Highly porous recognitive polymer systems for controlled release of active agents

The invention is a porous, recognitive polymeric hydrogel system that releases active agents, like insulin, in response to specific triggers such as glucose. It uses methacrylic acid and sodium chloride to create a matrix that swells, cracks, or dissolves under low water or humidity conditions.

Background

The challenge of delivering active agents in a controlled and responsive manner is a significant issue in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer products. Traditional delivery systems often fail to provide precise control over the release of active agents, especially in environments with low moisture or humidity. These systems typically rely on passive diffusion or simple degradation mechanisms, which can lead to inconsistent release rates and reduced efficacy.

Moreover, existing smart delivery systems that respond to specific stimuli, such as pH or temperature changes, often require the presence of a solvent to trigger the release, limiting their applicability in dry conditions. Additionally, the need for high specificity in recognizing target molecules in complex biological or environmental media poses a further challenge.

The development of highly porous, recognitive polymer matrices that can effectively dissociate and release active agents in response to minimal moisture or specific analytes remains an unmet need, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance the responsiveness and efficiency of these delivery systems.

Technology description

The technology described involves a composition that integrates one or more active agents within a recognitive polymeric matrix. This matrix is constructed from polymerized methacrylic acid, forming a hydrogel structure that includes a porosigen such as sodium chloride, which makes up 20% to 90% of the composition by weight. The matrix also contains a recognitive molecule that binds to a specific agent, triggering the hydrogel to release the embedded active agents.

The hydrogel is designed to be porous and swellable, capable of dissociating under conditions of low water or humidity. This dissociation can occur due to osmosis, changes in solubility, or local temperature variations, leading to swelling, cracking, or dissolution of the polymer network. The matrix can be molded into various shapes, such as spheres, films, or layers, each capable of recognizing different agents and controlling the release of different substances.

The technology is differentiated by its ability to respond to specific environmental triggers, such as low humidity or the presence of a particular molecule, to control the release of active agents. This is achieved using a recognitive molecule embedded within a highly porous, swellable hydrogel matrix. The inclusion of a porosigen like sodium chloride significantly enhances the surface area and porosity of the hydrogel, allowing for faster and more efficient recognition and release of the active agents. This level of control and specificity in the release mechanism is particularly beneficial for applications requiring precise delivery of pharmaceuticals, medical agents, or other active substances, making it a versatile and advanced solution in the field of controlled release systems.

Benefits

Controlled release of active agents
Recognition of specific agents
Porous and swellable hydrogel structure
Adaptable to various shapes and forms
Responsive to environmental conditions such as humidity, water, and temperature
Potential for multiple applications including pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics
Enhanced surface area due to porosigen presence
Faster recognition and release with low analyte concentration