Solidified Particles Preserve Biomolecule Conformation in Organic Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting pharmaceutical or biological molecules from organic solvents often result in the alteration of their primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure, leading to a loss of function, particularly during processes like extrusion and 3D printing where solvent exposure is unavoidable.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a target pharmaceutical or biological agent and a substrate that can be solidified through cross-linking, vitrification, or crystallization, forming particles that are either non-swellable or poorly swellable in the solvent, thereby maintaining the agent's conformation and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If therapeutic agents are incorporated into compositions with immiscible phases to protect from organic solvents, then protection from solvent damage is improved, but the interface between phases can be detrimental to the therapeutic agent and alter its function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layered protective structure where the therapeutic agent is first encapsulated within an inner phase (aqueous or organic), which is then surrounded by an outer immiscible phase. This nested configuration creates multiple barriers between the solvent and the therapeutic agent, reducing direct exposure while minimizing harmful interface contact. The inner phase acts as a primary protective shell, and the outer phase provides additional solvent resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite material systems combining immiscible phases with specific interfacial properties. By selecting compatible phase combinations and controlling interfacial tension through surfactants or surface-modified particles, the system achieves both solvent protection and therapeutic agent stability. The composite structure allows optimization of each phase's properties to complement rather than compromise the other.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If particles are made non-swellable to prevent solvent penetration, then protection from solvent is improved, but the particles show increased rigidity and may be more susceptible to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different regions of the particle system. The core or inner phase maintains a structure optimized for protecting the therapeutic agent (potentially more rigid), while the outer shell or matrix is designed with enhanced mechanical toughness and flexibility. This local differentiation allows the particle to resist both solvent penetration and mechanical stress without compromising either protection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite particle structures where materials with complementary mechanical properties are combined. A rigid inner core provides solvent barrier functionality, while a more flexible outer matrix provides mechanical resilience. The interfacial bonding between these composite materials is optimized to prevent stress concentration, thereby maintaining overall particle integrity under mechanical stress while preserving solvent protection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the substrate is solidified through cross-linking to maintain structure, then structural integrity is improved, but the cross-linking process may alter the conformation of the pharmaceutical or biological agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the structural support function from the therapeutic agent containment function. The cross-linked substrate forms a rigid skeletal framework that provides overall structural integrity, while the therapeutic agent is encapsulated within protected compartments or pores within this framework. This segmentation allows the cross-linking process to stabilize the matrix without directly exposing or altering the conformation of the therapeutic agent, as the agent resides in protected micro-environments within the cross-linked structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary protective layers or buffering materials between the cross-linking substrate and the therapeutic agent. These intermediaries (such as surfactants, protective polymers, or buffer solutions) absorb or mitigate the effects of cross-linking reagents and structural changes, preventing direct interaction between the cross-linking process and the therapeutic agent. This mediator layer allows structural stabilization while preserving agent conformation.
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 described composition effectively protects pharmaceutical or biological agents from organic solvents, ensuring their native structure and activity are preserved, even in environments where solvent exposure is prolonged, such as during extrusion and 3D printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the solidification process causes the substance to become physically or chemically cross-linked
Implementation Method 2
the solidification process causes the substance to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized
Implementation Method 3
the solidification process causes the substance to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized
Implementation Method 4
The particles are either non-swellable or poorly swellable in the solvent from which protection is desired
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ink composition includes a liquid phase and particles suspended in the liquid phase, the particles containing a target pharmaceutical or biological agent. The biological activity of the target pharmaceutical or biological agent is preserved upon suspension of the particles in the liquid phase. The liquid phase is capable of solidifying via a solidification process.