Supported Nitrite Compositions for Stable Nitric Oxide Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing nitric oxide (NO) are energy-intensive and require immediate use, limiting their application in treatments due to the unstable nature of NO, which can lead to undesirable by-products and rapid depletion.
Innovation Solution
Development of nitric oxide generating compositions in inactive forms, such as powders or solids, that combine nitrite components with acidifying agents using support materials to minimize NO production until activation with a solvent, allowing controlled and stable NO release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nitric oxide is produced using existing methods, then nitric oxide can be generated for treatment, but the production is energy-intensive and requires immediate use due to rapid depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing nitrite-containing compositions in advance in stable, inactive forms (powders or solids) that do not immediately produce nitric oxide. These pre-prepared compositions can be stored and then activated on-demand by adding an acidifying agent, eliminating the need for energy-intensive immediate production and allowing controlled delivery timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state parameters of nitric oxide from its unstable gaseous form to stable solid precursors (nitrite salts). This parameter change allows the substance to be stored in a stable form and converted to active nitric oxide only when needed through chemical reaction with acidifying agents, reducing energy consumption and enabling controlled delivery.
2Duration of action of moving object
If nitric oxide is produced in advance, then treatment can be prepared ahead of time, but nitric oxide depletes rapidly and forms undesirable by-products due to its instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nitric oxide delivery system into two separate components: a stable nitrite-containing composition and an acidifying agent. These segments are kept separate in stable forms and only combined when nitric oxide is needed. This segmentation prevents premature decomposition and by-product formation while maintaining long-term stability of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nitrite salts as an intermediary substance that can be stored stably and converted to nitric oxide when needed. This intermediary form (nitrite) is much more stable than gaseous nitric oxide but can be readily converted to active NO through acidification, serving as a stable reservoir that prevents both rapid depletion and by-product formation.
3Loss of time
If nitric oxide is produced immediately, then treatment can be administered without delay, but the unstable nature of NO limits its application and requires immediate use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing stable nitrite-containing compositions in advance that can be stored without degradation. These pre-prepared compositions ensure reliable availability of the active ingredient while maintaining stability for extended periods, eliminating the need for immediate production and enabling reliable treatment delivery when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stable nitrite salts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between long-term storage needs and immediate treatment requirements. The nitrite intermediary maintains reliability through stable storage while enabling rapid activation to produce nitric oxide on-demand, solving both the time delay and reliability concerns.
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
Enables controlled and stable production of NO for therapeutic applications, maintaining stability for extended periods and facilitating delayed activation for targeted use, reducing the risk of by-products and ensuring effective treatment delivery.
Implementation Method 1
combine nitrite components with acidifying agents using support materials to minimize NO production until activation with a solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Nitric oxide (NO) generating compositions can include a nitrite component, an acidifying component, and a support material configured to carry one of the nitrite component and the acidifying agent. In some examples, the support material can minimize NO generation prior to addition of an activating amount of a suitable solvent.