Topical Nitric Oxide Foam Mixing for Stable Skin Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing products struggle to consistently provide usable nitric oxide for therapeutic applications due to its unstable nature, necessitating a more efficient method for nitric oxide production and delivery through the skin.
Innovation Solution
A topical application system involving two separate solutions, one containing sodium nitrite and a cationic surfactant, and the other containing lactic or citric acid and a cationic surfactant, which are mixed to produce a foam that generates nitric oxide upon application, leveraging the skin's temperature, texture, and acid mantle to enhance absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nitric oxide is used for therapeutic applications, then health benefits are achieved, but the unstable nature of nitric oxide makes it difficult to consistently provide usable nitric oxide
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the nitric oxide delivery system into two separate stable components: a nitrite source and an acid source. These are applied separately and only combine on the skin surface to generate nitric oxide, ensuring consistent delivery while maintaining stability of individual components during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses skin surface conditions (temperature, pH, moisture) as an intermediary to trigger the chemical reaction between nitrite and acid, converting stable stored components into active nitric oxide only when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and reliable delivery.
2Reliability
If nitric oxide is applied topically, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but the foam formulation requires specific skin conditions to enhance absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows the skin itself to provide the necessary conditions for nitric oxide generation and absorption through its natural temperature, pH levels, and moisture content. The system adapts to individual skin variations without requiring external modification, enhancing reliability while maintaining versatility across different skin types.
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 system effectively produces a high ratio of nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide, providing antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing benefits, with demonstrated effectiveness in treating various skin disorders and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each container may then dispense the respective topical component in a foam, or foamy suspension
Implementation Method 2
A first solution may comprise water, sodium nitrite, and a cationic surfactant. A second solution may comprise water, lactic acid, citric acid, and the cationic surfactant. Upon mixing of the first and second foams, nitric oxide begins to be produced.
Implementation Method 3
The resultant foam may be allowed to remain on the portion of skin for at least three (3) minutes, thereby allowing the resultant foam to collapse on the skin
Implementation Method 4
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for topical applications of nitric oxide media, and more specifically for transdermal absorption of nitric oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam or a solution. They can be combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of resultant foam is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.