Breast Shield Matrix Delivery for HIV-Inactivating Breastfeeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing HIV transmission through breast milk, such as using anti-retroviral medications or heat treatment, are impractical, disruptive to normal breastfeeding, and costly for mothers in low-resource settings, and existing devices for delivering medications during breastfeeding are complex and burdensome.
Innovation Solution
A breast shield with a hollow nipple and a milk-soluble matrix impregnated with agents like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) that allows for the delivery of therapeutic or prophylactic agents directly into breast milk during breastfeeding, providing anti-viral properties without disrupting normal feeding patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-retroviral medications are given to breastfeeding infants to prevent HIV transmission, then HIV transmission is reduced, but resistant viruses may evolve complicating future treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-viral agent from the milk stream using a specialized filter system, removing HIV while allowing the milk to pass through. This separation approach prevents virus transmission without exposing the infant to anti-retroviral medications that could cause resistance evolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filter system between the mother's milk and the infant's stomach. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively removes HIV viruses while allowing nutritional components of the milk to pass through, achieving protection without medication exposure.
2Reliability
If mothers express breast milk into a container and heat it for feeding, then HIV is inactivated, but normal breastfeeding patterns are disrupted and the process becomes burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filtering the milk stream at the point of delivery rather than requiring post-expression heating. The filter system is positioned to intercept and remove HIV viruses as milk flows from the breast, eliminating the need for subsequent heating steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating process with a physical filtration system. Instead of using heat to inactivate HIV, the system uses a specialized filter with pores that physically block viruses while allowing milk to pass through, simplifying the process for mothers.
3Ease of operation
If liquid medications are prepared for infant administration, then delivery is achieved, but formulation preparation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a filter system that automatically delivers the anti-viral agent through the milk stream without requiring any preparation or intervention. The filter is pre-loaded with the agent and automatically releases it as milk passes through, eliminating the need for pharmacist preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of drug delivery from liquid formulation to solid-phase sorbent material. The anti-viral agent is loaded onto a sorbent matrix within the filter, allowing it to be delivered in a stable, pre-formed state without requiring liquid formulation preparation.
4Ease of operation
If medications are put in liquid form for infant administration, then delivery is achieved, but stability is reduced and refrigeration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the medication from liquid to solid-phase sorbent form. The anti-viral agent is loaded onto a sorbent matrix that maintains it in a stable, non-liquid state, eliminating the need for refrigeration while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable filter cartridge that contains the sorbent material. This single-use component eliminates the need for complex storage and refrigeration systems, providing stable medication delivery in a simple, maintainable format.
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 solution effectively inactivates HIV in breast milk, maintains the nutritional and immunological benefits of breastfeeding, and is simple, inexpensive, and convenient for mothers, allowing for minimal disruption of breastfeeding practices.
Implementation Method 1
a milk-soluble agent suspended on a matrix
Implementation Method 2
release the agent over time
Implementation Method 3
allows milk to pass through without significantly affecting the flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier.