FIELD

The present subject matter relates to adhesive compositions and particularly which are suitable for medical applications such as in contacting skin.

BACKGROUND

A variety of skin contacting adhesives are known to include a pressure sensitive adhesive elastomeric matrix in which water absorbing and water swellable particles of hydrocolloids are dispersed. The pressure sensitive adhesive matrix adheres to skin and contributes to the cohesion of the adhesive. The water absorbing properties of the hydrocolloids enable adhesion to moist skin by removing moisture from the surface. As the hydrocolloids constantly absorb moisture emanating from the skin or originating from exuding wounds, the hydrocolloids also contribute to good adherence over extended periods of time and also prevent maceration of the skin.

In many applications, the adhesive agents will come into contact with body fluids of different types such as feces, urine, wound exudates, and sweat for example. Existing skin adhesives often suffer from a drawback that their adhesiveness is destroyed by contact with body fluids. In order to compensate for this, more aggressive adhesives are used in many applications. These overly aggressive adhesives then create their own issues with respect to skin irritation and even destruction of the outer skin layer, especially in the young and elderly. This is particularly seen in applications where repositionability is desired and where visual wound inspection is required since the dressing is removed and reapplied multiple times creating additional skin irritation problems. Further, portions of the adhesive being in direct contact with the skin or which are exposed to body fluids will gradually swell due to the water absorbing and water swelling properties of the hydrocolloids which will eventually cause disintegration of the adhesive matrix.

Although satisfactory in many regards, a need remains for an improved pressure sensitive adhesive which can be used in skin-contacting applications.

SUMMARY

The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known compositions are addressed in the present compositions, articles, and related methods.

In one aspect, the present subject matter provides an adhesive composition comprising a polysiloxane adhesive, and one or more absorbent fillers dispersed in the polysiloxane adhesive.

In another aspect, the subject matter provides an article comprising a layer of an adhesive composition comprising (i) a polysiloxane adhesive and (ii) one or more absorbent fillers dispersed in the polysiloxane adhesive.

In another aspect, the subject matter provides a method of sealingly securing an article to a substrate. The method comprises providing an adhesive composition including (i) a polysiloxane adhesive, and (ii) one or more absorbent fillers dispersed in the polysiloxane adhesive. And, the method also comprises forming a layer of the adhesive composition between the article and the substrate.

In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method for performing at least one of (i) forming a seal about a wound, and (ii) securing an article to skin. The method comprises identifying a wound or area of interest on a user's skin. The method also comprises providing an adhesive composition including a polysiloxane adhesive and at least one absorbent filler dispersed in the polysiloxane adhesive. And, the method additionally comprises providing a layer of the adhesive composition either (i) about the wound, or (ii) between the article and skin.

As will be realized, the subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the subject matter. Accordingly, the description is to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

