SUMMARY
A portable device that generates and stores molecular hydrogen within a hydrogel using electrodes to precisely deliver hydrogen locally to treat oxidative stress in skin diseases and ischemia-reperfusion injuries
The Unmet Need: Precise and efficient methods to deliver molecular hydrogen to protect organs form reactive oxygen species damage
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Oxidative stress and inflammation are fundamental pathological processes contributing to a wide range of debilitating conditions, including chronic skin diseases like pressure ulcers and acute injuries such as ischemia-reperfusion. These processes involve the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators, leading to cellular damage, tissue dysfunction, and impaired healing. Molecular hydrogen has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent due to its selective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a potential pathway to mitigate cellular damage and promote tissue repair in affected areas. Effective delivery of this therapeutic gas is crucial for clinical benefit.
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Current approaches for delivering molecular hydrogen, such as gas inhalation or consumption of hydrogen-enriched water, face significant challenges that limit their therapeutic efficacy. These methods often result in rapid systemic dispersion, leading to poor bioavailability and insufficient concentrations of hydrogen reaching the specific target tissues. Furthermore, they lack the ability to provide sustained or precisely controlled delivery, which is essential for chronic conditions or prolonged therapeutic effects. The handling of gaseous hydrogen also presents safety concerns, including flammability risks, particularly in clinical settings.
The Proposed Solution: A portable electrochemical system utilizes a hydrogel matrix embedded with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to locally produce, store, and release molecular hydrogen targeting oxidative stress in tissues
- The faculty inventor developed a portable device utilizing a hydrogel matrix integrated with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to generate, store, and deliver molecular hydrogen locally. The MEA comprises platinum and iridium oxide electrodes sandwiching a Nafion proton exchange membrane, facilitating hydrogen production within a 3% polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel. This hydrogel serves as both an electrolyte and a medium to trap hydrogen bubbles, enabling controlled diffusion to surrounding tissue. A wireless flexible printed circuit board precisely regulates the current supplied to the MEA, allowing for controlled hydrogen generation rates and amounts, suitable for applications like mitigating oxidative stress in skin diseases and ischemia-reperfusion injuries.
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This technology offers significant advancements over traditional hydrogen therapies, which often suffer from hydrogen leakage and poor bioavailability. By providing precise, sustained, and localized delivery directly to affected tissues, it overcomes the limitations of methods like gas inhalation or hydrogen-enriched water. The hydrogel's ability to trap and slowly release hydrogen ensures prolonged therapeutic effects, while the electronic control system allows for fine-tuning of delivery profiles. Its compact, wireless design enhances portability for ambulatory treatment, and by containing hydrogen within the hydrogel, it mitigates the flammability risks associated with gaseous hydrogen.
FIGURE
ADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES
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Provides localized and targeted delivery of molecular hydrogen
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Enables sustained and prolonged release of hydrogen for extended treatment
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Offers precise control over hydrogen generation rate and timing
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Features a portable and wireless design for ambulatory treatment
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Enhances safety by generating and containing hydrogen within the hydrogel, reducing flammability risks
APPLICATIONS
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Chronic Wound Healing Device
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Ischemia Reperfusion Therapy
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Dermatological Oxidative Stress Treatment
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Localized Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
PUBLICATIONS
August 19, 2025
Proof of concept
Patent Pending
Licensing,Co-development
Bozhi Tian