Atopic Dermatitis Hydrogel with Air-Permeable Laminate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogels used for treating atopic dermatitis are ineffective in retaining moisture for an extended period, leading to temporary relief and increased risk of skin damage due to evaporation, and lack air permeability, making them unsuitable for dermatitis treatment.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel comprising a biocompatible polymer, polyalcohol, and medicinal plant extract, supported by a laminate of hydrophilic non-woven fabric and air-permeable polyethylene film, which prevents water evaporation and maintains skin moisture, relieving pruritus and preventing secondary wounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional hydrogels are used for treating atopic dermatitis, then they provide temporary moisture relief, but they cannot retain moisture for an extended period due to evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a hydrogel layer containing biocompatible polymer, polyalcohol, and medicinal plant extract, combined with a laminate support layer comprising hydrophilic non-woven fabric and air-permeable polyethylene film. This composite structure prevents water evaporation while maintaining skin breathing, thereby extending moisture retention period without causing harmful accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The air-permeable polyethylene film acts as a flexible barrier that prevents water evaporation from the hydrogel while allowing oxygen and other gases to pass through. This thin film structure maintains the moisturizing effect without compromising skin respiration
2Reliability
If conventional hydrogels are used, then they provide moisture treatment, but they lack air permeability making them unsuitable for dermatitis treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate structure provides different properties in different layers: the hydrophilic non-woven fabric layer provides moisture retention and air permeability, while the air-permeable polyethylene film layer provides water evaporation prevention. This local differentiation of properties allows the hydrogel to simultaneously prevent water loss and allow skin breathing
Solution Approach 2:
The air-permeable polyethylene film contains micro-pores that allow gas molecules to pass through while blocking larger water molecules. This porous structure enables the film to prevent water evaporation while maintaining air permeability for skin respiration
3Reliability
If conventional emollients are used, then they are applied to treat dry skin, but they do not show excellent moisturizing effects due to inability to regulate moisture evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel composite combines multiple functional components: biocompatible polymer for hydrogel structure, polyalcohol for moisture retention, medicinal plant extract for therapeutic effect, and laminate support for evaporation control. This composite provides superior moisturizing effect by actively regulating moisture evaporation rather than passively adding moisture
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 hydrogel effectively retains moisture for a prolonged period, providing sustained relief from atopic dermatitis symptoms, reducing skin damage and bacterial infection risk, while allowing skin breathing and safe application without toxic residues.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogels, which have an insoluble network of polymer chains, absorb water thanks to their characteristic structures accounting for capillary and osmotic phenomena
Implementation Method 2
hydrogels, which have an insoluble network of polymer chains, absorb water thanks to their characteristic structures accounting for capillary and osmotic phenomena
Implementation Method 3
air-permeable polyethylene film, which prevents water evaporation and maintains skin moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are therapeutic hydrogels for atopic dermatitis and a method for preparing the same. The hydrogels comprises a biocompatible polymer, a polyalcohol, and a medicinal plant extract. The hydrogels can carry medicinally effective ingredients for a sustained period of time and absorb wound exudates properly. The hydrogels have suitable gel strength and, when applied to a wound, can prevent bacterial infection of the wound. Moreover, the methods employing radiation allow the polymer chains to be crosslinked to each other, and also bring about a sterilization effect in the final hydrogel. There are no problems of toxic residues in the hydrogels. They are easy to attach to the skin and concomitantly provide a cool feeling. Supported by the laminate of hydrophilic non-woven fabric sheet and polyethylene film, the hydrogel retain water for a prolonged period of time and thus are useful in the treatment of contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.