Method for in situ Generation of Molecular Iodine on Mucus Membranes Using Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nano-particles created using a biodegradable chemical backbone structure suitably designed to permit creation of at least two populations of nano-particles that contain chemical compositions. A first population of particles can contain iodide (I−) and additional compounds including a pH buffer and iodate (IO3−). A second population of particles can contain compounds that will create a microenvironment of pH of 5<-<7 immediately surrounding the second population particle as it is resides on the surface of mucous membranes and cells found in the sinuses and upper airways or on any mucous membrane. The two particle populations are maintained in a dry state for delivery into the nasal passages. When they become hydrated, they now gain an affinity to each other as an activation event, and particles from the two populations residing in proximity to each other diffuse their chemical components into the microenvironment. The pH within the microenvironment surrounding the particles becomes <7.0 with a preferred value of around 6.4. Iodide and iodate react under the mildly acid microenvironment condition to form molecular iodine, I2 in situ. The particles in association create I2 nano-particle factories that persistently generate I2 over time and thereby sustain an anti-microbial/anti-infective environment within the nasal cavity, sinuses and upper airways or on any other mucus membrane.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.