WO2024205528A1

WO2024205528A1 - A multi-head for use in electrohydrodynamic

Info

Publication number: WO2024205528A1
Application number: PCT/TR2023/051551
Authority: WO
Inventors: Burçin YILMAZ; Lütfiye EKİCİ; Kevser KAHRAMAN
Original assignee: Yozgat Bozok Ueniversitesi; Erciyes Universitesi
Current assignee: Yozgat Bozok Ueniversitesi; Erciyes Universitesi
Priority date: 2023-03-31
Filing date: 2023-12-15
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-30

Abstract

The invention pertains to a three-way valve with female luer lock and male luer lock components, assembled in a specific manner to create a cost-effective and highly functional multi-head apparatus for use in electrohydrodynamic methods.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A MULTI-HEAD FOR USE IN ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC

TECHNICAL FIELD

BACKGROUND

Electrohydrodynamic methods include two main techniques: electrospinning and electrospraying. Various manufacturing methods, utilizing either needle-based or needleless approaches, can be employed. The method is based on the principle of depositing a polymer solution of suitable concentration by forming jets (Taylor cones) under high voltage (direct current) onto a collecting surface or medium. Depending on the solution concentration, nanofibers or nanoparticles can be produced, offering diverse applications. In systems utilizing needles or nozzles, a positive high voltage is applied to this section, while the collecting surface is typically grounded to the grounding line. To prevent or reduce material ejection beyond the collector, a negative voltage can also be applied (https://www.nanoscience.com/techniques/electrospin).

The state of the art includes the product "Solution Distribution Pipe Set" from the company Inovenso, which is introduced as a product that can be similarly used. The product features a structure where polymer solution is transferred using pumps and the electrospinning jet formation is achieved through hoses on aluminum pipes.

The product named "MULTI INJECTOR LV (Light version) with NEEDLES HS (High sharpening)" from the company Inthesys is also within the same group. The product is described as a multiple injector structure with self-contained needles for mesotherapy applications.

(https://www.inthesys.com/product-category/mesotherapy/multi-injectors-with- needles/).

The product named "Multi-needle spinneret" from the Tongli company is declared to be used for mass production electrospinning (https://www.electro- spinning.com/electrospinning-spinneret.html). Electrospinning technology is one of the recently popular applications in our country. Generally, single-needle (nozzle) operation is used in the production of nanofibers or nanoparticles. The feed rate of the solution and indirectly the production speed of nanofibers or nanoparticles vary depending on the polymer used in the solutions. However, using a single needle/nozzle can result in a lower amount of production. Therefore, the use of heads containing multiple needles/nozzles is beneficial as a factor that increases production quantity.

A difficulty in sourcing arises from the non-commercial nature of the products encountered on the internet. In the case of commercial products [e.g., Inovenso (Solution Distribution Pipe Set)], the need to prepare a large amount of solution and the high unutilized volume within the product have led to the necessity of developing an alternative device. Additionally, the material being in the form of a pipe can pose challenges in terms of cleaning. The need to attach a nozzle to the pipe in this product incurs extra costs, and the usage of different nozzle heads can be restricted as a result.

AIM OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the invention is to produce a cost-effective and highly functional product suitable for application in electrohydrodynamic methods by assembling three- way valve, female luer lock, and male luer lock parts in a specific manner.

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 . View of the three-way valve

Figure 2. View of the single-sided male luer lock

Figure 3. View of the double-sided male luer lock

Figure 4. View of the injector

Figure 5. View of the injector needle

The equivalents of the numbers given in the figures are:

10. Three-way valve

1 . Male luer lock end

2. Female luer lock end

3. Single-sided male luer lock connector

4. Double-sided male luer lock connector

5. Injector 6. Injector needle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The product subject to invention comprises a three-way valve (10), a medical material, and a male luer lock connector (3, 4). The three-way valve (10) further comprises two female luer lock ends (2) and one male luer lock end (1 ) on it. A singlesided (3) or double-sided male luer lock connector (4) is connected to the female luer lock end (2) on the three-way valve (10).

When using the single-sided male luer lock connector (3), it is expected to be ready for use after hardening with a suitable liquid to ensure the seal of the invention. However, when the straight tube-shaped part of the single-sided male luer lock connector (3) is inserted into the female luer lock end (2) of the three-way valve (10), the leakage of the solution may occur due to the specific diameter variability of the product. The very small gap between the two parts can be filled with a liquid adhesive that exhibits hardening properties, or it can be sealed by wrapping it with Teflon tape. This situation ensures both the sealing and the integration of the two parts into a whole. If the dimensions of the mentioned parts are perfectly compatible for a leakproof fit, there is no need for adhesive liquid or Teflon tape. The obtained set can be used to create multiple headers by replicating the same arrangement, i.e., connecting the female luer locks (2) and male luer lock ends (1 ) which are comprised on the three- way valves (10) to each other. When two or more sets are combined, syringe needles (6) of the same or different thicknesses, with equal lengths, are attached to the male luer lock connectors (3, 4), and the apparatus is made ready for use.

At least one three-way valve (10) included in the invention can be adjusted for solution feed to the channels through the valve on it. This "T"-shaped valve (10) allows flow to the channels with three arms, and the part without arms remains closed, preventing flow. Thus, in multi-unit configurations, this valve (10) can be used to open and close desired sections.

By attaching an injector (5) to any female luer lock tip (2) of the invention, it can be connected to the feeding pump in the electrospinning device.

While all the outlet ends of the created multiple-head are at the same angle, the solution in the syringe (5) is advanced by pump or manually until the solution flow starts from the needles (6). The independent movement of the sets in the product subject to the invention enables them to operate in different ways. While a commercial product requires the tube to be parallel to the ground and the tips to be perpendicular to it, there is no such requirement in the created apparatus.

Two or more sets, created by attaching the three-way valve (10) and the male luer lock connector (3, 4), can be connected to each other with female-male luer lock ends. By attaching the injector needle (6) of the desired thickness to the male luer lock ends (3, 4), the voltage cable can be connected. The solution flow can be initiated by attaching an injector (5) to one of the female luer lock (2) ends.

Claims

1. A multi-head to use in electrohydrodynamic methods, characterized by comprising:

- At least one three-way valve (10) characterized by its "T" shape, further comprising three arms that permit flow in the channels where the arms are located and prevent flow from the armless section, further comprising a female luer lock (2) and a male luer lock end (1 ) at the tip of the arms,

-- Male luer lock connectors (3, 4), which can interlock with the female luer lock (2) located on the three-way valve (10),

- An injector that can be connected to any of the female luer lock ends, thereby enabling the invention to attach to the feeding pump in the electrospinning device,

- an injector needle (6) attached to the male luer lock connector (3, 4).

2. The multi-head to use in electrohydrodynamic methods according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a single-sided (3) or double-sided male luer lock connector (4).

3. The multi-head to use in electrohydrodynamic methods according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a liquid with adhesive properties that hardens in the space between the two parts to prevent leakage of the solution due to specific diameter variations in the product when the single-sided male luer lock connector's (3) straight tube-shaped portion inserted into the female luer lock end (2) of the three-way valve (10).

4. The multi-head to use in electrohydrodynamic methods according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a teflon tape that wrapped around the space between the two parts to prevent leakage of the solution due to specific diameter variations in the product when the single-sided male luer lock connector's (3) straight tube-shaped portion inserted into the female luer lock end (2) of the three-way valve (10).