Devices and methods for transdermal delivery of gases

Abstract

In detail, the goal is to deliver CO2 gas to the shallow depths of the skin over a long period of time with minimal side effects. [Solution] The present invention relates to a device (10) for transdermal delivery of gas to a user's target surface (20). The device includes a gas source assembly (100) for supplying the gas and an applicator head (200) fluidly connected to the gas source assembly (100), the applicator head (200) including an ultrasonic generator (210) for generating ultrasonic waves to induce cavitation in a liquid (L) and to activate bubbles for collapse, the working surface (201) of the applicator head (200) facing the user's target surface (20) is provided with holes (230) for releasing the gas supplied from the gas source assembly (100).

Description

[[TECHNICAL FIELD]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transdermal delivery (epithelial and deeper delivery) of a gas, in particular a gas for cosmetic use, such as CO2, to a user's target surface via a liquid applied onto the target surface. The present invention also relates to a method for transdermal delivery of a gas for cosmetic use to a user's target surface. [[BACKGROUND ART]]

[0002] Dark circles under the eyes are one of consumers' biggest concerns and remain an unsolved problem. Currently, at-home solutions only include cosmetic products, which are not completely satisfactory. On the other hand, more invasive procedures do exist, but they have to be performed in a clinic. Carboxytherapy is a medical treatment that has been successfully and widely used in various fields of medicine. The carboxytherapy consists of injecting CO2 into the dermis, and has demonstrated a very high performance in facial anti-aging, particularly in reducing dark circles. In fact, dark circles result from various factors including deep facial structures (skin capillary network), contributing factors from the skin (excessive pigmentation), and aggravating factors such as soft tissue changes (shadows caused by thin skin and skin laxity), which makes this problem very difficult to address. CO2 injection provides many benefits that are well suited to this multifactorial problem: it brings about oxygenation, improves microcirculation, and stimulates collagen. The clinically observed cosmetic effects are improvement of pigmentation of dark circles under the eyes and brightening of the periorbital area.

[0003] Examples of prior art that are at least partially related to the techniques disclosed herein are as follows: Patent Document 1 (PLUM SYSTEMS CO et al.) describes "Apparatus and method for tissue rejuvenation." Patent Document 2 (JIANGSU XUYIN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD) describes "Health and skin beauty management method." Patent Document 3 (KIM CHAN CHOO) describes "Face mask box, oxygen injector, and face mask kit comprising both." Patent Document 4 (KANG EUN HEE) describes "Apparatus and medical procedure for cellulite improving." Patent Document 5 (BEAUTYGUN SL) describes "Device for the administration of a cosmetic product, corresponding process and container." Patent Document 6 (COSMEDICIAN CO LTD) describes "Method for producing carbonated cosmetics using liquid absorbent-based supercritical carbon dioxide." Patent document 7 (SYNERON MEDICAL LTD) describes a "high power ultrasound transducer." Patent document 8 (UNIV SOUTHAMPTON) describes a "cleaning apparatus and method." Patent document 9 (UNIV SOUTHAMPTON) describes a "cleaning apparatus and method using an acoustic transducer." Patent document 10 (SLOAN WATER TECH LIMITED) describes "cleaning, healing and regeneration of tissue and wounds."Patent document 11 (FRAUNHOFER GES FORSCHUNG et al.) describes an "Ultrasonic cleaning method and apparatus." Patent document 12 (IMEC INTER UNI MICRO ELECTR et al.) describes a "Method and apparatus for controlled transient cavitation." Patent document 13 (SHANGHAI VANOO LASER TECH CO LTD) describes a "Utilize ultrasonic wave and hydrologic cycle technique to be used for a clean and clear device of creating skin." Patent document 14 (GONZALO DE FRANCISCO OSCAR et al.) describes a "Method and device for ultrasonic cleaning." Patent document 15 (LEE YOUNG SU) describes a "Skin care apparatus of using microbubbles." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 142970 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109893752 Specification [Patent Document 3] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110742813 Specification [Patent Document 4] Korean Patent No. 102088837 Specification [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 3295993 [Patent Document 6] Korean Patent No. 101463759 Specification [Patent Document 7] European Patent Application Publication No. 2317928 [Patent Document 8] European Patent Application Publication No. 2470310 [Patent Document 9] European Patent Application Publication No. 3294469 [Patent Document 10] European Patent Application Publication No. 3634643 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013019893 [Patent Document 12] European Patent Application Publication No. 1645342 [Patent Document 13] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 206995178 Specification [Patent Document 14] Spanish Patent Application Publication No. 2708149 [Patent Document 15] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 20110083239 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is, in particular, to deliver CO2 gas to the shallow depths of the skin over a long period of time with minimal side effects, although it may be delivered to deeper depths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In this invention, a novel device is proposed that uses carbon dioxide to reduce dark circles, and address cellulite, lipolysis, stretch marks, scar resurfacing, wrinkles, fine lines, hair loss, etc. The device is designed to deliver CO2 or any other active gas contained in a cylinder to shallow depths of the skin, specifically from the stratum corneum to the upper epidermal layer, without pain. Ultrasonic cavitation is a well-known method of transdermal delivery, and the formation of microbubbles and cavitation represent a new application of ultrasound. The device consists of a carbon dioxide tank, a regulator for reducing / adjusting the pressure of the CO2 gas, a valve for controlling the CO2 gas flow, a transducer for generating ultrasound, and an applicator head unit coupled to the transducer. The device is used with a liquid, specifically a fluid agent, to create CO2 bubbles and cause them to form bubbles in the medium. The CO2 gas released into the fluid agent is carried out through the holes in the applicator surface connected to the CO2 gas cylinder and valve. A suitable solution will likely be required to create microbubbles on the skin.

[0007] In ultrasonic cavitation, lower frequencies allow bubbles more time to grow larger during the expansion cycle, resulting in more violent collapse during the compression cycle. This violent collapse of cavitation bubbles generates shock waves in the liquid and microjet near the boundary. These microjet create microchannels, which can enhance the diffusion of various cosmetic actives and carbon dioxide or the gas itself within the skin, particularly in the uppermost layers of the skin.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a device for transdermal delivery of a gas to a target surface applied to the target surface by a user, as described below. Specifically, the device includes a gas source assembly for supplying the gas and an applicator head portion fluidly connected to the gas source assembly, the applicator head portion including an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves in the liquid to induce cavitation and activate bubbles to collapse, the applicator head portion including an operating surface that faces the user's target surface, the operating surface having holes for releasing the gas supplied from the gas source assembly. The device may be for transdermal delivery of gas for cosmetic purposes, but it may also be for medical purposes.

[0009] According to the device of the present invention, the gas for cosmetic applications is supplied to the user's target surface in the form of bubbles, and these bubbles are then collapsed under ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator. This allows the gas for cosmetic applications to be successfully delivered transdermally without using any invasive methods.

[0010] The present invention comprises the steps of (i) applying a liquid to a target surface of the user, (ii) supplying a bubble-like gas to the liquid applied to the target surface, and (iii) applying ultrasonic waves to the bubbles to collapse them. The invention further provides methods for transcutaneous delivery of gases to a user's target surface, including the following:

[0011] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas may be CO2. The CO2 delivered transcutaneously is expected to result in improved blood circulation and oxygenation related to the user's target surface.

[0012] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include one or more internal passages that fluidly connect the gas source assembly and the bore portion of the applicator head.

[0013] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas source assembly may comprise a gas source and a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure and flow of gas supplied from the gas source. The gas source may be a gas cartridge. According to the device of the present invention, the use of a gas cartridge allows the device to be made sufficiently compact and portable for a user to handle it.

[0014] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas in the gas cartridge may have a pressure higher than 50 atm, and the gas after the pressure regulator may have a pressure from 1 atm to 10 atm.

[0015] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas source assembly may comprise a valve for controlling the amount of gas supplied from the gas source assembly.

[0016] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator have a frequency from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, 100 mW / cm 2 to 1 W / cm 2 may have an energy level of up to and a duty cycle from 10% to 100%.

[0017] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holes in the applicator head portion may have a diameter from 10 μm to 100 μm.

[0018] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holes in the applicator head portion may be arranged in a circle and surround the ultrasonic generator. In some variations, the ultrasonic generator can be arranged behind or separately from the applicator head portion, and the holes can be arranged in a circle regardless of the position of the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the holes may be arranged in other configurations.

[0019] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include a controller that is electrically connected to the gas source assembly and the applicator head and is configured to detect contact between the working surface of the applicator head and the user's target surface.

[0020] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be configured to detect the liquid between the working surface of the applicator head and the user's target surface.

[0021] According to the present invention, CO2 gas is delivered into the skin, which differentiates this technology from existing CO2-based cosmetic solutions, such as carboxy masks, which rely solely on topical application of CO2 on the skin, resulting in very low diffusion or bioavailability within the skin, either foaming or remaining on the skin's surface. Superior efficacy and duration of action in treating dark circles are expected with the present invention.

[0022] Herein, non-limiting and representative embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic block diagram of a device for transdermal delivery of a gas for cosmetic applications to a user's target surface via a liquid applied to the target surface, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows a diagram of the deformed form of the device. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the device shown. [Figure 3B] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the device shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1A is a bottom view of the device shown. [Figure 5]Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the steps of a method for transdermal delivery of gases for cosmetic applications to a user's target surface, using the device shown. [Figure 6] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of another step in a method for transdermal delivery of gases for cosmetic applications to a user's target surface, using the device shown. [Figure 7] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of another step in a method for transdermal delivery of gases for cosmetic applications to a user's target surface, using the device shown. [Figure 8] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of another step in a method for transdermal delivery of gases for cosmetic applications to a user's target surface, using the device shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Here, with reference to Figures 1A to 8, several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. In each figure, the scale ratio of the width, length, height, diameter, etc. of each element may not be constant and may differ from the actual values. Note that in some figures, certain elements or features are depicted larger or smaller than they actually are for emphasis.

[0025] Terms relating to direction, such as “up,” “down,” “up,” “down,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left,” as used herein, should be understood in relation to the orientation of the systems and devices shown in the figures, and that orientation may or may not correspond to the actual orientation in use.

[0026] Figure 1A shows a schematic block diagram of a device 10 for transdermal delivery of a gas for cosmetic applications to a target surface 20 of a user, i.e., a target area of ​​the user's skin, via a liquid L applied to the target surface 20, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 includes a gas source assembly 100 for supplying the gas, an applicator head 200 fluidly connected to the gas source assembly 100, a controller 300 electrically connected to the gas source assembly 100 and the applicator head 200, and a power supply 400 for driving the device. The gas source assembly 100 includes a gas source 110, a pressure regulator 120, and a valve 130. The applicator head 200 includes an ultrasonic generator 210 for generating ultrasonic waves to activate the gas in order to induce cavitation and collapse in the liquid L.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the gas for cosmetic applications is CO2. The CO2 delivered transdermally is expected to result in improved blood circulation and oxygenation related to the user's target surface 20.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the liquid L used in conjunction with the target surface 20 is a solution L. The solution L can generally be an aqueous preparation and needs to have sufficient viscosity to be applied and maintained at an appropriate thickness on the skin. The active ingredient is preferably dissolved in the aqueous or oil phase, and is more suitable in a dissolved state than in particulate form. However, the applications of the present invention are not limited to a specific phase and can be widely used with various types of active compounds by utilizing encapsulation techniques.

[0029] The gas source 110 may be a gas cartridge 110, which is a small cylindrical container commonly used. In more specialized applications, the gas source 110 may be a large-capacity tank, for example, that is separate from the main body 11 of the device 10 and connected by a pressure-resistant pipe. Alternatively, the gas source 110 may be a gas generator in which a chemical reaction produces CO2. By using a gas cartridge 110, the device 10 can be made compact enough for the user to handle and transport.

[0030] The power source 400 may be a battery or a rechargeable battery. Using such a battery can help the user handle it at home and use the gas cartridge 110.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the device. The device 10 may include a body 11 and a cover 12. The body 11 receives the gas source assembly 100 and the applicator head 200. The gas cartridge 110 is received by the body 11 but may protrude from the body 11. The cover 12 is configured to be removably connected to the body 11, preferably by screws, to allow for easy, tool-free replacement of the gas cartridge 110 with a new one.

[0032] The applicator head 200 includes an operating surface 201 that faces the user's target surface 20. The operating surface 201 is provided with a hole 230 for releasing gas supplied from the gas source assembly 100. The ultrasonic generator 210 is housed within the applicator head 200, with its exposure onto the operating surface 201 of the applicator head 200. In some variations shown in Figures 1B and 3B, the container of the applicator head 200B for housing the ultrasonic generator 210 is deeper than the container of the applicator head 200A shown in Figures 1A and 3A. In this variation, the ultrasonic generator 210 may be positioned behind the applicator head 200B without being aligned with the operating surface 201. In this case, even if the operating surface 201 comes into contact with the operating surface 201, i.e., the target portion of the user's skin, the ultrasonic generator 210 can avoid direct contact with the user's skin. As a result, the ultrasonic generator 210 can apply ultrasonic waves that are not synchronized with bubble formation. Furthermore, the ultrasonic generator 210 can be installed at a distance from the applicator head 200.

[0033] The device 10 further includes an internal passage 220 that fluidly connects the gas source assembly 100 to the bore 230 of the applicator head portion 200. In one embodiment, when the valve 130 is open, gas starts from the gas cartridge 110, is regulated by the pressure regulator 120, passes through the valve 130 and the internal passage 220, and is released in a bubble-like manner from the bore 230. In some examples, the applicator head portion 200 may be made of a porous material.

[0034] The pressure regulator 120 is configured to regulate the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas cartridge 110. The gas in the CO2 cartridge 110 generally has a pressure higher than 50 atm, but the gas near the hole 230 preferably has a pressure between 1 atm and 10 atm. Therefore, when using the CO2 cartridge 110, pressure reduction using the pressure regulator 120 is essential. The valve 130 is electrically connected to the controller 300 to switch between an open and a closed state. The valve 130 and the controller 300 may be configured to control the amount of gas supplied from the gas source assembly 100.

[0035] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the device, and Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the device. The device 10 is electrically connected to a controller 300 and may further include a switch 13 for operating and stopping the device. The switch 13 is configured to transmit a signal indicating that a valve 130 should be open or closed, and when the controller 300 receives the signal, the controller 300 commands the valve to open or close. The device 10 may also include a control panel 13, or rather a switch 13, for controlling the amount of gas supplied from the gas source assembly 100.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the holes 230 of the applicator head 200 are arranged in a circular pattern, surrounding the ultrasonic generator 210. In some variations, the ultrasonic generator may be positioned behind or separate from the applicator head, and the holes may be arranged in a circular pattern regardless of the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the holes may be arranged in a different configuration. The diameter of the holes 230 plays an important role in the generation of CO2 bubbles. The size of the CO2 bubbles is suitable for cavitation generation in the range of 1 μm to 150 μm, and may be involved in the generation of microjet and promote absorption. The CO2 bubbles can be nanobubbles, which have a smaller diameter. The preferred diameter of the holes 230 of the applicator head 200 is between 10 μm and 100 μm, and more specifically, if the holes 230 have a diameter of 50 μm or more, they do not obstruct the CO2 flow.

[0037] The ultrasonic generator 210 is configured to generate ultrasonic waves in the liquid L to induce cavitation and activate the gas released from the hole 230 in the form of bubbles to collapse. The effect of cavitation is strongly related to the size of the bubbles in the aqueous medium. When microbubbles are exposed to ultrasonic energy, they repeatedly expand and contract, resonating with the frequency. When the size of the bubbles exceeds a critical point, the bubbles collapse, and microjet is formed toward the solid surface. To reduce discomfort during treatment, it is important to select an appropriate size and ultrasonic frequency. In this invention, it is expected that microbubble sizes from 1 μm to 150 μm are suitable for skin applications, ultrasonic frequencies from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, and energy levels of 100 mW / cm². 2 From 1 W / cm 2 The frequency may vary depending on the size of the target bubbles and the rheology of the preparation. The duty cycle may range from 10% to 100%, and the total duration of treatment may range from a few seconds to 10 minutes, or even longer than 10 minutes, depending on the condition of the skin.

[0038] During application, CO2 gas forms microbubbles in the preparation, and these CO2 microbubbles collapse simultaneously upon exposure to ultrasonic energy. In this invention, the size of the CO2 channel ranges from 1 μm to 1000 μm, depending on the pressure and wavelength for cavitation. Significantly better performance than local application is expected from this device, resulting in durability and, at the same time, being less invasive than existing carboxytherapy treatments. The microjet generated by bubble cavitation also induces better penetration of present active molecules into the preparation.

[0039] A controller 300, electrically connected to the gas source assembly 100 and the applicator head 200, may be configured to detect contact between the working surface 201 of the applicator head 200 and the user's target surface 20. Furthermore, the controller 300 may be configured to detect the liquid L between the working surface 201 of the applicator head 200 and the user's target surface 20.

[0040] The following describes a method for transdermal delivery of gases for cosmetic applications to a user's target surface using the aforementioned device.

[0041] Figures 5 to 8 show schematic diagrams of a method for transdermal delivery of a gas for cosmetic purposes to a user's target surface. The method for transdermal delivery of a gas for cosmetic purposes to a user's target surface 20 includes the steps of: applying a liquid L to the user's target surface 20; supplying a gas in the form of bubbles to the liquid L applied to the target surface 20; and applying ultrasound to the bubbles to collapse them.

[0042] First, as shown in Figure 5, the user applies liquid L onto the user's target surface 20. Liquid L may be just a liquid, such as water, but it is preferably a liquid preparation, such as an aqueous preparation having sufficient viscosity to be applied and maintained on the target surface 20, i.e., on the skin, in an appropriate thickness.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the user brings the device 10 so that the working surface 201 of the applicator head 200 contacts the user's target surface 20 via the liquid L. When the user activates the device 10 with the switch 13, the controller 300 can detect the contact between the working surface 201 of the applicator head 200, the user's target surface 20, and the liquid L between the applicator head 200 and the user's target surface 20.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the valve 130 is triggered by the user pressing the switch 13 or operating the control panel 13, which switches it to the open state, and the gas departs from the gas cartridge 110, is regulated by the pressure regulator 120, passes through the valve 130 and the internal passage 220, and is released in the form of bubbles from the hole 230.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 8, ultrasound is applied to the bubbles to collapse them. When microbubbles are exposed to ultrasonic energy, they repeatedly expand and contract, resonating with the frequency. When the size of the bubbles exceeds a critical point, they collapse, and microjet is formed toward the solid surface. This microjet creates microchannels, which can enhance the diffusion of various cosmetic active ingredients and carbon dioxide itself within the skin. The step in Figure 7 of supplying bubbly gas to the liquid L applied to the target surface 20 may be continued during the step in Figure 8 of applying ultrasound to the bubbles to collapse them. Also, the step in Figure 7 of supplying bubbly gas to the liquid L applied to the target surface 20 and the step in Figure 8 of applying ultrasound to the bubbles to collapse them may be performed substantially simultaneously, but the latter should be started after the former has started.

[0046] According to the device of the present invention, the gas for cosmetic applications is supplied to the user's target surface in the form of bubbles, and these bubbles are then collapsed under ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator. This allows the gas for cosmetic applications to be successfully delivered transdermally without using any invasive methods.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention, and such modifications and changes are also within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device (10) for transdermal delivery of gas to a user's target surface (20) via a liquid (L) applied to the user's target surface (20), A gas source assembly (100) for supplying the aforementioned gas, The applicator head portion (200) is fluidly connected to the gas source assembly (100), Includes, The applicator head (200) includes an ultrasonic generator (210) for generating ultrasonic waves to activate the gas in order to induce and crush cavitation in the liquid (L), The applicator head portion (200) includes an operating surface (201) that is positioned opposite the user's target surface (20), and the operating surface (201) is provided with a hole (230) for releasing the gas supplied from the gas source assembly (100). Device (10).

2. The aforementioned gas is CO ２ The device (10) according to claim 1.

3. The device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising one or more internal passages (220) that fluidly connect the gas source assembly (100) and the hole (230) of the applicator head portion (200).

4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the gas source assembly (100) includes a gas source (110) and a pressure regulator (120) for adjusting the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas source (110).

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the gas source (110) is a gas cartridge (110), and the gas in the gas cartridge (110) has a pressure higher than 50 atm.

6. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the gas after the pressure regulator (120) has a pressure of 1 atm to 10 atm.

7. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the gas source assembly (100) includes a valve (130) for controlling the amount of gas supplied from the gas source assembly (100).

8. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator (210) have a frequency from 20 kHz to 1 MHz.

9. The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator (210) are 100 mW / cm². ２ From 1 W / cm ２ The device (10) according to claim 1, having energy levels up to [a certain point].

10. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator (210) have a duty cycle of 10% to 100%.

11. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the hole (230) of the applicator head (200) has a diameter ranging from 10 μm to 100 μm.

12. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the holes (230) of the applicator head (200) are arranged in a circular shape and surround the ultrasonic generator (210).

13. The device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a controller (300) electrically connected to the gas source assembly (100) and the applicator head portion (200), and configured to detect contact between the working surface (201) of the applicator head portion (200) and the user's target surface (20).

14. The device (10) according to claim 13, wherein the controller (300) is configured to detect the liquid (L) between the working surface (201) of the applicator head (200) and the user's target surface (20).

15. A method for transdermal delivery of gas to a user's target surface (20), The steps include applying liquid (L) to the user's target surface (20), The steps include supplying the gas in bubble form to the liquid (L) coated on the target surface (20), The steps include applying ultrasonic waves to the bubbles to collapse them, Methods that include...

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