EP4376619A1 - Devices for retaining bodily fluids with ph control components - Google Patents
Devices for retaining bodily fluids with ph control componentsInfo
- Publication number
- EP4376619A1 EP4376619A1 EP22955151.0A EP22955151A EP4376619A1 EP 4376619 A1 EP4376619 A1 EP 4376619A1 EP 22955151 A EP22955151 A EP 22955151A EP 4376619 A1 EP4376619 A1 EP 4376619A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- top sheet
- copper compounds
- sheet
- ions
- absorbent core
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000005749 Copper compound Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 98
- 150000001880 copper compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 98
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 229910001868 water Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- -1 Cu+ ions Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 74
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 108010046334 Urease Proteins 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 206010021639 Incontinence Diseases 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 239000010839 body fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 40
- XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Urea Chemical compound NC(N)=O XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- 229920000247 superabsorbent polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 28
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- QPLDLSVMHZLSFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper oxide Chemical class [Cu]=O QPLDLSVMHZLSFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 19
- 229910000365 copper sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 16
- ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) sulfate Chemical compound [Cu+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- BERDEBHAJNAUOM-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(I) oxide Inorganic materials [Cu]O[Cu] BERDEBHAJNAUOM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 229960004643 cupric oxide Drugs 0.000 claims description 10
- KRFJLUBVMFXRPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N cuprous oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Cu+].[Cu+] KRFJLUBVMFXRPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 229940112669 cuprous oxide Drugs 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000007062 hydrolysis Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000006460 hydrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- PTVDYARBVCBHSL-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Cu] PTVDYARBVCBHSL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- GBRBMTNGQBKBQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper;diiodide Chemical class I[Cu]I GBRBMTNGQBKBQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 75
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 47
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 description 47
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 22
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 20
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 16
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 15
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 13
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 13
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 13
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 13
- 241000588770 Proteus mirabilis Species 0.000 description 12
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 12
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 10
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 9
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 8
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 8
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 7
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229920003043 Cellulose fiber Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 210000003608 fece Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000002601 urease inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 5
- 201000004624 Dermatitis Diseases 0.000 description 4
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- NDVLTYZPCACLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Ag+].[Ag+] NDVLTYZPCACLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000005751 Copper oxide Substances 0.000 description 3
- JPVYNHNXODAKFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cu2+ Chemical compound [Cu+2] JPVYNHNXODAKFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910000431 copper oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007793 ph indicator Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 3
- VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium hydroxide Chemical compound [NH4+].[OH-] VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 206010013786 Dry skin Diseases 0.000 description 2
- CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L Magnesium sulfate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[K+] WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 229940090496 Urease inhibitor Drugs 0.000 description 2
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011114 ammonium hydroxide Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000843 anti-fungal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000840 anti-viral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001431 copper ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- PDZKZMQQDCHTNF-UHFFFAOYSA-M copper(1+);thiocyanate Chemical compound [Cu+].[S-]C#N PDZKZMQQDCHTNF-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- DDRJAANPRJIHGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N creatinine Chemical compound CN1CC(=O)NC1=N DDRJAANPRJIHGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000416 exudates and transudate Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000017 hydrogel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011534 incubation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004060 metabolic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000027939 micturition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001707 polybutylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910001923 silver oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- SQGYOTSLMSWVJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver(1+) nitrate Chemical compound [Ag+].[O-]N(=O)=O SQGYOTSLMSWVJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 244000005714 skin microbiome Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004583 superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004243 sweat Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- LWIHDJKSTIGBAC-UHFFFAOYSA-K tripotassium phosphate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[K+].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O LWIHDJKSTIGBAC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 2
- 239000001974 tryptic soy broth Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 description 2
- WAKHLWOJMHVUJC-FYWRMAATSA-N (2e)-2-hydroxyimino-1,2-diphenylethanol Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(=N/O)\C(O)C1=CC=CC=C1 WAKHLWOJMHVUJC-FYWRMAATSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JKFYKCYQEWQPTM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-azaniumyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)acetate Chemical compound OC(=O)C(N)C1=CC=C(F)C=C1 JKFYKCYQEWQPTM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021595 Copper(I) iodide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000186216 Corynebacterium Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010012444 Dermatitis diaper Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000003105 Diaper Rash Diseases 0.000 description 1
- AEMRFAOFKBGASW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycolic acid Natural products OCC(O)=O AEMRFAOFKBGASW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000282412 Homo Species 0.000 description 1
- 201000008225 Klebsiella pneumonia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000588747 Klebsiella pneumoniae Species 0.000 description 1
- 102000004882 Lipase Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 239000004367 Lipase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 108090001060 Lipase Proteins 0.000 description 1
- OFOBLEOULBTSOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Malonic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)=O OFOBLEOULBTSOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000192041 Micrococcus Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002292 Nylon 6 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002302 Nylon 6,6 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 108091005804 Peptidases Proteins 0.000 description 1
- BELBBZDIHDAJOR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phenolsulfonephthalein Chemical compound C1=CC(O)=CC=C1C1(C=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)C2=CC=CC=C2S(=O)(=O)O1 BELBBZDIHDAJOR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010035717 Pneumonia klebsiella Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004365 Protease Substances 0.000 description 1
- 102100037486 Reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 229910021607 Silver chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910021612 Silver iodide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 241000191940 Staphylococcus Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010046543 Urinary incontinence Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010046555 Urinary retention Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910052946 acanthite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000908 ammonium hydroxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940121375 antifungal agent Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004599 antimicrobial Substances 0.000 description 1
- RXBWNIYFOFYPJR-UHFFFAOYSA-N azane;2-benzamidoacetic acid Chemical compound N.OC(=O)CNC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 RXBWNIYFOFYPJR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001311 chemical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ULLASJXJTPGSFV-UHFFFAOYSA-H copper zirconium(4+) diphosphate Chemical compound P(=O)([O-])([O-])[O-].[Zr+4].[Cu+2].P(=O)([O-])([O-])[O-] ULLASJXJTPGSFV-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 description 1
- ORTQZVOHEJQUHG-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) chloride Chemical compound Cl[Cu]Cl ORTQZVOHEJQUHG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- OMZSGWSJDCOLKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(II) sulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[Cu+2] OMZSGWSJDCOLKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LSXDOTMGLUJQCM-UHFFFAOYSA-M copper(i) iodide Chemical compound I[Cu] LSXDOTMGLUJQCM-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229940109239 creatinine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021641 deionized water Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000005911 diet Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000378 dietary effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002009 diols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005764 inhibitory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003834 intracellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003734 kidney Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000019421 lipase Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052943 magnesium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019341 magnesium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002075 main ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009965 odorless effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000037368 penetrate the skin Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960003531 phenolsulfonphthalein Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002643 polyglutamic acid Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005594 polymer fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000193 polymethacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002215 polytrimethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001103 potassium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011164 potassium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000160 potassium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011009 potassium phosphates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- OTYBMLCTZGSZBG-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium sulfate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O OTYBMLCTZGSZBG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052939 potassium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011151 potassium sulphates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003856 quaternary ammonium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000001732 sebaceous gland Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229940045105 silver iodide Drugs 0.000 description 1
- HKZLPVFGJNLROG-UHFFFAOYSA-M silver monochloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Ag+] HKZLPVFGJNLROG-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910001961 silver nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- YPNVIBVEFVRZPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L silver sulfate Chemical compound [Ag+].[Ag+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O YPNVIBVEFVRZPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910000367 silver sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940056910 silver sulfide Drugs 0.000 description 1
- XUARKZBEFFVFRG-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver sulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[Ag+].[Ag+] XUARKZBEFFVFRG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000037380 skin damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036559 skin health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 206010040872 skin infection Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001488 sodium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000162 sodium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052938 sodium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011152 sodium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000451 tissue damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K trisodium phosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- GPRLSGONYQIRFK-MNYXATJNSA-N triton Chemical compound [3H+] GPRLSGONYQIRFK-MNYXATJNSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 108010050327 trypticase-soy broth Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 210000003708 urethra Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000011787 zinc oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940043810 zinc pyrithione Drugs 0.000 description 1
- PICXIOQBANWBIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;1-oxidopyridine-2-thione Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-]N1C=CC=CC1=S.[O-]N1C=CC=CC1=S PICXIOQBANWBIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000166 zirconium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- LEHFSLREWWMLPU-UHFFFAOYSA-B zirconium(4+);tetraphosphate Chemical compound [Zr+4].[Zr+4].[Zr+4].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O.[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O.[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O.[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O LEHFSLREWWMLPU-UHFFFAOYSA-B 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N59/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
- A01N59/16—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
- A01N59/20—Copper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01P—BIOCIDAL, PEST REPELLANT, PEST ATTRACTANT OR PLANT GROWTH REGULATORY ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR PREPARATIONS
- A01P1/00—Disinfectants; Antimicrobial compounds or mixtures thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01P—BIOCIDAL, PEST REPELLANT, PEST ATTRACTANT OR PLANT GROWTH REGULATORY ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR PREPARATIONS
- A01P3/00—Fungicides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
- A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
- A61F13/51113—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin comprising an additive, e.g. lotion or odour control
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
- A61F13/8405—Additives, e.g. for odour, disinfectant or pH control
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
- A61K33/24—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
- A61K33/34—Copper; Compounds thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/22—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
- A61L15/24—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/22—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
- A61L15/26—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
- A61L15/46—Deodorants or malodour counteractants, e.g. to inhibit the formation of ammonia or bacteria
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
- A61L15/60—Liquid-swellable gel-forming materials, e.g. super-absorbents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
- A61F13/8405—Additives, e.g. for odour, disinfectant or pH control
- A61F2013/8408—Additives, e.g. for odour, disinfectant or pH control with odour control
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2300/00—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices
- A61L2300/10—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices containing or releasing inorganic materials
- A61L2300/102—Metals or metal compounds, e.g. salts such as bicarbonates, carbonates, oxides, zeolites, silicates
Definitions
- Diapers generally, comprise a top sheet, an absorbent core and a bottom sheet.
- Water insoluble and/or soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid may be added to at least one of the top sheet, the absorbent core and the bottom sheet or another component of the diaper to inhibit the catalytic hydrolysis of urea in urine by urease enzymes, and by inhibiting microbial growth.
- the water insoluble or soluble copper compounds thereby reduce the rate of degradation of the urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide and, consequently, reduce the odor and pH of a used incontinence device and irritation to the skin of the wearer.
- the top sheet comprises a nonwoven polymeric sheet comprising embedded water insoluble copper compounds and an absorbent core comprising water soluble copper compounds.
- diapers Incontinence products, adult protective underwear, sanitary napkins, or other absorbent products (hereinafter “diapers”) are typically used to reduce the negative effects of an incontinence problem if therapies and medications cannot help with alleviating the incontinence itself. Diapers are used to absorb urine and retain stool to prevent leakage.
- These diapers generally, comprise three basic components, a top sheet, an absorbent core and a bottom sheet, but may have additional components such as, but not limited to, an acquisition layer between the absorbent core and the top sheet.
- the acquisition layer may provide structure and features that cause wicking and capillary action to move liquids from the top sheet into the absorbent core.
- absorbent cores of diapers comprise at least one of pulp, fluff pulp, hydrogels, and SAP polymers (superabsorbent polymers, for example, polyacrylate polymer) to absorb the liquids in urine and feces and keep the wearer's skin dry.
- SAP polymers superabsorbent polymers, for example, polyacrylate polymer
- liquid components of urine pass through the top sheet and are absorbed into the absorbent core.
- the liquid components of urine include, among other components, urea. Over time, the urea in the urine naturally degrades producing volatile compounds (carbon dioxide and ammonia). The degradation of urea may occur in the absorbent core of a diaper.
- the urea degradation may be accelerated by naturally occurring enzymes.
- Urease is such a naturally occurring enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of urea.
- Most bacteria in skin flora, such as Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Micrococcus species have the urease enzyme and are capable of breaking down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide.
- urease is an exoenzyme.
- An exoenzyme is an enzyme that operates outside the cell that produces it.
- urease is capable of breaking down urea present in the surroundings/environment around the skin flora.
- the presence of bacteria or bacterial urease in the absorbent core of a diaper results in the acceleration of degradation of urea producing carbon dioxide and ammonia.
- Devices used to absorb bodily fluids include, but are not limited to, diapers, incontinence devices, feminine hygiene products, or wound dressings, for example.
- Embodiments of these devices comprise a top sheet, an absorbent core, and back sheet.
- Embodiments of the top sheet comprise a nonwoven polymeric sheet having urease inhibiting compounds and/or copper compounds.
- the nonwoven polymeric top sheet comprises polymeric fibers and the polymeric fibers comprises a plurality of first particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in at least a portion of the polymeric fibers and water soluble copper compounds on the surface of the polymeric fibers.
- the water soluble copper compounds on the surface are present may be present in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet.
- the insoluble copper compounds are embedded and protruding from the surface of the polymeric fibers and may be present in a concentration of water insoluble copper compounds embedded in the top sheet are between 0.1 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet.
- the top sheet may comprise polyethylene fibers having between 1.0 and 5.0 wt. % of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers and 100 and 500 ppm of one or more of copper sulfate particles on the surface of the fibers based upon the weight of the top sheet.
- the polypropylene fibers may be between 15 to 20 microns in diameter and comprise particles of water insoluble copper compounds with 90% of the particles having a particle size between 1 to 2 microns.
- the absorbent core also comprise urease inhibiting compounds.
- the absorbent core comprises a body fluid absorbent material and a plurality of second particles of water soluble copper compound that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in the body fluid absorbent material.
- the device for retaining a bodily fluid may further comprise a water insoluble back sheet, wherein the absorbent core is between the top sheet and the back sheet.
- the device for retaining body fluids may comprise a top sheet comprising a nonwoven polymeric sheet, wherein the nonwoven polymeric sheet comprises water insoluble urease inhibiting particles embedded within the polymeric sheet and water soluble urease inhibiting particles on the surface of the nonwoven polymeric sheet, an absorbent core comprising a water absorbent material and a water insoluble urease inhibiting particles within the super absorbent polymer, and a back sheet.
- An embodiment of the method of forming a diaper, incontinence device, feminine hygiene product, or wound dressing that inhibits the catalytic hydrolysis of urea by urease may comprise adding water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cubions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid into a process for the formation of the absorbent core, forming the nonwoven top sheet from polymeric fibers comprising water insoluble copper compounds and water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid and layering the nonwoven top sheet on one side of the absorbent core; and sealing the absorbent core on the other side with a water impermeable bottom sheet.
- FIG. 1 Is a depiction of the test apparatus to measure ammonia gas that passes through a top sheet with and without urease inhibitors present in the top sheet; and [0017] FIG. 2 shows the layers of the device to retain body fluids 20 including the top sheet
- the acquisition layer 22 the absorbent core 23, and the back sheet 24.
- Incontinence devices retain urine and feces between changes. Sometimes the used incontinence device may be changed soon after use and other times there may be a significant delay between the evacuation of feces and urine and the removal and replacement of the incontinence device. During this period of time that the urine resides in the incontinence device, the urea may degrade to ammonia and carbon dioxide. These compounds are highly volatile and may evaporate quickly. Carbon dioxide is odorless. However, ammonia has an unpleasant odor to humans and a low odor threshold.
- ammonia formed during this process is not completely volatile and all does not escape into the environment even though ammonia is considered highly volatile. Significant amounts of ammonia, produced due to decomposition of urea in the urine, is absorbed by the other liquid components of the urea thereby raising the pH of the liquid.
- a synthetic urine was developed to understand the chemical process of urea degradation in urine.
- the insoluble or soluble copper acts as a urease inhibitor. It is known that copper oxide is an antimicrobial but it was also found, surprisingly, to be urease inhibitor and prevented the urease catalyzed degradation of urine.
- the top sheet of a diaper is typically a nonwoven polymeric material which may comprise a combination of pores and micro pores to allow liquid deposited on one side of the top sheet to transfer through the top sheet to the absorbent core of the diaper.
- Urine passes through and contacts the top sheet of the incontinence device to be absorbed and retained by the absorbent core.
- Nonwoven materials may be formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid.
- the insoluble copper compounds are embedded and/or protruding from the surface of the polymeric materials and may exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal properties.
- the insoluble copper compounds contact the skin of the wearer and may release copper ions into the sweat and/or urine of the wearer.
- Wound dressings similarly comprise a top sheet for contacting the wound and an absorbent core for retaining wound exudate.
- feminine hygiene products may also comprise a top sheet that contacts the skin and the absorbent core for retaining blood. These products may also benefit from the inventions described herein.
- a top sheet may be a component of a device for retaining bodily fluids such as, but not limited to, an incontinence device, a feminine hygiene device, and a wound dressing, for example.
- a top sheet is typically placed in contact with the skin of the wearer when the device is in use.
- use of copper compounds in nonwovens incorporated in such products as top sheets inhibit formation of the ammonia by inhibiting the degradation of urea into ammonia and prevent the formed ammonia from reaching the skin effectively minimizing the chance of an increase in skin pH.
- the copper compounds may be incorporated in the top sheet by embedding copper containing particles into the polymer fibers of the nonwoven or by applying the particle to the surface of the nonwoven. For example, a solution of soluble copper compound may be sprayed on the nonwoven, then dried to precipitate the particles on the fibers of the nonwoven.
- an embodiment of an incontinence device may comprise a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble and/or soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid.
- the incontinence device may further comprise an absorbent core, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
- the copper oxide impregnated nonwovens inhibited urease degradation of the urea, prevented microbial growth on the skin, and blocked the release of ammonia from the absorbent core.
- the concentration of water insoluble copper compounds may be between 0.01 wt. % and 10 wt.
- the concentration of water insoluble copper compounds may be between 0.01 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet. In another embodiment, the water insoluble copper compounds may be between 100 ppm and 5000 ppm based on the weight of the top sheet.
- the top sheet may further be treated with water soluble copper compounds.
- the top sheet may be sprayed with a solution of soluble copper compounds.
- the soluble copper compounds may include, but not limited to, copper sulfate, for example.
- the concentration of water soluble copper compounds applied to the surface may be between 0.01 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet.
- the water-soluble copper compounds may be between 100 ppm and 5000 ppm based on the weight of the top sheet.
- the water soluble copper compounds may be between 50 ppm and 1000 ppm based on the weight of the top sheet.
- the top sheet may include water insoluble copper compounds embedded in the fiber and water-soluble copper compounds applied to the surface of the fibers.
- the top sheet may comprise polyethylene fibers having between 1.0 and 5.0 wt. % of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers and 100 and 500 ppm of one or more of copper sulfate particles on the surface of the fibers.
- the water-soluble copper compounds may be more readily available to the environment surrounding the device while the embedded copper compounds are more durable and slower to release of ions and may contact the skin.
- a top sheet may comprise polypropylene fibers having 500 ppm of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers. At least a portion of the particles protruding from the surface of the polypropylene fibers.
- the polypropylene fiber would be of 15 to 20 microns in diameter, treated with insoluble copper compounds of 1 to 2 microns in diameter.
- the absorbent core may additionally comprise water insoluble and/or soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid.
- the absorbent core may comprise various components including, but not limited to, pulp, fluff pulp, cellulose fiber pulp, natural fibers, super absorbent polymer, staple fibers, synthetic fibers, or other hydrogels. Any component individually or a combination of components of the absorbent core of the device for retaining bodily fluids may be modified to include insoluble or water-soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid such as, but not limited to, copper oxides or other beneficial particles as described herein.
- the absorbent core comprising the copper compounds would absorb the urea or other bodily exudate and the associated urease, microbes, and/or other enzymes carried from the skin of the wearer.
- the copper compounds inhibit the catalytic action of the hydrolysis of urease thus substantially inhibiting the formation of carbon dioxide and ammonia.
- maintaining the acidity of the urine and preventing formation of an alkaline environment that results in irritation of the skin are substantially inhibiting the formation of carbon dioxide and ammonia.
- a further embodiment of a diaper comprises a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material, an absorbent core formed of an absorbent material comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
- a still further embodiment of a diaper comprises a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, an absorbent core formed of an absorbent material comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
- the particles may be any particles which provide desired properties to the fiber including, but not limited to, cuprous oxide (CU2O), cupric oxide (CuO), cuprous iodide (Cui), cuprous thiocyanate (CuSCN), copper sulfide, copper sulfate (CUSO4), copper chloride (CuC ), zeolites, especially copper-zeolites, zirconium phosphate, copper-zirconium phosphate, zinc pyrithione, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, titanium oxide, silver nitrate, silver oxide, and silver oxide, silver iodide, silver chloride, silver sulfate, silver sulfide, quaternary ammonium compounds, and combinations thereof.
- any of the listed particles may be substituted to provide the desired static or dynamic properties.
- IAD Incontinence Associated Dermatitis
- the acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin acting as a barrier to bacteria, viruses and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin. It is secreted by sebaceous glands.
- the pH of the skin differs between people and conditions and may be between 4.5 and 6.2, slightly acidic.
- Urine A liquid by-product of the body secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination (or micturition) and excreted through the urethra.
- the composition of urine varies from person to person and is dependent of dietary and health conditions etc.
- the main ingredients in urine are water, sodium chloride (NaCI) and urea (NH2-CO-NH2) and below is list of major constituents and corresponding approximate concentrations of each in water: a.
- Inorganic salts I. Sodium Chloride: 8,001 mg/l
- Urease is an exoenzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia as shown by the equation below:
- Urease inhibitors Chemicals or agents that slow or inhibit the above reaction. These are broadly classified into two classes: a) Substrate structure analogs (similar to Urea in structure); b) Inhibitors that affect the mechanism. Some heavy metal ions, such as lead (Pb+2), mercury (Hg+2) including Cupric ions (Cu+2) are known to inhibit or slow down the activity of Urease.
- the absorbent core may be formed on a moving conveyer belt. This step of the process may be referred to as the "forming chamber.”
- the fiber pulp is first defibrized using a hammer mill. At different points in this chamber, SAP (superabsorbent polymer) particles or fluff pulp (fibrous material) are sprayed onto the conveyor belt using pressurized nozzles. The bottom of the conveyor is perforated and vacuum is applied from below the conveyor belt to form a flat pad from the material sprayed onto the belt.
- absorbent polymers into the absorbent core.
- the polymer can be injected directly into pulp. This method helps with even distribution of absorbent polymer throughout the pad.
- Another way is to apply polymer over the pulp fiber i.e., the absorbent material is placed onto the top surface of the pad after it has been formed.
- multiple spray dispensers can be used to apply several layers of fiber, polymer and fiber as a sandwich. This creates a pad with the absorbent polymer in the center with pulp material on the outside.
- the water-soluble and/or water insoluble particles may be added to the absorbent core during this process, for example.
- the different ways to incorporate the urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds into the absorbent core include, but are not limited to:
- the urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added through a separate pressure nozzle during the formation of the absorbent core.
- the urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added to the SAP particles and dry blended at different ratios and sprayed together on to the conveyor belt on to the pulp.
- the urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added to the pulp during the defibrizing process to the hammer mill.
- the urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds, SAP and defibrized pulp can be pre-blended together and sprayed onto the conveyor belt through one nozzle.
- Staple fibers comprising embedded copper compounds may be added and distributed evenly to the superabsorbent polymer.
- a method of forming a diaper that inhibits the catalytic hydrolysis of urea by urease comprises adding water insoluble and/or water-soluble copper compounds that release at least one of CU+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid into a process for the formation of the absorbent core; layering a nonwoven top sheet on one side of the absorbent core; and sealing the absorbent core on the other side with a water impermeable bottom sheet.
- Another embodiment of the method may include forming the nonwoven top sheet of an incontinence device, feminine hygiene product, or wound dressing, for example, from a polymeric material comprising water insoluble copper compounds and/or water-soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and CU-H- ions upon contact with a fluid.
- a top sheet may be combined with the absorbent core to provide a symbiotic product that prevents urea degradation, odor formation, and reduces growth of irritating microbes on the skin.
- the method may include forming the bottom sheet of the diaper from a sheet of a polymeric material comprising water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid.
- the antimicrobial copper compounds may be added to a melted polymer to form polymeric slurry.
- the polymers may include, but are not limited to, a polyester, polyolefins, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polystyrene, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA), polylactic-co- glycolic acid (PLGA), polyamides or nylon including, but not limited to, nylon-6 (polycaprolactum) and Nylon 66, polyurethanes, similar thermoplastic polymers or copolymers, super absorbent polymers, and combinations thereof.
- Polyesters are polymers formed from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. The polymer may be extruded to produce fibers, yarns or sheets which possess antimicrobial, antifungal and/or anti
- human urine contains ⁇ 13.4 grams/liter of urea, a major constituent, along with other inorganic salts and organic constituents.
- the degradation of urea in the urine may be catalyzed by urease-containing bacteria into ammonia and carbon dioxide according to the following reaction: [0044]
- the carbon dioxide formed during the process escapes into the environment as a gas.
- the ammonia can absorb into the Urine solution or sweat on the skin to form of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and thus raise the pH of Urine or microenvironment of the skin.
- NH4OH ammonium hydroxide
- a synthetic urine composition was produced and used in the experiments from (1-4). The following components were dissolved in water as follows: Urea: 13,400 mg/l Sodium Chloride: 8,500 mg/l Sodium sulfate: 1,000 mg/l 5.0% NB (25 ml of DIFCO Nutrient Broth solution (8.0 grams/liter) per 500ml of solution)
- Synthetic urine is prepared, in bulk, using the composition described above. Six specimen cups, 120 ml capacity, with 50 ml of synthetic urine solution in each are taken. Two cups served as complete blanks, one without any fabric impregnated with copper compounds or bacteria and the other without bacteria but with fabric impregnated with copper compounds.
- Klebsiella pneumonia urease producing bacteria, 10 8 CFU/ml
- 100 pl of Klebsiella pneumonia (urease producing bacteria, 10 8 CFU/ml) solution was added to rest of the four cups and 0.5 grams of fabric impregnated with copper compounds was added to only two of the four cups as shown in the table below. pH of the solutions was measured using pH indicator strips. The pH of the solutions without any fabric impregnated with copper compounds raised from 6.0 to 8.0 in 8 hours indicating the ammonia formation due to urea metabolism while the pH of the solutions with fabric impregnated with copper compounds stayed at 6.0 indicating the inhibition of urease enzyme and bacteria producing urease enzyme.
- Synthetic urine was again prepared, in bulk, using the composition described above.
- Samples C3, C4, C5 and C6 were inoculated with 100 pl of urease solution. pH indicator strips were pressed into the material to measure the pH. The experiments show that the addition of copper oxide to the diaper absorbent core prevents the action of Urease enzyme and change in pH of the urine.
- a slightly different synthetic urine composition was prepared and used in the following experiments from (5-11). The following components were dissolved in deionized water as follows:. Urea: 20,000 mg/l . Phenol red (a pH indicator): 20 mg/l . Sodium Chloride: 800 mg/l, Sodium phosphate: 1420 mg/l, Potassium phosphate: 240 mg/l. 0.5% TSB (tryptic soy broth solution) . 0.05% triton x-100
- Example 5 Top sheet with soluble copper on top of a regular cellulose core (w/o any additive), incubated with proteus mirabilis for 13 hours
- a 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight.
- the treated Top sheet is placed on top of a core made of cellulose material.
- synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ⁇ 2 °C.
- Example 6 Regular Top sheet (w/o additive) on top of a cellulose core treated with soluble copper, incubated with Proteus mirabilis for 13 hours.
- a cellulose core was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. Untreated Top sheet is placed on top of the cellulose core treated with varying amount of copper sulfate. To this system (comprising Top sheet and treated cellulose core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ⁇ 2 °C.
- Example 7 Both Top sheet and Cellulose core treated with soluble copper, incubated with proteus mirabilis for 13 hours [0055] A 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. A cellulose core was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. Top sheet is placed on top of the cellulose core and to this system (comprising Top sheet and treated cellulose core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ⁇ 2 °C.
- Example 8 Top sheet treated with soluble copper on top of regular SAP core (Super absorbent polymer core, w/o any additive), incubated with proteus mirabilis for 13 hours
- a 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight.
- the treated Top sheet is placed on top of the core made of SAP (superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer) material.
- SAP superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer
- Example 9A Both Top sheet and Diaper core treated with soluble copper, incubated with proteus mirabilis for 3 & 22 hours
- a 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight.
- the treated Top sheet is placed on top of the diaper core made of cellulose and SAP (superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer) material.
- synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ⁇ 2 °C. pH readings were obtained using pH sticks at 0, 3 and 22 hour incubation periods and recorded as below:
- Example 9B Both Top sheet and Diaper core treated with soluble copper, incubated with Proteus mirabilis for 3 & 22 hours
- a 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight.
- the treated Top sheet is placed on top of the diaper core made of cellulose and SAP (superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer) material.
- synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ⁇ 2 °C.
- Odor readings were obtained using Sensidyne ammonia gas detector tubes at 0, 3 and 22 hour incubation periods. The odor readings were obtained in similar fashion as described in figure 1 and experimental set-up 3, and recorded as below:
- Example 10 Urease enzyme activity and corresponding change in pH in urea containing solution with varying copper concentrations
- Example 11 Effect of soluble copper concentration on SAP absorbency.
- An embodiment of a diaper comprises a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, an absorbent core, water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
- concentration of water insoluble copper compounds may be between 0.05 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % based on the weight of the polymeric material. In another embodiment, the water insoluble copper compounds may be between 1 wt. % and 4 wt. % based on the weight of the polymeric material.
- An embodiment of an incontinence device may be prepared comprising a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, wherein the top sheet comprises 3 wt. % of the insoluble copper compounds embedded in a polypropylene nonwoven.
- the absorbent core comprises a mixture of super absorbent polymer and cellulose fiber pulp.
- the cellulose fiber pulp is sprayed with copper sulfate solution such that the dried absorbent core comprises 2wt. % of water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid.
- the diaper also had a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
- An embodiment of an incontinence device may be prepared comprising a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, wherein the top sheet comprises .05 wt. % (500 ppm) of the insoluble copper compounds embedded in a polypropylene nonwoven.
- the absorbent core comprises a mixture of super absorbent polymer and cellulose fiber pulp. The cellulose fiber pulp is sprayed with copper sulfate solution such that the dried absorbent core comprises 1.2 wt. % of water soluble copper compounds.
- the diaper also had a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
- the absorbent core will be formulated by spraying the cellulose fiber pulp with the copper sulfate solution and drying the pulp. The pulp may then be mixed with the super absorbent polymer to form the absorbent core.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
- Plant Pathology (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Mycology (AREA)
- Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
Devices used to absorb bodily fluids include, but are not limited to, diapers, incontinence devices, feminine hygiene products, or wound dressings, for example. Certain embodiments of these devices are produced from a top sheet, an absorbent core, and back sheet. Embodiments of the top sheet have a nonwoven polymeric sheet having both water insoluble and water soluble urease inhibiting compounds. The water insoluble and water soluble urease inhibiting compounds may be copper compounds. For example, the nonwoven polymeric top sheet have polymeric fibers and the polymeric fibers include a plurality of first particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in the polymeric fibers and water soluble copper compounds on the surface of the polymeric fibers. The devices also include water insoluble urease inhibiting compounds within the absorbent core.
Description
TITLE
Devices for Retaining Bodily Fluids with pH Control Components
INVENTORS
Vikram Kanmukhla
Rachel Salvatori
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Diapers, generally, comprise a top sheet, an absorbent core and a bottom sheet. Water insoluble and/or soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid may be added to at least one of the top sheet, the absorbent core and the bottom sheet or another component of the diaper to inhibit the catalytic hydrolysis of urea in urine by urease enzymes, and by inhibiting microbial growth. The water insoluble or soluble copper compounds thereby reduce the rate of degradation of the urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide and, consequently, reduce the odor and pH of a used incontinence device and irritation to the skin of the wearer.
[0002] By significantly reducing the formation of ammonia, the pH of the environment within the diaper can be maintained slightly acidic and more beneficial to skin health. In an embodiment of the incontinence device, the top sheet comprises a nonwoven polymeric sheet comprising embedded water insoluble copper compounds and an absorbent core comprising water soluble copper compounds.
DESCRIPTION
Background
[0003] Incontinence results from the lack of control or involuntary leakage of urine or stool. Diapers, incontinence products, adult protective underwear, sanitary napkins, or other absorbent products (hereinafter "diapers") are typically used to reduce the negative effects of an incontinence problem if therapies and medications cannot help with alleviating the incontinence itself. Diapers are used to absorb urine and retain stool to prevent leakage.
These diapers, generally, comprise three basic components, a top sheet, an absorbent core and a bottom sheet, but may have additional components such as, but not limited to, an acquisition layer between the absorbent core and the top sheet. The acquisition layer may provide structure and features that cause wicking and capillary action to move liquids from the top sheet into the absorbent core.
[0004] Conventionally, absorbent cores of diapers comprise at least one of pulp, fluff pulp, hydrogels, and SAP polymers (superabsorbent polymers, for example, polyacrylate polymer) to absorb the liquids in urine and feces and keep the wearer's skin dry. By keeping the skin dry, these products help mitigate/prevent Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD), an inflammation of the skin that occurs when urine or stool comes into contact with skin. Several skin care products are available, as well as different regimens are developed to help reduce the occurrence of IAD.
[0005] However, other problems may be exacerbated by the retention of urine and stool in a diaper and in an environment next to or in contact with the skin. Normally, the pH of healthy human skin is between 4.5 and 6.2, which is slightly acidic. Skin integrity becomes worse when the pH of the liquid coming into contact with the skin is alkaline. This is very much evident with older population groups and infants. The enzymes in feces (protease and lipase) may irritate the wearer's skin. In addition, feces may contain microorganisms that can cause skin infection in irritated areas. Urine further irritates the diaper area.
[0006] When urinary incontinence occurs for a person wearing a diaper, a significant portion of the liquid components of urine pass through the top sheet and are absorbed into the absorbent core. The liquid components of urine include, among other components, urea. Over time, the urea in the urine naturally degrades producing volatile compounds (carbon dioxide and ammonia). The degradation of urea may occur in the absorbent core of a diaper.
[0007] The urea degradation may be accelerated by naturally occurring enzymes. Urease is such a naturally occurring enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of urea. Most bacteria in skin flora, such as Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Micrococcus species have the urease enzyme and are capable of breaking down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Unlike most enzymes that work inside the cell (intracellular), urease is an exoenzyme. An exoenzyme is an enzyme that operates outside the cell that produces it. Thus, urease is capable of
breaking down urea present in the surroundings/environment around the skin flora. The presence of bacteria or bacterial urease in the absorbent core of a diaper results in the acceleration of degradation of urea producing carbon dioxide and ammonia.
[0008] As urine breaks down the ammonia that is released raises the pH of the surrounding environment to produce an alkaline environment within the diaper and next to the wearer's skin. The enzymes and microorganisms from the feces may become more active in this alkaline environment. This combination of actions exacerbates tissue/skin damage and leads to diaper rash and other irritations.
[0009] There exists a need for an incontinence device that reduces the degradation of urea within the diaper, therefore reducing odor and change in pH. There also exists a need for a diaper that reduces microbial activity in the diaper and/or on the wearer's skin.
SUMMARY
[0010] Devices used to absorb bodily fluids include, but are not limited to, diapers, incontinence devices, feminine hygiene products, or wound dressings, for example. Embodiments of these devices comprise a top sheet, an absorbent core, and back sheet. Embodiments of the top sheet comprise a nonwoven polymeric sheet having urease inhibiting compounds and/or copper compounds. For example, the nonwoven polymeric top sheet comprises polymeric fibers and the polymeric fibers comprises a plurality of first particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in at least a portion of the polymeric fibers and water soluble copper compounds on the surface of the polymeric fibers. The water soluble copper compounds on the surface are present may be present in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet. The insoluble copper compounds are embedded and protruding from the surface of the polymeric fibers and may be present in a concentration of water insoluble copper compounds embedded in the top sheet are between 0.1 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet.
[0011] In one embodiment of the device, the top sheet may comprise polyethylene fibers having between 1.0 and 5.0 wt. % of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers and 100 and 500 ppm of one or more of copper sulfate
particles on the surface of the fibers based upon the weight of the top sheet. The polypropylene fibers may be between 15 to 20 microns in diameter and comprise particles of water insoluble copper compounds with 90% of the particles having a particle size between 1 to 2 microns.
[0012] Further, embodiments of the absorbent core also comprise urease inhibiting compounds. In certain embodiments, the absorbent core comprises a body fluid absorbent material and a plurality of second particles of water soluble copper compound that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in the body fluid absorbent material.
[0013] The device for retaining a bodily fluid may further comprise a water insoluble back sheet, wherein the absorbent core is between the top sheet and the back sheet.
[0014] In another embodiment of the device for retaining body fluids may comprise a top sheet comprising a nonwoven polymeric sheet, wherein the nonwoven polymeric sheet comprises water insoluble urease inhibiting particles embedded within the polymeric sheet and water soluble urease inhibiting particles on the surface of the nonwoven polymeric sheet, an absorbent core comprising a water absorbent material and a water insoluble urease inhibiting particles within the super absorbent polymer, and a back sheet.
[0015] An embodiment of the method of forming a diaper, incontinence device, feminine hygiene product, or wound dressing that inhibits the catalytic hydrolysis of urea by urease may comprise adding water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cubions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid into a process for the formation of the absorbent core, forming the nonwoven top sheet from polymeric fibers comprising water insoluble copper compounds and water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid and layering the nonwoven top sheet on one side of the absorbent core; and sealing the absorbent core on the other side with a water impermeable bottom sheet.
[0016] FIG 1. Is a depiction of the test apparatus to measure ammonia gas that passes through a top sheet with and without urease inhibitors present in the top sheet; and
[0017] FIG. 2 shows the layers of the device to retain body fluids 20 including the top sheet
21, the acquisition layer 22, the absorbent core 23, and the back sheet 24.
DESCRIPTION
[0018] Incontinence devices retain urine and feces between changes. Sometimes the used incontinence device may be changed soon after use and other times there may be a significant delay between the evacuation of feces and urine and the removal and replacement of the incontinence device. During this period of time that the urine resides in the incontinence device, the urea may degrade to ammonia and carbon dioxide. These compounds are highly volatile and may evaporate quickly. Carbon dioxide is odorless. However, ammonia has an unpleasant odor to humans and a low odor threshold.
[0019] The inventors, surprisingly, have found that the ammonia formed during this process is not completely volatile and all does not escape into the environment even though ammonia is considered highly volatile. Significant amounts of ammonia, produced due to decomposition of urea in the urine, is absorbed by the other liquid components of the urea thereby raising the pH of the liquid.
[0020] A synthetic urine was developed to understand the chemical process of urea degradation in urine. The pH of synthetic urine in these experiments was initially acidic (pH = 6.0) but, in the presence of urease, became alkaline (pH = 8.0) over an 8.0-hour period. Upon addition of insoluble or soluble copper to the urine with bacteria/urease, the insoluble or soluble copper acts as a urease inhibitor. It is known that copper oxide is an antimicrobial but it was also found, surprisingly, to be urease inhibitor and prevented the urease catalyzed degradation of urine.
[0021] The top sheet of a diaper is typically a nonwoven polymeric material which may comprise a combination of pores and micro pores to allow liquid deposited on one side of the top sheet to transfer through the top sheet to the absorbent core of the diaper. Urine passes through and contacts the top sheet of the incontinence device to be absorbed and retained by the absorbent core. Nonwoven materials may be formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid. The insoluble
copper compounds are embedded and/or protruding from the surface of the polymeric materials and may exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal properties. In an incontinence device top sheet, the insoluble copper compounds contact the skin of the wearer and may release copper ions into the sweat and/or urine of the wearer.
[0022] Wound dressings similarly comprise a top sheet for contacting the wound and an absorbent core for retaining wound exudate. Also, feminine hygiene products may also comprise a top sheet that contacts the skin and the absorbent core for retaining blood. These products may also benefit from the inventions described herein.
Top sheets
[0023] A top sheet may be a component of a device for retaining bodily fluids such as, but not limited to, an incontinence device, a feminine hygiene device, and a wound dressing, for example. A top sheet is typically placed in contact with the skin of the wearer when the device is in use. Thus, use of copper compounds in nonwovens incorporated in such products as top sheets inhibit formation of the ammonia by inhibiting the degradation of urea into ammonia and prevent the formed ammonia from reaching the skin effectively minimizing the chance of an increase in skin pH.
[0024] The copper compounds may be incorporated in the top sheet by embedding copper containing particles into the polymer fibers of the nonwoven or by applying the particle to the surface of the nonwoven. For example, a solution of soluble copper compound may be sprayed on the nonwoven, then dried to precipitate the particles on the fibers of the nonwoven.
[0025] For example, an embodiment of an incontinence device may comprise a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble and/or soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid. The incontinence device may further comprise an absorbent core, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet. Further, upon exposure to urine, the copper oxide impregnated nonwovens inhibited urease degradation of the urea, prevented microbial growth on the skin, and blocked the release of ammonia from the absorbent core.
[0026] The concentration of water insoluble copper compounds (or other compounds as described herein) may be between 0.01 wt. % and 10 wt. % based on the weight of the top sheet. In other embodiments, the concentration of water insoluble copper compounds may be between 0.01 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet. In another embodiment, the water insoluble copper compounds may be between 100 ppm and 5000 ppm based on the weight of the top sheet.
[0027] As stated, the top sheet may further be treated with water soluble copper compounds. The top sheet may be sprayed with a solution of soluble copper compounds. The soluble copper compounds may include, but not limited to, copper sulfate, for example. In an embodiment, the concentration of water soluble copper compounds applied to the surface may be between 0.01 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet. In another embodiment, the water-soluble copper compounds may be between 100 ppm and 5000 ppm based on the weight of the top sheet. In a still further embodiment, the water soluble copper compounds may be between 50 ppm and 1000 ppm based on the weight of the top sheet.
[0028] In one embodiment, the top sheet may include water insoluble copper compounds embedded in the fiber and water-soluble copper compounds applied to the surface of the fibers. The top sheet may comprise polyethylene fibers having between 1.0 and 5.0 wt. % of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers and 100 and 500 ppm of one or more of copper sulfate particles on the surface of the fibers. The water-soluble copper compounds may be more readily available to the environment surrounding the device while the embedded copper compounds are more durable and slower to release of ions and may contact the skin.
[0029] The concentration and the particle size of the insoluble copper compounds embedded in the nonwoven fabric and/or water-soluble copper compounds applied to the surface of the nonwoven may be limited by factors including, but not limited to, the tactile feel of the nonwoven material on the skin of the wearer, the tensile strength of the nonwoven, and the processing efficiency of the nonwoven material, for example. For example, a top sheet may comprise polypropylene fibers having 500 ppm of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers. At least a portion of the
particles protruding from the surface of the polypropylene fibers. In one example of this embodiment the polypropylene fiber would be of 15 to 20 microns in diameter, treated with insoluble copper compounds of 1 to 2 microns in diameter.
Absorbent Core
[0030] The absorbent core may additionally comprise water insoluble and/or soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid. In embodiments, the absorbent core may comprise various components including, but not limited to, pulp, fluff pulp, cellulose fiber pulp, natural fibers, super absorbent polymer, staple fibers, synthetic fibers, or other hydrogels. Any component individually or a combination of components of the absorbent core of the device for retaining bodily fluids may be modified to include insoluble or water-soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid such as, but not limited to, copper oxides or other beneficial particles as described herein. The absorbent core comprising the copper compounds would absorb the urea or other bodily exudate and the associated urease, microbes, and/or other enzymes carried from the skin of the wearer.
[0031] In the absorbent core of an incontinence device, the copper compounds inhibit the catalytic action of the hydrolysis of urease thus substantially inhibiting the formation of carbon dioxide and ammonia. Thus, maintaining the acidity of the urine and preventing formation of an alkaline environment that results in irritation of the skin.
[0032] Thus, a further embodiment of a diaper comprises a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material, an absorbent core formed of an absorbent material comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet. [0033] A still further embodiment of a diaper comprises a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, an absorbent core formed of an absorbent material comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release
at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
[0034] Employing the described copper compound along with SAP & pulp in the absorbent core and/or the top sheet would reduce the formation of alkaline environment on the skin.
Antimicrobial and Urease inhibitors
[0035] The invention has been primarily exemplified with copper particles, however, the particles may be any particles which provide desired properties to the fiber including, but not limited to, cuprous oxide (CU2O), cupric oxide (CuO), cuprous iodide (Cui), cuprous thiocyanate (CuSCN), copper sulfide, copper sulfate (CUSO4), copper chloride (CuC ), zeolites, especially copper-zeolites, zirconium phosphate, copper-zirconium phosphate, zinc pyrithione, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, titanium oxide, silver nitrate, silver oxide, and silver oxide, silver iodide, silver chloride, silver sulfate, silver sulfide, quaternary ammonium compounds, and combinations thereof. In the description of specific examples, any of the listed particles may be substituted to provide the desired static or dynamic properties.
[0036] Definitions:
1. Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD): An inflammation of the skin that occurs when urine or stool comes into contact with perineal or perigenital skin.
2. Skin's acid mantle: The acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin acting as a barrier to bacteria, viruses and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin. It is secreted by sebaceous glands. The pH of the skin differs between people and conditions and may be between 4.5 and 6.2, slightly acidic.
3. Urine: A liquid by-product of the body secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination (or micturition) and excreted through the urethra. The composition of urine varies from person to person and is dependent of dietary and health conditions etc. However, the main ingredients in urine are water, sodium chloride (NaCI) and urea (NH2-CO-NH2) and below is list of major constituents and corresponding approximate concentrations of each in water: a. Inorganic salts:
I. Sodium Chloride: 8,001 mg/l
II. Potassium sulfate: 2,632 mg/l
III. Potassium Chloride: 1,641 mg/l
IV. Magnesium sulfate: 783 mg/l b. Organic compounds:
I. Urea: 13,400 mg/l
II. Creatinine: 1,504 mg/l
III. Ammonium Hippurate: 1,250 mg/l
4. Urease: Urease is an exoenzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia as shown by the equation below:
NH2-CO-NH2 + H2O «— 4NH3 1 + 2CO2 1
5. Urease inhibitors: Chemicals or agents that slow or inhibit the above reaction. These are broadly classified into two classes: a) Substrate structure analogs (similar to Urea in structure); b) Inhibitors that affect the mechanism. Some heavy metal ions, such as lead (Pb+2), mercury (Hg+2) including Cupric ions (Cu+2) are known to inhibit or slow down the activity of Urease.
Methods for the addition of Cupron to absorbent core of diaper
[0037] During the manufacture of a incontinence device, a feminine hygiene product or a wound dressing, the absorbent core may be formed on a moving conveyer belt. This step of the process may be referred to as the "forming chamber." The fiber pulp is first defibrized using a hammer mill. At different points in this chamber, SAP (superabsorbent polymer) particles or fluff pulp (fibrous material) are sprayed onto the conveyor belt using pressurized nozzles. The bottom of the conveyor is perforated and vacuum is applied from below the conveyor belt to form a flat pad from the material sprayed onto the belt.
[0038] There are couple of different ways to incorporate absorbent polymers into the absorbent core. The polymer can be injected directly into pulp. This method helps with even distribution of absorbent polymer throughout the pad. Another way is to apply polymer over the pulp fiber i.e., the absorbent material is placed onto the top surface of the pad after it has been formed. Alternatively, multiple spray dispensers can be used to apply several layers of fiber, polymer and fiber as a
sandwich. This creates a pad with the absorbent polymer in the center with pulp material on the outside.
[0039] The water-soluble and/or water insoluble particles may be added to the absorbent core during this process, for example. The different ways to incorporate the urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds into the absorbent core include, but are not limited to:
1. The urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added through a separate pressure nozzle during the formation of the absorbent core.
2. The urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added to the SAP particles and dry blended at different ratios and sprayed together on to the conveyor belt on to the pulp.
3. The urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added to the pulp during the defibrizing process to the hammer mill.
4. The urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds, SAP and defibrized pulp can be pre-blended together and sprayed onto the conveyor belt through one nozzle.
5. Small amounts of water are sprayed on to the pulp-SAP layers on the conveyor belt to prevent static discharge. The urease inhibiting insoluble copper compounds and/or a solution comprising water-soluble copper compounds could be added to the absorbent core at this time through copper containing solutions.
6. Staple fibers comprising embedded copper compounds may be added and distributed evenly to the superabsorbent polymer.
In another embodiment, a method of forming a diaper that inhibits the catalytic hydrolysis of urea by urease comprises adding water insoluble and/or water-soluble copper compounds that release at least one of CU+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid into a process for the formation of the absorbent core; layering a nonwoven top sheet on one side of the absorbent core; and sealing the absorbent core on the other side with a water impermeable bottom sheet.
Another embodiment of the method may include forming the nonwoven top sheet of an incontinence device, feminine hygiene product, or wound dressing, for example, from a polymeric
material comprising water insoluble copper compounds and/or water-soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and CU-H- ions upon contact with a fluid. Such a top sheet may be combined with the absorbent core to provide a symbiotic product that prevents urea degradation, odor formation, and reduces growth of irritating microbes on the skin.
Bottom Sheet
[0040] In a still further embodiment of the method may include forming the bottom sheet of the diaper from a sheet of a polymeric material comprising water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial copper compounds may be added to a melted polymer to form polymeric slurry. The polymers may include, but are not limited to, a polyester, polyolefins, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polystyrene, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA), polylactic-co- glycolic acid (PLGA), polyamides or nylon including, but not limited to, nylon-6 (polycaprolactum) and Nylon 66, polyurethanes, similar thermoplastic polymers or copolymers, super absorbent polymers, and combinations thereof. Polyesters are polymers formed from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. The polymer may be extruded to produce fibers, yarns or sheets which possess antimicrobial, antifungal and/or antiviral properties.
EXAMPLES
[0042] A series of experiments were conducted to determine and demonstrate the efficacy of water soluble and insoluble copper compounds in different components of diapers that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid to mitigate the pH increase due to metabolism of urea, a major constituent of urine, by urease and urease producing bacteria.
[0043] Typically, human urine contains ~ 13.4 grams/liter of urea, a major constituent, along with other inorganic salts and organic constituents. The degradation of urea in the urine may be catalyzed by urease-containing bacteria into ammonia and carbon dioxide according to the following reaction:
[0044] The carbon dioxide formed during the process escapes into the environment as a gas. However, the ammonia can absorb into the Urine solution or sweat on the skin to form of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and thus raise the pH of Urine or microenvironment of the skin.
EXAMPLE 1
[0045] Experimental set up and background:
A synthetic urine composition was produced and used in the experiments from (1-4). The following components were dissolved in water as follows: Urea: 13,400 mg/l Sodium Chloride: 8,500 mg/l Sodium sulfate: 1,000 mg/l 5.0% NB (25 ml of DIFCO Nutrient Broth solution (8.0 grams/liter) per 500ml of solution)
Experiment setup - 1:
[0046] Synthetic urine is prepared, in bulk, using the composition described above. Six specimen cups, 120 ml capacity, with 50 ml of synthetic urine solution in each are taken. Two cups served as complete blanks, one without any fabric impregnated with copper compounds or bacteria and the other without bacteria but with fabric impregnated with copper compounds.
[0047] 100 pl of Klebsiella pneumonia (urease producing bacteria, 108 CFU/ml) solution was added to rest of the four cups and 0.5 grams of fabric impregnated with copper compounds was added to only two of the four cups as shown in the table below. pH of the solutions was measured using pH indicator strips. The pH of the solutions without any fabric impregnated with copper compounds raised from 6.0 to 8.0 in 8 hours indicating the ammonia formation due to urea metabolism while the pH of the solutions with fabric impregnated with copper compounds stayed at 6.0 indicating the inhibition of urease enzyme and bacteria producing urease enzyme.
EXAMPLE 2
[0048] Similar experiment as above were run but this time, the polypropylene fabric embedded with 3% copper compounds was replaced with polyester fabric embedded with 1% copper compounds in the synthetic urine. Similar results, as in Example 1, were observed.
EXAMPLE 3
Experiment setup - 2:
[0049] Synthetic urine was again prepared, in bulk, using the composition described above. Six petri dishes, 90 mm size, were taken and 1.0 gram of diaper absorbent core material (fluff with SAP) was added to each. Synthetic urine sample, with or without Cuprous oxide as shown in the table below, was added to each petri dish until the diaper material was complexly saturated. Samples C3, C4, C5 and C6 were inoculated with 100 pl of urease solution. pH indicator strips were pressed into
the material to measure the pH. The experiments show that the addition of copper oxide to the diaper absorbent core prevents the action of Urease enzyme and change in pH of the urine.
EXAMPLE 4
Experiment setup - 3:
[0050] In a different set up as shown in the FIG. 1, four 20 milliliter glass vials 2 with 10 ml of urine solution 3, in each vial, are prepared. All four vials were inoculated with 10 pl of urease enzyme. Two of the vials (control) were covered tightly with regular nonwoven fabric 4 (without any copper compounds) and the other two were covered with 3% cuprous oxide containing polypropylene nonwoven fabric 4. Further, all vials sealed with fabric, were placed in 120 ml specimen container 5 that is sealed airtight with parafilm 6. Ammonia concentrations were obtained using Sensidyne pump (Model: AMOS Gas Detection Pump) and ammonia gas detection tubes 7. The 3% cuprous oxide containing polypropylene nonwoven fabric were able to capture and minimize the amount of ammonia escaped into the environment significantly. The results are shown in the table below.
Examples (5 - 11)
[0051] A slightly different synthetic urine composition was prepared and used in the following experiments from (5-11). The following components were dissolved in deionized water as follows:. Urea: 20,000 mg/l . Phenol red (a pH indicator): 20 mg/l . Sodium Chloride: 800 mg/l, Sodium phosphate: 1420 mg/l, Potassium phosphate: 240 mg/l. 0.5% TSB (tryptic soy broth solution) . 0.05% triton x-100
Example 5: Top sheet with soluble copper on top of a regular cellulose core (w/o any additive), incubated with proteus mirabilis for 13 hours
[0052] A 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. The treated Top sheet is placed on top of a core made of cellulose material. To this system (comprising Top sheet and the cellulose core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ± 2 °C.
Example 6: Regular Top sheet (w/o additive) on top of a cellulose core treated with soluble copper, incubated with Proteus mirabilis for 13 hours.
[0053] A cellulose core was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. Untreated Top sheet is placed on top of the cellulose core treated with varying amount of copper sulfate. To this system (comprising Top sheet and treated cellulose core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ± 2 °C.
[0054] Example 7: Both Top sheet and Cellulose core treated with soluble copper, incubated with proteus mirabilis for 13 hours
[0055] A 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. A cellulose core was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. Top sheet is placed on top of the cellulose core and to this system (comprising Top sheet and treated cellulose core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ± 2 °C.
Example 8: Top sheet treated with soluble copper on top of regular SAP core (Super absorbent polymer core, w/o any additive), incubated with proteus mirabilis for 13 hours
[0056] A 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. The treated Top sheet is placed on top of the core made of SAP (superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer) material. To this system (comprising Top sheet and the SAP core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ± 2 °C.
Example 9A: Both Top sheet and Diaper core treated with soluble copper, incubated with proteus mirabilis for 3 & 22 hours
[0057] A 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. The treated Top sheet is placed on top of the diaper core made of cellulose and SAP (superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer) material. To this system (comprising Top sheet and the diaper core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ± 2 °C. pH readings were obtained using pH sticks at 0, 3 and 22 hour incubation periods and recorded as below:
Example 9B: Both Top sheet and Diaper core treated with soluble copper, incubated with Proteus mirabilis for 3 & 22 hours
[0058] A 25 gsm polypropylene nonwoven Top sheet was treated with varying amounts of copper sulfate solutions and dried overnight. The treated Top sheet is placed on top of the diaper core made of cellulose and SAP (superabsorbent polymer made with polyacrylate polymer) material. To this system (comprising Top sheet and the diaper core), synthetic urine solution containing Proteus mirabilis is added and incubated for 13 hours at 37 ± 2 °C. Odor readings were obtained using
Sensidyne ammonia gas detector tubes at 0, 3 and 22 hour incubation periods. The odor readings were obtained in similar fashion as described in figure 1 and experimental set-up 3, and recorded as below:
Example 10: Urease enzyme activity and corresponding change in pH in urea containing solution with varying copper concentrations
Example 11: Effect of soluble copper concentration on SAP absorbency.
[0059] Copper ions, at higher concentrations, have demonstrated to adversely impact the absorbency of the SAP polymer.
EXAMPLE 12
[0060] An embodiment of a diaper comprises a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, an absorbent core, water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, and a liquid impermeable bottom sheet. The concentration of water insoluble copper compounds may be between 0.05 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % based on the weight of the polymeric material. In another embodiment, the water insoluble copper compounds may be between 1 wt. % and 4 wt. % based on the weight of the polymeric material.
Example 13
[0061] An embodiment of an incontinence device may be prepared comprising a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, wherein the top sheet comprises 3 wt. % of the insoluble copper
compounds embedded in a polypropylene nonwoven. The absorbent core comprises a mixture of super absorbent polymer and cellulose fiber pulp. The cellulose fiber pulp is sprayed with copper sulfate solution such that the dried absorbent core comprises 2wt. % of water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid. The diaper also had a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
Example 14
[0062] An embodiment of an incontinence device may be prepared comprising a top sheet comprising a nonwoven material formed from polymeric materials comprising a concentration of particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid, wherein the top sheet comprises .05 wt. % (500 ppm) of the insoluble copper compounds embedded in a polypropylene nonwoven. The absorbent core comprises a mixture of super absorbent polymer and cellulose fiber pulp. The cellulose fiber pulp is sprayed with copper sulfate solution such that the dried absorbent core comprises 1.2 wt. % of water soluble copper compounds. The diaper also had a liquid impermeable bottom sheet.
[0063] The absorbent core will be formulated by spraying the cellulose fiber pulp with the copper sulfate solution and drying the pulp. The pulp may then be mixed with the super absorbent polymer to form the absorbent core.
Claims
1. A device for absorbing body fluids, comprising a top sheet comprising a nonwoven polymeric sheet, wherein the nonwoven polymeric top sheet comprises polymeric fibers and wherein the polymeric fibers comprising a plurality of first particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in at least a portion of the polymeric fibers and water soluble copper compounds on the surface of the polymeric fibers; an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core comprises a body fluid absorbent material and a plurality of second particles of water soluble copper compound that release at least one of Cunions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in the body fluid absorbent material; and a water insoluble back sheet, wherein the absorbent core is between the top sheet and the back sheet.
2. The device of Claim 1, wherein the water soluble copper compounds on the surface are present in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet.
3. The device of Claim 1, wherein the insoluble copper compounds are embedded and protruding from the surface of the polymeric fibers.
4. The device of Claim 4, wherein the first particles of water insoluble copper compounds are one of copper oxides, copper iodides, and combinations thereof.
5. The device of Claim 1, wherein the copper compounds comprise one of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide.
6. The device of Claim 1, wherein the polymeric nonwoven material comprises polyethylene
7. The device of Claim 1, wherein the body fluid absorbent material is a super absorbent polymer.
8. The device of Claim 1, wherein the absorbent core comprises a concentration of water soluble copper compounds.
9. The device of Claim 1, wherein the concentration of water insoluble copper compounds embedded in the top sheet are between 0.1 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % of the total weight of the top sheet.
10. The device of Claim 1, wherein the top sheet comprises polyethylene fibers having between 1.0 and 5.0 wt. % of one or more of cuprous oxide and cupric oxide particles embedded in the fibers and 100 and 500 ppm of one or more of copper sulfate particles on the surface of the fibers based upon the weight of the top sheet.
11. The device of Claim 10, wherein the polypropylene fibers are between 15 to 20 microns in diameter and comprise particles of water insoluble copper compounds with 90% of the particles having a particle size between 1 to 2 microns.
12. A device for retaining body fluids, comprising: a top sheet comprising a nonwoven polymeric sheet, wherein the nonwoven polymeric sheet comprises water insoluble urease inhibiting particles embedded within the polymeric sheet and water soluble urease inhibiting particles on the surface of the nonwoven polymeric sheet; an absorbent core comprising a water absorbent material and a water insoluble urease inhibiting particles within the super absorbent polymer; and a back sheet.
13. A method of forming a diaper, of an incontinence device, feminine hygiene product, or wound dressing that inhibits the catalytic hydrolysis of urea by urease comprising: adding water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid into a process for the formation of the absorbent core; forming the nonwoven top sheet from polymeric fibers comprising water insoluble copper compounds and water soluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid; and layering the nonwoven top sheet on one side of the absorbent core; and sealing the absorbent core on the other side with a water impermeable bottom sheet.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263230508P | 2022-08-06 | 2022-08-06 | |
PCT/US2022/039659 WO2024035380A1 (en) | 2022-08-06 | 2022-08-07 | Devices for retaining bodily fluids with ph control components |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4376619A1 true EP4376619A1 (en) | 2024-06-05 |
Family
ID=89852290
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22955151.0A Pending EP4376619A1 (en) | 2022-08-06 | 2022-08-07 | Devices for retaining bodily fluids with ph control components |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4376619A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2024035380A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE432194B (en) * | 1980-09-17 | 1984-03-26 | Landstingens Inkopscentral | MOISTURIZING AND BACTERIODIC ABSORPTION BODY FOR URINE AND FAECES, WHICH INCLUDE A WATER-SOLUBLE COPPER SALT |
DE3418521A1 (en) * | 1984-05-18 | 1985-11-21 | Henkel KGaA, 4000 Düsseldorf | MENSTRUALTAMPON |
IL177979A (en) * | 2006-09-10 | 2015-05-31 | Cupron Inc | Multi-layered material |
US20150190543A1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-07-09 | Verdex Technologies Inc. | Coform nanofibrous superabsorbent materials |
US20150209386A1 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2015-07-30 | The Cupron Corporation | Copper Containing Materials for Treating Wounds, Burns and Other Skin Conditions |
CN114053041B (en) * | 2021-11-17 | 2022-06-17 | 泉州禾伦织造有限公司 | Copper fiber absorbing article |
-
2022
- 2022-08-07 WO PCT/US2022/039659 patent/WO2024035380A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-08-07 EP EP22955151.0A patent/EP4376619A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2024035380A1 (en) | 2024-02-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7867510B2 (en) | Material having antimicrobial activity when wet | |
RU2408390C2 (en) | Absorbent products comprising acid superabsorbent material and organic zinc salt | |
US20060062854A1 (en) | Hydrogel having anti-microbial properties | |
US9414601B2 (en) | Material having antimicrobial activity when wet | |
EP2081533B1 (en) | Absorbent articles comprising a peroxy compound and an organic zinc salt | |
JP2009505707A (en) | Absorbent products containing concentrated tannins | |
US20090306612A1 (en) | Absorbent article | |
KR100744200B1 (en) | Alkali-neutralising superabsorbent products | |
US20030120228A1 (en) | Absorbent article | |
CN108159472B (en) | Binary odour control system for absorbent articles | |
US6559353B1 (en) | Treated disposable articles for reducing skin breakdown | |
JP2002113041A (en) | Absorptive article controlling skin acanthocheilonema perstans | |
US20110054430A1 (en) | Absorbent articles comprising a peroxy compound and an organic zinc salt | |
WO2024035380A1 (en) | Devices for retaining bodily fluids with ph control components | |
WO2001026647A1 (en) | Hop acids used to inhibit staphylococcus aureus | |
US8574610B2 (en) | Material having antimicrobial activity when wet | |
US12053360B2 (en) | Absorbent article with skin pH-adjusting effect | |
EP2081608A1 (en) | Absorbent article | |
RU2419456C2 (en) | Absorbent product | |
US20020147432A1 (en) | Absorbent articles with odor control | |
RU2432369C2 (en) | Absorbent lining containing peroxy compound and organic zinc salt | |
Dutkiewicz | Cellulosic fiber for odor and pH control | |
KR20020046400A (en) | Disposable diaper comprising skin protecting agent | |
MX2008006189A (en) | Absorbent articles comprising acidic superabsorber and an organic zinc salt |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20240227 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |