Solid Drug Matrix Gel for Implantable Sustained Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery systems using gel compositions face risks due to the storage of drugs in large volumes or high concentrations, which can lead to structural failures or punctures, resulting in unsafe drug release when implanted in patients.
Innovation Solution
A gel composition comprising first and second gel-forming moieties that bind reversibly to form a three-dimensional matrix sensitive to analyte levels, allowing for controlled release of a solid drug, eliminating the need for a large reservoir and reducing the risk of accidental drug release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drug is stored in large volume or high concentration in a reservoir, then diffusion gradient and effective dose rate are maintained, but risk of structural failure and unsafe drug release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the drug from dissolved (in reservoir systems) to solid form (embedded in gel matrix). This parameter change allows the drug to be stored in high concentration without requiring a large reservoir volume, thereby maintaining effective dose rate while reducing the risk associated with large volumes of liquid drug that could cause unsafe release upon structural failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by embedding solid drug particles within the gel matrix. The solid drug remains in particulate form throughout the delivery process, transitioning only to dissolved state upon release. This phase transition approach eliminates the need for a liquid reservoir, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure while maintaining sustained release through controlled dissolution.
2Volume of stationary object
If drug is stored as solid in gel matrix, then drug density is increased and gel size can be reduced, but drug release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanism where the solid drug particles are embedded within the gel matrix and release through natural dissolution driven by concentration gradients. The gel matrix itself provides the release mechanism through its swelling and shrinking in response to analyte levels, eliminating the need for additional complex release mechanisms while achieving high drug density in a compact size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gel binding is sensitive to analyte levels, then controlled drug release is achieved, but gel structure stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gel structure that responds to analyte levels by reversibly changing its binding characteristics. The gel matrix maintains structural integrity while its mesh size and porosity dynamically adjust in response to analyte-induced conformational changes, allowing controlled drug release without compromising overall structural stability. The solid drug particles benefit from this dynamic adjustment as their release rate is modulated by the gel's structural changes.
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 system maintains sensitivity to analytes, enabling predictable drug release comparable to traditional systems, with reduced risk of unsafe drug doses due to the absence of a liquid reservoir, and minimizes patient discomfort by extending the duration between refills.
Implementation Method 1
first and second gel forming moieties which bind reversibly to one another to form a three dimensional matrix, said binding being sensitive to the level of an analyte
Implementation Method 2
a drug in the form of a solid contained in the three dimensional matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gel having a three dimensional matrix structure and a drug in the form of a solid contained within the three dimensional matrix. Gels of the invention are preferably for implantation into a patient. Storing the drug as a solid within the gel means that the drug density is high in those areas of the gel which contain solid drug. The high drug density means that a larger amount of drug can be stored in a gel of a given size relative to the amount of drug that can be stored as individual molecules. The large deposit of solid drug means that the gel can sustain release of the drug for an extended period of time. This is advantageous because it minimises the frequency of replacement or replenishment of the implanted gel, thereby minimising discomfort and inconvenience to the patient.