Inhalator Capsule With Adsorbent Polymer Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsule materials for dry powder inhalers are permeable to humidity, leading to instability and inefficiency in storing and releasing pharmaceutical powders, as they can absorb or release moisture, causing stickiness and reduced fine particle delivery to the lungs.
Innovation Solution
Capsules made from a polymer composition incorporating at least one adsorbent, such as silica gel or zeolites, which helps maintain a stable environment by minimizing moisture exchange and improving mechanical strength for effective powder release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional capsule materials (hard gelatine, cellulose derivatives, synthetic plastics) are used, then the capsule can be given the required shape and fulfill its intended function, but the material is permeable to humidity in both directions, leading to moisture exchange that reduces stability and causes stickiness
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule wall is made from a composite material comprising a polymer matrix combined with an adsorbent substance (such as silica gel, zeolite, or activated carbon). This composite structure allows the capsule to maintain its mechanical integrity and shape while the adsorbent component actively absorbs and binds moisture molecules, preventing humidity permeation and maintaining stable internal conditions for the pharmaceutical powder.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the moisture permeability parameter of the capsule wall by incorporating adsorbent materials that fundamentally alter the material's interaction with water vapor. The adsorbent substances have high surface area and affinity for water molecules, transforming the capsule from a passive barrier to an active moisture-regulating system that maintains low and stable humidity levels inside the capsule.
2Ease of manufacture
If gelatine capsules are used, then the capsule can be easily manufactured and filled, but under humid conditions the material becomes sticky, impeding efficient filling and use, and the material is sensitive to moisture causing breakage when too dry
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule wall combines a polymer matrix (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate) with adsorbent substances. This composite provides both mechanical strength and moisture control, eliminating the stickiness problem of gelatine while maintaining manufacturability. The adsorbent component prevents humidity-induced softening, ensuring consistent mechanical properties during filling and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses synthetic polymer-based composite materials that are cost-effective and suitable for single-use disposable capsules. These materials can be easily molded into capsule shapes and provide reliable performance throughout their short service life, eliminating the need for complex preservation treatments required for gelatine.
3Device complexity
If capsules with conventional materials are used, then the capsule structure is simple, but the materials are permeable to humidity leading to reduced fine particle dose delivery to the lungs
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule wall uses a composite of polymer and adsorbent materials that maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving moisture control. The adsorbent component (such as silica gel or zeolite particles dispersed in the polymer matrix) actively manages humidity levels, preventing moisture-induced aggregation of fine particles and ensuring consistent aerodynamic properties for optimal lung delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbent materials incorporated in the capsule wall possess porous structures with high surface area to volume ratios. These pores provide extensive binding sites for water molecules, enabling effective moisture absorption while maintaining the overall structural integrity and simplicity of the capsule design. The porous adsorbent network creates a moisture-buffering effect that protects the pharmaceutical powder.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adsorbent polymer composition enhances the stability and usability of the capsules by preventing moisture-related issues, maintaining the chemical composition, and ensuring a higher proportion of fine particles reach the lungs, thereby extending both short-term and long-term stability of the inhalation formulation.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the wall has a polymer composition that contains at least one adsorbent
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 2c~2e
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule, which is used, in particular, in the form of a package for inhalation formulations and comprises at least one cavity encased by a wall. Said invention is characterised in that at least one part of the wall comprises a polymer composition containing at least one type of absorber. The preferred use thereof, an inhalator and a secondary packing means containing said capsule are also disclosed.