Aluminum-Stabilized Silicate Glass Particle Coatings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Silicon oxide coatings on particles are ineffective in aqueous environments, leading to premature dissolution and exposure of core particle surfaces, which is undesirable for biological applications, as they result in the premature release of surface-bound targeting molecules.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating aluminum into the silicon oxide coating to form a three-dimensional network of interconnected molecular units, increasing the stability of the shell in aqueous solutions by modifying the molecular structure to include AlOm(OH)n units, thereby maintaining the physical and optical properties of the shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicon oxide coating is used to protect particles, then protection against some environments is achieved, but dissolution rate in aqueous solutions becomes unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining silicon oxide with aluminum oxide to form a silicate glass shell. This composite structure leverages the protective properties of silicon oxide while incorporating aluminum oxide to reduce dissolution rate in aqueous solutions. The synergistic combination of these two materials creates a shell that maintains protection against environmental degradation while significantly improving stability in biological and aqueous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the protective shell. Specifically, it adjusts the SiO2:Al2O3 ratio within the range of 95:5 to 50:50 (by weight) to optimize the balance between protection and dissolution resistance. This compositional parameter adjustment transforms the shell from a rapidly dissolving silicon oxide coating to a stable silicate glass structure suitable for biological applications.
2Reliability
If calcining is used to increase stability of silicon oxide coating, then dissolution resistance is improved, but particle agglomeration increases and chemical entities are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by replacing the high-temperature calcining process with a low-temperature sol-gel synthesis approach. Instead of heating to high temperatures to condense Si-OH bonds, the invention uses controlled hydrolysis and condensation of silane precursors at moderate temperatures to form the silicate glass shell. This parameter change in processing temperature prevents particle agglomeration while still achieving stable Si-O-Si linkages and desired coating stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the thermal field (high-temperature calcining) with a chemical field (sol-gel chemistry). The condensation of Si-OH bonds into Si-O-Si linkages is achieved through controlled chemical reactions in solution rather than high-temperature thermal treatment. This substitution eliminates the mechanical agglomeration problem while maintaining the chemical stability benefits.
3Reliability
If silicon oxide coating is used, then protection is provided, but surface-bound targeting molecules are prematurely released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by forming a silicate glass shell that combines the protective properties of silicon oxide with the enhanced stability of aluminum-containing glass structures. This composite shell provides a more stable surface environment that maintains binding interactions between targeting molecules and their targets for extended periods, preventing premature release while preserving the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the shell composition to include aluminum oxide, which alters the surface chemistry and structural stability. This compositional parameter change increases the durability of surface-bound targeting molecules, extending their binding duration and preventing premature release in biological environments.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates generally to material systems which include a plurality of particles and methods of making the same. The particles have a core and a shell which encapsulates the core and has at least one atomic element not included in the core. The cores of the particles have a median maximum dimension that is less than 10 microns and a median of at least one axial dimension that is between 10 nm and 500 nm. The shells of the particles have a median thickness that is less than 100 nm, a silicon concentration that is between 10% and 50% on the basis of the weight of the shells, and an aluminum concentration that is between 0.01% and 5% on the basis of the weight of the shells.