Nanoparticle Stabilization with TPGS and Cellulosic Polymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nanoparticle formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs face challenges in stability, aggregation, and bioavailability due to the use of surfactants and ionizable stabilizers, which can lead to adverse physiological effects and variability in drug delivery.

Innovation Solution

The formulation of nanoparticles comprising a poorly water-soluble drug, a poorly aqueous soluble non-ionizable cellulosic polymer with an ether- or ester-linked alkyl substituent, and tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), which stabilizes the drug and prevents aggregation, maintaining a non-crystalline form and enhancing bioavailability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If surfactants are used to stabilize nanoparticles, then nanoparticle stability is improved, but adverse physiological effects and aggregation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanoparticle stabilityVSAvoidadverse physiological effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the stabilizer by using TPGS (tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate) instead of conventional surfactants. TPGS has different physicochemical properties including being non-ionizable and having specific hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, which resolves the contradiction by providing stability without adverse physiological effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite stabilizing system combining TPGS with non-ionizable cellulosic polymers. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of both materials to achieve enhanced nanoparticle stability while avoiding the harmful effects associated with conventional surfactants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If ionizable stabilizers are used, then nanoparticle formation is improved, but agglomeration occurs in gastric environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanoparticle formationVSAvoidnanoparticle stability in gastric environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the ionization state parameter by selecting non-ionizable cellulosic polymers instead of ionizable stabilizers. This ensures that the stabilizers maintain their stabilizing function across the pH range from manufacturing to gastric environment, preventing agglomeration in the stomach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If drug is formulated as nanoparticles, then bioavailability is improved, but crystallization and aggregation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioavailabilityVSAvoiddrug crystallization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces TPGS and non-ionizable cellulosic polymers as intermediary stabilizing agents that mediate between the drug and the aqueous environment. These intermediaries prevent direct drug-crystallization by maintaining the drug in a stabilized state within the nanoparticle structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials comprising TPGS combined with non-ionizable cellulosic polymers to achieve superior drug stabilization. The composite system provides multiple mechanisms of action including steric stabilization and solubility enhancement, effectively preventing drug crystallization while maintaining bioavailability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 combination of these components results in nanoparticles that are stable, prevent crystallization, and improve bioavailability by maintaining a non-crystalline form and reducing aggregation, leading to enhanced drug delivery and tolerability.

Implementation Method 1

tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS)...stabilizes the drug and prevents aggregation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteric hindrance:

Implementation Method 2

a poorly aqueous soluble non-ionizable cellulosic polymer having an ether- or ester-linked alkyl substituent...maintaining a non-crystalline form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmorphous stabilization:

Data Source

PatentUS9545384B2Nanoparticles comprising drug, a non-ionizable cellulosic polymer and tocopheryl polyethylene glocol succinate
Publication Date: 2017.01.17 LONZA BEND INC
  • US9545384B2 patent drawing
  • US9545384B2 patent drawing
  • US9545384B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pharmaceutical composition comprises nanoparticles comprising a poorly water soluble drug, a non-ionizable cellulosic polymer, and TPGS.