Polymeric Skin Adhesive with Elastomeric Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current topical skin adhesives, primarily cyanoacrylate-based, lack elasticity and flexibility, limiting their use to incisions under low tension and are hindered by variable cure times and high costs, necessitating the development of new adhesive solutions for medical closures.
Innovation Solution
A two-part reactive composition comprising Polymer A and Polymer B, with specific monomeric units and oxalate esters, that can be mixed and dispensed using a multi-chambered device, forming a polymeric material with improved strength, elasticity, and flexibility, suitable for surgical incisions without requiring heat or catalysts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are used for skin closure, then high tensile strength and high shear strength are achieved, but the lack of elasticity and flexibility limits use to incisions not under high tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cyanoacrylate monomer with elastomeric polymer to create a composite adhesive system. The cyanoacrylate provides rapid curing and high strength, while the elastomeric polymer contributes elasticity and flexibility, enabling the adhesive to accommodate incisions under tension without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the adhesive system by controlling the ratio of cyanoacrylate to elastomeric polymer, adjusting viscosity, and optimizing curing conditions. These parameter changes enable the adhesive to achieve both high strength and adequate elasticity for use on tensioned incisions
2Strength
If cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are used for skin closure, then high tensile strength is achieved, but the lack of flexibility limits application to low tension incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system combines cyanoacrylate monomer with elastomeric polymer, where cyanoacrylate provides rapid curing and high shear strength, while the elastomeric polymer provides flexibility. This composite approach allows the adhesive to maintain high shear strength while being flexible enough for tensioned incisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the composition parameters including the ratio of cyanoacrylate to elastomeric polymer and the viscosity of the final mixture to optimize both shear strength and flexibility, enabling the adhesive to perform on incisions under varying tension conditions
3Productivity
If cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are used for skin closure, then rapid polymerization is achieved, but variable cure time limits consistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled curing mechanism where the elastomeric polymer acts as a moderating component that regulates the polymerization rate. This intermediary approach ensures consistent cure times by preventing overly rapid polymerization while maintaining efficient setting, leading to more predictable and reliable performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters including monomer concentration, elastomeric polymer ratio, and environmental conditions to control the polymerization rate. These parameter adjustments ensure consistent cure times across different application conditions while maintaining rapid setting characteristics
4Strength
If cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are used for skin closure, then high strength adhesive properties are achieved, but high cost limits widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the formulation parameters including the ratio of cyanoacrylate to elastomeric polymer and the concentration of active ingredients to optimize adhesive strength while reducing overall material cost. This parameter optimization maintains clinical performance while making the adhesive more cost-effective for widespread use
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 solution provides a reliable, fast-curing skin adhesive with sufficient strength and elasticity for surgical incisions, offering a tack-free hydrophobic barrier and improved cosmetic outcomes, while eliminating the need for solvents and heat, thus enhancing medical closure efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Polymer A contains electrophilic reactive groups and/or a reaction product thereof, and Polymer B contains nucleophilic groups. The two-part reactive composition forms a polymeric material through the reaction of these functional groups.
Implementation Method 2
The solution provides a reliable, fast-curing skin adhesive with sufficient strength and elasticity for surgical incisions, offering a tack-free hydrophobic barrier
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric materials are disclosed herein that include a Polymer A, a Polymer B, and an oxalate ester or reaction product thereof. Polymer A contains electrophilic reactive groups, and Polymer B contains nucleophilic groups. In certain embodiments, the polymeric materials are free-flowing liquids at 100% solids that can be used, for example, as topical skin adhesives.