Hydrogel Electrode Patch for Localized Therapeutic Hydrogen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering hydrogen to specific treatment areas in the body, such as wounds or skin conditions, are limited by direct access and efficacy of hydrogen-rich water or pills.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel-based device with embedded electrodes generates hydrogen and metastable hydrogen peroxide/oxygen through electrolysis, providing localized therapeutic delivery using a power source to treat wounds, diseases, or cosmetic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydrogen-rich water or pills are used for hydrogen delivery, then hydrogen can be delivered to the body, but direct access to the required treatment areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel device is applied directly to the specific treatment area (wound or skin condition), providing localized hydrogen generation at the site of need rather than systemic delivery. This ensures both direct access and targeted efficacy at the treatment location.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel acts as an intermediary medium that contains the electrodes and facilitates localized electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen directly at the treatment site. This mediator enables both access to and delivery of hydrogen to the required area.
2Productivity
If electrodes are spaced closer together in the hydrogel, then electrical current and hydrogen generation efficiency increase, but the risk of electrode interaction and safety issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spacing parameter between electrodes to a specific range that maximizes current density and hydrogen generation efficiency while maintaining safety margins. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel matrix serves as an intermediary that physically separates the electrodes while maintaining electrical conductivity through the water content. This mediator allows close spacing for efficiency while preventing direct electrode contact and associated risks.
3Reliability
If the hydrogel is highly hydrated to improve hydrogen delivery, then hydrogen permeability increases, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hydration level of the hydrogel to a specific range that provides sufficient water content for effective electrolysis and hydrogen generation while maintaining adequate structural integrity. This parameter optimization balances delivery effectiveness with structural stability.
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 device effectively delivers therapeutically effective amounts of hydrogen and oxygen to enhance wound healing, treat skin conditions, and improve cosmetic issues by accelerating healing and reducing symptoms.
Implementation Method 1
the cathode and the anode electrode are spaced sufficiently apart to generate an electrical current in the hydrogel sufficient to cause a hydrolysis reaction in the hydrogel, thereby generating the hydrogen, metastable hydrogen peroxide and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
Products of manufacture for delivering hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, and/or oxygen to a tissue in need thereof comprising i) a hydrated hydrogel, and ii) at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode implanted within or upon the hydrated hydrogel.