Mouth ulcers will no longer be annoying. A computer graduate from Kerala has developed an innovative solution to alleviate the pain caused by mouth ulcers and heal them, offering relief to millions who struggle with this condition.
Josna Mary Thomas, a final-year student of integrated Master of Computer Applications (MCA) at Amal Jyothi College of Engineering in Kottayam, Kerala, has successfully developed an edible adhesive patch for mouth ulcer treatment that not only acts as a protective barrier over ulcers, enabling pain-free consumption of food, but also heals them.
Named “Heal Ease,” Josna developed the patch with the support of the college which ran a contest for students to come up with innovative ideas. “The idea to come out with a solution for mouth ulcers struck me because I myself used to suffer from them a lot. The pain is really harrowing when we consume food while having mouth ulcers,” Josna told “Open Digest.”
“With the support and guidance of my teacher Dr. Biji T K , I could work on the concept and develop the edible medicine patch that can be used as a band-aid for mouth ulcers. It not only provides relief from pain but also has medicinal properties to heal the ulcer. The patch has been made using all natural ingredients. We have received the patent for the product,” Josna said adding that she was supported by two of her classmates – Ayushi and Anu K Babu – in developing the product.
The product, which received support from Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), is a significant breakthrough in oral healthcare. Mouth ulcers are a common yet painful condition that affects people of all ages. Eating spicy, hot, or acidic foods often worsens the pain, making mealtimes a challenge. Traditional treatments, such as gels and ointments, provide relief but tend to wear off quickly. The thin edible patch adheres to the ulcer and acts as a protective shield. The patch not only reduces irritation while eating but also gradually releases healing compounds, speeding up recovery.
“We wanted to create a solution that was easy to use, effective, and safe, and the edible patch meets all these criteria. Unlike traditional gels, which often wash away with saliva, the patch stays in place and provides long-lasting relief,” Biji added.
The journey from an idea to a patented innovation was not easy. With the guidance of her mentor, Josna worked tirelessly to develop a formulation that was both edible and effective. It was after multiple trials and refinements that they could finally arrive at the patch that dissolves naturally in the mouth over time. The patch has a unique four-layer design including a medicinal layer, a stain layer, a tapioca based film and an outer covering.
Josna now aims to bring the product to market as an accessible solution for those suffering from mouth ulcers.
