Composition for topical substance delivery

Abstract

A polymerized hydrogel composition for hydrating or dehydrating a surface, particularly a dermatological surface, to which it is applied and a method for forming the composition. The composition is comprised of a mixture of two polymerizable materials, a two-part redox catalyst system and a two-part polymerization medium. The percentage by weight of each element in the composition may be varied within stated percentage ranges and depending to the desired application. The rate at which hydration or dehydration occurs may be controllably altered by varying the percentages of certain of the composition elements and by adding either or both of a fibrous filler material and a humectant to the composition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 580,679, filed on May 30, 2000, also filed as PCT / US01 / 15462 on May 11, 2001.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The subject invention relates generally to the delivery of moisture to and removal of moisture from a dermatological surface, and, more particularly, to a composition for providing soluble medicaments and moisture to such surfaces. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The ability to provide a controlled, variable release of soluble medicaments or aqueous substances in a topical manner is desirable for treating a variety of diseases and ailments. For example, the general aging of the population is accompanied by a concomitant increase in the number of cases of dry mouth, also referred to as xerostomia. This is a condition in which salivary flow is either decreased or undergoes a compositional change. Not only is this affliction irritating, it can also aggravate probl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Still a further objective of this invention is to provide a composition for use in implanted hormone or other types of therapy wherein the composition could release medical materials over a prolonged period of time at a controlled rate.

[0019] Yet an additional objective of this invention is to provide a method for controllably varying the moisture release and the moisture absorption rates of a composition used in hydrating and dehydrating a surface by adding fibrous filler material to the composition.

[0020] It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide a composition which resists cracking, tearing and crumbling.

[0021] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the amount of cracking, tearing and crumbling which occur while using the composition.

[0022] Still another objective of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the rate and quantity of absorption and desorption of fluid from a hydrogel composition by infusing a humectant into the composition.

[0023] A further objective of this invention is to provide a method for increasing the efficiency of polymerization of a hydrogel composition.

Problems solved by technology

Not only is this affliction irritating, it can also aggravate problems involving swallowing and speaking and may even lead to increased tooth decay.

In the elderly xerostomia is particular dangerous since it may interfere with eating and result in malnutrition.

Furthermore, although it is known to have syringe applicators or encapsulated sponges for delivering medicaments or moisture, compositions used for the purpose of topical delivery of medicament generally do not typically exhibit any hydrodynamic properties which would enhance their delivery capability.

Moreover, such compositions cannot provide the dual function of both delivering fluids to and removing them from a chosen site as desired.

First, the delivery system must be biocompatible since it can be used inside body cavities such as the mouth or elsewhere in direct contact with the skin.

This point is particularly important since, due to dryness, the mouth may be prone to infection and is likely to be highly sensitive.

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