Translucent Liquid Patch for Cold Sores Using Alcoholic Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patches for treating herpes labialis (cold sores) are either unsightly, destabilize due to moisture buildup, or lack effective active ingredients, leading to prolonged healing times and increased infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A translucent liquid patch with an alcoholic base adhesive, including active ingredients like Docosanol and anti-septic compounds, which forms a protective barrier without a backing layer, reducing visibility and promoting healing while preventing infection spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrocolloid base patch is used to manage moisture, then moisture wicking is improved, but the patch becomes thicker and more visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the adhesive base from traditional hydrocolloid to a novel polymer composition that maintains moisture management effectiveness while achieving a thinner, more translucent profile. The adhesive contains polymers at 5-50% concentration that provide both adhesion and moisture wicking without the gel-like thickening of hydrocolloids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite adhesive formulation combining multiple polymer types (including acrylic polymers and vinyl polymers) with plasticizers and other additives to create a material that simultaneously provides strong adhesion, moisture management, and thin flexible structure. This composite approach allows optimization of multiple properties that single-material hydrocolloids cannot achieve.
2Shape
If non-hydrocolloid base patch is used to maintain thin profile, then visibility is reduced, but moisture management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the adhesive composition to include specific polymer concentrations (5-50%) and plasticizer ratios that enable thin-film moisture transport. The plasticizers at 5-50% concentration specifically enhance the adhesive's ability to manage moisture while maintaining a thin, flexible structure that does not compromise visibility.
3Reliability
If patch includes active ingredients for healing, then healing effectiveness is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the active healing ingredients directly into the adhesive base formulation itself, rather than using separate layers or components. The antiviral agents, amino acids, and other therapeutic compounds are incorporated into the polymer-adhesive matrix, allowing the patch to function as both the delivery vehicle and the therapeutic agent, thereby reducing overall formulation complexity.
4Duration of action of moving object
If patch remains in contact with lesion for extended healing time, then healing is accelerated, but adhesion stability deteriorates due to moisture buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the adhesive to maintain continuous effective contact with the lesion over extended periods through its moisture management properties. The adhesive composition actively manages moisture buildup at the interface, preventing the destabilization that would otherwise occur during prolonged wear, thereby enabling continuous therapeutic action for accelerated healing.
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 patch provides a stable, flexible, and discreet treatment that accelerates healing, reduces irritation, and prevents secondary infection, allowing for easier daily routines and makeup application without compromising effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The translucent liquid patch includes an alcoholic base adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocolloid ingredient combines with moisture produced by the lesion and it turns into a gel like substance
Data Source
AI summary
A formulation of a discrete liquid patch for the treatment of cold sores or viral lesions, including a combination of the adhesive layer and an active compound/ingredient such as antiviral agents, and/or amino acids, and/or minerals/vitamins. The adhesive layer of the discrete patch is substantially free of hydrocolloid particles. The adhesive layer does not include any backing layer to maintain the compliance of the patch with a thickness ranging from 5 microns to 1,300 microns. Wherein, the discrete patch of the invention is configured to apply to a viral lesion to maintain in contact therewith for a time effective to substantially complete re-epithelialization of the lesion.