Biodegradable Foam for Oxygen Delivery to Wounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an easy-to-use method to apply oxygen to wounds for accelerated healing, as existing technologies face challenges in delivering stable oxygen concentrations due to its reactivity and instability, particularly for large or irregularly shaped skin areas.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable composition of polymeric materials that forms a foam upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst, retaining oxygen for delivery to wounds, comprising covalently linked segments of biodegradable polymers like polycaprolactone and hydrogel polymers such as polyethylene glycol, which is designed to be intuitive and easy to apply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If oxygen is provided in the form of peroxide and catalyst for decomposition, then oxygen can be delivered to skin and wounds, but the catalytic decomposition is quite rapid and requires an impermeable layer to hold oxygen against the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen concentrationVSAvoiddressing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite foam structure combining a biodegradable polymer matrix with integrated oxygen-generating components. The foam comprises a polymer matrix containing hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate impermeable reservoirs and layers. This composite approach maintains high oxygen concentration while simplifying the overall dressing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If an impermeable layer is used to hold oxygen against the skin, then oxygen is retained for maximum time, but the dressing becomes unworkable for large areas or irregularly shaped areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen retention timeVSAvoidapplicability to different skin areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the physical state and properties of the oxygen-delivery system by using a foam structure with controlled porosity and a biodegradable polymer matrix. This allows the dressing to be flexible and adaptable to various skin contours while maintaining oxygen retention through the foam's inherent structure and the polymer matrix's ability to control peroxide decomposition rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If hydrogen peroxide concentration is increased to generate more oxygen, then oxygen delivery is improved, but the peroxide may damage the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen generation volumeVSAvoidskin damage from peroxide

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the catalyst within the polymer matrix in advance, so that when hydrogen peroxide is applied, the decomposition occurs progressively as the peroxide diffuses into the foam structure. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures controlled oxygen generation at safe concentrations, preventing skin damage while maintaining effective oxygen delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable polymer matrix acts as an intermediary between hydrogen peroxide and the skin. It controls the decomposition reaction by containing the catalyst within its structure, regulating oxygen release rates, and preventing direct contact between high concentrations of peroxide and skin tissue, thus mediating the interaction to ensure safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a simple application method is used for oxygen delivery, then ease of use is improved, but existing simple methods cannot provide stable oxygen concentrations due to oxygen reactivity and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidoxygen concentration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The foam structure is self-regulating, using the biodegradable polymer matrix to automatically control oxygen release. As the polymer matrix degrades over time, it progressively releases oxygen at stable concentrations without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains reliable oxygen delivery while keeping the application method simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 composition effectively delivers 25 ppm of oxygen within 24 hours, aiding in wound healing while being biodegradable and non-toxic, with improved foam forming ability and biocompatibility, suitable for large or irregular skin areas.

Implementation Method 1

catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

hydrogen peroxide decomposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

oxygen containing foam... retains oxygen for delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10272175B2Foams for oxygen delivery to wounds

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 AVENT INC

AI summary

There is provided a composition comprising covalently linked segments of for example, polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol that are linked by a cross-linker. Such a composition foams in the presence of a catalyst and a solution containing an oxygen forming chemical like hydrogen peroxide. The foamed composition retains oxygen for delivery to, for example, a wound, where it aids in healing.