GB2578901A

GB2578901A - Bioscreen

Info

Publication number: GB2578901A
Application number: GB1818466.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Parkinson Sharon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-11-13
Filing date: 2018-11-13
Publication date: 2020-06-03
Also published as: GB201818466D0

Abstract

Absorbent and non-absorbent sanitary hygiene products 1 comprising an impermeable outer layer 2, adhesive tabs 3, permeable top sheet 4 and padded absorbent layers 5 attached to top sheet 4 with a padded layer 6 of absorbent polymer material 7 sandwiched between. The polymer material 7 comprises an integrated screening and diagnostic means 8 for detecting the presence or precursors of anatomical abnormalities, diseases, infections or conditions as well as enabling genetic and molecular profiling from the integral analysis of the biological contents absorbed, collected, retained or contained by the product. This includes an area 9 for visible and/or electronic alert means to translate and transmit any resulting detected information, abnormality and genetic or molecular profiles to external devices 46. The product may also comprise a therapeutic response 27 to specific conditions detected and may also be suited to a non-disposable reusable hygiene product.

Description

BIOSCREEN

This invention relates to sanitary absorbent and non-absorbent hygiene products and materials that are able to detect and screen for the presence or precursors of infections, diseases and anatomical abnormalities or conditions; as well as being able to screen for and provide genetic and molecular profiles from biological matter absorbed or retained by the products and materials.

This invention can be used, to detect deficiencies, irregularities and cellular abnormalities indicative of disease or infection, and for screening and other diagnostic purposes. This invention can also be used for creating molecular and genetic profiling from absorbed biological contents, to help identify and monitor potential diseases and their treatment options or used in other instances where biological fluids are discharged or excreted into similarly absorbent hygiene products such as nappies, incontinence pants/pads, wound dressings, tissues, underwear or clothing.

This invention can therefore also be used to screen, test for and deliver short term therapeutic remedial action (in response) to some diagnoses'. The dual functionality of the product will enable painless and simple diagnostic testing and, in some cases, remedial action for a range of infections, diseases and conditions.

Absorbent products are used for a variety of sanitary purposes to hygienically collect, contain and dispose of bodily fluids and waste matter. (Various levels of absorbency are available depending on the severity of the discharge). Many of these products are commonly used to absorb biological fluids and matter discharged via the urinary, excretory and circulatory systems, and are therefore widely used for sanitary purposes. For example, the breakdown of uterine, ovarian and blood cells that are released during menstruation are hygienically contained and disposed of, by using absorbent feminine hygiene products. Non-disposable feminine hygiene products such as menstrual cloths, cups and sponges are also used.

The reproductive and circulatory systems -particularly urinary, lymphatic and excretory systems are susceptible to several infections and diseases affecting organs such as the kidneys, urinary tract, prostrate, pelvis and both male and female reproductive organs. Many of these diseases often go undetected as these conditions are known to present few symptoms that clearly define their pathogenesis, and therefore delayed diagnosis has been known to lower survival rates.

Some sexually transmitted diseases and cancers are also known to remain undetected until they begin to affect other organs, and the effective treatment of cancers such as ovarian, bladder and pancreatic is proven to be dependent on early detection and therefore an early diagnosis is crucial. In some cases, there are no effective screening methods until cancer is suspected and often there are no symptoms until the diseases are in an advanced stage and have spread to other areas.

Another condition that often goes undetected and is related to the use of tampons is Toxic Shock syndrome (TSS), which is a disease where the diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms and is caused by bacterial infection.

Diagnosing these types of conditions typically involves producing a biological sample such as urine blood or tissue specimens for laboratory testing, in order to detect the presence of deficiencies, irregularities and cellular abnormalities within these samples. Other diagnostic methods can involve procedures such as ultrasound or cystoscope examinations as well as more invasive testing such as physical abdominal and pelvic examinations. In some cases, an imaging test may be required to detect any underlying problems or anatomic abnormalities.

Recent advances in medical research have seen increased development in using genomic sequencing as well as advanced diagnostic microscopy to view tissue samples and interstitial structures and fluids to detect abnormal DNA and molecular abnormalities such as 'tumour markers' and enzyme precursors in urine and blood testing, Tumour markers are specific protein substances found in blood, urine or body tissues that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth. Research has also identified that in cases of rarer (harder to diagnose) cancers, obtaining molecular profiles can also help identify potential treatment options as well as potential high and low risk susceptibility to certain diseases.

However, it remains that simpler less invasive, painless and accessible testing is required for early diagnosis of diseases like cancer which are pivotal to increasing survival rates and accurate treatments.

The bio-screen invention overcomes this by using an hygiene product with a dual functionality of absorbing and retaining bodily fluids and excretions -that will then enable integral analytical, diagnostic and sensory components to screen and analyse the absorbed contents to detect deficiencies, irregularities and cellular abnormalities and therefore the presence of conditions, disease, or infections to provide an early preliminary diagnosis, as well as being able to provide genetic and molecular profiling from the biological matter that may also guide and inform potential remedial therapeutic possibilities or responses The bio-screen invention proposes that when the biological material is absorbed, its cellular composites may be screened, read and translated by nanoscale diagnostic components to produce indicators or biomarkers that are specific to, or relate to abnormalities or disease. Equally a molecular or genetic profile can also be provided from the diagnostic translation, which can be used to also identify genetic factors, that may predict or treat the risk of disease.

It is proposed that the integral biological absorption, screening and resulting interactions activate embedded sensory means or linked components to create an alert that may either be easily and directly seen by the user (to indicate the detection or reaction), or by further activating embedded components that may translate and transmit a detected analysis and any genetic molecular profiles via supporting external wireless/remote electronically enabled devices.

The bio-screen invention also proposes that similarly, in some cases the reactive components are able to produce an appropriate reactive therapeutic response that can be delivered via the product itself in response to specific conditions.

It is proposed that with the use of this invention, the relevant medical advice can then be sought following the initial diagnosis.

The product will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an external view of a standard disposable absorbent hygiene product that is commonly worn externally.

Figure la shows a view of the compressed absorbent core layers and components that are typical of externally worn hygiene products.

Figure 2 shows an absorbent hygiene product embedded with the bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components within the absorbent layers and material according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a view of a standard absorbent product externally worn specifically for feminine hygiene purposes.

Figure 3a shows an internal view of the absorbent core layers and components that are typical of standard absorbent feminine hygiene products.

Figure 4 shows the externally worn feminine hygiene product embedded with the bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components within the absorbent layers and material, including a possible corresponding visible surface alert area for a diagnoses reaction.

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of an externally worn absorbent hygiene product with the integral bio-screen, analytical, screening and diagnostic components embedded within the absorbent layers and the diagnosed reaction electronically translated and transmitted to and yia collaborating devices; including the delivery of any possible remedial response to a diagnosed reaction.

Figure 6 shows an external view of a standard absorbent product that is internally worn specifically for feminine hygiene purposes, and in some medical applications to stem blood flow (tampon).

Figure 6a shows an internal view of the absorbent core and outer material components of a standard tampon.

Figure 7 shows the standard internal layers of an internally worn (tampon) embedded with the bioscreen analytical, screening and diagnostic components within the absorbent core material, including means for a corresponding visible surface alert area for any diagnosed reaction.

Figure 8 shows an external view of the components and materials of a standard non-absorbent and non-disposable feminine hygiene product (Menstrual cup) which is also internally worn and used to contain biological fluid rather than absorb it.

Figure 8a shows a menstrual cup fitted with the integral bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components within the non-absorbent structure.

Figure 9 shows a cross section view of the position of the tampon when worn internally and with the integral bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components embedded within its absorbent layers, and the diagnosed reaction electronically translated and transmitted to and via collaborating devices; including the delivery of any possible remedial response to a diagnosed reaction.

Figure 9a shows a cross section view of the menstrual cup worn internally and fitted with the integral bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components, and a diagnosed reaction electronically translated and transmitted to and via collaborating devices; including the delivery of any possible remedial response to a diagnosed reaction.

In figure 1, a standard absorbent hygiene product 1 consists of an impermeable outer plastic like layer 2, comprising adhesive tabs 3, and a permeable top sheet 4 covering absorbent inner padded layers 5 that commonly contain super absorbent polymer material designed to absorb high volumes of fluids. In figure la, absorbent pads 5 are attached to a permeable top sheet 4. Another padded layer 6 is filled with pulp and/or highly absorbent polymer material 7, which is sandwiched between the two absorbent pads 5. The posterior surface is covered with an impermeable plastic like covering 2. These components are commonly heat sealed together to form the product 1.

In figure 2, the internal absorbent polymer filled layer 7 comprises the integrated bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components 8, that may screen and analyse any contents directly absorbed from the body into the core layers 7, via the upper surfaces 4 and 5. The upper surface may also comprise an area 9 for a possible visible alert of a detected diagnosis.

In figure 3 an externally worn absorbent pad 10 that is specifically designed for feminine hygiene purposes, consists of a permeable surface top sheet 11, and impermeable plastic like backing 12, lined with adhesive 13, and adhesive tabs 14 on each side for secure fitting. In figure 3a the permeable top sheet 11 is designed to transfer fluids from the top layer to the absorbent core 15 to retain the fluid. The absorbent core 15, comprises super absorbent polymers, gels, fibres or foam and also comprises an added compressed layer of absorbent material such as foam 16, which is backed by an impermeable bottom sheet 12.

In figure 4, the absorbent core 15 of the feminine hygiene pad comprises the integrated bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic (bio screen) components 17 that may analyse the absorbed contents directly discharged into internal layers 15 and 16 via the upper surface 11. The integrated components 17 screen for genetic/molecular profiles, conditions, disease, infections or abnormalities. The upper surface 11, may also comprise an area 18 for a possible visible alert of any detected diagnosis.

In figure 5 an absorbent hygiene product 19, externally worn close to the body 20 may be embedded with the integral bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components 21 within the absorbent layers 22. When fluid 23, is discharged from the body 20 it is retained by the absorbent core layers 22 via the surface layers 24 and analysed by the integral bio-screen components 21. The components may screen the absorbed fluid for any abnormalities or profiling and then electronically transmit 25 any resulting data, or information to collaborating external devices 26. Where possible, a remedial response to a detected diagnosis may also be delivered 27 via the surface layers of the product 24, and/or via supporting electronic devices 26.

In figure 6 an absorbent hygiene product (tampon) 28, commonly applied internally to absorb and retain uterine and menstrual fluid consists of a thin outer fabric 29 surrounding the super absorbent inner materials and includes an integrated cotton string 30 for removal. External surface grooves 31 increase surface area absorption. In figure 6a, the outer covering 29 of the tampon 28, encloses a highly absorbent core 32 of compressed materials such as cotton and/or rayon.

In figure 7 the absorbent tampon 28, includes the bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components 33 that may be embedded within its absorbent core 32. The outer surface 29 may also comprise an area 34 for a possible visible alert of any detected diagnosis.

In figure 8, a non-absorbent feminine hygiene menstrual cup 35 which is commonly worn internally to collect and contain discharged uterine and menstrual fluid 36, is made of flexible medical grade silicon and comprises an upper cup 37 and a rim 38 which seals the cup in place. A lower stem 39 is used for insertion, removal and disposal of the collected fluid. In figure 8a, a menstrual cup 35 may comprise the integral bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components 40 within the stem 39, which is placed so that its components may be activated upon contact with the collected fluid 41. The components 40 may screen the collected fluid 41 for conditions, disease, infections, abnormalities or profiling.

In figure 9 the absorbent tampon 28 fitted with the integral bio-screen analytical, screening and diagnostic components is situated inside the body 42 to absorb menstrual and uterine fluid 43 discharged from the womb 44. The integral diagnostic components 33 may screen the fluid 43 upon absorption, for any conditions, disease, infections, abnormalities and then electronically transmit 45 any resulting data, or information to collaborating external devices 46. In figure 9a, the nonabsorbent menstrual cup 35 fitted with integral bio-screen analytical screening and diagnostic components 40, is situated inside the body 47, to collect menstrual and uterine fluid 48 discharged from the womb 44. The integral diagnostic components 40 may screen the absorbed fluid 48 for any conditions, disease, infections or abnormalities and may then electronically transmit 49 any resulting information to collaborating external devices 46.

Claims

Claims 1. Hygiene products comprising integrated screening, analytical and diagnostic means for detecting the presence or precursors of infections, diseases and anatomical abnormalities or conditions, as well as providing genetic or molecular profiling from biological contents absorbed or collected into the product, including visible or electronic means to provide and transmit any resulting detections and analysis to the user.
2. Hygiene products according to claim 1, in which the integrated screening, analytical and diagnostic means are provided by embedded components within the absorbent or nonabsorbent materials of the product.
3. A hygiene product according to claim 1, in which the means of screening, analysis, detection and provision of molecular and genetic profiling, are derived from biological indicators or bio information produced from the absorbed contents interacting with the integral diagnostic components.
4. A hygiene product according to claim 1, in which the visible means of detection are provided by linked components being activated by the presence or activity of biomarkers or bio information indicators to produce a clearly visible alert that can be seen by the user.
5. A hygiene product according to claim 1, in which the screening, analysis and detection of abnormalities, disease and infection, and molecular and genetic profiling, are translated and transmitted electronically via supporting mobile wireless/remote electronically enabled devices and applications.
6. A hygiene product according to claim 1, in which the integrated screening, analysing and diagnostic components may produce a reactive therapeutic response that can be delivered via the product itself in response to specific conditions.
7. A hygiene product according to claim 1, in which the integrated screening, analysing and diagnostic components can be used in non-disposable hygiene products that also collect or contain excreted biological matter to provide possible detection and/or molecular and genetic profiles.