WO2008114918A1

WO2008114918A1 - Iontophoresis patch and manufacturing method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2008114918A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/005140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nam In Kim; Myoung Woo Chung; Seung Gyu Lim
Original assignee: Rocket Electric Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-19
Filing date: 2007-10-19
Publication date: 2008-09-25

Abstract

Disclosed are a patch using the principle of iontophoresis and a manufacturing method thereof, in which one electrode of the patch includes a positive electrode material containing manganese dioxide to thus act as a positive electrode, and the other electrode thereof includes a negative electrode material containing zinc to thus act as a negative electrode, thereby integrating the patch and the battery.

Description

IONTOPHORESIS PATCH AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of an iontophoresis patch according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating a conductive electrode layer formed on a patch sheet;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer formed on the conductive electrode layer; and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating a hydrogel layer formed on the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer.

* Description of the Reference Numerals in the Drawings * 10: patch sheet 20: conductive electrode layer 30: current path 40: positive electrode layer 50: negative electrode layer 60: hydrogel layer 70: insulation film

[Technical Field] The present invention relates to a patch system using the principle of iontophoresis as a means for penetrating the skin with a material of interest, such as a pharmaceutical or a cosmetic.

[Background Art] Generally, iontophoresis refers to a technique for allowing minute current to flow through the skin so that, an electrically charged material of interest penetrates into the skin using electrorepulsive force. When a patch containing the material of interest is attached to the skin, a circuit is formed, and current is generated, so that the material of interest penetrates into the skin using electrorepulsive force.

A conventional iontophoresis instrument is operated by attaching two electrodes to the skin of the human body and connecting each of the electrodes to an electrical device by wires. The material of interest is placed on the surface of the electrode, and, when the electrical device is powered on, the penetration of the material of interest into the human body occurs. The electrical device is designed so that the amount and time of current application can be adjusted. However, such a system is disadvantageous because the patient is connected to the electrical device by wires, and thus the usual movement and activity of the patient are limited.

A recent patch type iontophoresis system has developed toward the incorporation of an electrical circuit and a current source into one patch. Such a system is realized in a manner such that an iontophoresis patch and a battery are electrically connected to each other in the form of one patch. This is considered to be superior to conventional systems, in which power is supplied through wires from the outside.

[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

A conventional iontophoresis patch is manufactured in a manner such that a patch and a battery are separately produced, the battery is electrically connected to the body of the patch to thus be inserted into the patch, and then an assembly process is conducted. However, the iontophoresis patch is poor in terms of storage of the mounted battery, and the assembly procedure is complicated, undesirably resulting in low productivity and in increased costs. As well, because multiple reaction steps are involved, efficiency is decreased, and therefore limitations are imposed on the penetration of cosmetics or pharmaceuticals into the skin.

The present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems encountered in the related art, and provides an iontophoresis patch, in which iontophoresis patch electrodes and a battery are constructed as one system so that the efficacy of penetration of a material of interest into the skin is increased, and the ease of storage of the patch is improved.

The iontophoresis patch according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a patch sheet, a conductive electrode layer disposed on the patch sheet to be in contact therewith, a positive electrode layer containing manganese dioxide and a negative electrode layer containing zinc, which are disposed on both sides of the conductive electrode layer to be in contact with the conductive electrode layer, a hydrogel layer disposed on each of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer to be in contact therewith, and a current path formed between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer in order to realize connection therebetween. [Mode for Invention]

According to the present invention, an iontophoresis patch is characterized in that, when the patch, comprising a patch sheet 10, a conductive electrode layer 20, a positive electrode layer 40 disposed on one portion of the conductive electrode layer to be in contact therewith, and a negative electrode layer 50 disposed on the other portion of the conductive electrode layer to be in contact therewith, is attached to the skin, it is operated by a battery. On the patch sheet 10, carbon ink is applied, thus forming the conductive electrode layer 20. Because the conductive electrode thus formed is composed of carbon ink, comprising carbon powder, the patch may be imparted with flexibility, manufacturing processability, and electrochemical resistance. Instead of carbon powder, silver powder may be used.

On one portion of the upper surface of the conductive electrode, a slurry, comprising manganese dioxide powder and carbon powder, capable of generating current, and a binder solution, is applied and is then dried, thus forming the positive electrode layer 40, which acts as a positive electrode. Further, on the other portion thereof, which is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the positive electrode layer of the conductive electrode layer, a slurry, comprising zinc powder and carbon powder, capable of generating current, and a binder solution, is applied and is then dried, thus forming the negative electrode layer 50, which acts as a negative electrode. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer are characterized in that manganese dioxide and zinc are used in the form of powder to realize high current density and facilitate the manufacturing process.

Further, in order to allow current to flow between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, a current path 30 connected with the conductive electrode is provided therebetween. Furthermore, the current path is covered with a piece of insulation tape or film 70 for dielectric treatment so that current leakage is suppressed when the patch is attached to the skin of the human body to thus bring it into direct contact therewith.

On each of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, an ion-conductive hydrogel layer 60 containing zinc chloride is formed. The material of interest, which is to penetrate into the human body, is included along with hydrogel. In addition, in the case where it is difficult to ensure stability of the material of interest during a circulation period, the material of interest may be used in such a way that it is packaged separately and then spread on the hydrogel layer when the patch is used. As such, the type of electrode to be mounted is determined, depending on whether the material of interest is positively or negatively charged.

Moreover, to prevent the hydrogel of the iontophoresis patch from being dried, an impermeable film 60 is provided. The impermeable film is completed by subjecting it to attachment to the upper surface of the hydrogel layer and then to cutting in the shape of the patch.

The iontophoresis patch having the impermeable film attached thereto is sealed using a metal laminate film case and is made commercially available in that state. The sealing process is typically conducted in an air atmosphere. However, in the case where there is concern about an oxidation reaction between the positive electrode/negative electrode and the hydrogel, it is preferred that the sealing process be performed in an inert atmosphere or in an oxygen- free atmosphere.

[Example] Below, the present invention is embodied with the reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of the iontophoresis patch according to the present invention. Examples of the patch sheet 10 include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) film, which is corona-treated and has a thickness of 10~50 μm. The conductive electrode layer 20 may be formed through silk printing, off-set printing, evaporation, or slurry coating using metal powder, such as carbon ink or silver ink, or a slurry comprising a carbon component and a polymer.

On the patch sheet 10, carbon ink is printed and is then dried, thus forming the conductive electrode layer 20 having a thickness of about 15 μm. Then, the positive electrode layer 40 is disposed on one portion of the conductive electrode, and the negative electrode layer 50 is disposed on the other portion thereof. Further, the current path 30 is formed between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer, so that current flows therebetween. The width of the current path is preferably set at 2-5 mm, and more preferably about 5 mm.

The slurry obtained by mixing manganese dioxide powder, carbon powder, and a binder solution is printed on the conductive electrode layer, thus forming the positive electrode layer 40. As the active material for the positive electrode of the battery, various materials have been investigated. Among them, particularly useful is manganese dioxide, in consideration of electrical capacitance, voltage, electrochemical properties, and circulation conditions of products .

The binder solution is prepared by adding one or more polymers selected from among polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinylidene fluoride with a solvent. In the preparation of the electrode, the use of a multi-component binder system comprising two or more binders is more favorable in terms of electrical efficiency, mechanical strength, and force of adhesion to the conductive electrode, compared to when the binder is used alone. In particular, when the electrode binder is composed of a combination of polyethylene oxide, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinylidene fluoride, electrode durability and manufacturing processability are predicted to be superior. The negative electrode layer 50, which is disposed on the conductive electrode layer to be in contact therewith and is provided parallel to the positive electrode layer, is formed through a printing process using the slurry comprising zinc powder, carbon powder, and a binder solution. As the active material for the negative electrode, various materials have been investigated. Among them, particularly useful is zinc in powder form in terms of electrical capacitance, voltage, electrochemical properties, and manufacturing processability. As in the formation of the positive electrode, the binder solution is prepared by adding one or more polymers selected from among polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polymethyl methacrylate with a binder solvent. In particular, when the negative electrode binder includes a combination of polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polymethyl methacrylate, electrical efficiency, manufacturing processability, and force of adhesion to the conductive electrode layer are predicted to be superior.

The thickness of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer is determined in consideration of electrical capacitance, and is typically set to 80-100 μm.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating the conductive electrode layer 20 formed on the patch sheet 10, in the structure of the iontophoresis patch according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating the positive electrode layer 40 and the negative electrode layer 50, which are disposed on both sides of the conductive electrode layer 20, in the structure of the iontophoresis patch according to the present invention. The distance between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer is preferably l~20 mm, and more preferably 4~10 mm. The optimal distance is set taking into consideration the magnitude of current flowing between the patch and the skin and contact resistance. The current path 30 xs formed between the positive electrode layer and the negat ive electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer so that current flows therebetween. The width of the current path is 2~5 mm, and 5 may be adjusted depending on the magnitude of current flowing between the positive electrode and the negat ive electrode. The insulation tape is also attached to the current path, thereby suppressing current leakage upon attachment of the patch to the skin of the human body.

10 FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the hydrogel layer 60 formed on each of the positive electrode layer 40 and the negative electrode layer 50 in the structure of the iontophoresis patch according to the present invention. On the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode

]5 layer, the ion-conductive hydrogel layer 60 containing dissolved zinc chloride is formed, in order to function as an electrolyte. The hydrogel is generally composed of hydrophilic gel, and is mainly prepared by mixing agarose and polyvinyl alcohol with water in which an electrolyte is

20 previously dissolved. The electrolyte preferably contains one or more selected from among zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, and sodium chloride.

In order to prevent the evaporation of the hydrogel component upon circulation of the product of the present

2b invention, the impermeable film is attached to the upper surface of the hydrogel layer 60, after which the patch of the invention is placed into a metal laminate case, thus packaging it. When the patch is used, the patch is removed from the case, the impermeable film is removed from the 0 hydrogel layer, and then the material of interest (cosmetic material) is spread on the electrode or is attached thereto.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed with reference to the appended drawings, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to typical meanings or dictionary definitions, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts relevant to the technical scope of the present invention. Since the example disclosed in the present specification and the construction shown in the accompanying drawings are only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various equivalents and modifications able to replace them are possible at the time of application of the present invention.

[industrial Applicability]

According to the present invention, electrodes for use in a patch and a battery for operating the electrodes are integrated, thus exhibiting superior battery storage properties and increasing the efficacy of the patch. Further, the manufacturing process is simplified, thus facilitating mass production.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l]

An iontophoresis patch, comprising: a patch sheet, a conductive electrode layer disposed on the patch sheet to be in contact therewith, a positive electrode layer containing manganese dioxide and a negative electrode layer containing zinc, which are disposed on both sides of the conductive electrode layer to be in contact with the conductive electrode layer, a hydrogel layer disposed on each of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer to be in contact therewith, and a current path formed between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer in order to realize connection therebetween.

[Claim 2]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein the patch sheet comprises either polyethylene terephthalate or polyacrylonitrile, and has a thickness of 20~50 μm.

[Claim 3]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein the conductive electrode layer contains either carbon or silver .

[Claim 4]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode layer contains manganese dioxide, carbon, and a binder.

[Claim 5]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 4, wherein the binder comprises one or more from among polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 2- hydroxyethyl cellulose, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinylidene fluoride.

[Claim 6]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein the negative electrode layer contains zinc and a binder.

[Claim 7] The iontophoresis patch according to claim 6, wherein the binder comprises one or more selected from among polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polymethyl methacrylate.

[Claim 8]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein each of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer has a thickness of 80~100 μm.

[Claim 9]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel layer contains one or more selected from among zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, and sodium chloride.

[Claim 10] The iontophoresis patch according to claim 9, wherein the one or more selected from among zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, and sodium chloride are used in an amount of 0.1~20 wt% based on total weight of the hydrogel.

[Claim ll]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer is l~20 mm.

[Claim 12]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 1, wherein the current path is provided so that the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer are connected to each other on the conductive electrode layer to thus allow current to flow therebetween.

[Claim 13]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 12, wherein a width of the current path is 2~5 mm.

[Claim 14]

The iontophoresis patch according to claim 12, further comprising an insulation layer on the current path in order to prevent current leakage from the current path.

[Claim 15]

A method of manufacturing an iontophoresis patch, comprising: preparing a patch sheet, and forming a conductive electrode layer on the patch sheet to be in contact therewith, through printing using either a slurry or an ink comprising carbon powder or silver powder; forming a positive electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer to be in contact therewith, through printing using a slurry comprising manganese dioxide powder, carbon powder, and a binder solution; forming a negative electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer to be in contact therewith and to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the positive electrode layer, through printing using a slurry comprising zinc powder and a binder solution; forming a hydrogel layer on each of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer to be in contact therewith; and forming a current path between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer on the conductive electrode layer in order to realize connection therebetween.

[Claim 16]

The method according to claim 15, comprising attaching an impermeable film to an upper surface of the hydrogel layer of the iontophoresis patch to be in contact therewith.

[Claim 17]

The method according to claim 16, comprising sealing and packaging the iontophoresis patch using a metal laminate case in a vacuum atmosphere or an oxygen-free atmosphere.

[Claim 18] The method according to claim 17, wherein the oxygen- free atmosphere contains one or more selected from among argon, helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen.