Perforated Wound Contact Layer for Sustained Iodine Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved mechanisms to deliver an effective dose of iodine or other antimicrobials to wounds, particularly in combination with wound dressings, especially under negative pressure wound therapy.

Innovation Solution

A therapeutic composition comprising an elastomeric composition, hydrophilic polymer, and fluid-absorbent particles with embedded iodine-based antimicrobial agents, which are configured to swell upon contact with fluid, providing a flexible, biocompatible wound contact layer with embedded iodine-based antimicrobial agents for sustained and rapid antimicrobial activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional iodine delivery mechanisms are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the delivery effectiveness and sustained release capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial delivery effectivenessVSAvoidsustained release capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the wound contact layer by incorporating fluid-absorbent particles that swell upon contact with wound exudate. This swelling action transforms the matrix from a rigid structure to a gel-like state, enabling controlled and sustained iodine release over time while maintaining effective antimicrobial concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The wound contact layer is formulated as a composite material containing elastomeric composition, hydrophilic polymer, and fluid-absorbent particles (such as superabsorbent polymer beads). This composite structure combines the flexibility of elastomers, the fluid-absorbing capacity of hydrophilic polymers, and the sustained-release capability of fluid-absorbent particles, achieving both effective and prolonged antimicrobial delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the wound contact layer is made rigid to maintain structure, then structural integrity is achieved, but flexibility and conformability to wound surface are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility and conformability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastomeric composition as the base matrix of the wound contact layer, which provides inherent flexibility and elastic recovery. This flexible matrix can conform to irregular wound surfaces while maintaining structural integrity, and it also facilitates the swelling action of fluid-absorbent particles without breaking apart.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

By creating a composite material system combining elastomeric composition with hydrophilic polymer and fluid-absorbent particles, the patent achieves a balance between structural integrity and flexibility. The elastomeric matrix provides the flexible framework, while the embedded particles provide structural support when swollen, creating a material that is both strong and adaptable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Speed

If high concentration of iodine is used, then rapid antimicrobial kill is achieved, but the risk of tissue irritation and sustained release becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of antimicrobial killVSAvoidtissue irritation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid-absorbent particles are pre-loaded with iodine in a controlled manner during manufacturing. Upon contact with wound exudate, these particles gradually release the pre-loaded iodine, ensuring that high concentrations are delivered rapidly when needed while the release rate is controlled by the particle structure, preventing excessive irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid-absorbent particles act as an intermediary carrier between the iodine and the wound tissue. They absorb and store iodine, then release it in a controlled fashion through their swelling and dissolution process, mediating between the need for rapid high-concentration delivery and the need to avoid tissue irritation from excessive iodine exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220226536A1Wound contact layer and dressing for iodine delivery

Publication Date: 2022.07.21 T J SMITH & NEPHEW

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments relate to a wound contact layer in the form of a perforated film, possessing one or more of the following functions: speed of kill, sustained kill, broad-spectrum kill against microorganisms, one-piece removal, conformability with a wound surface, compatibility with negative pressure wound treatment, exudate management, autolytic debridement, and self-indicating of changes. The wound contact layer comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix and, embedded in the matrix, fluid-absorbent particles loaded with therapeutics. The matrix comprises a mixture of an elastomeric composition and a hydrophilic polymer. The film is perforated with an array of holes. A desired loading of therapeutics in the wound contact layer may be tuned by varying the amount of therapeutics loaded within the fluid-absorbent particles, the density of the fluid-absorbent particles within the wound contact layer, the perforation size, and the thickness of the wound contact layer.