Biodegradable Microparticles for Stable Active Substance Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encapsulation technologies for active substances result in persistent polymer particles, known as microplastics, due to non-biodegradable polymers used in forming polymer shells or particles, which persist over extended periods and are not easily degradable under ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
Development of microparticles containing a water-immiscible active substance, encapsulated with a matrix of phospholipids, sterols, polypeptides, and optionally positively charged polysaccharides, capable of forming non-covalent interactions, which are designed to be biodegradable and stable, avoiding the formation of microplastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer shells or polymer particles are used for encapsulation, then encapsulation stability and controlled release are achieved, but persistent microplastics are formed that do not degrade under ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the encapsulation material from conventional non-biodegradable polymers to a specific matrix comprising phospholipids (40-70 wt%), sterols (10-30 wt%), polypeptides (10-30 wt%), and optionally polysaccharides (5-20 wt%). This parameter change transforms the material from persistent to biodegradable while maintaining encapsulation functionality through non-covalent interactions among matrix components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material system combining multiple biodegradable components (phospholipids, sterols, polypeptides, and polysaccharides) that work synergistically through non-covalent interactions. This composite approach provides both the structural stability needed for encapsulation and the biodegradability required to avoid microplastic persistence, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for encapsulation, then environmental persistence is reduced, but encapsulation stability and controlled release performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates stabilizing components (sterols and polypeptides) into the matrix formulation from the outset to pre-establish structural integrity. These components form non-covalent interactions with phospholipids and active substances during encapsulation, creating a stable structure that maintains its function throughout the intended release period before eventual biodegradation, thus preventing stability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the weight percentage parameters of each matrix component to achieve the desired balance. Phospholipids (40-70 wt%) provide the base structure, sterols (10-30 wt%) enhance stability and control release, and polypeptides (10-30 wt%) contribute to both stability and biodegradability. This precise parameter control ensures encapsulation reliability is maintained while preserving biodegradability.
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 microparticles provide excellent release profiles and form stable formulations that degrade easily, preventing the persistence of microplastics and offering controlled release of active substances without environmental harm.
Implementation Method 1
an inorganic salt IS capable of interacting with at least one of the components i) to iv) via formation of non-covalent bonds
Implementation Method 2
designed to be biodegradable and stable, avoiding the formation of microplastics
Data Source
AI summary
Microparticle, wherein said microparticle contains one or more active substance, said one or more active substance being water immiscible, wherein said one or more active substance is liquid (at 21° C.) or dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent S that is immiscible with water, and wherein said microparticle contains i) at least one phospholipid PL, ii) at least one sterol ST, iii) at least one at least one polypeptide PP, iv) optionally at least one polysaccharide PS that is overall positively charged, and v) optionally an inorganic salt IS capable of interacting with at least one of the components i) to iv) via formation of non-covalent bonds.