ABSTRACT
Valery Kulichikhin, Sergey Antonov, Veronika M akarova, A lexander Sem akov, A lexey Tereshin and Parm inder Singh
1. INTRODUCTION
Hydrocolloid formulations are traditional mainstay for medical and cosmetic application particularly in the wound care market. Several companies are working towards improving performance properties of hydrocolloids such as adhesion, fluid handling capability, easy and clean removal from wound, no damage to periwound skin, no/minimal residue on removal, cushion effect, eliminate malodor and extending wear duration to several days. There has also been a recent trend to increase capability of hydrocolloids for active delivery (drugs, antibacterial agents, flavors, etc.) to wounds, or to skin or mucosa for transdermal or transmucosal drug delivery. The appearance of hydrocolloid dressings is also important and one of the main requirements is translucency of dressings or patches. The major market players are: Johnson&Johnson, Schering-Plough, Gilette, Coloplast, 3M, Convatec, Smith&Nephew. As a rule, very similar components have been used for development of these products. Most of patents are directed towards minor changes in composition, processing conditions and packaging. Some of the patents are directed towards extending possible uses and combining different functions in single formulation. Very rarely the new components or concepts have been proposed but in this case the new and unique properties should be evident.
