Skin Decontamination Composition Using Organic Solvents and Clay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard water-based decontamination methods, such as soap-water washing, enhance skin penetration of chemical contaminants and fail to effectively remove chemicals stored in the stratum corneum, leading to reduced effectiveness in decontamination.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising specific compounds and coblock polymers, such as Lutrol, combined with clay or silicate powders, is used to decontaminate the skin by forming a barrier that prevents further absorption and aids in the removal of existing contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If water-based decontamination methods (soap-water washing) are used, then the skin can be cleaned, but the skin penetration of chemical contaminants is enhanced and chemicals stored in the stratum corneum remain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecontamination effectivenessVSAvoidskin penetration of contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the decontamination agent by using organic solvents (alcohols, ethers, esters) instead of water-based solutions. This parameter change allows the decontaminant to dissolve chemical contaminants without enhancing their skin penetration, as the organic solvent system does not facilitate the 'water wash-in' effect that occurs with aqueous solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite decontamination formulations combining multiple organic solvents (alcohols, ethers, esters) with complementary properties. This composite approach creates a decontaminant system that effectively removes a broad spectrum of chemical contaminants while maintaining safety and avoiding enhanced skin penetration, overcoming the limitations of single-component or water-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If standard soap-water washing is used, then the skin surface can be cleaned, but chemicals stored in the stratum corneum are not removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin cleaning capabilityVSAvoidremoval of stored chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameters of the decontaminant by using organic solvents that can penetrate and dissolve lipophilic chemicals stored in the stratum corneum. These organic solvents (alcohols, ethers, esters) have different solubility characteristics compared to water, allowing them to access and remove chemicals that water-based soaps cannot reach within the skin layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The organic solvent acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates the removal of stored chemicals. The solvent penetrates the stratum corneum, dissolves the stored chemical contaminants, and transports them out of the skin, serving as a mediating substance between the external decontaminant and the internal chemical reservoir within the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If water-based decontamination is used, then the method is simple and safe, but it enhances skin penetration of contaminants and reduces decontamination effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of decontamination methodVSAvoiddecontamination effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the decontaminant by substituting water with organic solvents (alcohols, ethers, esters). This parameter change maintains the safety profile while fundamentally improving effectiveness, as the organic solvent system does not enhance skin penetration like water-based solutions do, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively inhibits skin absorption and penetration of contaminants, providing safer and more efficient decontamination by forming a barrier that enhances the removal of chemicals stored in the stratum corneum, outperforming traditional soap-water washing methods.

Implementation Method 1

forming a barrier that prevents further absorption and aids in the removal of existing contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBarrier formation:

Implementation Method 2

capable of decontaminating the skin, including extracting chemicals currently stored in the SC

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtraction:

Implementation Method 3

removal of chemicals stored in the stratum corneum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentUS11344491B2Compositions and methods of using the same for decontamination of skin

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising decontaminating compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and methods of treating or preventing a contamination in a mammal, in particular, the composition can include a mixture of polyvinyl acetate and povidone, a coblock polymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, a polyvinyl alcohol, or combinations thereof, and an aqueous suspending agent.