Bioactive Glass Microcapsule Transdermal Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transdermal delivery systems face limitations in delivering specific dosages of medications, vitamins, and micronutrients over time due to skin barriers, inconvenience, and the need for daily applications, which can lead to forgotten doses and reduced medication effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal delivery system utilizing a bioactive glass-based adhesive patch with microscopic capsules of varying thickness and diameter, designed to break down at specific intervals, allowing for the controlled release of medications, vitamins, or micronutrients into the bloodstream over a month with a single application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transdermal patches are used to deliver medication through the skin, then the medication can be delivered non-invasively, but the skin acts as an effective barrier that limits which medications can be delivered and reduces delivery effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the medication delivery system into multiple independent microcapsules, each containing a specific dosage of medication. These microcapsules are distributed throughout the patch, allowing the medication to be released in controlled segments rather than as a single mass, thereby overcoming the skin barrier more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the medication delivery system by using microcapsules with varying wall thicknesses and compositions. This allows optimization of drug release rates and penetration characteristics to overcome the skin barrier while maintaining controlled delivery.
2Reliability
If transdermal patches are applied daily to ensure medication effectiveness, then consistent medication levels can be maintained, but the convenience and adherence decrease due to the need for daily application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a reservoir or multiple reservoirs within the patch that pre-load the medication supply. This preliminary action allows the patch to deliver medication over an extended period (e.g., one week or one month) without requiring frequent reapplication, thereby maintaining medication effectiveness while improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs the patch to provide continuous medication delivery through controlled release mechanisms, ensuring that the medication is delivered consistently over time without interruption or need for reapplication, thereby maintaining both effectiveness and convenience.
3Reliability
If the medication concentration in transdermal patches is increased to ensure sufficient dosage delivery, then the medication effectiveness improves, but the risk of skin irritation and sensitization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the total medication dosage into many small microcapsules distributed throughout the patch. This segmentation allows the medication to be delivered in controlled, dispersed amounts, ensuring sufficient total dosage while minimizing localized concentration that could cause skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the microcapsule wall material as an intermediary between the medication and the skin. This intermediary controls the release rate and protects the skin from direct contact with high concentrations of medication, thereby delivering sufficient dosage while reducing irritation and sensitization risks.
4Reliability
If transdermal patches use adhesive materials to ensure proper attachment to the skin, then the patch remains in place for effective delivery, but the adhesives may not adhere well to all types of skin and may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the patch with adhesive materials and structural features that can accommodate various skin types and conditions. The patch may incorporate multiple adhesive layers or alternative attachment mechanisms that work across different skin types, thereby ensuring reliable attachment and broad adaptability.
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 system effectively delivers specific dosages of medications, vitamins, or micronutrients over a month with minimal skin irritation, eliminating the need for daily applications and ensuring consistent medication levels.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of varying diameter bioactive glass capsules configured to break down and release a contained dose
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the transdermal delivery of drugs, vitamins, or micronutrients over a time interval of up to one month. The transdermal delivery system employs a plurality of varying diameter bioactive glass capsules configured to react with water in the bloodstream to break down and release a contained dose of a drug, vitamin, or other micronutrients. The bioactive glass capsules are microscopic and able to be absorbed through the skin. An adhesive bandage is adhered to the skin via an adhesive layer. A concealed membrane is positioned centrally on an inner surface of the adhesive bandage and separated by a barrier layer. The bioactive glass capsules are housed within the concealed membrane until the patch is placed on the skin allowing them to absorb through the skin to deliver up to a month's dose of the drug, vitamin, or other micronutrients into the bloodstream.