HYDRATING PATCH

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrating patch. The hydrating patch (100) comprises a biodegradable and biocompatible absorbent inset (106). The absorbent inset (106) absorbs and retains a liquid, and discharge an absorbed liquid when pressed. The hydrating patch (100) also comprises a biocompatible matrix (102) which supports the absorbent inset (106). The biocompatible matrix (102) is flexible. To attach the biocompatible matrix (102) to a biological membrane, a sticking layer (110) is attached to the biocompatible matrix (102). The hydrating patch (100) can be attached in the oral cavity to alleviate dryness in a person having a dry mouth condition.

Claims

1. A biodegradable hydrating patch (100) comprising: an absorbent inset (106), wherein the absorbent inset (106) is biodegradable, and biocompatible, absorbs and retains a liquid, and discharges the absorbed liquid when pressed; a biocompatible matrix (102), wherein the biocompatible matrix (102) is flexible and supports the absorbent inset (106); and a sticking layer (110), wherein the sticking layer (110) is attached to the biocompatible matrix (102) and stick-able to a biological membrane; wherein, absorbent inset (106) comprises at least an animal origin biomaterial, and a plant origin biomaterial; and an exposed area of the absorbent inset (106) in the dry state and in the swollen state is relatively same.

2. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sticking layer (110) is stick-able to the buccal mucosa.

3. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent inset (106) discharges absorbed water during movement of oral muscles.

4. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent inset (106) comprises a water swell-able fibrous protein, and antimicrobial and wound healing substances which are eluted by the discharged absorbed water, wherein the water swell able fibrous protein can increase to up to 10 to 15 fold of its weight in the dry state by absorbing water.

5. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrating patch lasts in the mouth for at least nine hours without significant degradation.

6. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent inset (106) slowly release absorbed water for at least three hours and reabsorbs when contacted with water.

7. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biocompatible matrix (102) supports the absorbent inlet (106) in a dry state and in a swollen state.

8. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biocompatible matrix (102) comprises a netted sub-structure and the absorbent inset (106) has a shape complimentary to the netted substructure.

9. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the usage time is 9-10 hours and the recharging is done every three hours.

10. The hydrating patch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biocompatible matrix (102) is biodegradable.

11. A method of making the hydrating patch (100) comprising the steps: solubilizing atelocollagen in acetic acid at 0.05 M and preparing as 0.5% to 1% aqueous solution; mixing natural antimicrobial agent aleovera and the flavoring agents with the aqueous solution to form an aqueous solution of absorbent matrix; pouring the aqueous solution of absorbent matrix into molds at 8 ml to 10 ml per square centimeter at a thickness is in the range of 4 to 7 mm on a sticky layer; placing a biocompatible porous matrix (102) on the top of the aqueous solution in the mold; freeze drying by placing the filled mold in a freeze dryer for 24-48 hrs; demolding and sealing the edges of the freeze dried layer; and adding a sticking layer (110) to form the hydrating patch.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sticking layer (110) is prepared with either gelatin or carboxymethyl cellulose at the concentration of 1% to 2% in distilled water and poured into the plastic mold at the rate of 1 ml to 2 ml per cm.sup.2 and dried at 37° C. for 8 to 10 hrs.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the flavoring agents comprise L-Menthol, Orange oil, 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, and Fennel oil.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the amount of aleovera added is 1 mg to 2 mg per ml of aqueous solution.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The objective of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a hydrating patch as an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of the hydrating patch and the placement of the hydrating patch in the mouth of the user as an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0022] FIG. 3(a) illustrates a profile view of an absorbent inset in a dry state with a subset figure showing the enlarged view of the porous microstructure of the absorbent in the dry state as an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0023] FIG. 3(b) illustrates a profile view of the absorbent inset in a swollen state with a subset figure showing the enlarged view of the porous microstructure of the absorbent in the swollen state as an embodiment of the present subject matter.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0024] Hydrating Patch 100 [0025] Biocompatible matrix 102 [0026] Cavitated substructure 104 [0027] Absorbent inset 106 [0028] First side 108 [0029] Sticking layer 110 [0030] Second side 112 [0031] Exposed area 114

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereafter, the features and working of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] The invention is a flexible oral hydrating patch that includes hydrophilic polymers, that is designed to place in buccal are. In preferred embodiments, this insert is flexible and giving a soft feel in the mouth. The patch absorbs water taken by the patient and elute slowly upon mild tongue pressure or during movement of facial muscles. FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a hydrating patch as an embodiment of the present subject matter. The hydrating patch 100 comprises three major components. A biocompatible matrix 102 provides a skeletal structure to the hydrating patch 100. The biocompatible matrix 102 is flexible and is a netted structure matrix with holes. An absorbent inset 106 is attached to the biocompatible matrix 102. The moisturizing functionality of the hydrating patch 100 is provided by the absorbent inset 106 which has a cavitated substructure 104. The requirement for the matrix is to remain inside a human mouth to support the absorbent insert, so that the slow degradation of absorbent insert will not make significant change in the overall hydrating patch even after desired time that is 9-12 hours. The shape of the absorbent inset 106 is complimentary to the biocompatible matrix 102 in order to fit the absorbent inset 106.

[0034] The absorbent inset 106 with limited or no water is in a dry state. When the absorbent inset 106 contacts water, it absorbs water and expands to reach a swollen state. The flexible nature of the biocompatible matrix 102 enable accommodation of the absorbent inset 106 in the swollen state. The absorbent inset 106 is composed of biomaterial. The biomaterial comprises at least an animal origin biomaterial and a plant origin biomaterial. Hence the absorbent inset 106 is both biocompatible and biodegradable. In an implementation, the absorbent inset 106 is a water swell-able fibrous protein, which can increase to up to 10 to 15 fold of its weight in the dry state by absorbing water. When any pressure is applied on the absorbent inset 106, the absorbed water seeps out. When the amount of water retained in the absorbent inset 106 decreases, contacting the surface of the absorbent inset 106 with water leads to re-absorption. In an embodiment, the absorbent inset (106) slowly release absorbed water for at least three hours and reabsorbs when contacted with water.

[0035] The hydrating patch at a first side 108 is attached in the oral cavity. To enable the attachment a sticking layer 110 is attached on the first side 108. The biocompatible sticking layer become sticky when the hydrating patch is wet. The sticking layer 110 is a biocompatible sticking material and can be stuck on a biological membrane. The sticking layer 110 is also reusable and hence can be removed temporarily after sticking and stuck again. In an implementation, the sticking layer 110 sticks the first side 108 to the buccal mucosa in the oral cavity. The buccal mucosa is the lining of the cheeks and the back of the lips, inside where they touch the teeth in the oral cavity. A second side 112 of the hydrating patch is exposed to the oral cavity. The surface of the absorbent inset 106 at the second side 112 is an exposed area 114 of the absorbent inset 106 through which water is discharged out.

[0036] During movement of the cheek and lip muscles, the buccal mucosa is flexed which translates as a pressure on the absorbent inset 106. The first side 108 can also be stuck to the floor of the mouth using the sticking layer 110. The normal movement of the tongue applies a pressure on the absorbent inset 106. In response to the applied pressure some of the absorbed water is discharged, which moisturizes the oral cavity. Thus a person need not make any extra effort to discharge the water.

[0037] The discharged water serves to moisturize the oral cavity and throat. As the buccal mucosa contacts the teeth, the discharged water easily contacts the teeth surface and helps to keep it clean. Moreover one of the main functions of saliva is to control the growth of micro-organisms and fungi in the oral cavity. Water elutable antimicrobial and wound healing substances are inherently present in the absorbent inset 106. Due to this when the water is discharged from the absorbent inset 106, the antimicrobial substances are eluted and help in controlling the microbial growth in the oral cavity.

[0038] A hydrating patch 100 is sealed in a protective covering for storage and before use of the hydrating patch 100 to prevent any dust or damage on the absorbent inset 106. To use the hydrating patch 100, the protective covering is removed and the hydrating patch 100 is stuck to the buccal mucosa using the sticking layer 110.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of the hydrating patch as an embodiment of the present subject matter. The hydrating patch 100 is shown with all the components assembled. The absorbent inset 106 is attached to the biocompatible matrix 102.

[0040] The hydrating patch can be formed in any desired size and shape. FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred shape of the hydrating patch. The shape is designed for comfortable placement in the buccal area of the cheeks. After the hydrating patch 100 is stuck inside the oral cavity, it can be temporarily removed and stuck again. Hence the hydrating patch is reusable during a prescribed usage lifetime. The usage time of the hydrating patch 100 can be typically one day after which it is disposed. This helps is ensuring hygienic conditions of usage. The hydrating patch 100 being composed of biodegradable materials can be disposed in an environment friendly manner.

[0041] FIG. 3(a) illustrates a profile view of the absorbent inset 106 in the dry state as an embodiment of the present subject matter. When the water content in the absorbent inset 106 is low, the absorbent inset 106 is in a dry state. When the absorbed water is discharged during use, the absorbent inset 106 reaches the dry state. In the dry state, the absorbent inset 106 remains attached to the biocompatible matrix 102. But as the volume of the absorbent inset 106 is reduced in the dry state, only part of the cavitated substructure 104 is occupied. As the absorbent inset 106 is contacted with water, water is reabsorbed. The exposed area 114 is contacted with water by intake of water in the oral cavity and the water is reabsorbed. The cavitated sub-structures 104 in the absorbent insert allow the water to fill-in and as the material per se uptake water into its molecules. The molecular network in the biomaterial are long and entangled by the network. Within the networks of the pores these antimicrobial and flavoring agents are embedded that helps to slow release. Some molecules in the antimicrobial and flavoring agents may be chemically bound to the biomaterial. The hydrophilic nature of the biomaterial in the absorbent insert allows the absorbance of water along with antimicrobial agent and flavoring agent.

[0042] FIG. 3(b) illustrates a profile view of the absorbent inset 106 in a swollen state as an embodiment of the present subject matter. By absorption of water, the absorbent inset 106 reaches a swollen state. In an implementation, the absorbent inset 106 can increase up to 200% in weight. Since the water to absorbent ratio is high, the hydrating patch 100 can be used for a long duration of time before the requirement of recharging arises. In the swollen state, the absorbent inset fills the cavitated substructure 104. Even though the volume of the absorbent inset 106 has increased in the swollen state, the exposed area 114 is relatively same as that in the dry state. As the discharge of water occurs only through the exposed area 114, and when the cheek, lips, and tongue are moved, water is slowly discharged. Hence the usage time of the hydrating patch 100 before recharging the dry state is long.

[0043] The present invention will be further described with example implementations.

[0044] In an example implementation of the present invention, the absorbent insert, is a hydrophilic biomaterial that is absorbing water within pores of the network and release adequate amount during movement of the facial muscle and tongue pressure. Collagen is the most abundant protein (25-30% of total protein), which makes up around one-fourth of the body protein, three-fourths of the skin, more than 90% of tendon and corneal tissues, and almost 80% organic matter of bones in human. Fibrillary collagens are most abundant in vertebrates and play a structural role by contributing to the mechanical properties of tissues, molecular architecture and shape. It is a highly versatile material that is extensively used in the biomaterial applications since 1910 due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and flexibility to be reconstituted. Common sources of collagen in use for biomedical applications include bovine tendons, intestine and skin, porcine skin and intestine, fish scale and swim bladder and rat tail tendon. In an embodiment includes type I atelocollagen from bovine tendon as absorbent matrix. Other sources such as marine type I atelocollagen may be used as an alternate. Atelocollagen is soluble in synthetic and organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid and formic acid at pH lower than 5. In the example implementation, the collagen is solubilized in acetic acid at 0.05 M and prepared as 0.5% to 1% aqueous solution.

[0045] The high viscous atelocollagen solution is mixed with natural antimicrobial agent aleovera (bitterness) and the flavoring agents such as L-Menthol, Orange oil, 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, and Fennel oil to form an aqueous solution of absorbent matrix. The amount of aleovera added is 1 mg to 2 mg per ml of absorbent insert in its solution state. The concentration is from ten to twenty times of the antimicrobial concentration detected against oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Candida albicans. The synthetic antimicrobial agent such as chlorohexidine, tetracycline, amoxicillin and other drugs that treating ulcer can be used as alternatives. The aqueous solution of absorbent matrix consisting of antimicrobial and flavoring agents is poured into molds at 8 ml to 10 ml per square centimeter. The thickness is in the range of 4 to 7 mm. The mold may be formed using metal, aluminum or plastic at desired size. The biocompatible porous matrix is placed on the top of the aqueous layer and placed in freeze dryer. Drying may take from 24 to 48 hrs depends on the quantity of mold and capacity of the freeze dryer. After drying, the hydrating patch is de-molded and the edges are sealed.

[0046] The sticking layer is prepared with gelatin or carboxymethyl cellulose at the concentration of 1% to 2% in distilled water and poured into the plastic mold at the rate of 1 ml to 2 ml per cm.sup.2 and dried at 37° C. for 8 to 10 hrs. This forms smooth layer of adhesive material. The sticking layer can be formed using other adhesive materials such as Xanthan gum, gum Arabic, Konjac gum independently or in combinations. The sticking layer is applied on the hydrating patch. Top porous layer is easily distinguishable from the sticking layer, which makes easy identification by the patients and the same is labelled in the packing material. Each hydrating patch is packed in a pouch that is sterilized using gamma irradiation for storage.

[0047] The hydrating patch made by the process described above, is placed in the buccal cavity of Patient's mouth as dry patch with sticking layer on the mucosal side. The stickiness allows the hydrating patch to stick to the buccal mucosa. The patient is then instructed to intake water to hydrate the patch. The hydrating patch can also be pre-wetted in water and used. The patient can talk while having the hydrating patch in the mouth. Further, the patient may be instructed to place food on the other side when eating food. The functioning of the hydrating patch is not affected by eating food and hence the patch need not be removed while eating. The only drawback is that the hydrating patch may get stained from the food.

[0048] The hydrating patch absorbs 10 to 15 fold of water based on its dry weight. Various facial muscle movement and tongue pressures, 1 kPa to 40 kPa results in the release of 30% to 80% of the water from the hydrating patch. The hydrating patch has the potential to re-absorb the water that keep it hydrated when patient drink water each time. The size of 15 square centimeter hydrating patch is known to absorb 4 ml to 5 ml of water.

[0049] The absorbent insert will slowly degrade by salivary enzyme and the crosslinking such as UV irradiation of the hydrating patch reduces the degradation rate. The significant portion of the absorbent insert will stay remain even after desired time point of usage. The matrix typically lasts in the mouth for at least nine hours without significant degradation. The absorbent insert being a biocompatible and biodegradable material, can be slowly degraded by specific salivary enzymes. The absorbent insert composed of collagen, which make it as biocompatible and the degraded material does not harmful when swallowed as it will be peptide or amino acids. The hydrating patch is reusable but after a suggested time period of use can be disposed. As the hydrating patch comprises components which are biodegradable material, disposal of the patch is safe.

[0050] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.