Biobased Polyglyceryl Ester Surfactants for Preservative Solubilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for nonionic surfactants that can solubilize or microemulsify water-insoluble microbiostatic and microbiocidal ingredients without inhibiting their biological effects, and these surfactants should be based on renewable carbon sources to meet market demand for sustainable ingredients.

Innovation Solution

Biobased polyglyceryl ester compositions with a precise balance of hydrophilic and lipophilic characteristics are developed, allowing for stable, transparent aqueous solutions that do not inhibit the activity of microbiostatic/microbiocidal compounds, and are synthesized using biobased polyglyceryl groups and fatty acids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional nonionic surfactants (e.g., polysorbates) are used to solubilize water-insoluble ingredients, then solubilization and microemulsification performance is improved, but the biological activity of microbiostatic and microbiocidal ingredients is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolubilization capacityVSAvoidbiological activity retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of polyglyceryl esters by controlling the degree of esterification (DE) to fall within a specific range of 5-20%. This parameter optimization allows the surfactant to maintain effective solubilization capacity while avoiding the inhibition of microbiostatic and microbiocidal ingredients' biological activity, thus resolving the contradiction between solubilization performance and biological activity retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining polyglyceryl backbone with specific fatty acid esters (DE 5-20%). This composite structure integrates the surfactant properties needed for solubilization with the biocompatibility required to preserve biological activity, enabling simultaneous achievement of both functions without mutual interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If polyglyceryl esters are synthesized with high esterification to maximize surface and interfacial activity, then emulsification and solubilization performance is improved, but the compatibility with microbiostatic/microbiocidal ingredients deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface and interfacial activityVSAvoidinhibition of biological effects

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes an optimal parameter range for degree of esterification (DE 5-20%) that balances surface and interfacial activity with compatibility toward microbiostatic and microbiocidal ingredients. This parameter optimization prevents excessive esterification that would lead to biological activity inhibition while maintaining sufficient surfactant performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If petrochemical-based surfactants are used to ensure consistent performance, then reliability is improved, but sustainability and consumer appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance consistencyVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular structure parameters of biobased polyglyceryl esters (specifically DE 5-20% and controlled fatty acid composition) to achieve performance consistency comparable to petrochemical surfactants. This parameter optimization ensures that biobased ingredients can deliver reliable solubilization and emulsification performance while meeting sustainability requirements and consumer demand for natural ingredients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compositions provide stable, transparent aqueous solutions that effectively preserve against microbial contamination while maintaining the activity of microbiostatic/microbiocidal compounds, and are suitable for use in personal care and cosmetic products.

Implementation Method 1

PGEs may be employed as surfactants for the solubilization or microemulsification of water-insoluble species in aqueous media to yield stable, clear, i.e. transparent, solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicelle formation: Microemulsion

Implementation Method 2

the compositions provide stable, transparent aqueous solutions that effectively preserve against microbial contamination while maintaining the activity of microbiostatic/microbiocidal compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobiostatic and microbiocidal activity: Preservative

Data Source

PatentUS12527732B2Biobased polyglyceryl esters and compositions comprising the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 INOLEX INVESTMENT CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to biobased polyglyceryl ester compounds and compositions and formulations comprising same, processes for preparing the inventive biobased polyglyceryl ester compositions, as well as applications thereof including the use of the inventive compounds and compositions in formulations of products or components of products. The biobased polyglyceryl ester composition may comprise a mixture including one or more compounds of Formula (I):wherein: PG is a polyglyceryl group comprising greater than 40% hexaglycerol and higher polyglycerols and less than 60% pentaglycerol and lower polyglycerols,R is a linear or branched C5-C8 alkyl group,n=from 1 to 3, andwherein substantially all of the carbon present in the one or more compounds of Formula (I) is biobased.