Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing that is capable of preparing chitosan-silver nanoparticles for wound healing through a series of steps for effective mixing and synthesis of the nanoparticles under controlled conditions, thereby ensuring high-quality output for medical applications such as wound healing and repairing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The demand to produce chitosan-silver nanoparticles has surged due to their applications in fields like medicine, food preservation, and water treatment, owing to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and bioactive properties. There is requirement to synthesize nanoparticles with specific sizes, shapes, and surface characteristics to enhance their effectiveness in targeted applications. However, there are problems like achieving precise control over nanoparticle size and morphology, optimizing reaction conditions for reproducibility, and ensuring the stability of nanoparticles over time. Additionally, balancing the ratio of chitosan and silver to prevent aggregation while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy is quite complex.

[0003] Traditionally, there are similar devices for synthesizing chitosan-silver nanoparticles include chemical reactors, microfluidic systems, and batch reactors. Chemical reactors are commonly used for large-scale production but often struggle with controlling uniform nanoparticle size and preventing agglomeration. Batch reactors are scalable, but could lead to inconsistent nanoparticle characteristics due to difficulty in maintaining uniform conditions during the synthesis process. Additionally, these devices often face challenges related to the high cost of materials, energy inefficiency, and the need for specialized expertise to operate them.

[0004] US8231369B2 discloses a device and a method for producing nanoparticles, in which method starting materials for nanoparticles are mixed at least as liquid droplets and optionally also as gases and/or vapors with at least combustion gases in a premixing chamber and the mixture is separated for liquid drops larger than size d, whereafter the mixture is conducted to at least one burner, in which the combustion gases are ignited such that a heavily mixing flame is generated, in which the starting materials react and optional solvents evaporate and generate through nucleation and/or sintering and/or agglomeration particles having a diameter of 1 to 1000 micrometers.

[0005] EP2789235A1 discloses methods and compositions for antimicrobial silver compositions comprising silver nanoparticles. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing silver nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more silver compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the silver compound comprises a salt comprising a silver cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the silver nanoparticle compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist to produce silver nanoparticles for various applications. However, the cited arts have certain limitations pertaining to producing chitosan-silver nanoparticles, by adjusting ingredient ratios, mixing speed, and temperature to ensure the precise quality and effectiveness of the nanoparticles, thus making the process user-friendly, safe, and adaptable for multiple applications.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of synthesizing chitosan-silver nanoparticles for promoting wound healing. Additionally, the developed device should be capable of adding a suitable healing agent with the prepared nanoparticles for enhancing the healing process of the wound.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of preparing chitosan-silver nanoparticles for wound healing in an automated manner with precise control over the reaction conditions and solution components.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for effective mixing and synthesis of the nanoparticles by incorporating techniques like electromagnetic stirring, autoclaving, and centrifuging under controlled conditions, thereby ensuring high-quality output for medical applications.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adding a healing agent suitable for the specific wound while preparing the nanoparticles to enhance the wound healing process.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing that is capable of synthesizing nanoparticle incorporating with antimicrobial and wound healing properties for providing enhanced treatment for the injury.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing comprise of a housing positioned on a ground surface and installed with a first and second chambers stored with chitosan solution and silver nitrate solution, respectively, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands for preparation of chitosan-silver nanoparticles, a microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module that processes the input commands and activates a first electronic nozzle configured with the first chamber for dispensing a suitable amount of the chitosan solution in a first conical flask positioned on an electromagnetic plate that is placed underneath the chambers for generating electromagnetic waves in view of allowing multi-directional motion to a magnetic bar immersed in the flask for stirring the chitosan for a first threshold time duration, a second electronic nozzle installed with the second chamber for dispensing the silver nitrate solution in the flask in synchronization with activation of the electromagnetic plate for stirring chitosan-silver nitrate solution in the flask for a second threshold time duration via the magnetic bar, a primary suction unit installed with the flask that is actuated by the microcontroller for transferring the chitosan-silver nitrate solution to a second conical flask placed in the an autoclave positioned within the housing to autoclave solution.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further includes a secondary suction unit installed with the second flask that is actuated by the microcontroller for transferring the autoclaved solution to a third flask positioned on a platform assembled within the housing, a set of containers arranged at a ceiling portion of the housing, each equipped with an electronic valve, and stored with different type of wound healing agent including gelatin, graphene, and curcumin, a motorized two-axis lead screw arrangement configured with the containers for aligning one of the containers stored with the determined healing agent over the third flask for dispensing the healing agent in the third flask, a robotic arm installed within the housing for transferring the solution from the third flask to a centrifuge tube of a centrifuge assembled within the housing and closing lid of the centrifuge for centrifuging the solution, a speaker is mounted on the housing for notifying the user to collect the nanoparticles from the centrifuge tube, an electronic spout installed within the housing and connected with a receptacle stored with water to dispense water for cleaning the centrifuge tube and third flask, a level sensor is embedded within each of the chambers and containers for detecting level of the stored solutions, and as soon as the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chambers and containers, a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates anisometric view of a chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing that provides a means for synthesizing nanoparticles with optimal conditions to ensure high-quality output for medical application. This is done in view of utilizing nanoparticles in wound healing with an additional healing agent to enhance the tissue and wound repair.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing comprises of a housing 101 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a first 102 and second 103 chambers, a first electronic nozzle 104 configured with the first chamber 102, a first conical flask 105 positioned on an electromagnetic plate 106 that is placed underneath the chambers 102, 103, a magnetic bar 107 immersed in the first flask 106, a second electronic nozzle 108 installed with the second chamber 103, a second conical flask 109 placed in an autoclave 110 positioned within the housing 101, a primary suction unit 111 installed with first flask, a third flask 112 positioned on a platform 113 assembled within the housing 101, a secondary suction unit 114 installed with the second flask 109, a set of containers 115 arranged at a ceiling portion of the housing 101 through two-axis lead screw arrangement 116 configured with the containers 115, each container 115 equipped with an electronic valve 117, a robotic arm 118 installed within the housing 101, a centrifuge tube 119 of a centrifuge 120 assembled within the housing 101, a speaker 121 is mounted on the housing 101, an electronic spout 122 installed within the housing 101 and connected with a receptacle 123.

[0023] The proposed invention discloses a housing 101 positioned on a ground surface in a close space for synthesizing nanoparticles in a controlled environment. The housing 101 is installed with two chambers named as first 102 and second 103 chambers. The first chamber 102 is stored with chitosan solution and the second is stored with silver nitrate solution.

[0024] To activate the device for preparing chitosan-silver nanoparticles, the user gives the input through a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with the device. The user interacts with the interface through a touch screen, keyboard, or other input methods available on the computing unit. The user provides the input commands via the interface to prepare the chitosan-silver nanoparticles.

[0025] The computing unit is wirelessly linked with a microcontroller inbuilt in the housing 101, via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module that processes the input commands. The communication module facilitates data exchange between computing unit and microcontroller by encoding and sending information over various channels, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks. The receives and decodes incoming data from the user's command. The module incorporates error-checking mechanisms to detect and correct data corruption or loss and manages data routing to direct information to the microcontroller.

[0026] Upon receiving the commands, the microcontroller activates a first electronic nozzle 104 configured with the first chamber 102 for dispensing a suitable amount of the chitosan solution. The first electronic nozzle 104 comprises of a gate and a magnetic coil which uses electricity from microcontroller to generate the force to control the opening/closing of gate.

[0027] The gate controls the flow of a chitosan solution through a small aperture of the first nozzle 105, allowing for precise control of the flow of the chitosan solution on the in a first conical flask 105. The first nozzle 105 is equipped with sensors to monitor parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and viscosity, and enabling the real-time adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

[0028] The first conical flask 105 is positioned on an electromagnetic plate 106 that is placed underneath the chambers. The microcontroller activates an electromagnetic plate 106 for generating electromagnetic waves for allowing multi-directional motion to a magnetic bar 107 immersed in the flask for stirring the chitosan for a first threshold time duration. The electromagnetic plate 106 consists of a conductive surface, such as copper, and an array of coils or electromagnets embedded within or placed above.

[0029] When an electric current flows through these coils, generating the oscillating magnetic fields that radiate as electromagnetic waves. The intensity, frequency, and polarity of these waves vary to influence the magnetic bar’s 107 movement. As the magnetic bar 107 interacts with the oscillating fields, push or pull force is experienced in different directions that generate precise multi-directional motion, allowing the magnetic bar 107 to move along multiple axes or along a complex path for stirring the chitosan for a first threshold time duration.

[0030] After completion of the first threshold time duration, the microcontroller activates a second electronic nozzle 108 installed with the second chamber 103 for dispensing the silver nitrate solution in the first conical flask 105. The second electronic nozzle 108 works in the same manner as the first electronic nozzle 104. The microcontroller again activates the electromagnetic plate 106 for stirring chitosan-silver nitrate solution in the first conical flask 105 for a second threshold time duration via the magnetic bar 107. The electromagnetic plate 106 works in the same manner as described earlier.

[0031] After both the chitosan solution and silver nitrate solution are mixed in the first conical flask 105, the microcontroller actuates a primary suction unit 111 installed with the first conical flask 105 for transferring the chitosan-silver nitrate solution to a second conical flask 109. The primary suction unit 111 operates through a vacuum-driven mechanism.

[0032] The suction unit creates a negative pressure inside the first flask 106, drawing the solution towards the suction conduit. The solution is transferred through the conduit to a second conical flask 109 via controlled suction, ensuring a steady flow. A regulator is employed with the primary suction unit 111 to control the rate of transfer and prevent spillage.

[0033] The second conical flask 109 is placed in an autoclave 110 positioned within the housing 101. The microcontroller turns on the autoclave 110 for maintaining 121oC temperature and 15 psi pressure for 15 minutes to autoclave the solution. The autoclave 110 is a high-pressure vessel used for sterilizing equipment, materials, or substances through the application of heat, pressure, and steam. The flask is sealed and placed inside the autoclave 110 for sterilization, where steam is injected and heated to a temperature typically between 121°C and 15 psi for 15 minutes.

[0034] The increased pressure inside the autoclave 110 raises the boiling point of water, allowing the steam to penetrate and disinfect the solution more effectively. The high temperature and pressure destroy microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and spores, ensuring thorough sterilization. After a set cycle, the autoclave 110 cools down, and the pressure is slowly released, allowing the sterilized items to be safely removed.

[0035] The autoclaved solution from the second flask 109 is transferred through a secondary suction unit 114 to a third flask 112 positioned on a platform 113 assembled within the housing 101. The secondary suction unit 114 works in the same manner as the first suction unit. Now, a wound healing agent is to be mixed with the solution for enhancing healing properties. The wound healing agents includes gelatin, graphene, and curcumin.

[0036] The wound healing agent are stored in a set of containers 115 arranged at a ceiling portion of the housing 101, each equipped with an electronic valve 117 for dispensing the healing agent in the third flask 112. The electronic valve 117 comprises of an electric motor, when the microcontroller sends a signal to the valve 117 to dispense the suitable healing agent, the motor adjusts the valve’s 117 position by opening/closing the valve 117 to maintain a desired flow rate of the healing agent into the third flask 112.

[0037] The containers 115 are installed through a motorized two-axis lead screw arrangement 116 for aligning one of the containers 115 stored with the determined healing agent, over the third flask 112, followed by actuation of one of the valves 117 for dispensing the healing agent in the third flask 112. The motorized two-axis lead screw arrangement 116 provides movement by using two lead screws, each aligned along a different axis.

[0038] Each lead screw is driven by its motor, which rotates in their respective lead screws, which have a threaded shaft that interacts with a nut mounted on the lead screw connected to the containers 115. When a motor turns its lead screw, the nut moves linearly along the screw's length leading to the movement of the cutting unit. The cutting unit moves on the X and Y axes in a synchronized manner to aligning one of the containers 115 over the third flask 112.

[0039] After the healing agent is mixed with the solution in the third flask 112, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 118 installed within the housing 101 for transferring the solution from the third flask 112 to a centrifuge tube 119. The robotic arm 118 consists of linked segments connected by joints, which are powered by motors to enable movement in all directions. Rotary joints of the arm 118 enable rotational motion around a fixed axis, while prismatic joints allow for linear, sliding movement. The arm 118 is activated by the microcontroller that transfers the solution form the third flask 112 into a centrifuge tube 119.

[0040] The centrifuge tube 119 is arranged on a centrifuge 120 assembled within the housing 101 for centrifuging the solution. The arm 118 then closes the lid of the centrifuge 120, followed by actuation of the centrifuge 120 for centrifuging the solution for 15 minutes at 15000 rpm to obtain the nanoparticles. The centrifuge 120 is a machine that uses rapid spinning to separate prepared nanoparticles from the solution.

[0041] The centrifuge tube 119 with the solution are in the centrifuge 120 that are balanced in a rotor, which is then rapidly spun at high speeds. As the rotor spins, centrifugal force pushes the denser particles outward toward the bottom of the tube 119, while lighter components remain closer to the top. The separation process is driven by the difference in the mass and density of the substances in the mixture.

[0042] After centrifugation is completed for the set time, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 121 is mounted on the housing 101 for notifying the user to collect the nanoparticles from the centrifuge tube 119. The speaker 121 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. The speaker 121 consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, it generates a varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. This movement pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user to collect the prepared nanoparticles.

[0043] Upon collection of the nanoparticles by the user, the microcontroller actuates the robotic arm 118 for cleaning the centrifuge tube 119 and third flask 112. The arm 118 picks up the centrifuge tube 119 and third flask 112 and rinse with water dispensed by an electronic spout 122 installed within the housing 101 and connected with a receptacle 123 stored with water.

[0044] The electronic spout 122 dispenses water from a receptacle 123 operates using a combination of sensors, a dispensing conduit, and an electronic control over the spout 122. When the microcontroller activates the spout 122, the electronic control triggers the opening of a motorized dispense conduit. This allows water to flow from the receptacle 123 through the spout 122. The flow is controlled by the conduit, which is adjusted electronically to regulate the amount and speed of water dispensed.

[0045] The chambers and containers 115 are embedded with a level sensor for detecting level of the chitosan solution, silver nitrate solution, and wound healing agent, respectively. The level sensor detects the level of the solutions within the chambers and containers 115 using a floating mechanism. The sensor typically consists of a buoyant float that rises and falls with the liquid level.

[0046] As the solution level changes, the float moves within the reservoir, altering its position relative to a stationary component, the change in float's interaction with the sensor triggers an electrical signal that correlates to the liquid level. This signal is then transmitted to the microcontroller, if the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chambers and containers 115.

[0047] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0048] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 positioned on a ground surface having first 102 and second 103 chambers stored with chitosan solution and silver nitrate solution, respectively. The user provides input for preparation of chitosan-silver nanoparticles through the user-interface inbuilt in the computing unit wirelessly associated with the device. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module that processes the input commands and activates the first electronic nozzle 104 configured with the first chamber 102 for dispensing a suitable amount of the chitosan solution in a first conical flask 105. The first conical flask 105 is positioned on the electromagnetic plate 106 for generating electromagnetic waves for stirring the chitosan. After that, the second electronic nozzle 108 installed with the second chamber 103 dispense the silver nitrate solution in the flask and the electromagnetic plate 106 stir chitosan-silver nitrate solution in the flask for a second threshold time duration.

[0049] In continuation, once the solutions are mixed, the primary suction unit 111 installed with the first flask 106 transfers the chitosan-silver nitrate solution to a second conical flask 109 placed in the autoclave 110 for autoclaving the solution. After autoclaving, the secondary suction unit 114 transfers the autoclaved solution to the third flask 112 where the healing agent is mixed with the solution. The motorized two-axis lead screw arrangement 116 configured with the containers 115 align one of the containers 115 stored with the determined healing agent over the third flask 112 for dispensing the healing agent in the third flask 112. After that, the robotic arm 118 transfers the solution into the centrifuge tube 119 of the centrifuge 120 and close the lid for centrifuging the solution. After centrifugation, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 121 for notifying the user to collect the nanoparticles from the centrifuge tube 119. After collection, the robotic arm 118 is again actuated to clean the centrifuge tube 119 and third flask 112 by dispensing the water through the electronic spout 122 connected with a receptacle 123.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A chitosan-silver nanoparticles preparation device for wound healing, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a first and second 103 chambers stored with chitosan solution and silver nitrate solution, respectively, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands for preparation of chitosan-silver nanoparticles;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates a first electronic nozzle 104 configured with said first chamber 102 for dispensing a suitable amount of said chitosan solution in a first conical flask 105 positioned on an electromagnetic plate 106 that is placed underneath said chambers, wherein said microcontroller actuates said electromagnetic plate 106 for generating electromagnetic waves in view of allowing multi-directional motion to a magnetic bar 107 immersed in said flask for stirring said chitosan for a first threshold time duration;
iii) a second electronic nozzle 108 installed with said second chamber 103, wherein upon completion of said first threshold time duration, said microcontroller actuates said second nozzle 109 for dispensing said silver nitrate solution in said flask in synchronization with activation of said electromagnetic plate 106 for stirring chitosan-silver nitrate solution in said flask for a second threshold time duration via said magnetic bar 107;
iv) a primary suction unit 111 installed with said flask that is actuated by said microcontroller for transferring said chitosan-silver nitrate solution to a second conical flask 109 placed in an autoclave 110 positioned within said housing 101, followed by actuation of said autoclave 110 for maintaining 121oC temperature and 15 psi pressure for 15 minutes to autoclave solution;
v) a secondary suction unit 114 installed with said second flask 109 that is actuated by said microcontroller for transferring said autoclaved solution to a third flask 112 positioned on a platform 113 assembled within said housing 101
vi) a set of containers 115 arranged at a ceiling portion of said housing 101, each equipped with an electronic valve 117, and stored with different type of wound healing agent, wherein said microcontroller actuates a motorized two-axis lead screw arrangement 116 configured with said containers 115 for aligning one of said containers 115 stored with said determined healing agent, over said third flask 112, followed by actuation of one of said valves 117 for dispensing said healing agent in said third flask 112; and
vii) a robotic arm 118 installed within said housing 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller for transferring said solution from said third flask 112 to a centrifuge tube 119 of a centrifuge 120 assembled within said housing 101 and closing lid of said centrifuge 120, followed by actuation of said centrifuge 120 for centrifuging said solution for 15 minutes at 15000 rpm to obtain said nanoparticles.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speaker 121 is mounted on said housing 101 for notifying said user to collect said nanoparticles from said centrifuge tube 119.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon collection of said nanoparticles by said user, said microcontroller actuates said robotic arm 118 for cleaning said centrifuge tube 119 and third flask 112 by rinsing through water dispensed by an electronic spout 122 installed within said housing 101 and connected with a receptacle 123 stored with water.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within each of said chambers and containers 115 for detecting level of said chitosan solution, silver nitrate solution, and wound healing agent, respectively, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chambers and containers 115.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wound healing agents are gelatin, graphene, and curcumin.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.