Bioelectric devices for use on specific areas of the body
Inventors
Del Rossi, Joseph • Paluszcyk, Troy
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12017064-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A bioelectric device includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a planar substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to bioelectric dressing systems and methods for treating a joint of the body by affixing a bioelectric device to the joint. The device includes an absorbent layer and a substrate layer comprising two or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a uniform low level electric field (LLEF) or a uniform low level electric current (LLEC). The bioelectric output is generated by electrode microcells arranged in patterns on arrays associated with the device.
A first array and a second array are formed from different conductive materials, and each array comprises a pattern of microcells formed from its respective conductive material. The first array and the second array spontaneously generate the LLEF, and when contacted with an electrolytic solution or a conductive fluid, they spontaneously generate a uniform low level electric current.
The described systems are configured for universal conformability to contoured body areas and joints, including body joints and joint regions such as knee, elbow, shoulder, and wrist. Planar or composite substrate structures are used, including adhesive bandage dressings with an expandable or absorbent layer and a stretchable or expandable film layer, together with shaped or discontinuous perimeter and interlocking perimeter/anchor features to conform to the joint area.
Claims Coverage
The patent document provides one independent claim covering a method for treating a body joint using a bioelectric device that spontaneously generates a uniform low level electric field (LLEF). The inventive features center on affixing a joint-treatment bioelectric device with two patterned microcell electrode arrays formed from dissimilar conductive materials and having a port to access the absorbent layer, with dependent claims refining electrical output conditions and anatomical scope.
Joint treatment with a bioelectric dressing generating uniform LLEF or LLEC
A method for treating a joint of the body by affixing to the joint a bioelectric device comprising an absorbent layer and a substrate layer comprising two or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a uniform low level electric field (LLEF) or a uniform low level electric current (LLEC), with the device further including a port to provide access to the absorbent layer.
Spontaneous generation of LLEF by dissimilar microcell electrode arrays
The biocompatible electrodes comprise a first array comprising a pattern of microcells formed from a first conductive material and a second array comprising a pattern of microcells formed from a second conductive material, where the first array and the second array spontaneously generate a LLEF.
Uniform LLEC generated by spontaneous response to electrolytic or conductive fluid contact
When the first array and the second array are contacted with an electrolytic solution or a conductive fluid, they spontaneously generate a uniform low level electric current (LLEC).
Numerical constraint on uniform LLEC
The uniform LLEC is between 1 and 200 micro-amperes.
Specific uniform LLEC range refinement
The uniform LLEC is between 150 and 200 micro-amperes.
Numerical constraint on uniform LLEF
The uniform LLEF is between 0.05 and 5 Volts.
Anatomical limitation to the wrist joint
The method wherein the joint is the wrist.
Overall, the claims cover joint treatment by affixing a bioelectric device with an absorbent layer and a substrate with patterned microcell electrode arrays formed from dissimilar conductive materials. The key claimed inventive thrust is spontaneous generation of uniform low level electric outputs, particularly a uniform LLEF generated by the first and second microcell arrays, with dependent claim coverage refining LLEC generation via electrolytic or conductive fluid contact and providing numeric ranges for uniform LLEC and uniform LLEF, as well as anatomical limitations such as the wrist.
Stated Advantages
Enables generation of at least one of a uniform low level electric field (LLEF) or a uniform low level electric current (LLEC) by the biocompatible electrode arrays.
Provides a port to provide access to the absorbent layer while the device is affixed to the joint.
Documented Applications
Treating joints of the body, including knee, elbow, shoulder, and wrist, using a bioelectric dressing system.
Cell migration assay and scratch assay context involving cell biology elements such as keratinocytes.
Inhibition of bacteria growth described in connection with zones of inhibition.
Clinical wound care outcomes described in relation to topical oxygen therapy and negative pressure wound therapy.
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