Low-Osmolality Lubricant Composition Supporting Vaginal pH and Microbiota
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal lubricants often have high osmolality, disrupt vaginal pH balance, harm natural microbiota, and provide inadequate antimicrobial protection while affecting sensual stimulation, thus increasing the risk of infections and discomfort during sexual activity.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant composition with benzoic acid or its salt, monomeric polyols, and specific pH and osmolality levels, along with low propane-1,3-diol content, to maintain vaginal health and provide effective antimicrobial protection without disrupting natural microbiota, while ensuring rheological properties for comfort and sensual stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hyperosmolar lubricants are used to provide lubrication, then lubrication is improved, but epithelial cell damage and increased infection risk occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by formulating the lubricant with an osmolality range of 200-400 mOsm/kg, which is iso-osmolar to the vaginal environment. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing adequate lubrication without causing the epithelial cell damage associated with hyperosmolar formulations. The specific osmolality range is optimized to match physiological conditions while maintaining lubrication efficacy.
2Reliability
If broad spectrum antimicrobials are added to prevent microbial growth, then antimicrobial protection is improved, but Lactobacilli levels are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses benzoic acid as a selective antimicrobial agent that acts as an intermediary between pathogen control and microbiota preservation. Benzoic acid provides the necessary antimicrobial protection against pathogens while being sufficiently selective to allow Lactobacilli to thrive, thus maintaining the natural microbiota balance. This resolves the contradiction by providing targeted antimicrobial action rather than broad-spectrum killing.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lubricant formulations are used to achieve desired viscosity and slip properties, then lubrication performance is improved, but pH balance is disrupted and microbiota is harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the pH of the lubricant formulation to remain within the physiological vaginal pH range. This parameter optimization allows the lubricant to provide desired viscosity and slip properties through appropriate polymer selection and concentration, while simultaneously maintaining pH balance and supporting healthy microbiota. The formulation achieves lubrication performance without the pH disruption caused by conventional lubricants.
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 lubricant composition effectively maintains vaginal pH and microbiota, provides long-lasting lubrication, and reduces infection risk, while being aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to use, thus enhancing sexual experience.
Implementation Method 1
benzoic acid or a salt thereof in an amount of not more than about 0.25% by weight
Implementation Method 2
One or more humectants may be added to aid water retention on the body surface
Implementation Method 3
the composition having an osmolality of not more than about 1200 mOsm/kg
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant composition comprising: benzoic acid or a salt thereof in an amount of not more than 0.25% by weight; one or more monomeric polyols in a total amount of not more than 15% by weight: the composition having a pH in the range of 3.5 to 4.5: the composition having an osmolality of not more than 1200 mOsm/kg, wherein the lubricant composition comprises less than 1% by weight propane-1, 3-diol. Said composition for use for providing lubrication to the skin or a mucous membrane of a subject, preferably during sexual activity. A device comprising said lubricant composition. A product or kit comprising a condom and said lubricant composition packaged separately from the condom.