Thermo-responsive Hydrogel for Topical Antifungal Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antifungal treatments for fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida species, are limited by side effects, toxicity, and the emergence of resistant strains, necessitating a new therapeutic strategy for local fungal infections.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a thermo-responsive hydrogel with non-pathogenic viable bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, that secretes antifungal agents, which is applied topically to inhibit fungal growth by transitioning from a low viscosity to a high viscosity state upon skin contact, providing a sustained release of therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antifungal treatments (Amphotericin B, Azoles) are used, then fungal infections can be treated, but significant side effects and toxicity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies antifungal agents locally through topical application rather than systemically. The hydrogel formulation delivers antifungal bacteria and their products directly to the infection site, concentrating the therapeutic effect locally and minimizing systemic absorption and associated toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs living bacteria that autonomously produce antifungal agents. The bacteria self-regulate their antifungal product synthesis based on environmental cues, eliminating the need for exogenous antifungal drug administration and reducing the harmful effects associated with conventional antifungal medications.
2Reliability
If conventional antifungal treatments are used, then fungal infections can be treated, but resistant strains emerge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dynamic, adaptive antifungal mechanisms where bacteria produce antifungal products in response to environmental stimuli and fungal presence. This dynamic response allows the treatment to adapt to resistant strains and maintain efficacy over time, unlike static conventional antifungal drugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The living bacteria continuously produce antifungal agents throughout the treatment period, providing sustained therapeutic action. This continuous production mechanism helps prevent the emergence of resistant strains by maintaining constant pressure on the fungal population without the selective pressure spikes associated with conventional drug cycling.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a hydrogel formulation is used for topical application, then sustained release of therapeutic agents is achieved, but the formulation must transition from low viscosity to high viscosity state
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel formulation utilizes temperature-induced parameter changes in the polymer structure to control viscosity. At application temperature (body temperature), the hydrogel transitions from low viscosity for easy application to high viscosity for sustained release, automatically adapting to the physiological environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transition of the hydrogel polymer chains from a disordered low-viscosity state at lower temperatures to an ordered high-viscosity gel state at body temperature. This phase transition occurs spontaneously upon application, providing both ease of application and sustained release without requiring external intervention.
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 hydrogel effectively inhibits fungal growth by maintaining a stable shield on the skin, reducing fungal load and minimizing side effects, while the bacteria continuously produce antifungal agents, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A kit comprising a thermo-responsive hydrogel with non-pathogenic viable bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, that secretes antifungal agents, which is applied topically to inhibit fungal growth by transitioning from a low viscosity to a high viscosity state upon skin contact
Data Source
AI summary
Kits and composition comprising: (i) a thermo-responsive hydrogel characterized by a viscosity suitable for hardening after administration on a subject's skin; (ii) a bacterial growth medium; and optionally, (iii) a population of non-pathogenic viable bacteria, are provided. Methods for topically delivering a therapeutic or cosmeceutical agent such as for inhibiting or reducing growth of microorganisms on a subject's skin are further provided.