Nitrite Hydrogel Dressing for Local Nitric Oxide Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin dressing systems for treating tissue ischemia and skin lesions, such as diabetic foot ulcers and burns, are limited in their ability to effectively generate nitric oxide locally and maintain it in contact with the skin, often requiring separate components and not being suitable for direct skin contact.
Innovation Solution
A two-component skin dressing system comprising a nitrite-containing layer and a hydrogel with hydrogen ions, where the hydrogel provides an acidic environment for nitric oxide production, allowing direct skin contact and controlled release of nitric oxide without the need for additional barriers or reductants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier membrane is used to allow nitrite diffusion while preventing direct contact of acidifying agent with skin, then skin safety is improved, but device complexity and treatment effectiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the acidifying agent from direct contact with the skin by placing it in a separate reservoir, eliminating the need for a barrier membrane while maintaining skin safety. The nitrite-containing composition is applied directly to the skin, and the acidifying agent is delivered separately through a reservoir system, preventing harmful direct contact while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the nitrite-containing composition is applied to the skin and the acidifying agent reservoir is positioned over it. The reservoir contains the acidifying agent in a controlled manner, allowing nitrite diffusion through the applied composition while preventing direct skin contact with the acidifying agent, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and complexity.
2Reliability
If nitrite and acidifying agent are kept separate until application, then control over nitric oxide generation is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nitrite-containing composition to the skin beforehand, preparing the site for controlled nitric oxide generation. The acidifying agent is then delivered from the reservoir at the appropriate time, allowing controlled generation of nitric oxide only when needed. This preliminary preparation simplifies the operation while maintaining reliable control over the timing and location of nitric oxide production.
3Reliability
If hydrogel is used for direct skin contact and exudate absorption, then wound healing is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the applied nitrite-containing composition as a multi-functional layer that serves both as the active treatment medium and as the interface for hydrogel application. The hydrogel provides direct skin contact and exudate absorption capabilities, while the nitrite-containing composition provides the active nitrite source. This integration reduces device complexity by combining multiple functions into fewer components.
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 increases skin blood flow and promotes wound healing by maintaining nitric oxide production in contact with the skin, controlling the release of nitric oxide, and absorbing exudates, while being easy to apply and aesthetically pleasing.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogel that contains hydrogen ions wherein the skin dressing system does not contain a source of Cu2+, Zn2+ and/or Fe2+ ions, wherein the system does not contain a thiol or a reductant; further wherein the skin contact layer containing a nitrite is not a hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator, synthesised and released by vascular endothelial cells and plays an important role in regulating local vascular resistance and blood flow. The combination of acid and nitrite is effective in killing a wide variety of pathogens by the generation of NO and oxides of nitrogen.
Implementation Method 3
The use of a hydrogel is advantageous as it can be placed directly in contact with the skin and can absorb exudates from wounds.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system comprising: (i) a layer containing a nitrite; and (ii) a hydrogel that contains hydrogen ions. The invention also provides the use of a system of the invention for the treatment of a condition associated with tissue ischaemia or a wound and the use of a system of the invention in combination with an anaesthetic for the treatment or prevention of pain.