Compositions comprising biopolymer-based aerogel

Abstract

The invention relates to a composition in the form of an organogel, emulsion or bigel, comprising at least one non-aqueous liquid or pasty phase, and an aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer added to the at least one non-aqueous phase, wherein the viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and wherein the aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / l or less, and wherein the particle size of the aerogel powder is in the range of 0.5 to 250 microns. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a composition comprising mixing a non-aqueous component comprising at least one non-aqueous liquid or pasty component and at least one aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer wherein the viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and wherein the aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / l or less and a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 250 microns. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or a composition obtained or obtainable by a process according to the invention for food applications, cosmetic applications, biomedical applications, agricultural applications, consumer applications, building applications, adhesive applications, coating applications, paint applications, fragrance release applications or pharmaceutical applications.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition in the form of an organic gel, emulsion or double emulsion comprising at least one non-aqueous liquid or pasty phase, and an aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer added to the at least one non-aqueous phase, wherein the viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and wherein the aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / l or less, and wherein the particle size of the aerogel powder is in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers. The present invention further relates to a method of preparing a composition comprising mixing a non-aqueous ingredient comprising at least one non-aqueous component and at least one aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer, wherein the viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and wherein the aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / l or less and a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the present invention or a composition obtained or obtainable by a method according to the present invention for food applications, cosmetic applications, biomedical applications, agricultural applications, consumer applications, construction applications, adhesive applications, coating applications, paint applications, fragrance release applications or pharmaceutical applications.

[0002] Generally, cosmetic formulators use emulsifying systems which are combined with a water phase to obtain a fresh feeling and with an oil phase to obtain a comfortable feeling. These systems have the advantage that they allow combining cosmetic ingredients or active agents having different affinities for the two water and oil phases within the same composition. Unfortunately, for a given emulsifying system, the composition often needs to be adjusted in case different additives are added. To avoid these problems, compounds inducing gelation, such as aerogels, are used in cosmetic compositions. Not only that, the use of structuring polymers or celluloses is described in the prior art. For example, WO 2012 / 084780 A2 discloses a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture of hydrophobic silica aerogel particles and linear silicone oil.

[0003] For some applications, in particular in the field of personal care, it is preferred to use natural products as additives.

[0004] In principle, aerogels based on biopolymers are known. Furthermore, organogels based on various biological aerogels, such as proteins, are known in principle and are described, for example, in “Aerogels as porous structures for food applications: Smart ingredients and novel packaging materials”, Lara Manzocco et al in Food Structure, vol 28, 2021, 100188 or “Iron(iii)-cross-linked alginate hydrogels: a critical review”, Daniel Massana Roquero et al. Mater. Adv., 2022, 3, 1849-1873. Furthermore, PCT / EP2023 / 055870 discloses aerogels based on bio-based polymers and polyionic biopolymers.

[0005] However, usually a large amount of material is required to obtain a composition suitable for personal care applications. It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a composition comprising a low amount of aerogel suitable for personal care applications. It is a further object of the present application to provide a composition comprising a bio-based material.

[0006] According to the present application, this object has been solved by a composition in the form of an organogel, emulsion or double gel, said composition comprising (i) at least one non-aqueous liquid or paste-like phase (ii) an aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer added to said at least one non-aqueous phase, wherein the viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and wherein the aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / l or less, and wherein the particle size of the aerogel powder is in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers.

[0007] Surprisingly, it was found that the composition according to the present application can be prepared using only a small amount of aerogel. The aerogel powder used has a low density and at the same time a high absorption rate for non-aqueous liquids. Depending on the composition, the aerogel powder can form a gel with an additional aqueous phase, a non-aqueous phase or both. Preferably, the powder forms a gel with the non-aqueous phase.

[0008] The composition according to the application also proves to be very stable. Preferably, the composition according to the application is an oil gel, an emulsion or a double gel, more preferably an oil gel. An oil gel can be described as a system in which the processing technique changes the physical properties of the oils without having to chemically modify them. Double gels are generally produced from a mixture of hydrogels and organic gels.

[0009] The adsorption capacity measured at the wet point is noted Wp and corresponds to the amount of oil that needs to be added to 100 g of particles to obtain a homogeneous paste. It is measured according to the wet point method described in standard NF T 30-022 or the method for determining the oil uptake of a powder. By measuring the wet point, it corresponds to the amount of oil adsorbed onto the surface that the powder can adsorb and / or absorbed by the powder, as described below.

[0010] An amount (m = 2 g) of powder is placed on a glass plate, then oil (such as isononyl isononanoate) is added dropwise. After 4-5 drops of oil have been added to the powder, mixing is carried out using a spatula and the addition of oil is continued until an aggregate of oil and powder is formed. From this point, one drop of oil is added at a time and the mixture is ground with the spatula. The addition of oil is stopped when a firm, smooth paste is obtained. This paste must be able to be spread on the glass plate without breaking or forming lumps. The volume Vs of oil used is then recorded (in ml).

[0011] The oil uptake corresponds to the ratio Vs / m.

[0012] Preferably, the aerogel has an absorption capacity greater than 20 mL / g at the wet point for the non-aqueous phase of the composition to be formed.

[0013] The measurement of the viscosity is in principle known from the prior art. For example, 150 g of composition can be measured in a suitable container with a rotational viscometer IKA rotavisc me-vi at a rotation speed of 50 rpm using a paddle suitable for the viscosity range according to the manufacturer's instructions and according to DIN 53019 at a temperature of 23°C.

[0014] The composition can comprise components that are liquid or pasty at room temperature and which can themselves be liquid or pasty at room temperature. If it contains components such as waxes as part of the non-aqueous phase which can be liquefied or melted by heating to bind with the aerogel powder and solidify on cooling to room temperature, the composition can also be solid at room temperature, such as a lipstick formulation.

[0015] During the preparation according to the application, the viscosity of the composition can for example be in the range of at most 100 000 mPa*s, preferably in the range of 50-10 000 mPa*s, in particular in the range of 200-5 000 mPa*s.

[0016] According to the present application, the non-aqueous phase is a liquid or a paste, in particular at room temperature.

[0017] The viscosity of the non-aqueous phase can vary as long as the non-aqueous phase can be combined homogeneously with the aerogel. The viscosity of the mixing step can also be adjusted using heat or other suitable methods. Preferably, the non-aqueous phase is liquid or liquefied to facilitate the combination with the aerogel. The addition of the aerogel preferably increases the viscosity of at least one non-aqueous phase by at least 100%, more preferably by at least 1000%.

[0018] The non-aqueous components suitable for the composition of the present application are in principle known to the person skilled in the art. In principle, any non-aqueous phase can be used which is liquid or liquefied and forms a composition with the aerogel, wherein the viscosity of the non-aqueous phase increases, preferably by at least 100%. Particularly preferred is a non-aqueous phase which forms an oil gel with the aerogel.

[0019] The viscosity of the non-aqueous liquid or liquefied phase is typically in the range of 50 to 5000 mPa*s.

[0020] The non-aqueous phase may, for example, contain one or more esters of saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyacids and saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyalcohols, or siloxanes, silicone oils or fluorosilicone oils, non-aqueous fragrances, aroma agents, nutrients, preservatives, pH regulators, film formers, dextran esters, sucrose esters, humectants, synthetic polymers including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, structuring polymers, silicone elastomers, pigments, mixed pigments or pigment complexes, opacifiers, blurring fillers, soft-focus fillers, spherical or lamellar inorganic or organic powders, perlite, sunscreens. The non-aqueous phase can also contain further components.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the present application also relates to a composition as disclosed above, wherein the non-aqueous phase contains one or more esters of saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyacids and saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyalcohols, or siloxanes, or silicone oils or fluorosilicone oils, non-aqueous fragrances, aroma agents, nutrients, preservatives, pH regulators, film formers, dextran esters, sucrose esters, humectants, synthetic polymers including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, structuring polymers, sunscreens, silicone elastomers, pigments, mixed pigments or pigment complexes, opacifiers, blurring fillers, soft-focus fillers, spherical or lamellar inorganic or organic powders, perlite, sunscreens.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, biopolymer or bio-based polymer is understood to be a polymer obtained from renewable resources (algae, bacteria, microorganisms, plants, etc.). Bio-based polymers can be obtained mainly in two different ways: direct production of the polymer or production of bio-based monomers and their further (bio)chemical polymerization. Direct production of biopolymers can be achieved by microorganisms (polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHA), algae (alginate, etc.), higher plants (pectin, etc.) or various types of producers, for example cellulose is produced by higher plants as well as bacteria, chitosan is produced by crustaceans as well as fungi.

[0023] In principle, porous materials based on bio-based polymers are known from the prior art, for example based on polysaccharides, polypeptides, polyphenols such as cellulose, gelatin and lignin or mixtures of bio-based polymers. Methods for the preparation of lignin-based aerogels are also known from the prior art.

[0024] For the purposes of the present invention, aerogels are porous materials prepared by the sol-gel method, in which the liquid phase is removed from the gel under supercritical conditions.

[0025] Suitable aerogels preferably have a low density and preferably have a high specific surface area, for example in the range from 200 to 800 m 2 / g. Furthermore, for pore diameters of < 100 nm, a pore volume of 2.1 to 9.5 cm 3 / g can preferably be obtained.

[0026] Preferably, the aerogel powder exhibits a shrinkage of less than 60% when exposed to humidity (60% rH, 48 h, 30°C) as a dry aerogel and a shrinkage of less than 50% when loaded in the shape of a round bead with an average diameter of 3 mm.

[0027] The porous material according to the present invention preferably has a density (determined according to DIN 53420) of 0.005 to 1 g / cm 3 , preferably 0.01 to 0.5 g / cm 3 .

[0028] The average pore diameter is determined by scanning electron microscopy and subsequent image analysis of a statistically significant number of pores. The corresponding methods are known to the person skilled in the art. For the characterization of the porous structure of the aerogel, a Nova 3000 surface area analyzer from Quantachrome Instruments is used. It uses the adsorption and desorption of nitrogen at a constant temperature of 77 K.

[0029] The aerogel powder used according to the present application preferably has a porosity of at least 70 vol.%, in particular 70 to 99 vol.%, particularly preferably at least 80 vol.%, very particularly preferably at least 85 vol.%, in particular 85 to 95 vol.%. The porosity in vol.% refers to the specific proportion of the total volume of the porous material which comprises pores.

[0030] The aerogel used according to the present application is based on at least one biopolymer. According to the present application, it is possible to use aerogels based on polyelectrolyte biopolymers or aerogels based on mixtures of biopolymers and further components. The aerogel can also comprise further components, for example further biopolymers. Not only that, but there can be suitable further components known for the preparation of aerogels. Suitable biopolymers and polyelectrolyte biopolymers are in principle known from the prior art. Preferably, polyanionic biopolymers are used as polyelectrolyte biopolymers. Suitable ionic biopolymers are, for example, polysaccharides, in particular polysaccharides having carboxylic acid groups.

[0031] Suitable polyanionic biopolymers can be selected from the group consisting of alginate, pectin, modified cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, hyaluronic acid.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the present application also relates to a composition as described above, wherein the polyelectrolyte biopolymer is a polyanionic biopolymer, preferably selected from the group consisting of alginate, pectin, modified cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, hyaluronic acid.

[0033] Suitable aerogels based on polyelectrolyte biopolymers can be prepared using polyvalent metal ions as crosslinking metal ions. Such polyvalent metal ions include, for example, alkaline earth metal ions and transition metal ions which form sparingly soluble compounds with the biopolymer.

[0034] For example, divalent or trivalent or tetravalent metal ions can be used. Trivalent metal ions, for example aluminium or iron, are particularly suitable. Furthermore, it is also possible to use, for example, calcium, beryllium, barium, strontium, zinc, cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, iron, chromium, vanadium, titanium, zirconium, cadmium, molybdenum, tungsten, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, platinum, aluminium. According to the present application, it is also possible to use mixtures of two or more polyvalent ions, for example mixtures comprising divalent and trivalent ions.

[0035] Preferably, the polyvalent metal ions are trivalent or tetravalent metal ions selected from the group consisting of aluminium, iron, zirconium.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the present application also relates to a composition as described above, wherein the at least one polyelectrolyte biopolymer is gelled in water with at least one trivalent or tetravalent metal cation.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the present application also relates to a composition as described above, wherein the trivalent or tetravalent cation is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, iron, zirconium, tin, lead, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, silicon, titanium.

[0038] According to the present application, mixtures of two or more biopolymers or mixtures of one or more biopolymers with metal oxides can also be used for the preparation of aerogels for use in the compositions of the present application. For example, mixtures comprising one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of biopolymers such as lignin and tannins, cellulose, bacterial cellulose, modified cellulose, starch, sugar, chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, whey protein isolate, potato protein isolate, starch protein isolate, yeast protein, gelatin, collagen, casein or derivatives thereof or mixtures comprising inorganic precursors and one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of biobased phenolic polymers such as lignin and tannins, cellulose, bacterial cellulose, modified cellulose, starch, sugar, chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, whey protein isolate, potato protein isolate, starch protein isolate, gelatin, collagen, casein or derivatives thereof or pea protein or yeast protein can be used.

[0039] According to the present application, mixtures of two or more biopolymers or mixtures of one or more biopolymers with metal oxides can also be used for the preparation of aerogels for use in the compositions of the present application. For example, mixtures comprising one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of biopolymers such as lignin and tannins, cellulose, bacterial cellulose, modified cellulose, starch, sugar, chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, whey protein isolate, potato protein isolate, starch protein isolate, yeast protein, gelatin, collagen, casein or derivatives thereof or mixtures comprising inorganic precursors and one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of biobased phenolic polymers such as lignin and tannins, cellulose, bacterial cellulose, modified cellulose, starch, sugar, chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, whey protein isolate, potato protein isolate, starch protein isolate, gelatin, collagen, casein or derivatives thereof or pea protein or yeast protein can be used.

[0040] The aerogels can also comprise further salts, in particular salts which do not form gels, and as further components conventional auxiliaries known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable are, for example, water-soluble or dispersible in water substances.

[0041] Aerogels may contain a second material (SM). Suitable substances used as the second material may be selected, for example, from hyaluronic acid, collagen, keratin, silk fibroin, tannin, lignin (all as antioxidants or sunscreen factors), enzymes, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and povidone. In addition, suitable additives can include: whitening active ingredients; free radical scavengers, UV absorbers, barrier lipids, exfoliating active ingredients, visual pigments, tanning active ingredients, skin whitening agents, skin activators, chelating agents, flavonoids, wetting active ingredients, exfoliants, acne-fighting active ingredients, anti-caking agents, anti-cellulite agents, defoamers, antifungal active ingredients, anti-inflammatory active ingredients, antimicrobial active ingredients, antioxidants, antiperspirant / deodorant active ingredients, anti-skin atrophy active ingredients, antiviral active ingredients, anti-wrinkle active ingredients, artificial tanning agents and promoters, astringents, barrier repair agents, adhesives, buffers, fillers, chelating agents, colorants, dyes, enzymes, essential oils, film-forming agents, fragrances, moisturizers, hydrocolloids, diffusers, nail polish, sunscreens, optical brighteners, optical modifiers, microparticles, perfumes, pH. Modifiers, preservatives, chelating agents, skin conditioning / humectants, skin feel improvers, skin protectants, skin sensory agents, skin care agents, skin exfoliants, skin brighteners, skin soothing and / or therapeutic agents, skin thickeners, sunscreen actives, local anesthetics, vitamin compounds and combinations thereof.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to the compositions disclosed above, wherein the aerogel particles comprise a second material (SM), the second material (SM) being selected from lignin, tannin, polysaccharides, proteins, synthetic polymers including block copolymers, structured polymers, synthetic polymers including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, pigments, opacifiers, soft-focus fillers, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powders, perlite, sunscreens or inorganic precursors, colloidal silica, silicates, and aluminates.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to a composition as described above, wherein the aerogel is a hybrid aerogel comprising... (A) 20-80% by mass of a second material (SM) and 20% by mass of an ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymer, but at least 25 kg / m 3 Ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers, or (B) 20-90% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 10% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate, or (C) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 15% by mass of pectin, but at least 20 kg / m 3 pectin, or (D) 20-80% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 20% by mass of CMC, but at least 25 kg / m3 CMC, or (E) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 7.5% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate and at least 10 kg / m 3 Non-algate ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers.

[0044] It has been found that advantageous properties of the composition are obtained when the polarity of the aerogel is in a range similar to that of the non-aqueous phase. The polarity of the aerogel can be adjusted, for example, by using the starting material or its ratio, or by using cations for gelation. The polarity of the aerogel can also be adjusted by further processing steps of the aerogel itself. Suitable processing steps, such as hydrophobication steps, are known in principle.

[0045] The ratio of the non-aqueous phase and the aerogel used can vary over a wide range, as long as the composition is formed.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a composition as described above, wherein the aerogel powder in the non-aqueous phase is present in an amount ranging from the aerogel particle packing density as a lower limit to the aerogel bead density as an upper limit, relative to the density of the non-aqueous phase comprising the aerogel powder.

[0047] The aerogel present in the composition is used in powder form. The aerogel powder can be prepared using suitable methods. It can be prepared, for example, as a powder with a suitable particle size, or the aerogel powder can be prepared by grinding larger particles, for example, by grinding aerogel beads.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to the composition described above, wherein the aerogel powder is obtained by grinding aerogel beads with a particle size in the range of 0.1-4 mm. The aerogel beads may undergo suitable treatment prior to grinding. According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to the composition disclosed above, wherein the aerogel is optionally treated at at least 130°C for at least 2 hours to improve grindability.

[0049] Particularly suitable are aerogel powders having a bulk density similar to or lower than that of aerogel beads. According to another embodiment, the invention therefore relates to compositions as described above, wherein the bulk density of the aerogel powder is equal to or lower than that of the aerogel beads by more than 5%, preferably more than 10%, and particularly more than 15%.

[0050] Suitable methods for preparing biopolymer-based aerogels are known in principle to those skilled in the art. Typically, aerogels are obtained by methods including gel formation, solvent exchange, and drying. According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to compositions as described above, wherein aerogel beads are obtained by solvent exchange and supercritical drying or freeze-drying.

[0051] It has been surprisingly found that biopolymer-based aerogels can be used to prepare compositions according to the invention, and that a small amount of aerogel powder is sufficient to increase the viscosity of the resulting mixture with the non-aqueous phase. According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to compositions as described above, wherein the aerogel powder results in an increase in the viscosity of at least one non-aqueous phase.

[0052] The composition according to the invention comprises at least one non-aqueous phase and an aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer added to said at least one non-aqueous phase. The aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / L or less, and the particle size of the aerogel powder is in the range of 1 to 250 micrometers.

[0053] The composition may contain additional substances, or the aerogel may be loaded with additional additives. In the context of this invention, non-aqueous liquids or paste phases may also contain suitable additives.

[0054] Suitable additives may be triglycerides, vegetable oils, vegetable oil derivatives, acetylglucosides, alkyl esters, alkenyl esters, lanolin and its derivatives, wax esters, beeswax derivatives, sterols and phospholipids and combinations thereof; hydrocarbon oils and waxes or silicone oils and combinations thereof.

[0055] Suitable additives may also be pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more agents preferably intended for oral administration. These agents are selected from therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents. Examples of suitable therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, drugs acting on synaptic sites and nerve effector junctions; systemic and local analgesics; hypnotics and sedatives; drugs for treating mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia; antiepileptic and anticonvulsant drugs; drugs for treating Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, aging, and Alzheimer's disease; excitatory amino acid antagonists, neurotrophic factors, and nerve regeneration agents; nutritional factors; drugs intended to treat CNS trauma or stroke; drugs for treating addiction and substance abuse; anti-obesity drugs; antitumor and anti-inflammatory drugs; chemotherapeutic agents for parasitic infections and diseases caused by microorganisms; immunosuppressants and anticancer drugs; hormones and hormone antagonists; heavy metals. Heavy metal antagonists; antagonists of non-metallic toxic agents; cell inhibitors for cancer treatment; diagnostic substances for nuclear medicine; immunomodulatory and immunoreactive agents; neurotransmitters and their respective receptor agonists and antagonists, their respective precursors and metabolites; transporter inhibitors; antibiotics; antispasmodics; antihistamines; antinausea drugs; relaxants; stimulants; sense and antisense oligonucleotides; cerebral vasodilators; psychotropic drugs; antimanic drugs; vasodilators and vasoconstrictors; antihypertensive drugs; migraine treatment drugs; hypnotics, hyperglycemic agents and hypoglycemic agents; antiasthmatic drugs; antiviral agents, preferably anti-HIV agents; genetic material suitable for the treatment of diseases using DNA, si-RNA or antisense; and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable diagnostic agents include, but are not limited to, diagnostic agents that can be used in the diagnosis of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.

[0056] Suitable additives may also be fragrances or fragrance compositions that are typically at least partially retained in the gel or porous material under the conditions of the method according to the invention. Fragrances can be any aromatic substance or mixture of substances, including natural and synthetic substances that provide a pleasant aroma. Furthermore, fragrances may contain excipients such as fixatives, extenders, stabilizers, and solvents. Examples of suitable fragrances include, but are not limited to, silicone oils, essential oils, absolute oils, resins, resins, and synthetic fragrance components, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acids, esters, acetals, ketals, nitrites, including saturated and unsaturated compounds, aliphatic, carbocyclic, and heterocyclic compounds. It should be appreciated that some fragrances may include additional components used as, for example, carriers, diluents, stabilizers, etc. Exemplary additional components include glycols and vegetable oils. References to fragrance components include fragrances and any additional components combined with fragrances to provide beneficial properties such as stability, viscosity, etc. Examples of suitable fragrances or flavoring agents are provided, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,234,610.

[0057] The compositions according to the invention are particularly suitable for personal care applications, such as cosmetic applications. According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to compositions disclosed above, wherein the compositions are cosmetic compositions, preferably skin cosmetics, sunscreens, lipsticks, makeup removers, deodorants, or skin moisturizers.

[0058] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing a composition, the method comprising: (A) A mixture comprising a non-aqueous component containing at least one non-aqueous liquid or paste component and at least one aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer, The viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and The aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / L or less and a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers.

[0059] The method according to the invention includes step (a), but may also include additional steps. Preferably, in step (A), the non-aqueous components are gelled to form a composition by using aerogel powder as a viscosity modifier or as a gelling agent.

[0060] Step (A) can also be combined with other mixing steps. For example, the phases can be premixed to form a premix, and the premix can be contacted with another component.

[0061] The components can be prepared separately and then mixed together without heating, rather than requiring the presence of a surfactant to form the composition. Therefore, in addition to the advantages mentioned above, the claimed composition can be easily prepared in a simple manner.

[0062] Advantageously, the mixing can be carried out at room temperature. However, if necessary, for example to improve mixing, the method of the present invention may include a step of heating the mixture.

[0063] Surprisingly, it has been found that biopolymer-based aerogel powders can be used to increase the viscosity of the non-aqueous phase to obtain compositions according to the invention, which in turn have a viscosity suitable for the respective application. The raw materials used to manufacture these aerogel powders do not exhibit viscosity modification or high wet point properties compared to the corresponding aerogel powders. According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for preparing compositions as described above, wherein the aerogel powder results in a viscosity increase, i.e., the viscosity of the obtained composition is higher than that of at least one non-aqueous phase.

[0064] Aerogel powders can be prepared by any suitable method. Advantageously, aerogel powders are prepared from aerogel beads, particularly aerogel beads with a particle diameter in the range of 0.1 to 4 mm. The powder can be prepared from said beads using any suitable method, such as grinding using suitable equipment. Suitable methods are known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, suitable processing steps can be performed to improve grindability, such as heat treatment steps.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing the compositions disclosed above, wherein the aerogel is optionally treated at at least 130°C for at least 2 hours to improve grindability.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing the compositions disclosed above, wherein the aerogel powder is obtained by grinding aerogel beads with a particle diameter in the range of 0.1 to 4 mm.

[0067] It has been found that aerogels, especially those gelled with trivalent or tetravalent cationic gels, have the advantage that the bulk density of aerogel powder is equal to or lower than that of aerogel beads.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing the compositions disclosed above, wherein the bulk density of the aerogel powder is 5% or more lower than the bulk density of the aerogel beads.

[0069] Suitable methods for preparing aerogel powders or aerogel beads are known in principle to those skilled in the art.

[0070] Suitable methods may include, for example, gel preparation, solvent exchange, and drying steps.

[0071] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing the compositions disclosed above, wherein the aerogel beads are obtained by solvent exchange and supercritical drying or freeze drying.

[0072] Suitable aerogels can be prepared, for example, by a method comprising at least the following steps: a) Provides a mixture (M1) comprising, optionally, a compound selected from biopolymers (C1) and at least one polyionic biopolymer as a component (C2) and water. b) Contact the mixture (M1) with an aqueous solution of polyvalent metal ions to prepare a gel (A). c) Expose the gel (A) obtained in step b) to a water-miscible solvent (L) to obtain gel (B). d) The gel (B) obtained in step c) is dried.

[0073] Suitable aerogels can also be prepared by a method including at least the following steps: a) Provides a mixture (M1) comprising at least one compound (C1) selected from water-soluble biopolymers and inorganic precursors, and at least one water-soluble polysaccharide having a carboxylic acid group as a component (C2) and water. b) Contact the mixture (M1) with an aqueous solution of polyvalent metal ions to prepare a gel (A). c) Expose the gel (A) obtained in step b) to a water-miscible solvent (L) to obtain gel (B). d) The gel (B) obtained in step c) is dried.

[0074] In the context of this invention, a suitable inorganic precursor must be soluble in or at least partially soluble in the mixture (M1) and must be solidified in the gelation step.

[0075] For the purposes of this invention, the gel is a polymer-based cross-linked system that comes into contact with a liquid (referred to as a solvate gel or sol-gel) or water as a liquid (aquagel or hydrogel). Here, the polymer phase forms a continuous three-dimensional network.

[0076] In the context of this invention, water solubility refers to a solubility in water sufficient to form a solution suitable for preparing a gel. In the context of this invention, aqueous swelling dispersions can also be used to prepare gels.

[0077] According to the present invention, a gel is formed from the components of a mixture (M1) and at least one polyvalent metal ion. The components (C1) and (C2) used in the method of the present invention must be suitable for allowing gel formation with polyvalent metal ions, and in particular must have suitable functional groups.

[0078] The properties of aerogels can be customized by adjusting the composition of the mixture (M1), the reaction conditions during the hydrogel (gel (A)) formation stage or during solvent exchange, and the reaction conditions during the drying step. According to the invention, the properties of hydrogels and / or aerogels can be influenced by changing the proportions of the components, by controlling the parameters of step b), and also by introducing a wide range of organic and inorganic materials into the gel matrix.

[0079] According to step b) of the invention, the mixture (M1) is contacted with an aqueous solution of polyvalent metal ions to prepare gel (A). Suitable mixing steps are known in principle to those skilled in the art. For example, the mixture (M1) can be added dropwise to the aqueous solution of polyvalent metal ions, particularly for the preparation of aerogel beads. Before contacting the mixture (M1) with the aqueous solution of polyvalent metal ions to prepare gel (A), the mixture (M1) can also be placed in the pores of a carrier material or mixed with fibers. Furthermore, the mixture (M1) can be contacted with polyvalent metal ions in an emulsion or during spraying.

[0080] The gel itself is known to those skilled in the art and is described, for example, on page 21, line 19 to page 23, line 13 of WO 2009 / 027310.

[0081] Preferably, the conditions are adjusted so that the hydrogel, alkyd gel, and / or aerogel exhibits a spherical shape. Preferably, according to step b), spherical beads with an average diameter in the range of 0.5-3 mm are obtained. Preferably, no crosslinking or hydrophobication occurs via covalent chemical reactions.

[0082] Preferably, the temperature and pressure in step b) are adjusted to conditions for gel formation. Suitable temperatures can be in the range of 5°C to 60°C, preferably in the range of 15°C to 35°C. According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to the method as described above, wherein step b) is performed at a temperature in the range of 5 to 60°C.

[0083] By selecting appropriate conditions for step b), the formation rate of insoluble gels can be controlled very precisely and easily.

[0084] The gel (A) obtained in step b) is a water-containing gel, i.e., a hydrogel. According to the present invention, in step c) of the method of the present invention, the gel (A) obtained in step b) is exposed to a water-miscible solvent (L) to obtain a gel (B).

[0085] According to the invention, a water-miscible solvent (L) is used in step c). In the context of the invention, water miscibility means that the solvent is at least partially miscible with water to allow solvent exchange in the gel.

[0086] Solvent exchange is performed by directly immersing the gel in a new solvent (one-step) or by sequentially immersing it in different water-new solvent mixtures (multi-step) after a previous immersion step for a certain time (exchange frequency), wherein the different water-new solvent mixtures have an increasing amount of new solvent (Robitzer et al., 2008, Langmuir, 24(21), 12547-12552). The solvent selected for water replacement must meet the following requirements: it must not dissolve the gel structure, it must be completely soluble with the solvent (water) preceding it, and preferably it can also be used for drug preparation. Furthermore, in cases where the method includes a supercritical drying step, the solvent (L) is preferably at least partially miscible with the supercritical medium.

[0087] The solvent (L) can in principle be any suitable compound or mixture of multiple compounds that meets the above requirements, wherein the solvent (L) is a liquid under the temperature and pressure conditions in step c).

[0088] Possible solvents (L) include, for example, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, alkyl esters of alkanes, organic carbonates, amides such as formamide and N-methylpyrrolidone, sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide, aliphatic and alicyclic halogenated or non-halogenated hydrocarbons, halogenated or non-halogenated aromatic compounds, and fluorinated ethers. Mixtures of two or more of the above compounds are also possible.

[0089] In many cases, a particularly suitable solvent (L) is obtained by using two or more completely miscible compounds selected from the solvents mentioned above.

[0090] Suitable solvents are, in particular, alcohols and ketones, such as C1 to C6 alcohols and C1 to C6 ketones and mixtures thereof.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to the method described above, wherein the solvent (L) used in step c) is selected from C1 to C6 alcohols and C1 to C6 ketones and mixtures thereof.

[0092] Particularly suitable are alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropanol, and ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.

[0093] The solvent exchange according to step b) can be carried out in one, two, three, or multiple steps, with different solvent concentrations. According to a preferred embodiment, the gel (A) is sequentially immersed in an ethanol / water mixture with concentrations of, for example, 30, 60, 90, and 100 wt%, for 5 min to 12 h each time, the time depending on the particle size and porosity.

[0094] In step c), gel (B) is obtained. According to step d) of the method of the present invention, the gel (B) obtained in step c) is dried.

[0095] In step (d), drying is performed in a known manner. Preferably, drying is carried out under supercritical conditions, preferably after the solvent has been replaced with CO2 or another solvent suitable for supercritical drying. This type of drying is known to those skilled in the art. Supercritical conditions refer to the temperature and pressure at which the CO2 or any solvent used to remove the gel solvent is in a supercritical state. In this way, shrinkage of the gel during solvent removal can be reduced.

[0096] The obtained gel can also be dried by converting the liquid contained in the gel into a gaseous state at temperatures and pressures below the critical temperature and critical pressure of the liquid contained in the gel.

[0097] Preferably, the drying of the resulting gel is carried out at a temperature and pressure below the critical temperature and critical pressure of the solvent (L) by converting the solvent (L) into a gaseous state. Therefore, drying is preferably carried out by removing the solvent (L) present in the reaction without prior replacement with other solvents.

[0098] Such methods are also known to those skilled in the art and are described in WO 2009 / 027310, page 26, line 22 to page 28, line 36.

[0099] The drying according to step d) can be carried out by converting the liquid contained in the gel into a gaseous state at a temperature and pressure below the critical temperature and critical pressure of the liquid contained in the gel. The drying according to step d) can also be carried out under supercritical conditions.

[0100] Preferably, the aerogel is prepared in the form of beads, for example having an average diameter in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and the powder is obtained by grinding.

[0101] According to the present invention, for example, cosmetic or medical active ingredients or pharmaceutical reagents or agricultural reagents or food active ingredients or fragrances or fragrance compositions may be introduced in the preparation process described above, and then at least partially present in the aerogel powder, and may also be released under suitable conditions.

[0102] According to the invention, the aerogel powder can also be contacted with a suitable liquid composition comprising cosmetic or medical active ingredients, pharmaceuticals, agricultural reagents, food active ingredients, fragrances, or fragrance compositions, which are then at least partially adsorbed. Preferably, the treatment comprises mixing the porous material with the liquid composition and allowing sufficient time for an effective amount of the composition to be adsorbed onto and / or absorbed by the porous material. The liquid composition can be a solution, preferably a high-concentration solution. Suitable solutions or dispersions are, for example, containing cosmetic or medical active ingredients, pharmaceutical reagents, agricultural reagents, food active ingredients, fragrances, or fragrance compositions and a suitable solvent. In the context of the invention, the liquid active ingredient can also be used directly without adding a solvent. The porous material containing the adsorbed substance can then be separated from any remaining solution or dispersion. According to the invention, the adsorbed substance can also be released under suitable conditions.

[0103] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the compositions disclosed above, or compositions obtained or obtainable by the methods disclosed above, for food applications, cosmetic applications, biomedical applications, agricultural applications, consumer applications, coating applications, paint applications, construction applications, adhesive applications, fragrance-releasing applications, or pharmaceutical applications. Such cosmetic applications include, for example, products for facial treatments or as skin scrubs or cleansers, or protective products, such as products for UV protection or products comprising antioxidants.

[0104] Preferred embodiments can be found in the claims and specification. Combinations of preferred embodiments do not depart from the scope of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the components used are described below.

[0105] The invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments derived from the indicated reference relationships and reverse references. In particular, it should be noted that in each instance of the series of embodiments mentioned, for example in the context of terms such as “a composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 4,” each embodiment within this scope is intended to clearly disclose to a person skilled in the art that the wording of such terms will be understood by a person skilled in the art to be synonymous with “a composition of any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4.” Furthermore, it should be explicitly stated that the following set of embodiments represents a suitably structured portion of the general description of preferred aspects of the invention, and therefore appropriately supports but does not imply the claims of the invention.

[0106] 1. A composition in the form of an organic gel, emulsion, or dual gel, comprising: (i) at least one non-aqueous liquid or paste phase (ii) an aerogel powder added to the at least one non-aqueous phase, the aerogel powder being based on at least one biopolymer, particularly at least one polyionic biopolymer. The viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and The aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / L or less, and the particle size of the aerogel powder is in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers.

[0107] 2. The composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one polyionic biopolymer is gelled in water with at least one trivalent or tetravalent metal cation.

[0108] 3. The composition according to embodiment 2, wherein the trivalent or tetravalent cation is selected from aluminum, iron, zirconium, tin, lead, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, silicon, and titanium.

[0109] 4. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the polyionic biopolymer is a polyanionic biopolymer, preferably selected from polyionic biopolymers of alginate, pectin, modified cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and hyaluronic acid.

[0110] 5. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the aerogel particles comprise a second material (SM) selected from lignin, tannin, polysaccharide, protein, synthetic polymer including block copolymers, structured polymer, synthetic polymer including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, pigment, opacifier, soft-focus filler, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powder, perlite, sunscreen agent or inorganic precursor.

[0111] 6. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the aerogel is a hybrid aerogel comprising... (A) 20-80% by mass of a second material (SM) and 20% by mass of an ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymer, but at least 25 kg / m 3 Ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers, or (B) 20-90% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 10% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate, or (C) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 15% by mass of pectin, but at least 20 kg / m 3 pectin, or (D) 20-80% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 20% by mass of CMC, but at least 25 kg / m 3 CMC, or (E) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 7.5% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate and at least 10 kg / m 3 Non-algate ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers.

[0112] 7. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the non-aqueous phase comprises one or more saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic monocarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids and esters of saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic monocarboxylic alcohols or polyols, or siloxanes, or silicone oils or fluorosilicone oils, non-aqueous fragrances, flavorings, nutrients, preservatives, pH adjusters, film-forming agents, dextran esters, sucrose esters, wetting agents, synthetic polymers including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, structured polymers, sunscreens, silicone elastomers, pigments, mixed pigments or pigment complexes, opacifiers, blurring fillers, soft-focus fillers, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powders, perlite, and sunscreens.

[0113] 8. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the aerogel powder in the non-aqueous phase is present in an amount ranging from the aerogel particle packing density as a lower limit to the aerogel bead density as an upper limit relative to the density of the non-aqueous phase comprising the aerogel powder.

[0114] 9. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the aerogel powder is obtained by grinding aerogel beads with a particle diameter in the range of 0.1 to 4 mm.

[0115] 10. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the bulk density of the aerogel powder is 5% or more lower than the bulk density of the aerogel beads.

[0116] 11. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the aerogel beads are obtained by solvent exchange and supercritical drying or freeze drying.

[0117] 12. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the aerogel powder causes the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase to increase by at least 100%.

[0118] 13. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the aerogel is treated at at least 130°C for at least 2 hours to improve grindability.

[0119] 14. The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the composition is a cosmetic composition, preferably a skin cosmetic, sunscreen, lipstick, makeup remover or skin moisturizer composition.

[0120] 15. A method for preparing a composition, comprising: (A) A mixture comprising a non-aqueous component containing at least one non-aqueous liquid or paste component and at least one aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer, The aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / L or less and a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers, and the viscosity of the composition is greater than that of the at least one non-aqueous phase.

[0121] 16. The method according to embodiment 15, wherein the aerogel powder is obtained by grinding aerogel beads with a particle diameter in the range of 0.1 to 4 mm.

[0122] 17. The method according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the bulk density of the aerogel powder is 5% or more lower than the bulk density of the aerogel beads.

[0123] 18. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 17, wherein the aerogel beads are obtained by solvent exchange and supercritical drying or freeze drying.

[0124] 19. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the aerogel powder causes the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase to increase by at least 100%.

[0125] 20. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the aerogel is optionally treated at at least 130°C for at least 2 hours to improve grindability.

[0126] 21. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 20, wherein the at least one biopolymer is gelled in water with at least one trivalent or tetravalent metal cation.

[0127] 22. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 21, wherein the trivalent or tetravalent cation is selected from aluminum, iron, zirconium, tin, lead, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, silicon, and titanium.

[0128] 23. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 22, wherein the polyionic biopolymer is a polyanionic biopolymer, preferably selected from polyionic biopolymers of alginate, pectin, modified cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and hyaluronic acid.

[0129] 24. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 23, wherein the aerogel particles comprise a second material (SM) selected from lignin, tannin, polysaccharide, protein, synthetic polymer including block copolymers, structured polymer, synthetic polymer including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, pigment, opacifier, soft-focus filler, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powder, perlite, sunscreen agent or inorganic precursor.

[0130] 25. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 24, wherein the aerogel is a hybrid aerogel comprising (A) 20-80% by mass of a second material (SM) and 20% by mass of an ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymer, but at least 25 kg / m 3 Ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers, or (B) 20-90% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 10% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate, or (C) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 15% by mass of pectin, but at least 20 kg / m 3 pectin, or (D) 20-80% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 20% by mass of CMC, but at least 25 kg / m 3 CMC, or (E) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 7.5% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate and at least 10 kg / m 3 Non-algate ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers.

[0131] 26. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 25, wherein the non-aqueous phase comprises one or more saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic monocarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids and esters of saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic monocarboxylic alcohols or polyols, or siloxanes, or silicone oils or fluorosilicone oils, non-aqueous fragrances, flavorings, nutrients, preservatives, pH adjusters, film-forming agents, dextran esters, sucrose esters, wetting agents, synthetic polymers including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, structured polymers, sunscreens, silicone elastomers, pigments, mixed pigments or pigment complexes, opacifiers, blurring fillers, soft-focus fillers, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powders, perlite, and sunscreens.

[0132] 27. The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 26, wherein the aerogel powder in the non-aqueous phase is present in an amount ranging from the aerogel particle packing density as a lower limit to the aerogel bead density as an upper limit relative to the density of the non-aqueous phase comprising the aerogel powder.

[0133] 28. Use of a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 or a composition obtained or available by any one of embodiments 15 to 20 for food applications, cosmetic applications, biomedical applications, agricultural applications, consumer applications, building applications, adhesive applications, coating applications, paint applications, fragrance-releasing applications or pharmaceutical applications.

[0134] The present invention will now be illustrated using examples.

[0135] Example Aerogel preparation Aerogel particles were prepared as follows: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, Texturecel 100G from IFF), sodium alginate (SA, Protanal LF120 from IFF), and colloidal silica (CS, Levasil CS15-340P from Nouryon) were mixed with water in different proportions at a given target concentration to obtain a 1 L volume of precursor solution.

[0136] The precursor solution was dropwise into a 5L salt bath to form hydrogel particles. The size of the hydrogel particles was controlled to be between 1mm and 2mm in diameter by a dropwise method. The water in the hydrogel particles was replaced with approximately 98% ethanol through ten steps by soaking them in 98% ethanol at ten times their volume for approximately 3 hours. The resulting alcohol-gel particles were dried with supercritical CO2 to obtain aerogel particles. In some cases, the aerogel particles were hydrophobized by placing 1L of particles on a support above 30mL of hexamethyldisiloxane in a glass jar and placing them in a closed 3L autoclave at 130°C for 12 hours. The aerogel particles were ground into powder (particle size 10-250 μm) by mixing in a kitchen blender for approximately 60 seconds.

[0137] Bioaerogel 1: polycarboxylate / CS 80:20 and polycarboxylate 75:25 CMC / SA, 2.4 wt%, calcium chloride / aluminum chloride gel bath (20 g / L CaCl2.2H2O, 20 g / L AlCl3.6H2O), grinding density 20 g / L.

[0138] Bioaerogel 2: Polycarboxylate / CS silica 80:20 and polycarboxylate 75:25 CMC / SA, 2.4 wt%, calcium chloride / aluminum chloride gel bath (20 g / L CaCl2.2H2O, 20 g / L AlCl3.6H2O), grinding density 20 g / L, hydrophobic.

[0139] Bioaerogel 3: polycarboxylate, with a CMC / SA ratio of 75:25, 2.0% by weight, aluminum chloride gel bath (30 g / L AlCl3·6H2O), and a grinding density of 15 g / L.

[0140] Viscosity measurements For viscosity measurements, 100 g of the liquid phase was mixed with varying amounts of aerogel powder, briefly stirred with a spatula, and homogenized for 30 seconds at 8000 rpm using a high-speed homogenizer (Silverson L5M-A). Viscosity was measured for 30 seconds using 150 mL of the mixture in a glass beaker at 50 rpm in an IKA Rotavisc me-vi rotational viscometer.

[0141] Absorption capacity at the wet point To measure the absorbance at the wet point, the method described in WP2012084780, which uses multiple liquid phases, is employed: the adsorption capacity measured at the wet point, denoted as Wp, corresponds to the amount of oil that needs to be added to 100g of particles to obtain a homogeneous paste. It is measured according to the wet point method or the method for determining the oil absorption of powder as described in standard NF T 30-022. By measuring the wet point, which corresponds to the amount of oil adsorbed onto the adsorbable surface of the powder and / or absorbed by the powder, as follows: A certain amount (m=2g) of powder is placed on a glass plate, and oil is added dropwise. After adding 4-5 drops of oil to the powder, it is mixed using a spatula, and oil is continued to be added until an aggregate of oil and powder is formed. From this point, one drop of oil is added at a time, and the mixture is then ground with a spatula. When a firm, smooth paste is obtained, oil addition is stopped. This paste must be able to spread on a glass plate without breaking or forming lumps. The volume of oil used, Vs (in ml), is then recorded. The oil absorption corresponds to the ratio Vs / m.

[0142] Table 1: Viscosity Measurement. Table 2: Measurement of liquid absorption capacity at the wet point. References: “Aerogels as porous structures for food applications: Smartingredients and novel packaging materials“, Lara Manzocco et al in FoodStructure, vol 28, 2021, 100188 “Iron(iii)-cross-linked alginate hydrogels: a critical review”, Daniel Massana Roquero et al. Mater. Adv. , 2022, 3, 1849-1873 PCT / EP2023 / 055870 WO 2009 / 027310 Robitzer et al., 2008, Langmuir, 24(21), 12547-12552

Claims

1. A composition, in the form of an organogel, emulsion, or dual gel, comprising: (i) at least one non-aqueous liquid or paste phase (ii) Aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer The viscosity of the composition is greater than that of the at least one non-aqueous phase, and the aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / L or less, and the particle size of the aerogel powder is in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the aerogel is based on at least one polyionic biopolymer, the polyionic biopolymer being gelled in water with at least one trivalent or tetravalent metal cation.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the trivalent or tetravalent cation is selected from aluminum, iron, zirconium, tin, lead, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, silicon, and titanium.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyionic biopolymer is a polyanionic biopolymer, preferably selected from polyionic biopolymers of alginate, pectin, modified cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and hyaluronic acid.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerogel particles comprise a second material (SM), the second material (SM) being selected from lignin, tannin, polysaccharide, protein, synthetic polymer including block copolymers, structured polymer, synthetic polymer including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, pigment, opacifier, soft-focus filler, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powder, perlite, sunscreen agent or inorganic precursor.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerogel is a hybrid aerogel comprising... (A) 20-80% by mass of a second material (SM) and 20% by mass of an ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymer, but at least 25 kg / m 3 Ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers, or (B) 20-90% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 10% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate, or (C) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 15% by mass of pectin, but at least 20 kg / m 3 pectin, or (D) 20-80% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 20% by mass of CMC, but at least 25 kg / m 3 CMC, or (E) 20-85% by mass of secondary material (SM) and 7.5% by mass of alginate, but at least 15 kg / m 3 alginate and at least 10 kg / m 3 Non-algate ionically crosslinkable polycarboxylate polymers.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the non-aqueous phase comprises one or more saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic monocarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids and esters of saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched C1-C26 aliphatic monocarboxylic alcohols or polyols, or siloxanes, or silicone oils or fluorosilicone oils, non-aqueous fragrances, flavorings, nutrients, preservatives, pH adjusters, film-forming agents, dextran esters, sucrose esters, wetting agents, synthetic polymers including block copolymers or semi-crystalline polymers, structured polymers, sunscreens, silicone elastomers, pigments, mixed pigments or pigment complexes, opacifiers, blurring fillers, soft-focus fillers, spherical or layered inorganic or organic powders, perlite, and sunscreens.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerogel powder in the composition is present in an amount ranging from the aerogel particle packing density as a lower limit to the aerogel bead density as an upper limit, relative to the density of the non-aqueous phase comprising the aerogel powder.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition is a cosmetic composition, preferably a skin cosmetic, sunscreen, lipstick, makeup remover or skin moisturizer composition.

10. A method for preparing a composition, comprising: (A) A mixture comprising a non-aqueous component containing at least one non-aqueous liquid or paste component and at least one aerogel powder based on at least one polyionic biopolymer, The aerogel powder has a density of 30 g / L or less and a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 250 micrometers, the composition is an organic gel, emulsion or dual gel, and the viscosity of the composition is greater than the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aerogel powder is obtained by grinding aerogel beads with a particle diameter in the range of 0.1 to 4 mm.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the bulk density of the aerogel powder is 5% or more lower than the bulk density of the aerogel beads.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the aerogel powder causes the viscosity of the at least one non-aqueous phase to increase by at least 100%.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the aerogel is optionally treated at at least 130°C for at least 2 hours to improve grindability.

15. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a composition obtained or obtainable by any one of claims 10 to 14 in food applications, cosmetic applications, biomedical applications, agricultural applications, consumer applications, building applications, adhesive applications, coating applications, paint applications, fragrance-releasing applications, or pharmaceutical applications.

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