Topical Analgesic Spray Film-Forming Polymer Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current topical analgesic spray compositions with menthol and camphor face challenges in achieving high concentrations while maintaining a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and quick-drying properties, especially when aerosolized, due to the physical properties of menthol and camphor being oleaginous and solid at room temperature.
Innovation Solution
The development of topical analgesic spray compositions that combine menthol and camphor with a large quantity of alcohol as a solvent and a high proportion of propellants, forming a quick-drying film layer on the skin, which includes a film-forming polymer agent to create an encapsulating matrix for sustained delivery of actives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If high concentrations of menthol and camphor are used in topical analgesic spray compositions, then pain relief duration is improved, but skin feel becomes greasy and drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water-soluble polymers (carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, or polyvinyl alcohol) as intermediary substances that form a film matrix to encapsulate the oleaginous menthol and camphor. This film-forming polymer acts as a mediator between the oily active ingredients and the aqueous spray vehicle, allowing high concentrations of menthol (2-16 wt%) and camphor (1-16 wt%) to be delivered without greasy skin feel. The polymer film provides a smooth, non-greasy tactile sensation while sustaining release of the active ingredients over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and release characteristics of menthol and camphor by incorporating them into a polymer film matrix. The film-forming polymer alters the parameters of active ingredient delivery by controlling evaporation rates and providing sustained release, thereby maintaining effective concentrations without the immediate greasy sensation associated with high concentrations of free oleaginous materials.
2Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of menthol and camphor are aerosolized in spray formulations, then active ingredient delivery is improved, but spray uniformity and flow consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble polymer serves as an intermediary that stabilizes the aerosol spray by forming a uniform film matrix that encapsulates high concentrations of menthol and camphor. This polymer mediator ensures consistent flow and uniform spray distribution by preventing phase separation and maintaining homogeneity throughout the aerosolized formulation, even at high active ingredient concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining water-soluble polymers with oleaginous active ingredients (menthol and camphor) in an aerosol spray formulation. This composite approach allows the formulation to maintain both high active ingredient concentration and spray uniformity, as the polymer matrix provides structural integrity and consistent flow characteristics during aerosolization.
3Device complexity
If conventional water and alcohol co-solvent systems are used, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but solubility of high concentrations of menthol and camphor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble polymer acts as an intermediary substance that enhances the solubility and stability of high concentrations of menthol and camphor in aqueous-based spray formulations. By introducing this polymer mediator, the formulation can accommodate up to 16 wt% menthol and 16 wt% camphor while maintaining formulation simplicity and avoiding the need for complex co-solvent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite formulation system where water-soluble polymers combine with high concentrations of oleaginous active ingredients to create a stable, homogeneous spray formulation. This composite material approach significantly improves active ingredient solubility and stability compared to conventional water-alcohol co-solvent systems, while maintaining relative formulation simplicity.
4Loss of time
If quick-drying properties are achieved through high propellant content, then drying time is reduced, but active ingredient loss through volatilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble polymer film acts as an intermediary barrier that reduces active ingredient volatilization during the quick-drying process. As the propellant evaporates rapidly, the polymer matrix forms a protective film that entraps menthol and camphor molecules, preventing their loss through volatilization while still allowing the formulation to dry quickly on the skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition principles where the polymer undergoes film formation upon solvent evaporation. This phase change from dissolved polymer to solid film occurs rapidly during drying, creating an encapsulating matrix that locks in the active ingredients and prevents their volatilization, thereby achieving both quick-drying properties and minimal active ingredient loss.
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
This approach allows for high concentrations of menthol and camphor to be effectively delivered as an aerosol spray, providing long-lasting pain relief with a quick-drying, no-rub application and minimizing active ingredient loss, while maintaining a smooth skin feel.
Implementation Method 1
combining the spray concentrate directly with a high proportion of propellants... 10 wt. % or more ethanol
Implementation Method 2
topical analgesic spray compositions that include and more than 2 wt. % menthol and more than 1 wt. % camphor... 75 wt. % or more of one or more propellants
Implementation Method 3
as a result of the large proportion of the solvent and propellants present and their rapid evaporation, the topical analgesic spray compositions are quick-drying
Implementation Method 4
which includes a film-forming polymer agent to create an encapsulating matrix for sustained delivery of actives
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are topical analgesic spray compositions and topical analgesic spray concentrates containing menthol and camphor in high concentrations. The present disclosure also provides organoleptic compositions for use in the topical analgesic spray compositions and concentrates to provide enhanced sensory experience and long-lasting pain-relief.