Hydrogel Electrode Patch for Local Hydrogen Wound Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering hydrogen to specific treatment areas, such as wounds or skin conditions, are limited by the direct access of hydrogen being restricted to the stomach when administered through drinking water or hydrogen-rich pills.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel-based device with embedded electrodes that generate hydrogen and metastable hydrogen peroxide/oxygen through an electrical current, allowing direct application to the treatment area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is delivered through drinking water or hydrogen-rich pills, then hydrogen can be administered to the body, but direct access of hydrogen to the required areas of treatment (skin, wounds) is limited as it is transferred to the stomach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydrogel as an intermediary medium that contains water and electrodes. The hydrogel is applied directly to the treatment area (skin, wound), serving as a mediator that enables local hydrogen generation at the target site rather than systemic delivery through the stomach. The hydrogel's high water content (75-95%) provides the necessary electrolyte for electrochemical hydrogen generation right at the treatment location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/oral administration system (drinking water, pills) with an electrochemical system. Instead of relying on gastrointestinal absorption and systemic distribution, the invention uses electrodes embedded in the hydrogel to generate hydrogen in situ through electrochemical reactions, substituting the biological delivery pathway with a direct electrochemical generation method at the target site.
2Ease of operation
If electrodes are embedded in hydrogel for hydrogen generation, then direct hydrogen delivery to treatment area is achieved, but device complexity increases compared to simple oral administration
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural matrix, the electrolyte medium (due to its high water content), the adhesive layer for skin/wound contact, and the housing for the electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving direct hydrogen delivery to the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel forms a flexible, conformable layer that can be applied directly to various skin surfaces and wound geometries. This flexible film structure simplifies the device by eliminating rigid housings and complex mounting mechanisms, allowing the electrodes to be integrated within a soft, adaptable matrix that naturally conforms to the treatment area.
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 wounds, burns, and skin conditions, enhancing healing and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
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
In alternative embodiments, provided are products of manufacture and kits, and methods, for hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide generation, and for the treatment of diseases, conditions and infections responsive to exposure to a therapeutic amount of hydrogen, metastable hydrogen peroxide and/or oxygen treatment; including providing a hydrogen, metastable hydrogen peroxide and/or oxygen treatment or delivery system for cosmetic purposes.