Electrostatic Allergen Patch for Standardized Skin Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin patch technologies for allergen testing are cumbersome, prone to errors, require specialized personnel, and are not suitable for immediate or delayed allergic reactions, as they often involve invasive methods, variable allergen concentrations, and lack standardization.
Innovation Solution
A skin patch with an electrostatic support that binds biologically active substances through electrostatic forces, allowing for precise delivery and maintaining allergens in their reactogenic state, eliminating the need for extemporaneous preparation and invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional skin patch tests (FINN CHAMBERS) are used with extemporaneous allergen preparation, then versatility in testing different allergens is achieved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to variable allergen concentrations and preparation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-impregnating the patch support with standardized allergen solutions during manufacturing, before the actual testing procedure. This eliminates the need for extemporaneous preparation of allergens at the testing site, ensuring consistent concentrations and eliminating preparation errors. The allergen is already in its reactogenic state when the patch is applied to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of allergen delivery from variable extemporaneous preparation to standardized pre-defined concentrations. Each patch contains a specific, controlled amount of allergen, transforming the testing process from one with variable parameters to one with controlled, reproducible parameters, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining versatility.
2Measurement precision
If Prick Test with needle perforation is used, then immediate allergic reactions can be detected, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to patient pain and risk of anaphylactic reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element of needle perforation from the allergen testing process. Instead of using a needle to deliver the allergen into the skin, the allergen is delivered through a non-invasive skin patch that maintains contact with the skin surface. This eliminates patient pain and the risk of anaphylactic reactions associated with needle-based procedures while still enabling detection of immediate allergic reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin patch acts as an intermediary device between the allergen and the patient's skin. Rather than direct needle injection, the patch mediates the delivery of allergen through controlled diffusion and skin contact, reducing harmful effects while maintaining diagnostic capability for immediate reactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If FINN CHAMBERS with metal cupules are used, then both contact and respiratory allergens can be tested, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and specialized application procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated patch structure. Instead of using separate metal cupules, adhesive supports, and allergen preparation steps, the invention combines the support and allergen delivery system into one simple patch that can test various allergen types. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to test both contact and respiratory allergens through standardized patch application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extemporaneous allergen preparation is performed, then adaptability to different testing needs is improved, but loss of time increases due to preparation steps before each test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing and standardizing allergen concentrations during the manufacturing process. Patches are pre-impregnated with specific allergen solutions in controlled amounts, eliminating the need for time-consuming extemporaneous preparation at the testing site. Customization is achieved through selecting different pre-prepared patches rather than preparing allergens on-site, thus reducing time loss while maintaining 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 patch ensures reliable and reproducible testing by maintaining a constant allergen dose, reducing errors, and facilitating both immediate and delayed reaction detection without invasive methods, making it suitable for use by non-specialized personnel.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic support to which a biologically active substance in the form of particles is bound directly or indirectly through electrostatic forces
Implementation Method 2
said patch forming a chamber when applied to the skin of a subject, allowing a release of said biologically active substance through moistening
Data Source
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AI summary
A patch comprising a support having electrostatic properties is provided wherein a periphery of the support is coated with an adhesive material, and all or part of the non-adhesive surface of the support is covered with at least one biologically active substance in the form of particles that is adhered to the non-adhesive part of the support by electrostatic forces.