Nitric oxide topical application apparatus and methods
Inventors
Miller, C. Michael • Hill, Gordon K. • Pate, A. John • Bell, David A.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10751364-B2
Publication Date
2020-08-25
Expiration Date
2037-01-25
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Abstract
A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus and methods for topical application of nitric oxide by using two separate containers, each containing a media with active components that produce nitric oxide when combined. Specifically, one container holds a nitrite component media, such as sodium nitrite, and the other contains an acidified component media, such as lactic acid or citric acid. Each container dispenses its respective component as a foam, and when these foams are combined, a reaction initiates the production of nitric oxide. This resultant foam mixture is topically applied to skin or wounds for treatment.
The problem addressed by the invention is the instability of nitric oxide as a molecule, which complicates developing products that consistently promote usable nitric oxide for medical treatment. Existing products and methods do not reliably provide nitric oxide in an efficient and controlled manner for transdermal absorption to treat various maladies. Thus, there is a need for a topical product and application method that can effectively produce and deliver nitric oxide to human tissue for beneficial effects.
The invention further describes controlling the reaction rate and nitric oxide production by adjusting the compositions of the two component media and by incorporating salt buffers and cationic surfactants. The use of foams as the carrier media offers benefits including ease of application, controlled dosing, and improved transdermal absorption as the foam collapses on the skin. The nitric oxide generated has applications in antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cosmetic contexts, demonstrating versatility of the topical mixture.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims that focus on compositions and foam formulations for transdermal nitric oxide absorption and topical treatment.
Composition of two aerated foam solutions producing nitric oxide
A composition comprising a first solution with water, at least one nitrite reactant, and a cationic surfactant; a second solution with water, at least one acidic reactant, and the cationic surfactant; and first and second foams obtained by aerating these solutions. The composition includes a collapsible foam produced by mixing the two foams that generates nitric oxide upon application.
Specific component concentrations in foam solutions
Solutions comprising approximately 100 mL of water with specific amounts of sodium nitrite, lactic acid, citric acid, and varying amounts of cationic surfactant. The composition produces a collapsible foam with a nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide ratio varying between 60% and 120% depending on formulation.
Collapsible foam that collapses on skin for nitric oxide delivery
A collapsible foam composition made from aerated first and second solutions as above, wherein the foam substantially collapses within approximately five minutes after placement on skin. The composition may include a salt buffer for regulating nitric oxide reaction rate.
The claims cover compositions of two separate foamable solutions with nitrite and acidic reactants and cationic surfactants, which when mixed form a collapsible foam delivering nitric oxide transdermally with controlled nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide ratios and reaction rates.
Stated Advantages
Provides a comparatively efficient way to promote production of nitric oxide usable by human cells and tissues for treating various maladies.
Foam carrier acts as a dressing or barrier to keep nitric oxide gas near the skin, improving transdermal absorption.
Use of cationic surfactants in foam media reduces production of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant and irritant.
The system allows metering of component media amounts easily and uses less media compared to other carriers.
Control over reaction rate and nitric oxide production through formulation adjustments, including salt buffers and surfactants.
Effective for antiseptic and antimicrobial cleaning, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, biofilm dispersal, and cosmetic applications.
Documented Applications
Treatment of various skin disorders such as acne, cuts, scrapes, minor burns, and ingrown hairs.
Topical application to promote wound healing, including diabetic ulcers and chronic wounds.
Antimicrobial and antifungal cleaning, including hand disinfection comparable or superior to some commercial products.
Dispersal of biofilms to enable antibiotic penetration.
Localized analgesic and anti-inflammatory applications.
Cosmetic applications to reduce appearance of wrinkles.
Use in footbaths for soaking to deliver nitric oxide via transdermal absorption.
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