Bioelectronic Smart Bandage for Wound pH Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable ion pump devices are limited in their ability to provide sustained delivery of ions for wound treatment in freely moving patients without the need for specialized cages.

Innovation Solution

A bioelectronic smart bandage equipped with a hydrogel-based ion pump and a custom printed circuit board (PCB) for pump actuation, allowing for the delivery of protons to wound surfaces for pH modulation and enhanced wound healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If implanting devices in animals is used for ion delivery, then prolonged delivery of ions is achieved, but the requirement for specialized cages and restricted movement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of ion deliveryVSAvoidfreedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces implantable mechanical/electronic ion pump devices with a wearable chemical ion pump system. Instead of using batteries, circuits, and mechanical components that require implantation or specialized power transfer infrastructure, the invention uses a chemical reservoir system with controlled release mechanisms that can be worn externally, eliminating the need for surgical implantation and specialized cages while enabling sustained ion delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wearable device as an intermediary between the patient and the ion delivery function. This device acts as a mediator that provides prolonged ion delivery through chemical reservoirs and controlled release mechanisms without requiring direct implantation into the body, thus maintaining freedom of movement while achieving sustained therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wearable wireless devices are used for ion delivery, then freedom of movement is maintained, but only intermittent delivery with less stringent power requirements is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidduration of ion delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device employs periodic or controlled release mechanisms where ions are delivered in sustained but regulated amounts through chemical reservoirs. This periodic action allows the device to maintain freedom of movement while providing prolonged ion delivery beyond intermittent pulses, achieving sustained therapeutic concentrations without requiring continuous high power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous ion delivery through chemical reservoirs that maintain a steady supply of ions over extended periods. The wearable device ensures continuity of the therapeutic action through controlled chemical release mechanisms, eliminating the intermittent nature of previous wearable devices while maintaining patient mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If traditional power supply is used in wearable devices, then sustained delivery is achieved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of ion deliveryVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical power supply systems (batteries, power management circuits) with a chemical energy storage and release system. The wearable device uses chemical reservoirs containing ions that are released through controlled chemical reactions or diffusion, eliminating the need for complex electrical power management while achieving sustained delivery duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from electrical (batteries) to chemical (reservoirs). This parameter change simplifies the device architecture by eliminating power management electronics, voltage regulation circuits, and battery components, while enabling sustained ion delivery through controlled chemical release mechanisms.

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 device achieves sustained delivery of approximately 6-19 nanomoles of protons to in vivo wound surfaces, effectively modulating wound pH and accelerating the healing process by transitioning macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon pumping: Electro-Osmosis

Implementation Method 2

The device achieves sustained delivery of approximately 6-19 nanomoles of protons to in vivo wound surfaces, effectively modulating wound pH

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250186762A1Bioelectronic smart bandage for controlling wound PH through proton delivery

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A bioelectronic smart device capable of charge (e.g., proton) delivery for providing treatment (e.g., changing the pH) of wound surfaces on in vitro and in vivo models. In one example, this is achieved through the use of a device that incorporates a hydrogel-based ion pump with a custom PCB for pump actuation. In one example, we were able to achieve delivery of approximately 6-19 nanomoles of protons to in vivo wound surfaces after ten minutes.