U.S. patent application number 14/209063 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for curable nail composition and methods for strengthening and repairing nails.
This patent application is currently assigned to ESSCHEM. The applicant listed for this patent is ESSCHEM, FAMOUS NAMES, LLC. Invention is credited to JIM NORDSTROM, Linda Nordstrom, Sue Sheariss.
Application Number | 20140261512 14/209063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51521827 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140261512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NORDSTROM; JIM ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
CURABLE NAIL COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR STRENGTHENING AND
REPAIRING NAILS
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a curable nail strengthening
composition comprising a polymerizable material, at least one
penetrating agent, and at least one curing agent. The strengthening
composition penetrates the nail and is cured within the nail plate
without cross-linking the nail proteins. Methods for strengthening
and repairing nails are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
NORDSTROM; JIM; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Nordstrom; Linda; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Sheariss; Sue; (Swedesboro, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ESSCHEM
FAMOUS NAMES, LLC |
Linwood
Las Vegas |
PA
NV |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ESSCHEM
Linwood
PA
FAMOUS NAMES, LLC
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
51521827 |
Appl. No.: |
14/209063 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61783135 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
424/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 2800/95 20130101;
A61K 8/922 20130101; A61K 8/375 20130101; A61Q 3/02 20130101; A61Q
3/00 20130101; A61K 2800/81 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 ;
424/61 |
International
Class: |
A61K 8/97 20060101
A61K008/97; A61K 8/81 20060101 A61K008/81; A61Q 3/02 20060101
A61Q003/02 |
Claims
1. A curable composition for strengthening fingernails or toenails
comprising: a polymerizable material; at least one penetrating
agent; and a curing agent.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material
will not cross-link reactive functional groups of nail
proteins.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material
is capable of penetrating at least 0.05 mm below the upper surface
of a nail when the composition is applied to the nail.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material
is selected from hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), ethylene
dimethacrylate (EDMA), bis(glyceryl dimethacrylate) pyromellitate
(PMGDM), and combinations thereof.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent is selected from natural vegetable and plant oils derived
from corn, castor, jojoba, olive, avocado, sweet almond, rice bran,
sunflower, palm, palm kernel, rapeseed, peanut, cottonseed,
coconut, grape seed, tomato seed, hazelnut, soybean, tea tree,
eucalyptus, wheat germ, sea buckthorn seed, argan, peppermint, and
macadamia.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent is chosen from acetone, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, butyl
acetate, amyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone,
propylene glycol, octyldodecanol, glycerin, isodecane, cyclohexane,
camphor, ethyl butrolactone, butoxyethanol, butoxydigycol,
2-octyldocecanol, diacetone alcohol, dicholoromethane,
dimethylsulfone, dimethyl isorbide, diacetin, dipentene, toluene,
xylene, triethylene glycol, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate,
trimethylhexanol, tertrahydrofurfuryl acetate, turpentine, and
mineral spirits.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the curing agent is selected
from the group consisting of thermal catalysts and ultraviolet (UV)
and visible light photo initiators.
8. The composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one
additive selected from solvents, thickening agents, plasticizers,
film forming agents, surface hardening agents, fillers, colorants,
moisturizers, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, medicinal
agents and active medical drugs.
9. A method for strengthening fingernails or toenails comprising:
applying a penetrating, curable composition to a nail, wherein the
composition comprises a polymerizable material, at least one
penetrating agent, and a curing agent; and curing the
composition.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising repeating the steps
of applying the composition to the nail and curing the
composition.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising allowing the
composition to penetrate the nail to a depth of at least 0.05 mm
below a surface of the nail before curing the composition.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the polymerizable material is
selected from hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), ethylene
dimethacrylate (EDMA), bis(glyceryl dimethacrylate) pyromellitate
(PMGDM), and combinations thereof.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent is selected from natural vegetable and plant oils derived
from corn, castor, jojoba, olive, avocado, sweet almond, rice bran,
sunflower, palm, palm kernel, rapeseed, peanut, cottonseed,
coconut, grape seed, tomato seed, hazelnut, soybean, tea tree,
eucalyptus, wheat germ, sea buckthorn seed, argan, peppermint, and
macadamia.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition further
comprises at least one additive selected from solvents,
plasticizers, film forming agents, surface hardening agents,
fillers, colorants, moisturizers, antimicrobial agents, antifungal
agents, medicinal agents and active medical drugs.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent is chosen from acetone, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, butyl
acetate, amyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and methyl ethyl ketone,
propylene glycol, octyldodecanol, glycerin, isodecane, cyclohexane,
camphor, ethyl butrolactone, butoxyethanol, butoxydigycol,
2-octyldocecanol, diacetone alcohol, dicholoromethane,
dimethylsulfone, dimethyl isorbide, diacetin, dipentene, toluene,
xylene, triethylene glycol, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate,
trimethylhexanol, tertrahydrofurfuryl acetate, turpentine, and
mineral spirits.
16. A method of repairing a damaged fingernail or toenail, wherein
the damage to the fingernail or toenail comprises a crack, a
groove, a ridge, a line, a pit, a divot, delamination, peeling, or
thinning, the method comprising: applying a curable composition to
a nail, wherein the composition comprises a polymerizable material,
at least one penetrating agent and a curing agent; curing the
applied composition; and repeating the application and curing of
the composition until the cured composition has covered the damage
and formed a smooth surface on the nail.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent enables the polymerizable material to penetrate the nail to a
depth of at least 0.05 mm below a surface of the nail and to wick
into crack fronts of broken or cracked nail plates or between
layers of delaminated nail plates before curing the
composition.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent is selected from natural vegetable and plant oils derived
from corn, castor, jojoba, olive, avocado, sweet almond, rice bran,
sunflower, palm, palm kernel, rapeseed, peanut, cottonseed,
coconut, grape seed, tomato seed, hazelnut, soybean, tea tree,
eucalyptus, wheat germ, sea buckthorn seed, argan, peppermint, and
macadamia.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the composition further
comprises at least one additive selected from solvents,
plasticizers, film forming agents, surface hardening agents,
fillers, colorants, moisturizers, antimicrobial agents, antifungal
agents, and drugs.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one penetrating
agent is selected from the group consisting of acetone, ethyl
alcohol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, amyl acetate, isopropyl
alcohol, and methyl ethyl ketone, propylene glycol, octyldodecanol,
glycerin, isodecane, cyclohexane, camphor, ethyl butrolactone,
butoxyethanol, butoxydigycol, 2-octyldocecanol, diacetone alcohol,
dicholoromethane, dimethylsulfone, dimethyl isorbide, diacetin,
dipentene, toluene, xylene, triethylene glycol, triethylene glycol
dimethacrylate, trimethylhexanol, tertrahydrofurfuryl acetate,
turpentine, mineral spirits, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/783,135, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to curable compositions for
structurally improving and reinforcing nail plates and methods for
strengthening, improving toughness, durability, appearance and for
repairing damaged nail plates, as well as to protect and support
nail plates so they can grow and lengthen naturally.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Natural nail plates, particularly the fingernails and
toenails of humans, are comprised of multiple layers of translucent
cells that are created within the nail matrix at the base or root
of the nail plate and slowly transported toward the end of the
fingertip, with the entire journey usually taking 4-6 months for
fingernails and up to one year for toenails. Each nail plate cell
contains keratin, a fibrous structural protein also found in hair
and skin, as well as animal hooves and horns. The keratin naturally
imparts structure, toughness, durability and flexibility to the
nail plates, which ensures resistance to cracking, chipping,
breaking and tearing.
[0004] Nail plates can become damaged during everyday activity
through exposure to harsh or corrosive chemicals, overexposure to
water, mechanical damage created from overly aggressive and
improperly performed manicures or artificial nail
application/removal procedures, over application/incorrect use of
certain types of nail treatments/hardeners or due to infection or
illness. Some people may also inherently have or develop thin/weak
nail plates which easily tear, break or peel. The strength and
durability of nail plates also normally decreases with advancing
age. Damaged or weakened nail plates may be more susceptible to
infection, excessive staining/discoloration or further continued
damage. Also, as a result of advancing age, nail plates often
develop grooves of varying depths which run the length of the
natural nail plate. These grooves, often incorrectly perceived as
ridges, can serve as weak points in the nail plate and act as seeds
for initiating longitudinal splits or cracks which can develop in
the plate as a result of the significant plate thinning in these
grooved areas.
[0005] Increasing or restoring the nail plate's inherent toughness
provides increased durability which allows the nail plate to better
endure impacts and to resist externally applied physical forces in
the form of everyday stresses, strains, etc. Toughness is a
physical property achieved by a proper balance of strength and
flexibility. Nail plates that are overly strong or hard can lose
flexibility which can result in a loss of toughness and increased
brittleness, cracking and/or breaking or may lead to damage to the
underlying nail bed. Nails plates that are too weak do not have
sufficient toughness often because they are overly flexible, which
results in tearing, fracturing, as well, increased potential for
nail bed damage.
[0006] Most attempts to improve or restore the durability of the
nail plate focus on either (a) coating the plates' surface with the
thick protective ultraviolet (UV) or thermally polymerizable
surface layer or (b) application and absorption of natural oils
which diffuse into the upper layers to plasticize overly rigid nail
plates which increases flexibility and can result in increased
toughness of nail plates that are overly rigid or (c) by increased
hardening of the nail plates' surface by introducing additional
cross-links between keratin proteins which results in a reduction
of flexibility and increases strength, as well as increases scratch
and indentation resistance.
[0007] The currently available strengthening compositions rely on
coating the surface of the nail with polymerizable mixtures that
form internal cross-links and tightly adhere to the plate's surface
to substantially thicken the plate, adding the strength of the
protective coating to that of the nail plate. Polymerizable surface
coatings can also fill and reinforce longitudinal grooves which
appear in the nail plate, which are typically seen with advancing
age. The polymerizable surface coatings may also help prevent the
longitudinal grooves from becoming cracks or splits in the nail
plate. These compositions do not provide cross-linking within the
keratin fibrils inside the cells of the nail plate, but instead,
internal cross-linking creates greater cohesion and durability
within the coating on the surface of the nail plate. These
compositions, while improving the strength of the overall nail
plate and protecting its surface from external damaging elements,
do not improve flexibility of the plate. Also, necessary periodic
removal and subsequent repeated application of the polymerizable
coating often results in plate roughening, thinning, weakening and
increased cracking, splitting and/or delaminating (peeling) of the
upper layers of the nail plate from the bulk of the nail plate.
Therefore, these coatings can increase damage to the nail plate in
the process of protecting it and therefore aren't always useful or
desirable, especially for thin, weak nail plates.
[0008] Three currently available types of nail plate hardening
compositions are commonly used. The most widely used plate
hardening composition is based on methylene glycol (also referred
to as formaldehyde or formalin), which is the product formed when
formaldehyde gas reacts with water. A typical 1% formaldehyde nail
hardener would contain 1.6% methylene glycol and 0.0013%
formaldehyde. The methylene glycol solution slightly penetrates the
nail plate surface and over time, typically 4-5 days, will
cross-link with the keratin present in the nail plate. This is due
to the inherently slow reaction times of methylene glycol with
keratin protein. Eventually, these reactions result in a permanent
surface hardening, which provides increased scratch and indentation
resistance, but produces a significantly less flexible nail plate
that becomes increasingly rigid. Continued use of methylene glycol
hardening compositions over time continually adds additional
cross-linking to the keratin proteins which eventually leads to
nail plate over-hardening and results in embrittlement and
eventually breakage, thereby defeating the original purpose for
using a nail hardener compositions. These types of nail hardeners
provide useful benefits only for overly flexible nail plates and
provide little to no positive benefits to other types of nail
plates. These hardeners are detrimental for use on already brittle
nail plates, or those with surface damage which increases porosity,
speeding absorption to cause even faster nail plate embrittlement,
splitting, chipping, cracking and surface delamination. These
compositions do not add any thickness to the nail plate, nor can
they cover or shield the plate surface from external injury, abuse
or insult as do the polymerizable nail coatings described above.
Nor do these compositions have any ability to fill in, reinforce or
mask the longitudinal grooves of varying depth within the nail
plate that are typical with advancing age.
[0009] Another commonly used nail hardening composition is based on
dimethyl urea. Like methylene glycol compositions, dimethyl urea
hardening compositions also penetrate the upper nail plate surface
and cross-links with the proteins in keratin fibrils. Because
dimethyl urea reactivity with proteins is lower that methylene
glycol, cross-linking with keratin proteins occurs at a
significantly slower rate. Nail hardening compositions containing
dimethyl urea work in the same fashion as methylene glycol and also
provide a significant increases in strength and surface hardness,
at the cost of decreased flexibility of the nail plate. However,
the slower reaction rates when compared to methylene glycol
compositions translate into slower rates of increasing nail plate
rigidity and require longer periods of continued applications
before users notice any significant changes. The typical user often
desires to achieve quick results and thus perceive the lower
reactivity as a negative, which helps to explain why these
compositions are not widely used in the marketplace. Also, as with
methylene glycol compositions, these should not be used on already
brittle or damaged nail plates.
[0010] Another commonly used type of nail hardening compositions
are based on various types of natural extracts said to absorb and
result in hardening of the upper surface of the nail plate, e.g.
horsetail extract (Equisetum) or bamboo extract. Horsetail extract
containing products are the most common example of a naturally
derived extract, but even these enjoy only limited usage by
consumers. Both extracts are said to contain high amounts of silica
in the form of silicon dioxide (1-10%), which is claimed to cause
nail plate hardening after repeated applications. These
compositions usually require up to several applications per day for
several weeks or more, but even then rarely provide any significant
improvements in nail strength or durability. The nail plate
provides an effective barrier against most substances unless
penetrating agents are employed and even then does not readily
absorb silicon dioxide. Because so little silicon dioxide can
penetrate beyond even the first layers of the nail plate,
compositions containing these extracts or other similar ingredients
have very limited efficacy as a nail plate hardener nor do they
have any significant ability to fill in and reinforce grooves that
develop in the nail plate with advancing age. Natural oils such as
avocado, jojoba, olive, etc. are sometimes applied and when
absorbed can increase flexibility and reduce brittleness. These
natural oils, however, are not useful on overly flexible nail
plates. Natural oils do not protect the surface of the nail plate
from external damage, nor can they provide any benefits for
longitudinal ridges in the nail plate, and they must be applied
repeatedly, often several times per day and continually on a daily
basis to provide benefits
[0011] These natural extract and/or oil compositions are
substantially less efficacious as the other methods discussed
herein. Natural extract compositions appeal to a certain small
facet of the marketplace because they are often sold as
"naturally-derived" and sometimes incorrectly as "all natural" nail
hardening treatments. Natural oil compositions have wider appeal
than those based on natural extracts, but are only effective for
overly brittle nails. The natural oils do not provide the same
degree of benefits for overly flexible nails, provide little to no
benefit to prevent existing cracks or damage from worsening, and do
not have any positive effect on longitudinal ridges in the nail
plate and must be applied daily to have any long-term
effectiveness, and are often perceived by users as being messy and
inconvenient to use.
[0012] Another issue with the currently available nail treatment
compositions is the difficulty in applying the compositions.
Oftentimes, the composition must be applied daily or many times per
times per day over an extended period of time.
[0013] It is therefore desirable to develop a nail plate
strengthening composition that improves strength, toughness,
durability, hardness and flexibility of the nail plate without
causing embrittlement or other problems related to over hardening
of the nail plate as described herein. It is also desirable to
develop a nail strengthening composition that may be easy to apply,
e.g., not require daily application, yet provide long-lasting
strength and durability to any type of nail plate including those
which are already brittle, weak, splitting, overly flexible or
previously damaged. It is also desirable that such a composition
protect the plate surface from externally damaging elements, e.g.,
excessive hand washing, use of cleaning agents, etc., as do
compositions that rely on coating the surface of the nail with
polymerizable mixtures, but without the disadvantage of
substantially thickening the plate or requiring periodic removal
which often results in plate roughening, thinning, weakening and
increased cracking, splitting, pitting or peeling.
[0014] Therefore, a desirable composition would penetrate beneath
the surface of the nail while still providing a thin, protective,
cross-linked surface coating that will help prevent damage from
externally applied forces or other damaging elements described
above and would be permanent and not require periodic removal while
remaining highly efficacious, nor would it allow the nail plate to
become overly hard, lose flexibility, become embrittled, or require
daily application. This composition would not only prevent nail
plate weakening, cracking, splitting, delamination, etc., it would
help to repair these types of preexisting nail damage and prevent
worsening of these conditions, while maintaining a natural looking
appearance. It would also be desirable for such compositions to
have the ability to easily absorb or wick into cracks, splits and
between delaminated layers of the nail plate to provide targeted
repair to those areas which require additional reinforcement and
thereby preventing worsening of these conditions, as well as to,
fill-in, smooth over and reinforce longitudinal grooves found on
the nail plate as a result of advancing age.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a curable
composition for strengthening and increasing durability of nail
plates comprised of at least one polymerizable material, at least
one penetrating agent, and at least one curing agent, and when
required or deemed useful, a rheological thickening agent for
controlling delivery, flow, placement and continuous coverage of
the composition over the nail plate, while helping to prevent
inadvertent skin contact with the curable composition.
[0016] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a
curable composition for strengthening and increasing durability of
nail plates is comprised of at least one polymerizable material, at
least one curing agent and at least one penetrating agent which may
also serve as a viscosity reducer to increase nail plate
penetration and aid in wicking into crack fronts and other damaged
areas, such as between separated nail plate layers, as demonstrated
in cases of delaminating nail plates.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
for repairing and protecting damaged nail plates comprising of
applying a curable composition to a nail plate, placing the nail
plate under a heat source preferably for 1-5 min to promote
penetration, removing excess polymerizable coating from the surface
of the nail plate and then curing the applied composition under a
fluorescent, cold cathode, laser or LED-style UV energy emitting
device, as well as, incandescent, laser, LED (light emitting diode)
or other types of visible light source, to include natural sources,
that are suitable for use in such applications and repeating the
application and curing of the composition as necessary to ensure
the absorbed composition has cured into the nail plate to seal and
repair any plate damage, as well as to form a smooth, continuous
coating surface on the nail. The curable composition may comprise a
polymerizable material, at least one penetrating agent, and at
least one curing agent.
[0018] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a
method for repairing and protecting damaged nail plates comprising
of applying a curable composition to a nail plate, placing the nail
plate under a heat source for time sufficient to promote improved
penetration, such as, for example, 1 to 5 minutes, removing excess
polymerizable coating from the surface of the nail plate and then
curing the applied composition via free radical polymerization
using catalyst or polymerization initiators suitable for use in
such applications, and repeating the application and curing of the
composition as necessary to ensure the cured composition has
absorbed into the upper portions of the nail plate to seal and to
assist in repairing any plate damage, as well as to form a smooth,
continuous coating over the surface of the nail plate. The curable
composition may comprise a polymerizable material, at least one
polymerization enhancer and at least one curing agent.
[0019] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a
curable composition comprised of at least one polymerizable
material, at least one curing agent and at least one penetrating
agent which may also serve as a viscosity reducer for purposes of
wicking into cracks, splits or between delaminated layers of nail
plate to provide targeted, localize adhesion to these areas for
purposes of reinforcement and prevention of additional worsening of
existing nail damage. Such a composition could also be used to
provide spot treatment to areas which require additional
reinforcement.
[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a curable
composition comprised of at least one polymerizable material and at
least one curing agent and possibly at least one penetrating agent
which may also serve as a viscosity reducer, as well as an
opacifier or colorant for the purposes of providing either a
complete coverage of the natural nail plate or wicking into cracks,
splits, pits or between delaminated layers nail plate to provide
targeted, localize adhesion and in both cases, to camouflage
longitudinal grooves in the nail plate or areas of damage so they
are less visible to the eye.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to
a curable composition for strengthening and increasing toughness
and durability of natural nail plates. As used herein, the term
"strengthening" describes increasing or restoring toughness to the
nail plate and increased durability so the nail plate can better
endure impacts and resist externally physical forces in the form of
everyday stresses and strains. "Toughness" describes a physical
property synergistically achieved by the proper balance of strength
and flexibility. "Hardness" is a surface property which describes
resistance to scratching or indentation. "Flexibility" describes
the ability of the coating to bend with the natural nail plate or
the inherent flexibility of the natural nail plate when compared to
brittle nails. "Durability" is a property inferred upon natural
nail plates when they have sufficient toughness and surface
hardness. A strengthening composition may be used to strengthen or
protect an otherwise healthy nail, or may be used to repair,
reconstruct, or toughen damaged or weak nails.
[0022] Penetration of the nail plate is difficult because the nail
plate behaves as a highly selective barrier and prevents absorption
of most substances, including most cosmetic and pharmaceutical
ingredients. Since nail plate penetration is normally difficult,
when absorption is made to occur, absorbed materials are restricted
and limited to the upper one third portion of the natural nail
plate. Penetration enhancers, or penetrating agents, described in
this invention allow polymerizable material to migrate past the
upper surface and concentrate in the upper portions of the nail,
but the nail plate inherent barrier properties act to prevent
deeper penetration into the nail plate. The proper selection of a
penetrating agent allows for controlled deposition of the
polymerizable material into the upper surface of the nail plate
where it is most useful, while strictly limiting and/or likely
preventing any penetration into deeper layers of the nail plate.
Thus, the amount of penetration into the nail plate can be
controlled by the choice of penetrating agent.
[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the curable
composition may be comprised of a polymerizable material, at least
one penetrating agent, and a curing agent.
[0024] The polymerizable material may comprise a reactive monomer
or oligomer that is, under the conditions of use and as described
herein, polymerizable within the nail plate. For example,
polymerizable materials may include any methacrylate (methyl esters
of methacrylic acid) including isomers, which contain mono, di,
tri, tetra or penta reactive functional groups such as, but not
limited to, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate,
butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate,
propyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate
di-HEMA trimethylhexyl dicarbamate, isobornyl methacrylate,
ethoxyethyl methacrylate, 2-ethoxy ethoxy ethyl methacrylate,
acetoacetoxythethyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl
methacrylate, fluoro methacrylate, furfuryl methacrylate, ethylene
dimethacrylate, 1,12-docecanediol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol
methyl ether methacrylate, triethylene glycol ethyl ether
methacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol
dimethacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, sorbitol methacrylate, alkyl
methacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, tetraethleyene
glycol dimethacrylate, dipentaerythritol trimethacrylate, polyether
methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, HEMA acetoacetate,
isopropylidenephenyl bisoxyhydroxypropyl methacrylate, lauryl
methacrylate, methoxydiglycol methacrylate, PEG-4 dimethacrylate,
tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, pyromelletic glycidyl
dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate,
trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, urethane methacrylate,
diurethane methacrylate, urethane dimethacrylate, etc.
[0025] The polymerizable material may comprise a reactive monomer
or oligomer that is, under the conditions of use and as described
herein, polymerizable within the nail plate. For example,
polymerizable materials may include any acrylate (methyl esters of
acrylic acid) including isomers, which contain mono, di, tri, tetra
or penta reactive functional groups such as, but not limited to
analogs of the methacrylates described above and their isomers,
e.g. 1,3-butylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane
triacrylate, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane, triacrylate,
pentaacrylate ester, dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, urethane
acrylate, diurethane acrylate, urethane diacrylate, etc.
[0026] The polymerizable material may also consist of dendrons
and/or dendrimers, which are tree shaped molecules with a
three-dimensional morphology and contain similar exposed reactive
methacrylate and/or acrylate functional groups that under the
conditions of use and as described herein, are polymerizable within
the nail plate or for their more useful application nearly instant
nail damage repair. By wicking deep between the delaminating layers
of the nail plate or seeping into the tip of the crack-front,
subsequent polymerization of absorbed materials in these zones
halts crack front propagation and prevents further interlayer
delamination of the nail plate and preventing further continuation
and worsening of the existing damage. With the aid of a proper
penetrating agent, migration into these microscopic spaces near a
crack front is made possible for larger molecules such as dendrons,
dendrimers and/or oligomers in concentrations that are useful.
Other morphologies such as, cyclic, graft, comb or star geometries
containing acrylate and/or methacrylate reactive functional groups
are also useful for nail damage repair and can migrate into and
deposit within areas of nail plate damage, when assisted by the
proper use of an appropriate penetrating agent or synergistic
blends penetrating agents.
[0027] The polymerizable material may be present in an amount
ranging from about 40% to about 99%. In at least one embodiment,
the polymerizable material is present in an amount ranging from
about 60% to about 95%, and typical compositions range from about
60% to about 80%, or from 60% to about 70%.
[0028] In embodiments wherein the polymerizable material comprises
larger molecules, such as dendrimers, dendrons, star polymers, or
comb polymers, the larger molecules may comprise a small portion of
the polymerizable material. For example, when the polymerizable
material comprises a dendrimer, the dendrimer may be present in an
amount less than 20%, such as for example, less than 10%, or less
than 5%. According to at least one embodiment, the dendrimer may be
present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 10%, such as,
for example, from about 0.5 to about 5%.
[0029] In at least one embodiment, the polymerizable material may
be cured thermally or using ultraviolet A (UVA) wavelengths
(400-315 nanometers) or those of the visible light spectrum, more
specifically violet, blue, cyan, green (390-520 nanometers). The
curing agent of the composition may comprise thermal accelerants or
an UV or visible light photo initiator. Examples of thermal
accelerants include aliphatic and aromatic amines, e.g.,
N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, N,N-dimethyl-1-phenylmethanamine, and
N,N, dimethylbenzylamine.
[0030] Photoinitiators generate free radicals upon the absorption
of UV light through one of two distinct mechanisms. Type I
photoinitiators are compounds which undergo cleavage upon
irradiation to generate two free radicals. The fragmentation may be
a .alpha.-fragmentation, in which bond breakage occurs at a bond
adjacent to the carbonyl group, or .beta.-fragmentation, in which
aromatic carbonyl compounds comprise substituents that facilitate
direct photofragmentation. Benzoin and its derivatives are the most
widely used Type I photoinitiators.
[0031] Type II photoinitiator systems comprise compounds that form
an excited state upon irradiation and then abstract an atom or
electron from a donor molecule, known as a synergist. The donor
molecule then acts as the initiating species for polymerization.
One commonly used Type II photoinitiator system comprises
benzophenone as the photoinitiator and a tertiary amine as a
synergist. Tertiary amines also serve to retard inhibition of
polymerization by oxygen.
[0032] In at least one embodiment, the photoinitiator comprises at
least one Type I photoinitiator, at least one Type II
photoinitiator, or a combination of Type I and Type II
photoinitiators. According to at least one embodiment, the
photoinitiator comprises a combination of Type I and Type II
photoinitiators.
[0033] Non-limiting examples of photoinitiators that may be used in
accordance with the present disclosure include: [0034]
(benzene)tricarbonylchromium, [0035]
(cumene)cyclopentadienyliron(ii) hexafluorophosphate, [0036]
1,7-bis(9-acridinyl)heptane, [0037] 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl
ketone (Irgacure.RTM. 184), [0038] 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate
[0039] 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, [0040]
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, [0041]
2,2',4-tris(2-chlorophenyl)-5-(3,4-dimethoxyp-enly)-4'5'-diphenyl-1,1'-bi-
imidazole, [0042]
2,2'-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-4,4',5,5'-tetraphenyl-1,2'-bi-imidazole,
[0043] 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, [0044]
2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (Irgacure.RTM. 651), [0045]
2,4-diethyl thioxanthone, [0046] 2,5-dimethylbenzophenone, [0047]
2-benzyl-2-(dimethylamino)-1-[4-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl]-1-butanone,
[0048] 2-benzyl-2-(dimethylamino)-4'-morpholinobutyrophenone,
[0049] 2-chlorothioxanthen-9-one, [0050]
2-dimethylamino-2-(4-methyl-benzyl)-1-(4-morpholin-4-ylphenyl)-butan-1-on-
e, [0051] 2-ethyl hexyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzoate, [0052]
2-ethylanthraquinone, [0053]
2-hydroxy-1-[4-(hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methyl-1-propanone
(Darocur.RTM. 2959) 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-porpanone, [0054]
2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone, [0055] 2-isopropyl thioxanthone,
[0056]
2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-(4-morpholinyl)-1-propanone
(Irgacure.RTM. 907), [0057]
2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone, [0058]
2-methylbenzophenone, [0059] 3-(dimethylamino)propyl acrylate,
[0060] 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, [0061]
3,4-dimethylbenzophenone, [0062] 3'-hydroxyacetophenone, [0063]
3-hydroxybenzophenone, [0064] 3-methylbenzophenone, [0065]
4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) ketone, [0066]
4-(4'-methylphenylthio)-benzophenone [0067]
4-(dimethylamino)benzophenone, [0068]
4,4'-bis(diethylamino)benzophenone, [0069]
4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone, [0070] 4,4'-dimethylbenzil, [0071]
4-benzoylbiphenyl, [0072] 4-chloro benzophenone, [0073]
4'-ethoxyacetophenone, [0074] 4'-hydroxyacetophenone, [0075]
4-hydroxybenzophenone, [0076] 4-phenoxy-2.'2'-dichloro
acetophenone, [0077] 4'-phenoxyacetophenone, [0078] 4-phenyl
benzophenone, [0079] acetophenone, [0080] anisoin, [0081]
anthraquinone, [0082] anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid (sodium salt
monohydrate), [0083] benzil dimethyl ketal, [0084] benzil, [0085]
benzoin ethyl ether, [0086] benzoin isobutyl ether, [0087] benzoin
methyl ether, [0088] benzoin, [0089] benzophenone, [0090]
benzophenone/1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone blend, [0091]
bisacrylphosphine oxide (Irgacure.RTM. 189), [0092] butoxyethyl
dimethylaminobenzoate, [0093] camphorquinone, [0094]
dibenzosuberenone, [0095] dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate, [0096]
diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphine oxide, [0097]
diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine
oxide/2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone blend, [0098] ethyl
2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphine oxide, [0099]
ethyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzoate, [0100] ferrocene, [0101] isoamyl
4-(dimethylamino)benzoate [0102] methybenzoylformate, [0103]
methyl-2-benzoylbenzoate, [0104] monoacryphosphine oxide (Darocur
TPO), [0105] n-phenyl glycine, [0106]
octyl-para-dimethylaminobenzoate, [0107] phenanthrenequinone,
[0108] phenylpropanedione (Kanto PPD), [0109] phosphine oxide,
phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl), [0110] soamyl
4-(dimethylamino)benzoate [0111] thioxanthen-9-one, and [0112]
triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts.
[0113] UVA sensitive and/or visible light sensitive curing agent
may be present in the composition in an amount sufficient to
polymerize the reactive material to at least 90% degree conversion
or cure within the first hour after beginning a thermal cure and
within 5 minutes for UVA or visible light cure. For example, the
curing agent may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to
about 5%, such as about 1%.
[0114] According to at least one embodiment, the polymerizable
material does not cross-link with the keratin present within the
nail when it is cured, only between polymerized chains of the
polymerizable material.
[0115] In at least one embodiment, at least one penetrating agent
comprises a material that enables the polymerizable material to
penetrate the surface of the nail. For example, the penetrating
agent may allow the polymerizable material to reach a depth of at
least 0.05 mm beneath the surface of the nail. In other examples,
the penetrating agent may allow the polymerizable material to reach
a depth of at least 0.1 mm or at least 0.15 mm beneath the surface
of the nail.
[0116] Penetrating agents in accordance with the present disclosure
may comprise compounds chosen from oils and solvents. Any keratin
penetrating agent known to those skilled in the art would also aid
in the penetration of these polymerizable materials into the upper
portions of the natural nail plate. The penetrating agent or blends
of penetrating agents that may be present in the composition in an
amount ranging, for example, from about 1% to about 40% by weight
percent. In at least one embodiment, the penetrating agent is
present in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 30%, such as,
for example, from about 5% to about 20% or from about 10% to about
20%. According to other embodiments, the penetrating agent may be
present in an amount less than about 5%, less than about 3%, less
than about 2%, or less than about 1% by weight percent.
[0117] Non-limiting examples of natural oils which may be used
singularly or in synergistic blends with other natural oils, their
derivatives, include natural vegetable and plant oils such as;
corn, castor, jojoba, olive, avocado, sweet almond, rice bran,
sunflower, safflower, palm, palm kernel rapeseed, peanut,
cottonseed, coconut, grape seed, tomato seed, hazelnut, soybean,
tea tree, eucalyptus, wheat germ, sea buckthorn seed, argan,
peppermint, macadamia, or others that may be obtained by
expression, distillation, extraction of similar other means.
Natural oils that are most suited to aid in absorption into the
nail plate are those that most resemble oils which occur naturally
in the nail plate and therefore have the greatest compatibility
with the solid structural matrix that comprises the nail plate,
therefore olive, jojoba and avocado are preferred.
[0118] Solvents which can increase penetration of polymerizable
materials do so by lowering the viscosity of the composition and
may be used with the natural oils or their derivatives listed above
to lower viscosity and improve absorption of polymerizable
materials. Some non-limiting examples of suitable solvents include
acetone, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, amyl acetate,
isopropyl alcohol, and methyl ethyl ketone, propylene glycol,
octyldodecanol, glycerin, isodecane, cyclohexane, camphor, ethyl
butrolactone, butoxyethanol, butoxydigycol, 2-octyldocecanol,
diacetone alcohol, dicholoromethane, dimethylsulfone, dimethyl
isorbide, diacetin, dipentene, toluene, xylene, triethylene glycol,
triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylhexanol,
tertrahydrofurfuryl acetate, turpentine, mineral spirits, etc.
[0119] In accordance with the present disclosure, the composition
may further comprise at least one additional ingredient or
additive. Such additives may include, for example, other solvents
not used as penetrating agents, plasticizers, rheological agents,
colorants or conditioning agents. In at least one embodiment, the
natural oils used as penetrating agents also serve as plasticizers
for both the polymerized material as well as for the nail plate
itself, improving the flexibility of both simultaneously. Those
skilled in the art could easily identify other migrating and
non-migrating plasticizers which may also be employed, e.g.
camphor. Plasticizers are additives that increase the plasticity or
fluidity of a material such as polymer matrixes, ranging from
synthetic plastics, including those made from acrylics, such as
methacrylates, acrylates, cyanoacrylates and urethane acrylates to
naturally occurring polymers such as keratin and cellulose. The
properties of these materials are improved when blended with
plasticizers, if these substances can embed themselves between the
chains of polymers to increase the free volume between the polymer
chains, thereby lowering the glass transition temperature,
increasing flexibility, reducing hardness and/or improving
durability. Commonly used plasticizers are from the chemical
classes of sebacates, adipates, terephthalates, dibenzoates,
gluterates, phthalates, azelates, glycols, polyethers and
polycarboxylic acids with linear or branched aliphatic alcohols and
blends of these. These compounds are selected on the basis of low
toxicity, compatibility with the nail plate, formula composition
and with the final polymerized material. The most preferred
examples have low volatility and do not quickly escape from the
resulting synthetic polymer or keratin via migration and
evaporation. Phthalate esters of straight-chain and branched-chain
alkyl alcohols are often used of which dibutyl phthalate is the
most common example, however other phthalates are used, e.g.
bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Trimellitates are often used for this
purpose, e.g. trimethyl trimellitate and trimellitic anhydride are
examples. Examples of adipate-based plasticizers are dioctyl
adipate, dibutyl sebacate, dibutyl maleate and diisobutyl maleate.
Other examples of plasticizers are dioctyl terephthalate,
epoxidized vegetable oils, alkyl sulphonic acid phenyl ester,
sulfonamides such as, toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resin,
N-ethyl toluene sulfonamide, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzene
sulfonamide, glycols such as triethylene glycol dihexanoate,
tetraethylene glycol diheptanoate, glycerides such as, acetylated
monoglycerides, and alkyl citrates such as triethyl citrate, acetyl
triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, trioctyl citrate, acetyl
trioctyl citrate, trihexyl citrate, acetyl trihexyl citrate,
tributyl citrate and trimethyl citrate.
[0120] Further, polymerizable materials and curing processes
described herein can also be used to create a polymerized matrix
within the top portion of the natural nail plate which can serve as
a carrier vehicle for substances which are active ingredients under
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) regulations. For non-cosmetic related
purposes, substances regulated as drug or pesticide, as are
antimicrobial or antifungal agents, could be also be incorporated
into these compositions and polymerized as described previously.
The properties of the resultant polymer matrix can be adjusted and
tailored to allow for controlled release of drug actives or other
useful substances into the nail plate and surrounding areas. The
resultant polymer matrix can alter the surface of the natural nail
to have an increased or decreased hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature
to facilitate or restrict migration into or through the nail plate,
as well as to alter and control adhesion of any artificial nail
coatings that may be subsequently applied, including nail polish
and UV gel manicures. The resultant polymer matrix can
significantly alter the surface hardness, scratch and dent
resistances of the natural nail to provide increased resistance
against scratch, denting, gouging, pitting or other forms of
surface damage which can result from improper removal of any type
of artificial nail coatings that may be subsequently applied,
including nail polish and UV gel manicures or other types of normal
abrasion encountered through daily living.
[0121] The compositions of the present disclosure may be devoid of
methylene glycol or dimethyl urea, or any other compound that may
cross-link with the keratin present in the nails.
[0122] The present invention further relates to methods of using
the strengthening composition, such as methods for strengthening
nails and methods for repairing nails.
[0123] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to
a method for strengthening nails comprising applying a curable
composition to the nail. The curable composition may comprise a
polymerizable material, at least one penetrating agent, and a
curing agent. The curable composition may then be cured to
polymerize the polymerizable material within the nail plate. In at
least one embodiment, at least 95% of the polymerizable material is
cured under the surface of the nail plate.
[0124] According to at least one embodiment, the steps of applying
the composition and curing the composition may be repeated. For
example, the steps of applying the composition and curing the
composition may be repeated 2, 3, 4, 5, or more times depending on
the initial condition of the nail and the desired level of
strengthening.
[0125] In at least one embodiment, the composition may be applied
at least two days in a row. In other embodiments, the composition
may be applied as needed, such as weekly or biweekly, or any other
interval based on the condition of the nail plate being
treated.
[0126] In at least one embodiment, excess composition is wiped or
blotted off or removed before curing. When the steps of applying
the composition and curing the composition are repeated, excess
composition may be wiped or blotted off before each curing
step.
[0127] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to
a method for treating nails. As used herein, the term "treating"
refers to repairing, restoring, or reconstructing the nail. The
nail may be damaged, such as cracked, grooved, pitted, delaminated,
peeled, or thinned due to physical abuse, such as removal of
traditional nail enhancements, chemical exposure, illness, or the
side-effect of medication or treatment.
[0128] In at least one embodiment, a curable composition may be
applied to the nail, wherein the composition comprises a
polymerizable material, at least one penetrating agent, and a
curing agent. The applied composition may then be cured. The steps
of applying and curing the composition may be repeated until the
cured composition has covered and/or filled in the damaged area and
formed a smooth surface on the nail plate. When the damage is a
crack, the cured composition may fill the crack such that the
surface of the cured composition over the crack is continuous with
the surface adjacent the crack. For grooved or ridged nails, the
cured composition may level out the ridges by building up the lower
surfaces of the nail to a level even with the tops of the
ridges.
[0129] In at least one embodiment, the composition for treating the
nail may comprise at least one penetrating agent, wherein the
penetrating agent does not comprise a natural oil or plant oil.
[0130] In at least one embodiment, the penetrating agent may be
chosen to penetrate the nail plate a desired amount. For example,
when nails are cracked or grooved, it may be desirable to
concentrate the treatment to the surface of the nail. In such a
situation, the penetrating agent may be chosen from penetrating
agents that do not allow the polymerizable material from
penetrating the surface of the nail plate deeper than 0.1 mm, such
as no deeper than 0.05 mm. In at least one embodiment, the
penetrating agent is not present in the composition.
[0131] In at least one embodiment, excess composition is wiped or
blotted off or removed before the composition is cured. For
subsequent applications and curing of the composition, the excess
composition may be wiped or blotted off after each application and
before each curing step.
[0132] While the invention has been described in connection with
specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that those
embodiments are exemplary only and this application is intended to
cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention
following the principles of the invention and including such
departures from the present disclosure as come within known or
customary practice in the art and as follows in the scoped of the
appended claims.
[0133] Unless otherwise specified, the percentages disclosed herein
are based on weight.
EXAMPLES
Compositions
[0134] Samples 3-5, 3-10, and 3-30 were prepared using avocado oil,
photo initiators, and HPMA.
TABLE-US-00001 Sample 3-5 Sample 3-10 Sample 3-30 Avocado Oil 5%
10% 30% Photo Initiators 1% 1% 1% HPMA 94% 89% 69%
[0135] In Samples 4-5, 4-10, and 4-30, the avocado oil in the above
samples was replaced with rice bran oil.
TABLE-US-00002 Sample 4-5 Sample 4-10 Sample 4-30 Rice Bran Oil 5%
10% 30% Photo Initiators 1% 1% 1% HPMA 94% 89% 69%
[0136] Samples 5-5, 5-10, and 5-30 were prepared as above with
sunflower oil as a penetrating agent.
TABLE-US-00003 Sample 5-5 Sample 5-10 Sample 5-30 Sunflower Oil 5%
10% 30% Photo Initiators 1% 1% 1% HPMA 94% 89% 69%
[0137] Samples 9-2.5, 9-5, and 9-10 were prepared using a
combination of avocado oil and jojoba oil as the penetrating agent
and HPMA and EDMA as the polymerizable material.
TABLE-US-00004 Sample 9-2.5 Sample 9-5 Sample 9-10 Avocado Oil
1.25% 2.5% 5.0% Jojoba Oil 1.25% 2.5% 5.0% HPMA 90.5% 88.0% 80%
EDMA 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 9559 Photoinitiator 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% Acetone 1.0%
1.0% 1.0%
[0138] The following samples were prepared with additional
additives.
TABLE-US-00005 Sample Sample Sample Sample 008- 008- 008- 008- 008-
008- 008- 15d-1 15d-2 15d-3 12d-1a 12d-1b 12d-2a 12d-2b V3.0 V3.1
V2.0 Avocado Oil 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% Jojoba
Oil 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% HPMA RM 70% 64% 60.0%
44.0% 58.0% 54.0% 64.0% 9112-77 EDMA RM 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 7.5%
7.5% 5.0% 9054-26 Photoinitiator 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0%
RM 9559-5 Acetone 3.3% 8.4% -- -- 10.0% 10.0% 8.3% Cellulose 0.7%
1.7% -- -- 4.0% 8.0% 1.7% Acetate Butyrate CAB-381-0.5 Urethane --
-- 1.0% 30.0 -- -- -- dimethacrylate silica concentrate 777-09
[0139] The following samples were prepared and cured with exposure
to 2 minutes UV or 60 seconds LED light.
TABLE-US-00006 Sample 008-19-1 Sample Sample V4.2 Sample Sample
Sample 008-17-4 008-17-5 (Violet 008-19- 008-19- 008-19- V4.0 V4.1
Tint) 3 SB5.3 5 SB5.0 6 SB5.1 Avocado Oil 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% --
5.0% Jojoba Oil 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% -- 5.0% HPMA RM 61.0% 60.5%
60.5% 60.0% 55.0% 50.0% 9112-77 EDMA RM 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 9.0% 9.0%
9.0% 9054-26 Photoinitiator 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% RM 9559-5
Ethyl Acetate 10.0% 10.0% 10.0% 20.0% -- -- Cellulose 8.0% 8.0%
8.0% -- -- -- Acetate Butyrate CAB-381-0.5 Camphor -- 0.5% 0.5% --
-- -- PMGDM in 35.0% 30.0% Acetone
[0140] Sample 008-19-2 V4.3 was prepared by adding 0.24 parts by
weight per 100 parts by weight of Sample 008-19-1 V4.2. Sample
008-19-2 V4.3 was cured by exposure to 2 minutes UV or 60 seconds
LED light.
[0141] Sample 008-19-4 was prepared by adding 1.0 g cellulose
acetate butyrate to 49.5 g Sample 008-19-3 SB5.3. Sample 008-19-4
was cured by exposure to 2 minutes UV or 60 seconds LED light.
[0142] The following samples were prepared and cured by exposure to
2 minutes UV or 60 seconds LED light.
TABLE-US-00007 Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample 008-20-1 008-20-2
008-19-1 008-20-3 008-21- SB6.0 SB6.1 IB4.2 IB7.0 1 IB7.5 Avocado
Oil -- -- 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% Jojoba Oil -- -- 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% HPMA RM
76.0% 76.0% 60.5% 61.8% 46.0% 9112-77 Isobornyl -- -- -- -- 16.0%
methacrylate EDMA RM 13.0% -- 10.0% 8.7% 8.7% 9054-26 50% PMGDM --
13.0% -- -- -- in trifunctional EDMA (triEDMA) Photoinitiator 1.3%
1.3% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% RM 9559-5 Ethyl Acetate -- 10.0% 10.0% 10.0%
10.0% Cellulose -- -- 8.0% 8.0% 8.0% Acetate Butyrate CAB-381-0.5
Camphor -- -- 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% PMGDM in 10.0% -- -- -- -- Acetone
D&C Violet -- -- -- 6 ppm 6 ppm
Application
Spot Treatment
[0143] To spot treat damaged portions of the nail, the following
procedure was followed. [0144] Any existing nail polish was removed
and the nail was cleaned with a nail cleanser and dried with a lint
free cloth. [0145] The composition was applied to the damaged
portion of the nail (e.g., a delamination gap or crack) and allowed
to wick into the damaged portion. Additional composition was added
to the damaged portion until the gap or crack was filled. [0146]
The hand was placed under a heat lamp for 1 minute. [0147] Any
excess composition that ran out of the damaged portion was
carefully wiped away by avoiding pressure to the damaged portion. A
cure of 4 minutes with the UV lamp or 2 minutes with LED was used
to cure the composition.
Full Nail Application
[0148] The following procedure was used to apply a coating of the
composition to the complete nail surface. [0149] Any existing nail
polish was removed. [0150] The free-edge of all nails was shaped.
Any delamination of the free edge and any excess free edge length
was clipped off. [0151] The nails were cleaned with a nail
cleanser. [0152] If the nails had delamination or damaged portions,
a spot treatment was applied (see procedure above). [0153] The
composition was gently shaken prior to each application. [0154] The
composition was applied to the nail. According to, this exemplary
procedure, the composition was applied no closer to the soft tissue
than 1/16'' making sure to avoid all skin contact. [0155] The hand
was placed under a heat lamp for 5 minutes. [0156] After the 5
minutes of heating, excess composition was removed by lightly
wiping with a lint free pad. The composition was "capped" over the
free-edge of the nail assuming there was enough free-edge to work
with. Then the hand was placed in either a UV lamp for 2 minutes or
an LED for 60 seconds. lamp. [0157] The application of the
composition was repeated (as described above) with the exception
that the hand was placed under the heat lamp for 3 minutes before
curing the composition.
Test Subject #1
[0158] Compositions according to the present invention were applied
to a test subject's (Test Subject #1) nails over a period of about
10 months. Test Subject #1 started the trial with severely damaged
nails exhibiting splitting and peeling on both hands with a crack
down the middle of one thumb nail.
[0159] Sample 008-12d-1a was applied to the nails approximately
every 2 weeks for approximately 2 months. After 2 months, small
remnants of the splitting remained and the crack on the thumbnail
was visible, but could not be felt.
[0160] Sample 008-15d-2 was then applied to the nails approximately
every week for 1 month. Only 3 nails exhibited splitting at the end
of the month and the crack on the thumb nail had almost completely
grown out.
[0161] Sample 008-17-4 was then applied to the nails approximately
every 2 weeks for one month. Small amounts of delamination were
still visible, but could not be felt. Test Subject #1 observed that
her nails felt stronger and she was able to grow them longer.
[0162] Sample 008-19-5 (V4.2) was then used approximately every 2
weeks for 1 month. The nails remained sealed and Test Subject #1
observed that her nails continued to feel stronger.
[0163] Sample 008-20-3 (IB7.0) was then used approximately every
week for 1 month with spot application of 008-20-2 (SB6.1) applied
to delaminations. The nails remained sealed and the crack in the
thumb nail was no longer present.
[0164] At the end of the trial, the nails of Test Subject #1
exhibited significantly improved strength and the delamination of
the nails was sealed. The crack running the length of the thumbnail
was sealed and grew out completely.
Test Subject #2
[0165] At the beginning of the trial, Test Subject #2 exhibited
thin, weak, splitting and brittle nails. Test Subject #2 had used
artificial nail coatings for at least 25 years, leaving her nails
in a weakened state. Compositions according to the present
invention were applied on a weekly or biweekly basis for a period
of 10 months.
[0166] Application of Sample 008-12d-1b resulted in a reduction in
the amount of jagged edges after 2 weeks of application.
[0167] Sample 008-15d-2 was applied approximately every 2 weeks for
about 1 month. The nails exhibited little delamination on a few
fingers.
[0168] Sample 008-19-1 (V4.2) was applied weekly for approximately
1 month. The delamination was almost gone and the nails exhibited
improved strength and growth.
[0169] At the end of the trial, Test Subject #2's nails exhibited a
significant improvement in strength and reduction in
delamination.
Test Subject #3
[0170] Test Subject #3 had been a user of shellac and her nails
were very thin and tore easily without growing long. Both thumbs
exhibited delamination. Compositions according to the present
invention were applied weekly or biweekly over a period of about 9
months.
[0171] Samples 008-15d-2 (V3.1) and 008-15d-3 (V2.0) were applied
to the left and right hand of Test Subject #3 for 7 consecutive
weeks, altering the sample applied to each hand every week. Test
Subject #3 observed that her nails felt smoother and stronger.
[0172] Sample 008-17-5 (V4.1) was then applied for 2 applications 2
weeks apart. At the start of the two weeks, the nails had been
damaged and all had free edge wear and some had delamination. At
the time of the second application, only 1 nail had
delamination.
[0173] Sample 008-19-1 (V4.2) was applied every 1-2 weeks for
approximately 3 months with spot treatment of the nails with Sample
008-20-2 (SB6.1). Ridges on the nails were smoother and the nails
did not tear.
[0174] Sample 008-21-1 (IB7.5) was then used for weekly for
approximately 2 months. Test Subject #3 observed that her nails
were greatly improved and that her nails were able to grow long for
the first time.
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