Galvanic Particulates for Iontophoresis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Galvanic couple-powered iontophoresis patch devices are cumbersome and expensive to manufacture, limiting their practicality and accessibility for therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of galvanic particulates with a first and second conductive material, where both materials are exposed on the surface, with a particle size ranging from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers and a standard potential difference of at least 0.2 V, which can be used in ingestible compositions, topical applications, and oral dosage forms to treat various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic couple-powered iontophoresis patch devices are used, then therapeutic electric stimulation can be provided, but the devices become cumbersome and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the galvanic couple system into microscopic particulate form, breaking down the traditional macroscopic patch structure into individual particles that can be dispersed and applied more easily while maintaining the electrochemical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and size parameters of the galvanic couple from macroscopic patch format to microscopic particulate format (1-100 micrometers), transforming the device into a form that is easier to manufacture and apply while preserving the therapeutic electric stimulation function
2Reliability
If galvanic couple-powered iontophoresis patch devices are used, then therapeutic electric stimulation can be provided, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs disposable galvanic particulates that can be manufactured at low cost using simple mixing processes, eliminating the need for expensive reusable patch devices while providing adequate therapeutic effect for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the galvanic couple materials with the drug formulation into a single integrated particulate system, eliminating separate manufacturing steps for assembling patch components and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
3Ease of manufacture
If galvanic particulates are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the particle size must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes a broad acceptable particle size range (1-100 micrometers) that balances manufacturing simplicity with functional effectiveness, allowing standard mixing and milling processes to produce suitable particles without requiring precision control
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 galvanic particulates provide a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for therapeutic electric stimulation, enhancing drug delivery and treatment efficacy for skin and gastrointestinal disorders, while being versatile in application forms.
Implementation Method 1
The galvanic couple is made from dissimilar metals, such as a zinc donor electrode and a silver chloride counter electrode... activate automatically when body tissue and/or fluids form a complete circuit with the galvanic system to generate the electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention features a galvanic particulate including a first conductive material and a second conductive material, wherein both the first conductive material and the second conductive material are exposed on the surface of the particulate, wherein the particle size of the particulate is from about 10 nanometers to about 100 micrometers, wherein the second conductive material comprises from about 0.01 percent to about 10 percent, by weight, of the total weight of the particulate, and wherein the difference of the standard potentials of the first conductive material and the second conductive material is at least about 0.2 V.