Conductive Hydrogel for Nasal Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eye disease are inadequate as they often require frequent administration and can cause long-term damage to the ocular surface, with no permanent cure available, necessitating the development of alternative treatments that do not rely on long-term drug therapy.
Innovation Solution
The use of polymer formulations to create electrically conductive hydrogels that can be cross-linked using UV radiation, facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue to improve tear production, which are integrated into nasal stimulator devices to treat dry eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments (lubricants, anti-inflammatory therapies, tear retention therapies) are used to treat dry eye disease, then symptom relief is achieved, but long-term damage to the ocular surface occurs and frequent administration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (conductive polymer composition) that mediates between the electrical stimulation device and the nasal tissue. This composition facilitates electrical conduction while providing a biocompatible interface, allowing non-invasive electrical stimulation to activate the nasolacrimal reflex and increase tear production without directly applying harmful substances to the ocular surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of direct ocular surface treatment with an electrical stimulation system acting through nasal tissue. By substituting direct chemical application on the eye with electrical stimulation of the nasolacrimal gland via nasal afferent nerves, the treatment achieves therapeutic effect without exposing the ocular surface to harmful substances
2Duration of action of moving object
If current treatments are administered frequently to maintain effectiveness, then symptom relief is sustained, but patient compliance becomes difficult and long-term damage accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive polymer composition is applied in advance to the nasal stimulation device, preparing it for electrical conduction before use. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be ready for treatment without requiring frequent reapplication of therapeutic substances, as the electrical stimulation effect can be delivered through the pre-prepared conductive interface
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical stimulation is used to activate the nasolacrimal reflex, then tear production increases without direct ocular surface contact, but a biocompatible and non-irritating interface is required between the electrode and nasal tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer composition to achieve optimal biocompatibility and electrical conductivity. By adjusting parameters such as polymer composition, cross-linking density, and conductive filler content, the material achieves both non-irritating properties for nasal tissue contact and sufficient electrical conductivity for effective stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials combining conductive polymers with biocompatible components. This composite structure integrates the electrical conductivity needed for stimulation with the biocompatibility required for safe contact with nasal tissue, resolving the contradiction between electrical function and biological safety
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 formulations provide a biocompatible and non-irritating means to enhance tear production, offering a potential long-term solution for dry eye treatment with reduced risk of ocular surface damage and simplified administration.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer formulations may be subjected to UV or visible light to form a cross-linked hydrogel. The formulations typically include a monomer and a photoinitiator.
Implementation Method 2
The electrically conductive hydrogel formulations typically include a first monomer, a second monomer, and a photoinitiator... providing electrical contact between an electrode and a nasal or sinus tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.