Technical Field

The present invention relates a device for purification of a liquid composition. In particular the present invention is concerned with a device for purification of a liquid composition for oral administration and which may be used for dispensing the liquid. The device may be adapted to be used with existing bottles.

Background

In locations where access to clean drinking water or other such fluids is difficult, water purification methods are typically used. For example, sterilisation by heating, or by chemical disinfectants are well-known. However, neither of these methods is convenient, especially in situations where small volumes of drinkable fluids (e.g. 1-2 litres or less) are required, or where access to suitable vessels and/or equipment for heating or chemical sterilization, as well as to large volumes of liquid to be treated, is limited, such as, for example, in remote areas or in the developing countries. For example, water purification using a disinfectant powder is typically used in the developing countries in order to render water potable. However, this method typically involves mixing a disinfectant composition with large quantities (e.g. 10 litres) of water, and, after allowing the disinfectant to take effect, the mixture must be filtered into a second, clean vessel before it can be safely used.

In the developing countries, a significant cause of death is due to dehydration caused by diarrhoea and vomiting. Often the cause of the diarrhoea and vomiting in such situations is are gastrointestinal infections arising from consumption of contaminated water. In such locations, potable water is either non-existent or in very short supply. It is therefore essential that access to drinkable liquid compositions, such as oral rehydration liquids, is readily available without the need to use heating equipment and without the need to treat and store large quantities of sterilised water. Further, in other situations, access to such large volumes of liquid and to suitable vessels for heating is likely to be limited. For example, in remote areas, hikers and mountaineers are likely to require portable quantities of consumable liquids, such as water, oral rehydration or isotonic liquids, and energy (e.g. glucose-based) drinks. Treatment of large volumes of unclean or contaminated water, is likely to be impractical in such situations. For example, during hiking or camping trips, an individual may become dehydrated through physical activity but whilst a supply of water from streams or rivers may be found, there is a risk that this may be contaminated and therefore unsuitable for drinking. Isotonic drinks containing similar concentrations of salt and sugar to the human body are known to assist in rehydration after exercise and physical activity. However, carrying a sufficient amount of these drinks when hiking and/or camping is undesirable due to the excess weight that must be transported and the waste from the bottles containing these drinks. Thus, there is a need for an easily accessible and convenient means of providing a point-of- use purification of liquid compositions, especially compositions for oral administration. The inventors have identified a number of different scenarios where the provision of such a means would be advantageous. Summary

The present invention thus relates to a means for providing point-of-use purification of liquid compositions, especially compositions for oral administration. In particular the present invention relates to a device for purifying and dispensing a composition. In particular, the device can be used to dispense a liquid composition for oral administration. More particularly, the device is provided with a means for purification of a liquid and a composition.

The purification means is in the form of one or more filters. The filters are selected to be compatible with the liquid to be treated, and with contaminants or solids to be removed therefrom.

Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the accompanying claims.

Thus, according to a first aspect a device for dispensing a composition is provided. The device includes a chamber arranged to contain a composition, the chamber having a first outlet and a second outlet. A first filter is associated with the first outlet and a first membrane is associated with the second outlet. A composition is provided in the chamber. The first filter may extend across the first outlet so as to filter liquid passing therethrough. The filter may be spaced from the outlet by a small distance, for example to prevent accidental damage during transport.

Thus a device has been provided to assist with dispensing a composition. In this example the composition is placed in the chamber between the filter and the membrane. The device is then attached to a container full of liquid such as a bottle and the composition dispensed into the bottle. The bottle can then be inverted to pour the liquid containing the composition out. Advantageously the filter retains precipitate formed when the composition reacts with the water in the bottle allowing only the fluid containing the composition to be dispensed. The membrane advantageously retains the composition in the chamber until the device is attached to a container and in use.

The filter may be configured to allow the passage of fluid from the chamber. Advantageously the filter allows passage of fluid from the chamber out of the device. Thus fluid containing a composition in the container can be dispensed through the device. The filter advantageously retains any precipitate back in the device thereby removing debris from the fluid.

The first membrane may include a penetrable membrane. The membrane is located across the second outlet to contain the composition in the device. However in order to release the composition into a container the membrane needs to be broken. One option is to have a penetrable membrane. Thus the membrane can be pierced in order to release the composition into a container of liquid. The membrane may also be a peelable or otherwise removable cap or seal. In another embodiment the outlet comprising the membrane further comprises a slider. For release of the content from the chamber the membrane would be removed by the means described above and subsequently the slider will be removed to release the composition into the liquid.

A second filter may be provided associated with the first outlet and the second filter may be spaced from the first filter by a predetermined distance. In this example two filters are provided in series. This ensures complete filtering out of precipitate or debris in the fluid being dispensed out of the device. The second filter may have a higher filtration rate than the first filter. In this manner fluid being dispensed passes through the one filter which filters out large debris or precipitate and then passes through a second filter that filters out small debris or precipitate. Thus an efficient filter of the fluid can be achieved.

At least one of the first and second filters may be coated with silver. The silver coating provides purification means thus all fluid that is dispensed through the filter is further purified. This provides significant advantages in countries where clean drinking water is in short supply. Either of the first or second filters may be coated with silver or silver ions. However it will be appreciated that if only one filter is to be coated the last filter the fluid is to pass through will be preferable since at this stage most debris will have been filtered out thereby leading to more efficient purification of the liquid.

The device of the present invention according to any embodiment described herein may be readily adapted to be used with standard sized bottles, such as existing drinks (e.g. soda and water) bottles. For example, the device may be provided with a screw thread enabling it to be screwed onto existing, well-known drinks (e.g. soda and mineral water) bottles.

In any aspect and embodiment of the present invention, the composition may be a medicament (such as components for oral rehydration therapy for treating, e.g., dehydration due to diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or for treating gastrointestinal infections such as an antibiotic), or components of isotonic drinks or energy drinks, dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics and/or prebiotics, or may be compositions for sterilizing liquids such as water (e.g. a disinfectant agent), or a combination thereof.

In accordance with any embodiment of the present invention, the composition may also comprise components for oral rehydration therapy (e.g. for treating dehydration due to diarrhoea and/or vomiting) optionally in combination with a sterilising component (disinfectant). Thus the device may be used to dispense a composition for oral rehydration therapy whilst minimising the risk of reinfection due to contaminated water. This provides significant advantages in the developing countries where frequently the only water available is not suitable for consumption. Oral rehydration compositions in the form of a reconstitutable solid are known and typically comprise at least one carbohydrate and at least one electrolyte. The carbohydrate of the oral rehydration composition typically comprises at least one sugar, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of: glucose, fructose, sucrose or dextrose and mixtures thereof. The electrolyte component of the oral rehydration composition preferably comprises one or more of: sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate and combinations thereof, and preferably comprises sodium chloride. Other electrolyte components may be included. For example, the electrolyte may further comprise one or more of calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen phosphate (bicarbonate). Preferably the carbohydrate component comprises glucose and/or sucrose, and more preferably is glucose. In its simplest form, the oral rehydration components of the composition comprise a carbohydrate, such as a sugar (preferably glucose) and sodium chloride. Oral rehydration compositions comprising glucose, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride may also be used. Alternatively the oral rehydration composition may comprise sodium chloride, glucose, potassium chloride and trisodium citrate dihydrate. It will be appreciated that any of the oral rehydration compositions described herein may be used in the device of the present invention.

An effective oral rehydration composition is an aqueous mixture that typically comprises from:

- 35 to 90 milliequivalents per litre (meq/L or mmol/1), preferably 60-90 mEq/1 of sodium

- 1.2 to 3.0 weight percent (wt%) of a carbohydrate,

and having a total osmolarity of from 200-311 meq/L. In one embodiment the oral rehydration composition consists of the following ingredients as a dry powder, to be made up to one litre of solution: Component g

Glucose, anhydrous 20

Sodium chloride 3.5

Sodium bicarbonate 2.5

Potassium chloride 1 .5

27.5

(Table 1)

The following concentrations of the actives (mmol/l) are obtained: Glucose 111

Sodium 90

Chloride 80

Bicarbonate 30

Potassium 20

In some cases, the sodium bicarbonate may be replaced by 2.9 g of trisodium citrate dihydrate, which improves the shelf life of the composition.

In another embodiment oral rehydration compositions having reduced osmolarity (245-260 mmol/l compared with the osmolarity of normal blood plasma of around 275 to 295 meq/L) due to reduced glucose and sodium chloride concentrations, which avoids the effects of hypertonicity on fluid absorption.

Component g mmol/l

Reduced Standard oral osmolarity oral rehydration

rehydration composition composition

Sodium chloride 2.6 Sodium 75 90

Chloride 65 80

Glucose, anhydrous 13.5 Glucose, 75 1 1 1

anhydrous

Potassium chloride 1.5 Potassium 20 20

Trisodium citrate 2.9 Citrate 10 10

di hydrate

Total 20.5 245 311

(Table 2)

The composition may comprise a sterilization agent (disinfectant) to treat contaminated liquid, rendering it safe for consumption. Examples of suitable disinfectants include calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver, silver compounds such as silver sulfate, silver chloride, sodium/silver chloride complex (AgNaCl ₂ ), silver carbonate, silver fluoride, silver benzoate, silver(l) oxide and silver(II) oxide, tetraglycine hydroperiodide, halazone {4- [(dichloroamino)sulfonyl]-benzoic acid}, sodium dichloroisocyanurate. Preferred disinfectants include colloidal silver, silver nitrate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, sodium/silver chloride complex (AgNaCl ₂ ), silver carbonate, silver fluoride, silver benzoate, silver(l) oxide and silver(II) oxide, and preferably wherein the disinfectant is AgNaCl ₂ .

A preferred combination comprises a disinfectant and an oral rehydration composition, especially the disinfectants and oral rehydration composition as described above.

Particularly preferred embodiments comprise the components of table 2 with one or several disinfectants selected from calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite or AgNaCl ₂ . More preferably the composition comprises calcium hypochlorite, one or more carbohydrates, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate or trisodium citrate dihydrate and potassium bicarbonate. Most preferably the composition comprises Calcium hypochlorite, anhydrous Glucose, sodium chloride, trisodium citrate dihydrate and potassium bicarbonate. In any embodiment of the present invention, the composition may comprise a sterilization agent (disinfectant) alone, or in or in combination with other components such as medicaments or dietary supplements.

The composition may further comprise a flocculant to treat contaminated liquids and are used to increase the efficiency of settling, clarification, filtration and centrifugation operations. A flocculant is a substance which causes fine particles suspended in liquids to agglomerate. The agglomerates can then be removed by filtration which would not be possible with the un- agglomerated fine particles. Fiocculants consist of various molecular weight anionic, nonionic and cationic polymers. Mainly used are fiocculants from three groups, mineral fiocculants e.g. activated silica, colloidal clays (for example hydrated aluminum silicate (bentonite PhEur 6.4), metallic hydroxides, natural fiocculants e.g. starch derivatives, polysaccharides, alginates and synthetic fiocculants e.g. polyacrylamides (for example polyethylens, polyamines, sulfonated compounds. Examples of suitable fiocculants include but are not limited to alum, aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium sulphate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, iron(II) sulphate (ferrous sulphate), iron(III) chloride (ferric chloride), polyacrylamide, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), sodium aluminate, sodium silicate. Furthermore numerous natural products can be used as fiocculants including but not limited to Chitosan, Isinglass, Moringa oleifera seeds (Horseradish Tree), Gelatin, Strychnos potatorum seeds (Nirmali nut tree), Guar gum, Alginates (brown seaweed extracts), natural starches, anionic oxidized starches, amine treated cationic starches, pregelatinized starch, corn starch potato starch. Preferably the flocculant is bentonite, ferric sulphate or guar gum, more preferably the flocculant is bentonite or ferric sulphate.

A further preferred embodiment comprises a disinfectant, a flocculant and an oral rehydration composition, especially the disinfectants, fiocculants and oral rehydration composition as described above.

Preferably the composition comprises one or more disinfectant including but not limited to calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite or AgNaCl ₂ , one or more flocculant including but not limited to bentonite, starch derivatives, alginates, natural gums, ferric sulphate, one or more carbohydrates, one or more electrolytes including but not limited to sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate or trisodium citrate dihydrate and potassium bicarbonate. More preferably the composition comprises Calcium hypochlorite, ferric sulphate, anhydrous Glucose, sodium chloride, trisodium citrate dihydrate and potassium bicarbonate.

Advantageously, according to any embodiment of the present invention, the compositions may further include one or more active agents for treating or ameliorating diarrhoea or diarrhoea symptoms and/or vomiting, preferably selected from the group consisting of zinc salts (such as zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc citrate, and zinc oxide, probiotics (for example Saccharomyces boulardii), prebiotics (for example inulin, Pelargonium sidoides extract, an antibiotic, an antispasmodic (such as loperamide), an antiemetic (such as metoclopramide), activated charcoal, kaolin, montmorillonite clay, bentonite clay, bismuth subsalicylate, and Crofelemer (Fulyzaq), a GI protective agent (for example, an ¾ receptor antagonist such as cimetidine and ranitidine, a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole). The composition may also comprise other components and/or pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such water-treatment agents, such as a flocculant (e.g. iron(II) sulfate), dietary supplements such as vitamin C, or other vitamins, an amino acid, a di-peptide and/or an oligopeptide. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include a buffering agent, a taste- masking agent, a sweetener, a flavouring agent, a colourant, and a preservative.

The composition is preferably soluble in the fluid to be treated, but could also form a fine suspension or dispersion which passes through the filter(s) of the device. The compositions are provided in a form that is suitable for dissolution or dispersion in aqueous liquid or water. Conveniently, the composition is in the form of a powder, granule, tablet or a capsule. For example, the composition may be in the form of granules. Thus, when the granules come into contact with contaminated water or other liquid, they react to purify the water or liquid and release hydrating nutrients into the water thereby providing a clean rehydration liquid for the treatment of illness. Dissolution or dispersion of the composition may be aided by the inclusion of an effervescent composition, to form an effervescent tablet or effervescent granules. Suitable effervescent systems are well known in pharmaceutical formulations. Typically, the effervescence is provided by the reaction of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid with a pharmaceutically acceptable base. Suitable acids include citric, malic, tartaric and fumaric acids. Citric and malic acids are preferred, with citric acid being particularly preferred. Suitable bases include alkali metal bicarbonates and carbonates - e.g. sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. Sodium or potassium bicarbonate, and particular sodium bicarbonate are preferred. Citric acid in combination with sodium bicarbonate is a preferred effervescent system.

In the case of compositions in the form of a tablet, and particularly with effervescent tablets, the composition may comprise a binder in order to provide acceptable hardness and to enable processing and handling of the tablets. Suitable binders include dextrose, xylitol, lactose and sorbitol.

Advantageously, in embodiments of the present invention where the composition comprises a disinfectant component together with a medicament (e.g. oral rehydration composition) or dietary supplement, in order to minimize possible interactions between the disinfectant with these, the disinfectant component may be separated from the other component(s) by the provision of a barrier or a membrane. The membrane or barrier can be formed by the provision of a water-soluble polymer film well-known in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Suitable water-soluble polymers suitable for forming a membrane or barrier include alkyl cellulose esters and cellulose ethers, such as methylcellulose and ethylcellulose; hydroxyalkylcelluloses, such as hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC); hydroxyalkylalkylcelluloses, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC); N-vinyl lactams homopolymers and copolymers - such as homopolymers and copolymers of N-vinyl pyrrolidone, e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); copolymers of N-vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate; cellulose phthalates or succinates, in particular cellulose acetate phthalate and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose succinate or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate; high molecular weight polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide and copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, polyacrylates and polymethacrylates such as methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymers, methacrylic acid/methyl methacrylate copolymers, butyl methacrylate/2- dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers, poly(hydroxy alkyl acrylates), poly(hydroxyalkyl methacrylates), polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), oligo- and polysaccharides such as carrageenans, galactomannans and xanthan gum.

Of these, homopolymers or copolymers of N-vinyl pyrrolidone, in particular a copolymer of N-vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, are preferred. A particularly preferred polymer is a copolymer of about 60% by weight of the copolymer, N-vinyl pyrrolidone and about 40%> by weight of the copolymer, vinyl acetate.

The compositions of the present invention can be provided in the form of a multilayer, preferably a bilayer, tablet, in which the layers may be separated by a barrier or membrane as described above.

Alternatively, the composition may be in the form of a capsule, for example, a bilayer capsule with the purification (disinfectant) composition on the external part of the capsule and the rehydration composition on the internal part of the capsule. In this manner when the capsule comes into contact with contaminated water, the outer part of the capsule reacts with the contaminated water to purify the water and once the outer part of the capsule has eroded away due to the purification reaction, the rehydration composition can dissolve in the water thereby providing a clean rehydration liquid for treatment of illness.

At least one of the first and second filters may be coated with a rehydration composition. In this example a second mechanism for dissolving the rehydration composition in the liquid is provided. Thus as fluid is dispensed out of the chamber via the filter(s) the fluid may react with the rehydration composition on the filter thereby enhancing the rehydration properties of the fluid.

The chamber may include a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The first sub- chamber and the second sub-chamber may be separated by a partition. The first sub-chamber may be arranged to receive a rehydration composition and wherein the second sub-chamber may be arranged to receive a purification composition. In some examples depending on the make up of the compositions used it is important for the rehydration and purification compositions to be kept apart in order to avoid a reaction between the two compositions thereby reducing their effectiveness. In this example the chamber includes two sub-chambers in order to separate the two compositions and reduce the possibility of any reaction between the two. The two different sub-chambers may be generated by either horizontal or vertical partitions.

In one example the partition may be a second membrane. Thus the two compositions may be kept apart and separately introduced into the container to which the device is attached allowing the purification composition to purify the liquid in the container before the rehydration composition is introduced.

In one example the sub-chambers may be generated by introducing vertical partitions in the main chamber. In this example the outlet comprising the membrane further comprises sliders for each chamber. The component comprised in the individual chamber will be released by pulling the slider from the device.

In a further example the composition (such as an oral rehydration therapy composition) may be impregnated onto paper.. The paper impregnated with nutrients may be attached to the interior of the chamber. In this example the carbohydrate required for rehydration therapy is provided by the paper and the other nutrients are impregnated in the paper. The paper can be easily attached to the interior of the chamber, thereby assisting in keeping the rehydration composition apart from the purification composition.

The second outlet may include attachment means for attaching the device to a container. It will be appreciate that in order to dispense fluid from a container via the device the device must be securely attached to the container otherwise unfiltered fluid will leak through the connection between the device and the container. Thus attachment means are provided on the second outlet of the device in order to securely attach the device to the container. In one example the attachment means may include a threaded portion. A threaded portion can be particularly useful where the container the device is to be attached to is a bottle. By providing a threaded portion on the device the device can screwed to the top of a bottle using the existing thread provided at the top of the bottle. Threaded top bottle such as soft drink bottles are common in most parts of the world and thus the device can conveniently be used in the majority of countries including those where clean drinking water is in short supply. In an alternative example the attachment means secures the device on the bottle by simply clicking it onto the container.

The attachment means may be arranged such that when the device is attached to an opening of a container the membrane is broken thereby releasing a composition into the container. In this example the attachment means assists in the breaking of the first membrane. In this manner the breaking of the first membrane is conveniently achieved at the same time as attaching the device to a container. This avoids loss of the composition which may result if the membrane is broken and the device then subsequently attached to the container.

The attachment means may be arranged to be larger than the opening of the container such that on attachment of the device to the container, a rim at the opening of the container pierces the first membrane. This is an alternative arrangement by which loss of the composition can be avoided by breaking the membrane as the device is attached to the container. In this example it is the rim of the container itself that is used to break the membrane thereby achieving a simple design of the device leading to ease of manufacture and low cost.

The device may have a tapered shape. Depending on the size of the container to which the device is attached and the size of the first opening, the design may have a tapered shape. A smooth taper allows all fluid to be easily and efficiently communicated from the second outlet to the first outlet. Thus all fluid can be conveniently dispensed through the device.

The device may include a removable cover arranged around the outside of the device. In this manner the device and in particular the filter is protected during storage and transportation.

The cover may be configured to be used as a cup when removed from the device. Conveniently the cover serves two purposes, to protect the device and also to provide a vessel into which fluid dispensed from the device may be poured. According to a second aspect a method of assembling the device discussed above is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a chamber with first and second outlets, locating a filter across the first outlet, filling the chamber with a composition via the second outlet, locating a membrane across the second outlet such that the composition is sealed in the chamber. It will be appreciated from the method of assembling the device that this is a low cost, easy to manufacture device. This is particularly important in third world applications where aid is provided for free and devices must be convenient to use. Description of Drawings

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which like parts are depicted by like reference numerals:

Figure 1 A illustrates a perspective view of a device for dispensing a composition;

Figure IB is a cross sectional view along line A- A in Figure 1;

Figure 1C illustrates an integrated cap which may be used as a cup; Figure ID illustrates an alternative device having a rectangular form;

Figure IE illustrates an alternative device in which a slider is provided at the base of the device; Figures 2A-2D show how the device of Figures 1A and IB is used; Figure 3A shows an alternative device for dispensing a composition; Figure 3B shows a device having sub-chambers with vertical separation means;

Figure 4 shows a further alternative device for dispensing a composition;

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention is covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Description

Figures 1A and IB illustrate a device (1) for dispensing a composition. The device (1) is particularly intended for use in dispensing purified rehydration therapy.

In the example illustrated the device has a tapered or funnel shape. Alternatively the device may have any other form, for example in another preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure ID, the device has a rectangular shape which allows for space saving shipment or storage of the device.

A filter (2) is provided across one end of the device and a membrane (4) is provided across the opposing end of the device. In this example the filter (2) extends across an opening at the widest part of the funnel shaped device (1) and the membrane (4) extends across an opening at the narrowest part of the device (1).

The device (1) is predominantly formed of metal, although devices formed of other materials, for example hard or soft plastic, ceramic, glass, carbon fibre or natural and/or synthetic fabrics, cardboard coated with wax or a plastic film, are also envisaged. Other example materials include laminated card such as that commonly used for drinks cartons. The material used may also be clear or tinted if the composition contained in the device is photosensitive.

The filter (2) is typically formed of metal but filters formed of other materials such as hard or soft plastics, ceramic, glass, carbon fibre or natural and/or synthetic fabrics may also be used. In some examples the filter is coated with silver or silver ions. The membrane (4) may be formed of any pierceable material such as plastic, paper, cardboard, metal. Again laminate materials can also be used such as plasticised foil. Suitable materials include materials that are not affected and/or do not react with the contents of the device. The size of the filter in the device is selected depending on the intended use of the device and the material to be filtered out of the fluid. For example, to remove natural sediment and particles which may be present in water from, e.g. rivers, filter sizes of from about 5 to about 100 microns, preferably about 5 to about 50 microns and more preferably about 15 to about 25 microns may be used. In other applications, the filter may be used to remove bacteria, and in this case, filter sizes of about 0.2 to about 3 microns, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 microns and more preferably about 0.5 to about 1.5 microns may be used. A 1 micron filter generally can remove most (about 99.9%) bacteria.

Thus, preferably, the filter size may be from 5 to about 100 microns, about 5 to about 50 microns, about 15 to about 25 microns, about 20 microns, about 0.2 to about 3 microns, about 0.5 to about 2 microns, about 0.5 to about 1.5 microns or about 1 micron. The illustrated device also includes a threaded portion (6) on the outlet covered by the membrane (4). In this manner the device can be screwed onto a container such as a bottle. In an alternative example the outlet covered by the membrane includes means to attach the device by simply snapping the device to a container such as a bottle. A composition is provided in the device (1) between the filter (2) and the membrane (4). In the example the composition includes a purification composition (8) and a rehydration composition (10). In this example the compositions are in the form of granules.

Figures 2 A to 2D illustrate how the device is used. Firstly in Figure 2A a bottle (12) is provided into which contaminated water (14) unsuitable for drinking is poured. In this example the bottleneck has a threaded portion that corresponds to the threaded portion on the device (1).

In the next step at Figure 2B, the device (1) illustrated in Figures 1 A and IB is mounted (for example by clipping or screwing) onto the top of the bottle (12). As the device (1) is mounted onto the top of the bottle (12) the membrane is broken by the rim of the bottle (12). In an alternative example the membrane may be peeled off before the device is screwed onto the bottle. Once the membrane (4) is broken the composition including the purification composition (8) and the rehydration composition (10) in the device (1) falls through the opening in the membrane (4) into the bottle (12) of contaminated water (14) as illustrated in Figure 2C. In an alternative example as illustrated in Figure IE, a slider or partition that may be slidably removed (15) may be provided. Thus the slider must be removed in order to allow the composition to be dispensed into the liquid.

The bottle (12) must then be left for a period of time and optionally agitated by, for example stirring or shaking, to allow the compositions to react with the contaminated water to purify it and for the rehydration composition to dissolve into the water. These reactions produce a precipitate. The time take for these reactions to occur depends on the amount of contaminants in the contaminated water and the strength and/or type of the compositions. For example, disinfection using calcium hypochlorite will take approximately 20-30 minutes whereas disinfection using silver ions will take significantly longer. Typically the amount of time for the reactions to occur is up to 120 minutes. In other examples the amount of time for the reactions to occur is between 10 and 60 minutes. In some examples the amount of time for the reactions to occur is between 20-30 minutes. Once the time period required for decontamination of the water has passed the fluid remaining in the bottle (12) which is now suitable for drinking and/or rehydration therapy is either consumed directly from the bottle or dispensed into a drinking container or cup by inverting the bottle (12). This is illustrated in Figure 2D. In this manner the fluid flows back through the device (1) and is filtered through the filter (2) when it is dispensed thus the precipitate is retained by the filter (1). In a particular example illustrated in Figure 1C the cup (9) is attached to the outlet comprising the filter(s).

Thus a device has been described which assists in the provision of rehydration therapy without risking the health of the patient by using contaminated water.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative example of a device for dispensing a composition. The example illustrated in Figure 3 has many similarities to the example illustrated in Figures 1A and IB therefore only those features that differ will be described. In this example the interior or the device is separated into two sub-chambers, a first sub- chamber (16) located adjacent the membrane (4) and a second sub-chamber (18) located between the first sub-chamber and the filter (2). The two sub-chambers (16, 18) are separated by a second membrane (20). In alternative examples the sub-chambers are arranged adjacent to one another such that both sub chambers are arranged between the membrane and the filter. In some examples a plurality of different sub-chambers may be provided.

The two sub chambers (16, 18) are provided above one another in order to separate the purification and rehydration compositions. The purification composition is contained in the first sub-chamber (16) and the rehydration composition is contained in the second higher sub- chamber (18).

In use the first membrane (4) is broken on attachment of the device to a bottle thereby releasing the purification composition (8) into the bottle (12). Further shaking of the bottle (12) with the device (1) attached results in the second membrane (20) dissolving on contact with the fluid in the bottle (12) and thus the rehydration composition (10) is released into the bottle. Once the two reactions have taken place the fluid is dispensed through the device as described in Figure 2D.

In an alternative example illustrated in Figure 3B, the device has two or more chambers separated by one or more vertical walls, each chamber containing a different kind of dry composition. After disrupting the membrane at the base of the device, the compositions are separately released from the device. This may be for example by use of a self-dissolving membrane having different dissolution properties or mechanically by means of slidably removable partitions or sliders.

Thus alternative examples have been described in which the purification of the contaminated water and the addition of the rehydration composition (10) are achieved by means of a two step process.

Figure 4 illustrates a third alternative example device for dispensing a composition. Again many of the features of this device are the same as those of the device illustrated in Figures 1 A and IB and therefore only those features that differ will be described.

In this example the purification composition may be in the form of granules, powder, tablets, capsules and/or coated films. The rehydration composition (22) is in the form of paper e.g. rice paper, impregnated with nutrients (24) such as salts and electrolytes. The paper (22) is attached to the interior of the device (1) attached to the interior of the device (1) using any suitable means. When the fluid is dispensed it passes through the interior of the device (1) and the composition dissolves into the fluid as the fluid passes through the device (1) to be dispensed via the filter (2).

In a further example (not illustrated) the composition (10) is provided as a coating on the filter (2) such that as the composition dissolves into the fluid as it passes through the filter. This example is particularly useful for dissolving sugars, pharmaceutical compositions and silver ions into the fluid.

In some examples, two filters are provided spaced apart by a predetermined distance i.e. arranged in series. The filter nearest the bottle is used to filter out large debris e.g. sand, mud and the second filter is used to filter out smaller debris e.g. precipitate, microorganisms such as bacteria. Thus a first filter of about 5 to about 100 microns, preferably about 5 to about 50 microns, more preferably about 15 to about 25 microns and most preferably about 20 microns may be used, and a second filter of about 0.2 to about 3 microns, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 microns, more preferably about 0.5 to about 1.5 microns, and most preferably about 1 micron. Alternatively more than two filters may be used, each having a successively smaller pore size.

In some examples including the example illustrated in Figure 1C a cap or cover (9) is provided to protect the device. In use the cover (9) extends over the filter and down the sides of the device. The cover (9) is thus only removed when the fluid is ready to be dispensed. The cover (9) has a cup-shape such that it can used as a container for dispensing the fluid into.

In the examples described above the device has been described as having a tapered or funnel shape. However the device is not limited to this shape and other shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a cuboid shape are also envisaged. It will be appreciated that shapes with a rectangular cross sectional area are easy to stack for storage and/or transportation. The particular shape of the device depends on the size of the filter required and the size of the container to which the device is to be attached. In the examples described the external surface of the device is threaded. However other examples in which the threaded portion is provided inside the device are also contemplated.

In some examples the device is reusable such that once the composition has been dispensed, the device can be refilled and a new membrane provided thereby rendering it ready for reuse.

Thus a device for assisting in dispensing purified liquid for use in rehydration therapy from contaminated water has been described. Additionally an oral rehydration solution according to the numbered paragraphs below is contemplated for use with the device. The oral rehydration solution may be prepared by combining a composition as set out in the numbered paragraphs below with an aqueous liquid or water. The aqueous liquid or water may be potable or not potable. The oral rehydration liquid formed of the oral rehydration composition and aqueous liquid or water can be used in preventing or treating dehydration. Additionally the oral rehydration composition can be used for preventing, treating or ameliorating the symptoms of diarrhoea and/vomiting. In particular the oral rehydration composition may be used for preventing, treating, or ameliorating the symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting caused by the presence of a pathogenic microorganisms, such as Rotavirus, Escherichia coli. Vibrio cholera, Shigellae, Salmonellae, V. cholera and strains of E. coli, and Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, rotaviruses, enteric adenoviruses, Cryptosporidium, coronaviruses, Norwalk viruses, cytomegavirus, herpes simplex virus and viral hepatitis, Campylobacter jeujeni and Yersinia enterocolitica. The method of treating or preventing dehydration in a subject in need thereof may include administering to the subject a composition as described in the numbered paragraphs below.

Although a number of examples have been described above the invention is not limited to the arrangements illustrated in the Figures and discussed above. Instead the present disclosure is intended to cover all combinations and alternatives that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

The following numbered paragraphs define various further aspects and features of the present technique: A device for dispensing a composition, the device comprising:

a chamber arranged to contain a composition; wherein the chamber comprises a first outlet and a second outlet;

a first filter associated with the first outlet; and

a first membrane associated with the second outlet

wherein a composition is provided in the chamber. A device according to paragraph 1 wherein the filter is configured to allow the passage of fluid from the chamber. A device according to paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 wherein the first membrane is a penetrable membrane. A device according to any of paragraphs 1-3 comprising a second filter associated with the first outlet wherein the second filter is spaced from the first filter by a predetermined distance. A device according to paragraph 4 wherein the second filter has a higher filtration rate than the first filter. A device according to any of paragraphs 4-5 wherein at least one of the first and second filters is coated with silver. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the composition comprises a medicament, a dietary supplement or a sterilization or purification agent (disinfectant), or a combination thereof. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the composition comprises a sterilizing agent (disinfectant) alone, or a sterilizing agent (disinfectant) in combination with one or more of: a medicament, a dietary supplement, a flocculant or another sterilization or purification agent, or a combination thereof. device according to any of paragraphs 1-7, wherein the composition comprises: oral rehydration therapy components, one or more medicaments for treating gastrointestinal infections, isotonic drink components or energy drink components, dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics and/or prebiotics, or a sterilization or purification agent, or a combination thereof. A device according paragraph 9 wherein the composition comprises: oral rehydration therapy components, one or more medicaments for treating gastrointestinal infections, isotonic drink components or energy drink components, dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics and/or prebiotics, in combination with one or more disinfectants and optionally a flocculant. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the composition comprises oral rehydration components and one or more disinfectants. A device according to paragraph 11 wherein the oral rehydration components comprise one or more carbohydrate and/orone or more electrolyte, one or more disinfectant, optionally one or more flocculant and optionally other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients A device according to any of paragraphs 4-12 wherein at least one of the first and second filters is coated with a rehydration composition. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the chamber comprises a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber and wherein the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber are separated by a partition and wherein each of the first and second sub-chambers contains a composition. A device according to paragraph 14 wherein the partition is a second membrane. A device according to any of paragraphs 14-15 wherein the first sub-chamber is arranged to receive a rehydration composition and wherein the second sub-chamber is arranged to receive a purification composition. A device according to any of paragraphs 11-16 wherein the rehydration composition is in the form of paper impregnated with nutrients. A device according to paragraph 17 wherein the paper impregnated with nutrients is attached to the interior of the chamber. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the second outlet comprises attachment means for attaching the device to a container. A device according to paragraph 19 wherein the attachment means is a threaded portion. A device according to paragraph 19 or 20 wherein the attachment means is arranged such that when the device is attached to an opening of a container the membrane is broken thereby releasing a composition into the container. A device according to any of paragraphs 19-21 wherein the attachment means is arranged to be larger than the opening of the container such that on attachment of the device to the container, a rim at the opening of the container pierces the first membrane. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the device has a tapered shape. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the device comprises a removable cover arranged around the outside of the device. A device according to paragraph 24 wherein the cover is configured to be used as a cup when removed from the device. A device according to any of paragraphs 1-23 wherein the outlet comprising the filter is covered by a cap which could be used as a cup. 27. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the composition comprises a sol id oral rehydration composit ion, the sol id oral rehydrat ion composition comprising:

(a) at least one carbohydrate, and or

(b) at least one electrolyte, and

(c) a disinfectant, and

(d) optional ly a tlocculant and

(e) optional ly one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. 28. A device according to paragraph 27 wherein the solid oral rehydration composit ion further comprises:

(a) at least one carbohydrate,

(b) at least one electrolyte, and

(c) a disinfectant, and

(d) optionally a flocculant and

(e) optional ly one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

29. A device according to paragraph 27 or paragraph 28, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of one or more of: calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver, silver nitrate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, sodium/silver chloride complex (AgNaCl ₂ ), silver carbonate, silver fluoride, silver benzoate, silver(l) oxide and silver(II) oxide, tetraglycine hydroperiodide, halazone {4-[(dichloroamino)sulfonyl]-benzoic acid} , sodium dichloroisocyanurate and ion exchange resins.

30. A device according to paragraph 29. wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consist ing of calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, col loidal silver, silver nitrate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, sodium/silver chloride complex (Ag aC ^' ), silver carbonate, silver fluoride, silver benzoate, silver(l) o ide and silver( ! l ) o ide, and preferably wherein the disinfectant is either an ion exchange resin, calcium hypochlorite or a combinat ion of both. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-30, wherein the flocculant is selected from the group consisting of one or more of: anionic, nonionic and cationic polymers, mineral flocculants e.g. activated silica, colloidal clays, including hydrated aluminium silicate (bentonite), metallic hydroxides, natural flocculants including starch derivatives, polysaccharides, alginates and synthetic flocculants including polyacrylamides including polyethylenes, polyamines, sulfonated compounds, alum, aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium sulphate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, iron(II) sulphate (ferrous sulphate), iron(III) chloride (ferric chloride), polyacrylamide, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), sodium aluminate, sodium silicate, Chitosan, Isinglass, Moringa oleifera seeds (Horseradish Tree), Gelatin, Strychnos potatorum seeds (Nirmali nut tree), Guar gum, Alginates (brown seaweed extracts), natural starches, anionic oxidized starches, amine treated cationic starches, pregelatinized starch, corn starch potato starch. A device according to paragraph 3 1 , wherein the flocculant is selected from the group consisting of one or more of: bentonite, ferric sulphate o guar gum, preferably the flocculant is bentonite or ferric sulphate. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-32 wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable stabiliser. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-33 wherein the carbohydrate is at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of: glucose, fructose, sucrose or dextrose and mixtures thereof. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-34 wherein the carbohydrate contains glucose and/or sucrose, and preferably glucose. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-35 wherein the carbohydrate is present in an amount of about 10 to about 90 wt%, preferably from about 35 to about 85 wt%, more preferably from about 55 to about 85 wt% of the total weight of the oral rehydration components [i.e. components (a) and (b)] in the composition. A device according to any preceding paragraph wherein the electrolyte comprises one or more of: sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate (i.e. one or more of sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate ions) and combinations thereof. A device according to paragraph 37, wherein the electrolyte further comprises one or more of calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen phosphate (i.e. one or more of calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen phosphate ions). A device according to any of paragraphs 27-38 wherein the electrolyte is present in an amount of about 10 to about 90 wt%, preferably about 15 to about 65 wt%, more preferably about 15 to about 45 wt% of the oral rehydration components [i.e. components (a) and (b)] in the composition. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-39 wherein the composition further comprises one or more active agents for treating or ameliorating diarrhoea or diarrhoea symptoms, preferably selected from the group consisting of zinc salts (such as zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc citrate, and zinc oxide), probiotics (for example Saccharomyces boulardiiprebiotics (for example inulin),Pelargonium sidoides extract, an antibiotic, an antispasmodic (such as loperamide), an antiemetic (such as metoclopramide, activated charcoal, kaolin, montmorillonite clay, bentonite clay, bismuth subsalicylate, Crofelemer (Fulyzaq), a GI protective agent (for example, an ¾ receptor antagonist such as cimetidine and ranitidine, a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole). A device according to paragraph 40 wherein the active agent is a zinc salt, preferably zinc oxide. A device according to paragraph 40 or paragraph 41, wherein the further active agents are separated from the components (a)-(d). A device according to any of paragraphs 27-42 further comprising one or more of: vitamin C (about 50 to about 500 mg), a vitamin (preferably a water-soluble vitamin), an amino acid, a di-peptide and/or an oligo-peptide, a buffering agent, a taste-masking agent, a flavouring agent, a colourant, and a preservative. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-43 wherein the composition is soluble or dispersible in aqueous liquid or water to form an oral rehydration solution or dispersion, and preferably wherein the composition is soluble in aqueous liquid or water to form an oral rehydration solution. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-44 wherein the composition is in the form of powder, granule, tablet or a capsule. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-45 wherein the composition is in the form of an effervescent tablet or effervescent granules. A device in according to any of paragraphs 27-46 wherein one or more of components (a)-(e) are deposited onto a film or a matrix, wherein the film or matrix is soluble or dispersible in water or aqueous liquid. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-47 wherein component (c) is separated from components (a), (b), (d) and (e) by a barrier or a membrane. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-48 wherein component (a) is separated from component (c). A device according to paragraph 48 or paragraph 49 wherein the composition is in the form of a multilayer tablet, preferably a bilayer tablet. A device according to paragraph 48 or paragraph 49 wherein the composition is in the form of a capsule. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-46 wherein the composition is in the form of a powder or optionally coated granules. A device according to paragraph 52 wherein the powder or granules are encapsulated in a water-soluble capsule. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-53 which when the composition is reconstituted in water or an aqueous liquid to form an oral rehydration solution, it has a total osmolarity of from about 100 mmol/1 to about 350 mmoll/1, preferably about 200 to about 260 mmol/1, more preferably about 200 to about 250 mmol/1. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-54, wherein the flocculant is absent. A device according to any of paragraphs 27-55 wherein the composition further comprises an aqueous liquid or water to provide an oral rehydration liquid. A device according to paragraph 57 wherein the oral rehydration liquid has a total osmolarity of from about 100 mmol/1 to about 350 mmol/1, preferably about 200 to about 260 mmol/1, more preferably about 200 to about 250 mmol/1.