Hydrogel for in-vivo directional release of medication

Abstract

The invention provides a hydrogel for in-vivo release of medication comprising at least one medication, wherein the surface of the hydrogel comprises a coating such that the surface has one or more sub-surfaces with permeability that is at least 2× higher than the average permeability of the entire surface, wherein the hydrogel has an elastic modulus of between 50 and 1000 kPa.

1 . A hydrogel for in-vivo release of medication comprising at least one medication in the form of a small molecule, wherein the hydrogel has a surface and the surface of the hydrogel comprises a coating that is composed of a material that is less permeable to the medication than the material of the hydrogel itself such that the surface has one or more sub-surfaces with permeability that is at least 2× higher than the average permeability of the entire surface, wherein the hydrogel has an elastic modulus of between 50 and 1000 kPa. 
     
     
         2 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , the hydrogel has an elastic modulus of between 100 and 600 kPa. 
     
     
         3 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , having a degree of swelling in the range of 2-20 calculated as (swollen weight−dry weight)/dry weight. 
     
     
         4 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , comprising a cross-linked biopolymer. 
     
     
         5 . The hydrogel of  claim 4 , wherein the cross-linked biopolymer is a protein-based and/or polysaccharide-based polymer. 
     
     
         6 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , wherein between 10 and 90% of the surface is covered by the coating. 
     
     
         7 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , wherein the coating has a thickness between 10 nm to 200 μm. 
     
     
         8 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is based on a biodegradable polymer. 
     
     
         9 . A method for the preparation of the hydrogel of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is comprised of a precursor material and some of the precursor material to the coating is allowed to partially diffuse into the hydrogel. 
     
     
         10 . The hydrogel according to  claim 1  for use in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. 
     
     
         11 . The hydrogel of  claim 2 , having a degree of swelling in the range of 2-20 calculated as (swollen weight−dry weight)/dry weight. 
     
     
         12 . The hydrogel of  claim 2 , comprising a cross-linked biopolymer. 
     
     
         13 . The hydrogel of  claim 3 , comprising a cross-linked biopolymer. 
     
     
         14 . The hydrogel of  claim 11 , comprising a cross-linked biopolymer. 
     
     
         15 . The hydrogel of  claim 12 , wherein the cross-linked biopolymer is a protein-based and/or polysaccharide-based polymer selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, chitosan, cellulose, gelatin, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The hydrogel of  claim 13 , wherein the cross-linked biopolymer is a protein-based and/or polysaccharide-based polymer selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, chitosan, cellulose, gelatin, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The hydrogel of  claim 4 , wherein the cross-linked biopolymer is gelatin. 
     
     
         18 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , wherein between 20 and 80% of the surface is covered by the coating, optionally wherein between 30 and 70% of the surface is covered by the coating. 
     
     
         19 . The hydrogel of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is selected from the group consisting of PLGA, PCL, gelatin, alginate, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The hydrogel according to  claim 1  for use in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders for treatment of infection, inflammation, malignant processes, growth disorders, degenerative disorders, treatment of pain arising from said disorders, or treatment of pain arising from surgical treatment of said disorders.