Sustained Release Polymeric Matrix for Animal Breeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spermatozoa preservation systems for artificial insemination lack flexibility in timing, as they require precise synchronization with ovulation, limiting successful impregnation rates and increasing dependency on exact insemination timing.
Innovation Solution
A sustained release composition comprising non-human spermatozoa embedded in a polymeric matrix with ionically crosslinked alginate, featuring distinct mechanical strength sections to ensure prolonged release, reducing the criticality of insemination timing relative to ovulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If spermatozoa are preserved using conventional methods, then they maintain viability for a limited period, but the time of insemination must be precisely synchronized with ovulation
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix is divided into at least two sections with distinct mechanical strengths: a first section with higher mechanical strength that dissolves slowly, and a second section with lower mechanical strength that dissolves faster. This segmentation enables sustained release of spermatozoa over an extended period, providing flexibility in insemination timing while maintaining viability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the matrix have locally optimized properties - the first section has higher mechanical strength for controlled slow dissolution, while the second section has lower mechanical strength for faster dissolution. This local quality variation ensures prolonged spermatozoa release and reduces dependency on precise insemination timing.
2Duration of action of moving object
If spermatozoa are embedded in a uniform matrix, then the structure is simple, but the release duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix is segmented into multiple sections with different mechanical strengths to achieve sustained release. The first section has higher mechanical strength for slow dissolution, while the second section has lower mechanical strength for faster dissolution, extending the overall release duration without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix is composed of multiple materials or phases with different mechanical properties. This composite structure enables differentiated dissolution rates in different sections, prolonging spermatozoa release while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through the use of compatible polymeric materials.
3Reliability
If the matrix dissolves quickly, then spermatozoa are released rapidly, but the fertilization capacity is reduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix is segmented into a first section with higher mechanical strength that dissolves slowly, maintaining spermatozoa protection and fertilization capacity over time, and a second section with lower mechanical strength that dissolves faster to ensure initial release. This segmentation extends the effective time window for insemination while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix structure is designed in advance with differentiated sections to control the release timeline. The slower-dissolving first section provides prolonged protection and sustained release capability, while the faster-dissolving second section ensures adequate initial release, collectively extending the effective insemination window before ovulation.
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 composition maintains high fertilization capacity and viability for an extended period, providing flexibility in insemination timing and increasing successful impregnation rates by ensuring continuous release of spermatozoa, thus reducing the urgency of precise timing alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the matrix comprising an ionically crosslinked polymer and having at least a first and a second section with distinct mechanical strength; wherein the ionically crosslinked polymer is ionically crosslinked alginate
Implementation Method 2
By having at least two sections with distinct dissolution rate, the matrix will ensure that non-human spermatozoa are released for a prolonged period of time
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to sustained release compositions, and in particular a sustained release composition comprising spermatozoa embedded in a matrix, such as a polymeric matrix. By having at least two sections with distinct dissolution rate, the matrix will ensure that spermatozoa are released for a prolonged period of time and thus making the time of insemination relative to ovulation less critical. Further, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing the sustained release composition, container comprising the sustained release composition and use of the sustained release composition in the breeding of animals.