Boron Nitride Nanosheets with Biocompatible Coatings for UV Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Inorganic nanoparticles like TiO2 and ZnO used in sunscreens are photoreactive and prone to oxidation, raising cyto- and geno-toxic concerns with long-term exposure, despite coating attempts.

Innovation Solution

Development of emulsions containing biocompatible-coated boron nitride nanomaterials, such as hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets, which are thermally and chemically inert, providing stable UV absorption and improved biocompatibility through surface engineering with biomolecules like DNA, pectin, and non-ionic surfactants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inorganic nanoparticles (TiO2, ZnO) are used for UV protection, then UV absorption capability is improved, but photoreactivity and oxidation resistance deteriorate leading to cyto- and geno-toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV protection reliabilityVSAvoidcyto- and geno-toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses biocompatible materials (polymers, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) as intermediary coating layers on boron nitride nanomaterial surfaces. This coating acts as a mediator that provides UV protection functionality while eliminating the photoreactivity and toxicity issues of traditional inorganic nanoparticles. The biocompatible coating layer interfaces between the nanomaterial core and the biological environment, ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite nanomaterial structures by combining boron nitride nanomaterials with biocompatible materials through coating processes. This composite structure integrates the UV absorption properties of boron nitride with the biocompatibility and chemical stability of organic materials, achieving both protection functionality and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If coating is applied to prevent oxidation, then toxicity concerns are partially addressed, but complete prevention cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxicity reductionVSAvoidcomplete protection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects boron nitride as the core nanomaterial because it inherently possesses chemical inertness and oxidation resistance, creating an 'inert environment' at the nanoscale. This intrinsic stability, combined with biocompatible coatings, provides complete and reliable protection against photoreactivity and toxicity, unlike traditional inorganic nanoparticles that require coatings for partial protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If micron-size particles are used, then UV filtering capability is achieved, but opaque appearance and white streaks are produced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV filtering capabilityVSAvoidappearance transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional micron-size zero-dimensional particles to nanoscale two-dimensional boron nitride nanosheets. This dimensional change allows the materials to provide effective UV filtering through their large surface area and layered structure while maintaining transparency and avoiding white streak appearance due to their nanoscale dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Shape

If nanoparticle size is reduced below 100 nm, then transparency and UV range modulation are improved, but photoreactivity and oxidation susceptibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidphotoreactivity and oxidation

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite structures with boron nitride nanomaterial cores and biocompatible material shells. The nanoscale core provides transparency and UV range modulation, while the biocompatible coating shell eliminates photoreactivity and oxidation susceptibility, achieving both benefits simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 boron nitride nanomaterials offer stable, broad-spectrum UV protection with reduced toxicity and cost-effective production, enabling smooth skin coverage and multifunctional sunscreen products with enhanced stability and biocompatibility.

Implementation Method 1

stable, broad-spectrum UV protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

thermally and chemically inert, providing stable UV absorption and improved biocompatibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS11504311B2Boron nitride nanomaterial compositions

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Compositions contain boron nitride nanomaterials at least partially coated with biomolecules.