Topical Nitric Oxide Therapy via In Situ Reactant Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for introducing nitric oxide into the body are expensive and inefficient, often leading to short-term benefits with long-term decreases in vascular reactivity and functional capacity, and lack a simple, effective topical application method for transdermal absorption into deeper tissues for vasodilation and other therapeutic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system involving two separate compounds, a nitrite salt, and an acid or reducing agent, mixed on the skin to release nitric oxide, which is absorbed transdermally, increasing systemic vasodilation and nitric oxide levels in the bloodstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bottled nitric oxide gas or traditional nitric oxide donors are used, then nitric oxide can be introduced into the body, but the treatment becomes expensive and tolerance develops leading to decreased effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nitric oxide delivery system into separate components: a nitrite-containing compound and an acidifying agent are applied separately to the skin, then mixed in situ to generate nitric oxide. This segmentation prevents premature reaction, reduces cost, and avoids tolerance development associated with traditional systemic donors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the skin as an intermediary delivery route, applying nitrite compounds topically that then penetrate transdermally to release nitric oxide systemically. This intermediary approach provides sustained release and avoids the tolerance issues of direct systemic administration while reducing cost compared to bottled nitric oxide gas.
2Duration of action of moving object
If L-arginine supplements are used to increase nitric oxide production, then vascular reactivity improves short-term, but long-term use results in no increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase or nitric oxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nitrite compounds topically before they can be converted to nitric oxide in the body. This preliminary topical application ensures sustained release of nitric oxide precursors through the skin, maintaining effective levels over time rather than the short-term effects seen with oral L-arginine supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous nitric oxide delivery through repeated topical applications of nitrite compounds. The sustained transdermal release maintains continuous nitric oxide production in the body, ensuring long-term vascular reactivity and avoiding the diminishing returns associated with chronic L-arginine use.
3Reliability
If nitric oxide donors are used systemically, then endothelial function is preserved and nitric oxide increases, but oxidative stress is generated causing further endothelial dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent delivers nitric oxide precursors locally through topical skin application rather than systemic administration. The nitrite compounds are applied to the skin surface and converted to nitric oxide at the site of application, providing localized delivery that preserves endothelial function without generating widespread oxidative stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the skin as an intermediary barrier that controls the release and conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide. This intermediary delivery system provides controlled, sustained release that maintains endothelial function while minimizing the oxidative stress harmful effects associated with systemic nitric oxide donor administration.
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
This method provides a cost-effective, prolonged release of nitric oxide for sustained vasodilation and therapeutic benefits, including improved circulation, wound healing, and antimicrobial effects, without the drawbacks of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
reactants are mixed with one another, beginning a reaction releasing nitric oxide
Implementation Method 2
applied to the skin so the nitric oxide can be absorbed transdermally into the bloodstream
Data Source
AI summary
A topical mixture that produces nitric oxide and a method for using the topical mixture to increase the vasodilation of a bloodstream via transdermal absorption of the nitric oxide. The nitric oxide can then affect subcutaneous tissues. The systemic vasodilation of a mammal may be increased via a topical application of an appropriate nitric oxide producing substance.