Targeted ZIF Nanoparticles for Permanent Non-Surgical Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical and chemical methods for spaying and neutering animals are associated with risks such as hemorrhage, tetanus, and temporary infertility, while non-surgical methods lack effective alternatives.
Innovation Solution
Development of nanoparticles comprising a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) cage encapsulating an active agent, a surface modifying agent, and a targeting ligand, which are administered to target reproductive hormones or receptors to induce apoptosis or inhibit hormone secretion, thereby achieving non-surgical sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical methods (scalpel, Burdizzo castrator, banders, elastrator band) are used for spaying and neutering, then sterilization is achieved, but risk of hemorrhage and tetanus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical methods (scalpel, Burdizzo castrator, banders, elastrator band) with a chemical/nanoparticle-based system. The nanoparticles deliver active agents that induce apoptosis in gonadal tissue, eliminating the need for physical cutting, crushing, or constriction that causes hemorrhage and tetanus risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nanoparticles as an intermediary carrier system that delivers active agents (such as ribosome-inactivating proteins or apoptosis-inducing compounds) to target gonadal tissue. This intermediary approach allows for controlled chemical action without direct mechanical intervention, reducing harmful side effects.
2Duration of action of moving object
If chemical implants (deslorelin) are used for non-surgical neutering, then testicular function is suppressed for extended periods, but fertility returns once the implant effect wears off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of action mechanism from reversible hormonal suppression to irreversible cellular destruction. The nanoparticles deliver agents that induce apoptosis in germ cells and Sertoli cells, permanently destroying testicular function rather than temporarily suppressing it through hormone regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs targeting ligands on the nanoparticle surface that specifically recognize and bind to receptors in gonadal tissue (such as LH receptors in Leydig cells or FSH receptors in Sertoli cells). This localized targeting ensures the active agents are delivered specifically to testicular or ovarian tissue, enabling permanent sterilization without systemic hormonal effects.
3Reliability
If nanoparticles with targeting ligands are used for non-surgical sterilization, then permanent sterilization with high efficacy is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite nanoparticle structures combining multiple functional components: a core material (such as polymeric or inorganic nanoparticle), surface-modifying agents for stability and biocompatibility, and targeting ligands for specific gonadal tissue recognition. This composite approach integrates multiple functions into a single administered entity, managing complexity through functional integration.
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 nanoparticles effectively degrade ovarian follicles or testes, leading to permanent sterilization with high efficacy, as demonstrated by at least 80-100% degeneration of target tissues, and can be administered via various routes.
Implementation Method 1
The nanoparticles for non-surgical sterilization contains a cage, such as a zeolitic imidazolate framework ('ZIF'), a surface modifying agent, a targeting ligand, and an active agent. The cage is a 3-dimensional structure that contains an opening for encapsulating a substance therein.
Implementation Method 2
The targeting ligand binds to a reproductive hormone or a receptor of a reproductive hormone, such as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone ('GnRH') agonist, a follicle stimulating hormone ('FSH') receptor agonist, or a combination thereof.
Implementation Method 3
The active agent is encapsulated in the cage. Typically, the surface modifying ligand is attached to the outer surface of the ZIF and the targeting ligand is exposed to the surrounding environment. The active agent is encapsulated in the ZIF.
Data Source
AI summary
Nanoparticles and formulations for non-surgical sterilization are disclosed herein. The nanoparticles for non-surgical sterilization contains a cage, such as a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”), a surface modifying agent, a targeting ligand, and an active agent. The surface modifying agent is attached to the outer surface of the cage and the targeting ligand is exposed to the surrounding environment. The active agent is encapsulated in the cage. The targeting ligand binds to a reproductive hormone or a receptor of a reproductive hormone. The active agents can be a ribosome inactivating protein, an apoptosis inducer, a hormone, a receptor ligand, or a nucleic acid, or a combination thereof, that inactivates the ovaries or testes. Uses for the nanoparticles and formulations incorporating the nanoparticles for sterilizing a subject in need thereof are also disclosed.