Formulation of a palatal adhesive strip to secure electronic measuring devices inside the oral cavity

Background Stroke patients commonly suffer from dysphagia and/or dysarthria. Intraoral measuring devices can aid in therapy and training, but conventionally have to be tailored towards the patients palate, which limits their flexibility. Ideally, an adhesive solution can hold a measuring and training device in place for different palates. A number of formulations for buccal adhesives exist, however, none directly specify their application for palatal adhesion.

Objectives We describe the formulation of a biocompatible, palatal adhesive for securing an electronic measuring device against the hard palate and evaluate its stability while performing oral exercises.

Methods The adhesives consist of carboxymethyl cellulose, Polyox 303 WSR and Glycerol with a concentration ratio of 1 % : 0.5 % : 0.25 %, dissolved in distilled water. The dry adhesive films (40x60mm²) were placed on double-sided medical-grade transfer tape to allow the film to stick to the devices encapsulant. A dummy of our intraoral sensor device was glued on to the hard palates of 10 healthy subjects (age 20 to 50) by pressing it in place for 10 s. The subjects were instructed to perform a series of tongue movements, including speaking and swallowing.

Results Each adhesive held the device in place for the full duration of the experiment. In 50 % of the cases, the device did loosen in the medio sagittal plane, but not laterally. A sip of water caused additional loosening.

Conclusion The proposed adhesive formulation is, within certain limitations, suitable for securing intraoral measuring equipment against the hard palate. No Conclusions can yet be drawn for retention times above 4 min or in the presence of xerostomia.

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020