Silicone Adhesive Moisture Management for Ostomy Seals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ostomy coupling systems face challenges with adhesive disc erosion and breakdown due to moisture uptake, leading to compromised sealing and skin irritation, requiring a solution that balances adhesion and release while extending wear time.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible silicone-based adhesive layer with a polyorganosiloxane-derived silicone polymer network, incorporating superabsorbent particulates and permeability modifying polymers, provides enhanced moisture management, breathability, and extended wear times by controlling moisture absorption and vapor transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional hydrocolloid adhesive discs are used, then high absorption capacity and skin benignity are achieved, but erosion and breakdown occur due to moisture uptake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from hydrocolloid to silicone polymer, which has inherently different moisture interaction properties. The silicone polymer provides moisture absorption through its polymer network structure while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the erosion problem of hydrocolloids. This parameter change allows the adhesive disc to absorb moisture without breaking down.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining silicone polymer with specific additives including absorption particles (superabsorbent polymers) and release agents. This composite structure enables the adhesive disc to simultaneously achieve high moisture absorption capacity through the superabsorbent particles while the silicone polymer matrix maintains overall structural integrity and prevents erosion.
2Strength
If adhesive strength is increased to maintain secure seal, then sealing performance improves, but detachment becomes difficult and skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of adhesive properties through the use of silicone polymer with adjustable crosslink density and composition. The adhesive strength can be dynamically tuned by modifying the silicone polymer formulation, allowing optimization of both initial bond strength for secure sealing and controlled release characteristics for easy detachment without skin irritation. The dynamic aspect is achieved through compositional variation rather than structural change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adhesive mechanism parameter from hydrocolloid gel adhesion to silicone polymer adhesion, which offers different adhesion characteristics. The silicone polymer provides strong initial bonding through its polymer network while allowing controlled detachment through its elastic properties and compositional flexibility, resolving the contradiction between strong adhesion and easy release.
3Quantity of substance
If moisture absorption is enhanced to manage skin moisture, then skin comfort improves, but adhesion strength decreases due to moisture interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating superabsorbent polymer particles distributed within the silicone adhesive matrix. These particles are locally concentrated to provide moisture absorption at the skin interface, while the bulk silicone polymer maintains adhesive strength. This spatial differentiation allows moisture management functionality without compromising overall adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material where superabsorbent polymer particles are embedded in a silicone polymer matrix. The superabsorbent particles handle moisture absorption locally, while the silicone matrix maintains structural integrity and adhesive strength. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by separating the moisture management function from the adhesion function into different material phases.
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 maintains adhesion and cohesive strength, preventing skin maceration and erosion, allowing for significantly longer wear times compared to conventional systems while ensuring skin health and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The synergistic behaviour of the silicone polymer, the absorbent particulate and polymer additive provides the desired balance between moisture absorption (into the silicone matrix) and moisture-vapour transmission
Implementation Method 2
The present polyorganosiloxane derived material incorporating the superabsorbent (moisture absorbing) particulate and modifying polymer exhibits the desired flexibility and appropriate free internal volume to achieve the desired water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) from the skin and through the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A skin compatible component attachable to mammalian skin. The component is formed as a silicone matrix comprising a polyorganosiloxane derived silicone polymer and a moisture control particulate and permeability modifying polymer distributed within the polymer network. The skin compatible component may be utilised as an ostomy wafer or flange to secure an ostomy appliance to the skin and in particular peri-stomal skin.