Therapeutic Coating Microparticle Precipitation on Grafted Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative methods to apply coatings comprising therapeutic agents to the surfaces of medical devices, as existing methods are inadequate for effectively delivering therapeutic agents at the site of implantation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the precipitation of therapeutic agents from a hydrophilic polymeric base layer, which is grafted to the surface, forming a layer of microparticles, optionally with a hydrophobic top layer, to create a coating that can be applied to medical devices for enhanced therapeutic delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If therapeutic agents are applied to device surfaces using existing methods, then the device can be implanted into the body, but the therapeutic agents are not effectively delivered at the site of implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is segmented into multiple functional layers: a hydrophilic polymeric base layer grafted to the device surface, a middle layer comprising microparticles of therapeutic agent precipitated from the base layer, and optionally a hydrophobic polymeric top layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the base layer provides adhesion and controlled release, the middle layer contains the therapeutic agent, and the top layer provides protection and sustained release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical and chemical parameters to achieve effective therapeutic delivery. The hydrophilic polymeric base layer is grafted to the surface through changes in polymer conformation and binding strength. The therapeutic agent is precipitated from the base layer by controlling solubility parameters, creating microparticles with controlled size and distribution. The optional hydrophobic top layer provides an additional barrier layer that modifies the release parameters of the therapeutic agent.
2Reliability
If a coating with therapeutic agents is applied to device surfaces, then therapeutic effects are enhanced, but the coating may interfere with the primary function of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The coating system applies local quality by concentrating the therapeutic agent in specific microparticles within the middle layer, while the base layer and top layer provide localized functional properties - adhesion to the device surface and protection/sustained release, respectively. This ensures that the therapeutic agent is delivered precisely where needed without interfering with the overall device function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic polymeric base layer acts as an intermediary between the device surface and the therapeutic agent. It provides a controlled interface that allows the therapeutic agent to be delivered effectively while maintaining compatibility with the device surface. The optional hydrophobic top layer serves as another intermediary layer that controls the release kinetics and protects the underlying layers without interfering with device function.
3Duration of action of moving object
If therapeutic agents are complexed with hydrophilic polymeric base layer and precipitated to form microparticles, then controlled and sustained release is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coating system achieves continuous and sustained release of the therapeutic agent through the multi-layer structure. The hydrophilic base layer continuously provides controlled release, the middle layer with microparticles maintains steady-state diffusion, and the optional hydrophobic top layer extends the release duration by providing an additional diffusion barrier. This continuity of useful action ensures prolonged therapeutic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the form of a multi-layer coating system combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers with therapeutic agent microparticles. This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of different materials - the hydrophilic base layer provides adhesion and initial release, the therapeutic agent microparticles provide the active substance, and the hydrophobic top layer provides sustained release and protection, achieving controlled release without excessive process complexity.
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
This method allows for a controlled and sustained release of therapeutic agents, ensuring robust adhesion and homogeneous distribution on medical device surfaces, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effects while maintaining the primary function of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic polymeric base layer grafted to the surface
Implementation Method 2
the therapeutic agent has been complexed with the hydrophilic polymeric base layer
Implementation Method 3
precipitating the therapeutic agent from a hydrophilic polymeric base layer that has been grafted to the surface, thus forming a layer comprising microparticles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a surface with a therapeutic agent is disclosed. The method comprises precipitating a therapeutic agent from a hydrophilic polymeric base layer with which the therapeutic agent has been complexed, to form a layer comprising microparticles of the therapeutic agent on the hydrophilic polymeric base layer, the hydrophilic polymeric base layer being grafted to the surface. Devices comprising a surface having a hydrophilic polymeric base layer comprising a hydrophilic polymer grafted to the surface and a layer comprising microparticles of a therapeutic agent disposed on and complexed with the hydrophilic polymeric base layer are also disclosed.