Stabilized Hypohalous Acid Solution for Skin Irritation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hypohalous acid solutions, such as those containing hypochlorous acid, face stability issues and irritation concerns, limiting their commercial use and effectiveness in medical and industrial applications, particularly in vivo settings.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized hypohalous acid solution is developed with a stabilizing amount of dissolved inorganic carbon, such as bicarbonate or carbonate, maintaining high available free chlorine content and pH stability for extended periods, allowing for convenient packaging and storage, and is suitable for various applications including wound care and surface disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypochlorous acid solution is prepared for immediate use, then biocidal effectiveness is maintained, but stability and shelf life are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces carbon dioxide as an intermediary substance that reacts with hypochlorous acid to form chlorous acid and carbonic acid, creating a buffer system that stabilizes the solution pH and prevents decomposition, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining biocidal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hypochlorous acid solution by adding carbon dioxide, which shifts the equilibrium and creates a stable buffer system that maintains constant pH levels, preventing the solution from decomposing over time
2Reliability
If Dakin's solution is used for wound care, then microbial contamination is controlled, but skin irritation and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the hypochlorous acid solution by introducing carbon dioxide, which creates a buffer system that maintains pH in a skin-friendly range, eliminating the high pH-related irritation while preserving antimicrobial effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high pH of traditional hypochlorous acid solutions into a beneficial feature by using carbon dioxide to create a buffer system that maintains optimal pH levels, turning a source of irritation into a mechanism for skin compatibility
3Ease of operation
If hypochlorous acid solution is stored for later use, then convenience is improved, but stability and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding carbon dioxide to the hypochlorous acid solution during preparation, which pre-establishes a stable buffer system that prevents decomposition during storage, allowing the solution to be stored for later use while maintaining effectiveness
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 stabilized solution maintains biocidal effectiveness even under high organic load conditions, is non-irritating to human tissues, and has a prolonged shelf life, making it suitable for commercial use in medical and industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
Hypochlorous acid is an oxidant and biocide that is produced by the human body's natural immune system to fight infection
Implementation Method 2
Hypochlorous acid is generated as the final step of the Oxidative Burst Pathway, with large quantities of hypochlorous acid being released into the phagocytic vesicles to destroy the invading microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a stabilized hypohalous acid solution (or formulation thereof), which may be conveniently packaged for sale, or stored for later use on demand. The invention further provides methods of making the stabilized hypohalous acid solutions, as well as methods of use for disinfecting mammalian tissue, including wounds and burns, and treating skin irritations, among other uses.