Aqueous Ethylcellulose Gel Composition for Controlled Topical Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethylcellulose, being hydrophobic, has limited solubility in water and cannot function as a gelling polymer to control the release rate of active ingredients in aqueous gel formulations for topical application.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hydrophilic gelling agent, such as carrageenan, into an aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose to form an aqueous gel that allows for controlled release of active ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ethylcellulose is used as a gelling agent in aqueous gel formulations, then controlled release of active ingredients is achieved, but ethylcellulose cannot form a gel structure due to its hydrophobicity and limited water solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ethylcellulose (hydrophobic polymer providing controlled release) with hydrophilic gelling agents (such as carbomers, cellulose derivatives, or natural polymers) to create a composite gel system. The hydrophilic component forms the gel network structure in aqueous medium while the ethylcellulose provides the controlled release mechanism, allowing both functions to coexist in the same formulation.
2Reliability
If ethylcellulose concentration is increased to improve controlled release, then release rate control is enhanced, but gel stability and homogeneity deteriorate due to poor water solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of both ethylcellulose and hydrophilic gelling agents to achieve the desired balance. By carefully controlling the ratio and amounts of each component, the formulation maintains gel homogeneity and stability while sufficient ethylcellulose is present to provide effective controlled release functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophilic gelling agents are added to aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion, then gel structure is formed, but the complexity of formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the formulation into distinct functional components: hydrophilic gelling agents that form the gel structure and ethylcellulose that provides controlled release. This segmentation of functions allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific role while maintaining overall formulation simplicity through clear functional assignment.
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 gel composition exhibits controlled release of active ingredients over an extended period, maintaining gel integrity and spreadability, with ethylcellulose retarding migration into the skin and carrageenan enhancing gel properties.
Implementation Method 1
when a hydrophilic gelling agent is added to an aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose, it is possible to obtain an aqueous gel in which an active ingredient may be incorporated and from which it is released at a controlled rate
Implementation Method 2
ethylcellulose, being hydrophobic, has limited solubility in water and cannot function as a gelling polymer to control the release rate of active ingredients
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2
AI summary
An aqueous gel composition for topical application comprises a physiologically active ingredient, an aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose, and a carrageenan.