Transdermal CO Patch With Membrane-Isolated Gas Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for administering carbon monoxide (CO) topically or transcutaneously for wound healing and inflammatory diseases face challenges such as systemic toxicity, contact with potentially toxic CO releasing molecules, and ineffective delivery to target sites like open wounds and tissues.

Innovation Solution

A therapeutic system comprising an adhesive layer, a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane, a reaction chamber with a CO releasing molecule, and a gas-impermeable backing layer, allowing on-demand activation of CO release through a triggering compound, thereby avoiding direct contact with toxic compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CO releasing molecules are used for transdermal application, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but toxic side effects and direct contact with patient occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidtoxic side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the CO delivery function into separate components: a CO-releasing molecule in a reaction chamber, a triggering compound applied separately, and a gas-permeable membrane that separates the reactive components from direct patient contact. This segmentation allows controlled CO generation while preventing toxic contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A gas-permeable and liquid- and solid-impermeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the CO-releasing molecule and the patient's skin. This membrane allows CO gas to pass through while blocking toxic degradation products and preventing direct contact between the patient and the CO-releasing molecule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high doses of CO are administered, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but risk of CO poisoning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidCO poisoning risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system delivers CO locally to the wound site rather than systemically. The CO is generated and released directly at the application site through the gas-permeable membrane, ensuring high local concentration for therapeutic effect while minimizing systemic absorption and CO-Hb formation that leads to poisoning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The CO is generated on-demand at the application site through the reaction between the CO-releasing molecule and the triggering compound. This self-contained generation system ensures CO is produced only where and when needed, preventing unnecessary systemic exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If CO releasing molecules contact the wound, then direct treatment is achieved, but toxic degradation products contact the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect treatmentVSAvoidtoxic degradation products

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gas-permeable membrane serves as a selective intermediary that allows CO gas to reach the wound for direct treatment while blocking toxic degradation products from contacting the patient. This resolves the contradiction by permitting therapeutic contact while preventing harmful contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Quantity of substance

If systemic CO administration is used, then CO-Hb formation occurs, but therapeutic delivery to specific sites is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO deliveryVSAvoidsystemic CO-Hb formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed for localized CO delivery to specific wound sites rather than systemic administration. The CO is generated and released directly at the application site, ensuring efficient delivery to the target tissue while minimizing systemic circulation and CO-Hb formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables safe and targeted delivery of CO to skin, subcutaneous tissue, joints, and eyes, reducing systemic toxicity and side effects while ensuring rapid bioavailability and lower side effects compared to standard therapies.

Implementation Method 1

a gas-permeable and liquid- and solid-impermeable membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeability: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the CO-releasing molecule is activated by a triggering compound within the reaction chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12622880B2Therapeutic system for the topical, transdermal and transcutaneous application of carbon monoxide

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 JULIUS MAXIMILIANS UNIV WURZBURG

AI summary

The present invention discloses a therapeutic system for the topic, transdermal and transcutaneous application of carbon monoxide (CO), comprising: (i) an adhesive layer, (ii) a gas-permeable and liquid- and solid-impermeable membrane, (iii) a reaction chamber comprising a CO releasing molecule A, and (iv) a gas-impermeable backing layer, wherein the transdermal therapeutic system is configured that the CO releasing molecule A can be brought into contact with a CO release triggering compound B in the reaction chamber (iii). The therapeutic system can be used for the treatment of wounds, inflammatory diseases of the skin, and inflammatory diseases of subcutaneous skin tissue, joints and tendons.