Zeolite Nitric Oxide Adsorbent for Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery of nitric oxide (NO) to specific biological sites in both medical and biotechnological applications is challenging due to its gaseous state, leading to systemic effects, toxicity, and difficulties in controlled release, with existing methods either distributing NO throughout the body, causing side effects, or requiring complex and costly multi-step processes.
Innovation Solution
Zeolites are used to adsorb and store nitric oxide, with the ability to control the amount and rate of release by varying the extra-framework cations and zeolite structure, allowing for targeted and controlled delivery of NO through exposure to moisture or air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nitric oxide is delivered as a gas to achieve therapeutic effects, then the therapeutic benefit is improved, but systemic distribution and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses zeolites as intermediary carriers to adsorb and store nitric oxide, then release it in a controlled manner at the target site. The zeolite acts as a mediator between the NO source and the biological target, enabling localized delivery while preventing systemic distribution and reducing toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous zeolite materials with specific pore structures to adsorb and contain nitric oxide. The porous structure allows for controlled release of NO through diffusion and adsorption-desorption mechanisms, enabling sustained local delivery while preventing rapid systemic distribution.
2Productivity
If nitric oxide is released rapidly to achieve immediate therapeutic effect, then the efficacy is improved, but control and selectivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic adsorption-desorption properties of zeolites to control NO release. The release rate can be dynamically adjusted by modifying zeolite properties (particle size, pore structure, cation composition) and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), enabling both rapid and sustained release as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves controlled release by changing physical and chemical parameters of the zeolite system, including particle size distribution, pore diameter, cation type and concentration, and environmental conditions. These parameter changes allow tuning of the release kinetics to match therapeutic requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional NO delivery methods are used to achieve therapeutic levels, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the complexity and cost of the process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs zeolite particles as simple, inexpensive, single-use delivery vehicles. The zeolites can be loaded with NO, applied to the target site, and then discarded after release, eliminating the need for complex retrieval or regeneration systems while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite systems by combining zeolite materials with nitric oxide, forming a simple yet effective delivery system. The composite nature of the NO-loaded zeolite provides both the therapeutic agent and the controlled release mechanism in a single integrated system.
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 enables precise and controlled release of nitric oxide, reducing systemic effects and toxicity, while being stable for storage and potentially applicable in therapeutic, cosmetic, and hygiene applications.
Implementation Method 1
The delivery of nitric oxide to the skin may also have therapeutic benefits... Zeolites are used to adsorb and store nitric oxide
Data Source
AI summary
There is described zeolites containing releasably adsorbed nitric oxide, methods of preparing the zeolites, methods of releasing the nitric oxide into a solution or into air and uses of the zeolites in therapy.