Infused Undergarment with Lactobacillus Sponge for Vaginal Colonization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for vaginal infections, such as vaginitis, often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying cause, and existing probiotic formulations are not designed for direct vaginal colonization, requiring prescription and invasive administration methods.
Innovation Solution
An infused undergarment with a sponge impregnated with Lactobacillus crispatus Freeze Dried Powder, held in place by a mesh fabric, allows direct delivery of the probiotic to the vagina through channels in the garment, providing a non-invasive and prescription-free solution for colonization and symptom relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaginal tablets are used for probiotic delivery, then colonization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to prescription requirements and insertion complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tampon as an intermediary delivery device that can be easily inserted and removed by patients without medical supervision. The tampon serves as a mediator between the probiotic formulation and the vaginal environment, enabling direct delivery of Lactobacillus while avoiding the complexity of prescription tablets and invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables patients to self-administer the probiotic treatment using a tampon that can be easily inserted and removed without medical intervention. The formulation is designed to be self-releasing upon contact with vaginal fluids, eliminating the need for complex insertion procedures or medical supervision.
2Ease of operation
If oral probiotic tablets are used, then ease of operation is improved, but colonization effectiveness deteriorates due to the contaminated route through the digestive system
Solution Approach 1:
The tampon acts as a direct delivery intermediary that bypasses the digestive system entirely. The probiotic formulation is delivered directly to the vaginal target site through the tampon, eliminating the contaminated oral route and ensuring higher colonization effectiveness while maintaining ease of administration.
3Reliability
If Lactobacillus powder is directly applied to the vagina, then colonization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to formulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates Lactobacillus powder within the porous structure of a tampon. The porous material allows for easy integration of the probiotic formulation while enabling direct contact with vaginal fluids. This approach simplifies the overall device structure compared to complex controlled-release systems while maintaining high colonization effectiveness.
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 undergarment effectively colonizes the vagina with Lactobacillus, providing symptomatic relief and preventing future infections without the need for antibiotics or antifungals, while avoiding latex and reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
Implementation Method 1
The sponge, having channels to direct the powder
Data Source
AI summary
An infused undergarment device for use as a delivery device for colonizing the vagina with Lactobacillus in patients who test positive for or report symptoms of vaginitis. The infused undergarment employs a sponge impregnated with Lactobacillus crispatus Freeze Dried Powder. The sponge, having channels to direct the powder, is held in place by a mesh fabric sewn into the groin portion of the undergarment, which allows the c n ay delivery of the powder. The undergarment may also be used to help maintain normal flora of the vagina in the absence of symptoms in a prophylactic manner to prevent future infection. The undergarment is sealed in an opaque aluminum foil package to prevent light and environment air from degrading effectiveness.