Amphiphilic Polymer Coating for Moist Surface Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid adhesive bandages face challenges with adhesion to moist and dry surfaces, flexibility under stress, and moisture vapor and oxygen transmission, particularly in high flex areas like knuckles and knees, while also causing stinging and irritation due to their brittleness and hydrophobic nature.
Innovation Solution
A liquid, amphiphilic polymer-containing coating material is developed, comprising unsaturated, addition polymerizable hydrophilic amides, imides, or amines and hydrophobic siloxy-containing monomers, which forms a water-insoluble, water-vapor permeable, and oxygen-permeable film upon drying, providing adhesion to both moist and dry surfaces without stinging and allowing for flexibility and controlled water loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrophobic polymers are used as coating materials, then protection from contamination and desiccation is provided, but adhesion to hydrated surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs amphiphilic copolymers that combine hydrophobic segments (for protection and water vapor permeability) with hydrophilic segments (for adhesion to hydrated surfaces). This composite molecular structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve protection from contamination and desiccation while maintaining reliable adhesion to wet or hydrated surfaces, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the polymer by using amphiphilic copolymers with specific hydrophilic-lipophilic balances. By adjusting the ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic monomer units in the copolymer, the material can be tuned to maintain adhesion to hydrated surfaces while providing adequate protection and water vapor permeability, thus resolving the adhesion-protection contradiction.
2Speed
If cyanoacrylates are used for quick film formation, then rapid adhesion is achieved, but brittleness increases causing scarring or delamination in high flex areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses amphiphilic copolymers that combine rigid segments (providing quick film formation and initial adhesion) with flexible segments (containing siloxane units and amide groups that provide elasticity). This composite structure enables rapid film formation while maintaining flexibility and resistance to delamination in high flex areas, resolving the contradiction between speed of film formation and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the coating by incorporating flexible monomer units with siloxane backbones and amide groups into the copolymer structure. These structural modifications reduce brittleness while maintaining rapid film formation capability, allowing the coating to withstand flexing without delamination or scarring.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If volatile hydrophobic liquids are used as solvents, then non-stinging properties are achieved, but adhesion to moist surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs amphiphilic copolymers dissolved in volatile hydrophobic liquids. The copolymer structure contains both hydrophobic segments (compatible with the hydrophobic solvent and providing non-stinging properties) and hydrophilic segments (that interact with moist surfaces to provide adhesion). This composite molecular architecture resolves the contradiction between non-stinging properties and adhesion to moist surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The amphiphilic copolymer acts as an intermediary between the hydrophobic volatile solvent and the hydrophilic moist skin surface. The hydrophobic portions of the copolymer interact with the solvent, while the hydrophilic portions interact with the moist surface, enabling effective delivery and adhesion without stinging, thus resolving the contradiction through the mediator role of the copolymer.
4Reliability
If hydrophobic polymers are used, then water vapor permeability is reduced, but adhesion and flexibility are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses amphiphilic copolymers that combine hydrophobic segments (providing adhesion and flexibility) with hydrophilic segments (providing water vapor permeability). The hydrophilic portions create pathways for water vapor transmission while the hydrophobic portions maintain adhesion and mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between these properties through the composite molecular structure.
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
The amphiphilic polymer coating supports human cell attachment and growth, enhances wound healing by protecting wounds, and maintains adhesion and flexibility, reducing pain and irritation, while allowing for the release of medicants and maintaining sterility, thus providing a conformable and effective protective layer.
Implementation Method 1
when applied in liquid form and air dried on the biological surface to form an adherent, water-insoluble, water-vapor permeable, oxygen permeable, solid protective film
Implementation Method 2
water-vapor permeable, oxygen permeable
Data Source
AI summary
The liquid, polymer-containing coating materials of this invention comprise a polymer of a polymerizable, nitrogen-containing, hydrophilic monomer, which may give thermoresponsive properties, and which is copolymerized with a hydrophobic, polymerizable siloxy-containing monomer, in a solvent system of a volatile hydrophobic (non-polar) liquid that is non-stinging to a user. The material forms a coating or bandage in the form of a film when applied to a surface or the skin of a user.