Aqueous Wound Healing Formulation for Breathable Skin Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wound covers, such as textile and adhesive bandages, face challenges including the need for sterility, breathability, and the risk of infection due to dirt accumulation and poor adherence, especially in flexible areas, while liquid bandages can irritate the skin with organic solvents and toxic polymers.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous wound healing formulation using a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric material, comprising a vinyl polymer and an acrylic polymer, which adheres to the skin, acts as a moisture barrier without obstructing oxygen, and forms a breathable film upon evaporation, eliminating the need for organic solvents and toxic polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wound covers (textile or adhesive bandages) are used to protect the wound, then the wound is protected from contamination, but the wound cover accumulates dirt and cannot maintain sterility, increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable adhesive bandages that are discarded after a single use or when soiled, eliminating the problem of dirt accumulation. Each bandage is individually packaged in sterile foil, ensuring sterility until use, and then discarded after protecting the wound, preventing infection risk from reused or contaminated materials
Solution Approach 2:
The bandages are pre-packaged in sterile foil packaging that maintains sterility until the moment of use. The sterile barrier is prepared in advance but only breached when the bandage is applied, ensuring the wound cover is sterile when it contacts the wound while allowing the outer packaging to be discarded if contaminated
2Ease of operation
If wound covers are made porous and permeable to allow breathability, then skin breathing is improved, but sterility maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bandage structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: an outer sterile barrier packaging, an adhesive layer for skin attachment, an absorbent pad for wound contact, and a waterproof backing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the packaging maintains sterility while the porous adhesive and pad layers provide breathability at the wound interface
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile foil packaging acts as an intermediary barrier that maintains sterility during storage and transport. When opened, it transfers the sterile bandage to the wound area. The adhesive layer then serves as an intermediary that maintains the connection between the sterile wound cover and skin while allowing breathability through its porous structure
3Reliability
If adhesive bandages are used to protect minor injuries, then protection from abrasion and contamination is improved, but they cause pain and allergic reactions, especially in children
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive composition is modified to change its chemical parameters - using milder adhesive formulations with lower irritancy, adjusted pH levels, and hypoallergenic components. The adhesive strength is optimized to provide sufficient protection without excessive tension on the wound, reducing pain during application and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The bandage is designed as a disposable single-use product that is discarded after one application or when soiled. This eliminates the need for repeated application and removal cycles that cause pain and irritation, and prevents allergic reactions from cumulative exposure to adhesives over multiple uses
4Strength
If liquid bandages with organic solvents and cyanoacrylates are used to cover injuries, then adhesive strength and film formation are improved, but skin irritation and stinging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid bandage formulation changes the chemical parameters by replacing organic solvents with water-based or alcohol-free formulations. The polymer composition is modified to use less irritating polymers such as hydroxyethyl cellulose or carbomers instead of cyanoacrylates, maintaining film-forming and adhesive properties while reducing stinging and irritation
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid bandage uses a composite formulation combining multiple polymers and additives that work synergistically - water-soluble polymers for film formation, mild adhesives for attachment, and soothing agents like aloe vera or chamomile to counteract any potential irritation. This composite approach achieves the required performance without the harsh effects of traditional cyanoacrylate-based formulations
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 formulation provides a comfortable, breathable, and effective wound cover that prevents infection, is easy to apply and remove, and is suitable for various minor injuries without causing irritation, making it particularly beneficial for children and sensitive skin.
Implementation Method 1
a water-soluble or a water-dispersible polymeric material which adheres to the skin
Implementation Method 2
acting as a barrier to moisture but not to oxygen
Implementation Method 3
allowing water within the aqueous formulation to evaporate to leave a film comprising said polymeric material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a water resistant wound cover with high comfort and good air permeability. In particular, the present invention relates to an aqueous wound healing formulation comprising a water-soluble or a water-dispersible polymeric material that does not sting when applied to a minor injury to the skin.