Seawater Gel Formulation Using Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current formulations of sea water-based gels typically contain less than 90% sea water, limiting their effectiveness and convenience for localized applications, and existing methods for achieving higher sea water concentrations are not effective in preserving the physicochemical characteristics of sea water.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition in the form of a gel comprising at least 90% sea water, using hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose as a gelling agent, and cold sterilized sea water from a specific, high-quality source to create a hypertonic or isotonic gel that can be applied as a massage gel, poultice, or wrap for targeted therapeutic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional gelling agents (garrageenans and trehalose) are used to formulate sea water gel, then the gel can be formed, but the sea water content is limited to less than 90%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the gelling agent by selecting hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose with specific substitution degrees (methylation 20-30%, ethylation 70-80%) and specific viscosity range (500-2000 cP), enabling formulation of gels with at least 90% sea water content while maintaining proper gelling properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite gelling system combining hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose with specific physical and chemical properties, creating a formulation that achieves high sea water content (≥90%) while maintaining gel structure through the synergistic effects of the modified cellulose derivative
2Reliability
If hot sterilization is used to sterilize sea water, then sterilization is effective, but the physicochemical characteristics and trace elements of sea water are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal sterilization method with a mechanical filtration system using membranes with specific pore sizes (0.22 μm or 0.45 μm), which physically removes microorganisms while preserving all trace elements and physicochemical characteristics of the sea water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous membrane filters with precisely controlled pore dimensions (0.22 μm or 0.45 μm) that allow passage of dissolved substances and trace elements while blocking microorganisms, achieving sterilization without thermal degradation
3Quantity of substance
If sea water gel with high concentration is used, then decongestant effect is enhanced, but skin tolerance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the sodium chloride concentration locally within the gel formulation, creating hypertonic gels (23-36 g/L) for decongestant effects on specific pathologies while using the gel matrix and optional osmolarity adjusters to maintain skin compatibility and tolerance
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 composition allows for effective, localized application of sea water, providing a decongestant effect and improving skin health, reducing discomfort, and promoting well-being, as demonstrated by its use in treating musculotendinous pathologies, skin dryness, and redness, with high skin acceptability and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose as gelling agent
Implementation Method 2
The hypertonic gel produces a decongestant effect linked to the direct osmotic effect of seawater
Implementation Method 3
the sea water is cold sterilized by filtration at 0.2 μm
Data Source
AI summary
Gel composition comprises 30-98 wt.% of seawater, and a cellulose derivative gelling agent. An independent claim is included for a medical device comprising the composition. ACTIVITY : Vulnerary; Analgesic; Muscular-Gen.; Antiinflammatory; Dermatological. MECHANISM OF ACTION : None given.