Inverse Thermosensitive Polymer Foam for Wound Coverage and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic compositions, particularly inverse thermosensitive polymers, are difficult to apply topically or intracavitary due to their formulation as gels, sprays, or pads, which do not easily spread over a given surface area or volume, and are unsuitable for deep wounds or body cavities.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized inverse thermosensitive polymer foam formulation that undergoes a reverse phase change from a liquid to a gel upon warming, facilitated by an expanding component like a compressed gas or volatile liquid, allowing easy application and prolonged retention on wound surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If inverse thermosensitive polymers are formulated as gels, sprays, or pads, then they can maintain contact with wound surface, but they are difficult to spread over given surface area and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes in inverse thermosensitive polymers. The polymer solution is applied at lower temperature where it maintains low viscosity for easy spreading, then undergoes phase transition at body temperature to increase viscosity and form a stable gel layer for prolonged contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation transitions from a static gel state to a dynamic temperature-responsive system. The polymer's viscosity and phase state dynamically change with temperature, enabling easy application at application temperature and stable retention at body temperature.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If viscous formulations are used to maintain contact with wound surface, then contact time is extended, but they are difficult and time-consuming to apply topically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes through temperature-dependent phase transition. The polymer solution is applied in a low-viscosity state at lower temperature, reducing application time, then transitions to high-viscosity gel state at body temperature to extend contact time.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer is pre-formulated to undergo spontaneous phase transition upon contact with body temperature, eliminating the need for manual thickening or activation steps during application.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If gels, sprays, or pads are used for therapeutic composition, then contact retention is improved, but they are unsuitable for deep wounds or body cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The inverse thermosensitive polymer foam formulation provides universal applicability across different wound types including superficial wounds, deep wounds, and body cavities. The foam structure can penetrate and fill irregular spaces while the temperature-responsive gelation ensures contact retention in all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from surface-level gel applications to three-dimensional foam structures that can penetrate and fill deep wounds and body cavities, adding a spatial dimension to the therapeutic composition's effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If inverse thermosensitive polymer solution is dispensed under reduced pressure, then temperature decreases facilitating liquid foam form, but viscosity must increase upon warming for retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transitions of inverse thermosensitive polymers. The polymer undergoes liquid-to-gel phase transition upon warming from the dispensed low-temperature state to body temperature, providing automatic viscosity stabilization for contact retention.
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 formulation provides ease of application, enhanced coverage, and prolonged retention on wound surfaces due to thermally induced viscosity increase, addressing the challenges of previous formulations.
Implementation Method 1
the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution undergoes a reverse phase change from a liquid to a gel upon warming
Implementation Method 2
the evaporation of an expanding component (e.g., compressed gas or volatile liquid) causes the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution to foam
Implementation Method 3
the reduced pressure produced from dispensing the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution reduces its temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a pressurized therapeutic composition configured to be stored in a valved container designed to maintain an inverse thermosensitive polymer foam composition under pressure and dispense the composition upon opening the valve thereof. After the composition is dispensed from the container the evaporation of an expanding component (e.g., compressed gas or volatile liquid) can cause the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution to foam. The reduced pressure produced from dispensing the inverse thermosensitive polymer solution can reduce its temperature so as to facilitate distribution in a more liquid foam form. The inverse thermosensitive polymer solution can undergo a reverse phase change from a liquid to a gel upon warming (e.g., once dispensed onto or into a body part).