Conformable Coating Composition for Skin Barrier Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current barrier products for skin protection, such as occlusive pastes and cyanoacrylate-containing coatings, are messy, interfere with ostomy device securing, and lack flexibility, leading to skin adherence and brittleness.
Innovation Solution
A conformable coating composition comprising a crystalline copolymer with a melting point greater than 30°C, a volatile solvent, and an optional cyanoacrylate monomer, which forms a durable and resilient film suitable for skin and mucous membrane protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cyanoacrylate is used to form a durable film quickly, then film-forming speed and durability are improved, but the coating becomes brittle and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cyanoacrylate polymer with elastomeric polymer to create a composite coating material that exhibits both the durability of cyanoacrylate and the flexibility of elastomers. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties, allowing the coating to be both long-lasting and conformable to skin movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the coating system by controlling the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the elastomeric polymer to be below -50°C and incorporating specific functional groups. These parameter changes enable the coating to maintain flexibility while preserving durability, effectively resolving the brittleness issue of pure cyanoacrylate coatings.
2Reliability
If cyanoacrylate is applied to moist skin to form a film, then skin protection is improved, but skin adherence and sticking together occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrophilic functional groups (such as carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, or amine groups) at specific locations within the polymer structure to create local polar regions. These localized polar sites interact with moisture on the skin surface to prevent unwanted adhesion, while the bulk of the coating maintains its protective function. This local quality modification resolves the skin sticking problem without compromising protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates moisture-reactive functional groups that act as intermediaries between the coating and skin surface. These groups interact with environmental moisture to create a lubricating effect or prevent direct polymer-skin contact, thereby eliminating the harmful sticking effect while preserving the protective barrier function.
3Reliability
If occlusive barrier paste is applied to protect skin, then skin protection is improved, but ease of application and cleanup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the coating from a paste (semi-solid) to a liquid formulation that can be easily applied and removed. The liquid state allows for simple application methods (spray, wipe, or pour) and easy cleanup with water or mild solvents, while the coating subsequently forms a protective film. This state change from paste to liquid resolves the ease of operation issue while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical state parameter of the coating material from paste to liquid by adjusting viscosity, molecular weight, and polymer architecture. These parameter changes enable the coating to flow easily during application and be readily removed, while still forming an effective protective barrier once applied and dried.
4Ease of operation
If liquid film-forming product is applied to protect skin, then ease of application is improved, but durability and resilience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite coating system combining cyanoacrylate (for durability and quick film formation) with elastomeric polymer (for flexibility and resilience). This composite structure maintains the ease of application of liquid formulations while dramatically improving the durability and mechanical properties of the resulting film, resolving the contradiction between application ease and film performance.
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 coating provides a flexible, durable barrier that prevents skin adherence and erosion, enhances skin protection, and is suitable for various applications including skin ulcers, surgical sites, and ostomies, while maintaining ease of application and removal.
Implementation Method 1
crystalline copolymer having a melting point greater than 30°C
Implementation Method 2
crystalline copolymer with a melting point greater than 30°C
Implementation Method 3
a volatile solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A conformable coating composition comprising a crystalline copolymer, and use thereof in barrier coating is described.