Pressurized Inverse Thermosensitive Foam for Deep-Wound Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic compositions, such as gels and sprays, are difficult to apply over large surface areas or volumes, especially in deep wounds or body cavities, and do not maintain contact with the wound surface for sustained periods.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized inverse thermosensitive polymer foam formulation that transitions from a low viscosity liquid to a highly viscous gel upon body temperature increase, facilitated by an expanding component that evaporates upon discharge, allowing easy application and prolonged retention on wound surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If viscous formulations (cream, ointment, or gel) are used to maintain sustained contact with wound surface, then duration of action is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty and time-consuming application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inverse thermosensitive polymers that undergo temperature-dependent viscosity changes. The formulation is applied as a low-viscosity liquid at ambient temperature for easy application, then transitions to high-viscosity gel at body temperature to maintain sustained contact with the wound surface, thus resolving the contradiction between application ease and contact duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of inverse thermosensitive polymers from liquid to gel state upon contact with body temperature. This phase change enables the formulation to be easily applied as a liquid and then remain in place as a gel, simultaneously achieving ease of operation and prolonged duration of action
2Duration of action of moving object
If viscous formulations are used to maintain sustained contact, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases due to unsuitability for deep wounds or body cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature-dependent viscosity modulation to create a formulation that flows easily at application temperature to reach deep wounds or body cavities, then gels at body temperature to maintain contact, thereby extending duration of action without limiting applicability to complex wound types
Solution Approach 2:
The inverse thermosensitive polymer undergoes liquid-to-gel phase transition upon contact with body temperature, enabling the formulation to be delivered as a flowable liquid to deep wounds or body cavities and then stabilize as a gel to maintain sustained contact, resolving the contradiction between duration of action and applicability
3Duration of action of moving object
If gels, sprays, or pads are used for inverse thermosensitive polymer delivery, then duration of action is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty to spread over given surface area or volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates inverse thermosensitive polymers to exhibit low viscosity at ambient temperature for easy spreading and application over large surface areas or volumes, then transitions to high viscosity at body temperature to ensure retention on the wound surface, thus resolving the contradiction between spreadability and retention
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation exploits the liquid-to-gel phase transition of inverse thermosensitive polymers triggered by body temperature. The liquid state at application temperature enables easy spreading, while the gel state at body temperature ensures prolonged retention, simultaneously achieving ease of operation and duration of action
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 formulation provides ease of application, enhanced coverage, and prolonged retention on wound surfaces due to thermally induced viscosity increase, addressing the challenges of applying therapeutic agents to wounds and body cavities.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous synthetic polymer solutions that exhibit inverse thermosensitive properties, wherein the solution undergoes a temperature dependent phase transition that results in an increased viscosity as the temperature rises, and a decrease in viscosity at cooler temperatures
Implementation Method 2
the evaporation of an expanding component (e.g., compressed gas or volatile liquid) causes the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution to foam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a pressurized therapeutic composition configured to be stored in a valved container designed to maintain an inverse thermosensitive polymer foam composition under pressure and dispense the composition upon opening the valve thereof. After the composition is dispensed from the container the evaporation of an expanding component (e.g., compressed gas or volatile liquid) can cause the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution to foam. The reduced pressure produced from dispensing the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution can reduce its temperature so as to facilitate distribution in a more liquid foam form. The inverse thermosensitive polymer solution can undergo a reverse phase change from a liquid to a gel upon warming (e.g., once dispensed onto or into a body part).