emulsions.
Innovation Solution
A shear-thinning hydrogel composition containing antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, is developed, which is covalently crosslinked with hyaluronic acid to maintain extended contact time without blurring vision and aid in wound healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If eye drop solutions, suspensions, or emulsions are used, then the formulation is easy to administer, but the contact time on the eye is short due to rapid removal via tear turnover and gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the formulation from liquid (eye drop solution) to semi-solid (hydrogel). This parameter change allows the formulation to remain on the eye surface longer due to its gel structure, while still being easy to administer as a drop. The hydrogel maintains the ease of administration advantage while overcoming the short contact time limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite hydrogel formulation containing hyaluronic acid and carbomer polymers combined with antibiotic agents. This composite structure provides both the extended contact time characteristic of gels and the ease of administration characteristic of liquid eye drops, while also providing additional benefits such as wound healing promotion.
2Duration of action of moving object
If gels and ointments are used to extend contact time, then the contact time on the eye is increased, but vision is blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a formulation with localized properties: the hydrogel structure provides extended contact time on the ocular surface, while the specific polymer composition and concentration are optimized to maintain optical clarity. The formulation has different properties at different locations - gel-like stability on the eye surface but optical transparency in the visual path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the concentration and molecular weight parameters of the polymer components to achieve a balance between gel strength (for extended contact time) and optical transparency (for clear vision). By adjusting these parameters, the formulation maintains both extended residence time and visual clarity.
3Reliability
If topical ophthalmic antibiotics are applied to prevent and treat bacterial infection, then infection prevention and treatment is achieved, but wound healing is delayed due to interference with the wound healing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hyaluronic acid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the antibiotic and the wound healing process. Hyaluronic acid is known to promote wound healing by providing a moist environment and supporting cell migration, while the antibiotic component continues to provide infection prevention. This intermediary approach allows both functions to occur simultaneously without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining antibiotic agents with wound-healing-promoting polymers (hyaluronic acid and carbomer). This composite material provides dual functionality: the antibiotic component prevents and treats infection, while the polymer component promotes wound healing by maintaining a favorable wound environment and supporting tissue repair processes.
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 hydrogel composition effectively prevents and treats ocular infections with prolonged antibiotic contact time, ensuring clear vision and supporting wound healing without delaying the healing process.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogel is shear-thinning and comprises modified or unmodified hyaluronic acid that is covalently crosslinked
Implementation Method 2
comprises modified or unmodified hyaluronic acid that is covalently crosslinked
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating ocular diseases with antibiotics. In particular, the disclosure relates to non-blurring, antibiotic-containing hydrogel compositions that have an extended contact time on the eye and do not interfere with wound healing.