Topical Formulations for STD Prevention via Film-Forming Excipients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current topical formulations for preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often cause irritation and are not effective in providing a physical barrier against pathogen transmission, especially when used in conjunction with condoms.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-irritating topical protective formulations that utilize a combination of film-forming excipients, including skin protectants like zinc oxide, glycerin, lanolin, and silicone derivatives, to create a persistent hydrophobic barrier on the skin, inhibiting the penetration of pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical actives such as nonoxynol-9 are used in topical formulations to reduce STD transmission, then the rate of STD transmission is reduced, but local irritation, inflammation, and ulcerations are induced which may favor STD transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful chemical actives (nonoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, povidone-iodine) from the formulation while retaining the protective barrier function through film-forming excipients alone, thereby eliminating irritation while maintaining STD prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful approach of using chemical microbicides into a beneficial physical barrier approach using only film-forming excipients, where the barrier property itself becomes the protective mechanism without chemical irritation
2Reliability
If chemical microbicides are used to provide protection against STDs, then STD transmission is reduced, but the formulations cause skin irritation and ulcerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all chemical microbicide components from the formulation, relying solely on the physical barrier properties of film-forming excipients to provide protection, thereby eliminating the source of skin irritation and ulcerations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses film-forming excipients as an intermediary physical barrier between the pathogen and the skin, replacing the need for chemical microbicides and eliminating their harmful side effects while maintaining protective function
3Reliability
If prior art formulations are used, then chemical active ingredients are present, but none provide a physical barrier to pathogen permeation without causing irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs film-forming excipients that create a flexible physical barrier film on the skin surface, providing a non-irritating yet effective shield against pathogen permeation, contrasting with prior art that relied on chemical actives without such physical barrier properties
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
These formulations effectively prevent the transmission of STDs by forming a durable, non-irritating physical barrier on the skin, providing enhanced protection against viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, even when used in combination with condoms.
Implementation Method 1
The products of the present invention are persistent in that they form a film or barrier on healthy or even damaged skin... This forms a physical hydrophobic layer, which resides on the skin surface (including mucosal membranes) and provides a barrier, which would inhibit penetration of liquids, and pathogens
Implementation Method 2
They liquefy and spread over the skin as a result of exposure to body heat. This forms a physical hydrophobic layer, which resides on the skin surface (including mucosal membranes) and provides a barrier, which would inhibit penetration of liquids, and pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards various topical protective formulations, which may be used as an adjunct in preventing the spread of a broad range of sexually transmitted diseases. The product is intended to be used as a topical lotion, cream, emulsion, or the like. The film forming excipients and active ingredients in the following formulations have demonstrated unique skin protective barrier properties with enhanced persistence that inhibits transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.