Self-Destructing Transdermal Patch with Oxidizing Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) used for pain management face challenges in preventing abuse of leftover analgesics, as existing solutions either fail to securely render the active ingredients unusable or pose environmental and transport risks due to reactivity and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A self-destructing TTS design where a chemical oxidizing agent, such as potassium permanganate, is separated from the active substance by a permeable-to-liquids but impermeable-to-solids layer, and a mechanical means with sharp or pointed areas ensures contact only upon removal, initiating chemical destruction of the active ingredient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chemical oxidizing agent is included to destroy the active substance after use, then abuse prevention is improved, but the risk of liquid leakage during transport and reduced shelf life due to high reactivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the oxidizing agent from liquid to solid form. This parameter change eliminates liquid leakage risks during transport and storage while maintaining the chemical reactivity needed for active substance destruction. The solid oxidizing agent is contained in a reservoir that can be activated upon patch removal through contact with a liquid medium (sweat, water, or included liquid carrier).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the TTS into separate functional components: the active substance is contained in an adhesive layer, while the oxidizing agent is contained in a separate reservoir. This segmentation prevents premature contact between the two substances during storage and transport, eliminating the risk of unintended reactions while enabling controlled activation after use when the barrier between them is removed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the oxidizing agent is kept separate from the active substance during storage, then shelf life and safety are improved, but the complexity of the system structure worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the oxidizing agent reservoir is integrated within the overall TTS architecture. The reservoir is positioned between the adhesive layer containing the active substance and the backing layer, creating a compact multi-layer construction. This nesting approach maintains separation of components during storage while enabling their interaction after use, achieving both shelf life extension and relatively simple system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid-permeable but solid-impermeable barrier layer as an intermediary between the active substance and oxidizing agent. This intermediate component allows controlled interaction after activation while maintaining strict separation during storage. The barrier layer can be a membrane or matrix that permits liquid penetration (activating the oxidizing agent) but blocks solid contact, thereby simplifying the overall system design while ensuring safety and stability.
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
Ensures that leftover active ingredients are rendered unusable after use, preventing abuse and reducing environmental impact by ensuring secure destruction without premature activation during storage or transport, and facilitating safe disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The agent is a substance or a mixture of substances which, according to the invention, is present as a solid or as a paste. The agent is a substance that chemically reacts with the active substance and thereby destroys it, namely a chemical oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 2
The mobile phase causes the agent to be activated and, in activated form, to be brought into contact with the active substance
Implementation Method 3
The separation between the active substance and the agent is brought about by a layer which is permeable to liquids but impermeable to solids
Implementation Method 4
which is carried from the system to the skin by diffusion and then applied transdermally for therapeutic purposes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-destructing transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), preferably in the form of a transdermal patch, comprising an active ingredient, an agent rendering the active ingredient useless, and a mechanical means for perforation. The mechanical means for perforation brings about that a mobile phase may approach the agent rendering the active ingredient useless after pulling off the TTS after use, said agent then coming in contact with the active ingredient and destroying the same in the presence of the mobile phase.