Calcium Phosphate Particles in Topical Antimicrobial Compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Excessive skin drying due to environmental factors and harsh cleansing products leads to skin barrier breaches, increasing the risk of infections, and existing alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective and damaging to the skin.
Innovation Solution
Topical compositions combining antimicrobial agents like benzalkonium chloride with calcium phosphate particles, which provide long-lasting sanitization and skin nourishment without using disinfectant alcohols, allowing for the delivery of skin-nourishing agents that moisturize and protect the skin while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alcohol-based sanitizers are used to kill microorganisms, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but skin moisture and barrier function deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces calcium phosphate particles as an intermediary carrier that delivers antimicrobial agents (benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine) and skin-nourishing agents (vitamins, botanical extracts) simultaneously. This mediator enables the antimicrobial to remain on skin longer without direct alcohol contact, while the calcium phosphate gradually releases nourishing agents to maintain skin barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation combining calcium phosphate particles with multiple active ingredients including antimicrobials, emollients, humectants, and skin-nourishing compounds. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of antimicrobial efficacy and skin nourishment, resolving the contradiction between killing pathogens and maintaining skin health.
2Reliability
If harsh cleansing products are used to remove pathogens, then antimicrobial effect is improved, but skin moisture and barrier function deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cleansing system by using calcium phosphate particles with specific size ranges (1-100 micrometers) and controlled release properties. This allows gentle cleansing that removes pathogens without stripping skin oils, unlike traditional harsh soaps. The controlled release of antimicrobial agents maintains effectiveness while reducing skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calcium phosphate particles provide continuous release of both antimicrobial agents and skin-nourishing compounds over time. This continuous action maintains pathogen removal effectiveness while simultaneously and continuously nourishing the skin, preventing the intermittent harsh cleansing cycles that cause dryness and barrier damage.
3Loss of time
If alcohol evaporates quickly from skin, then application time is reduced, but antimicrobial protection duration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calcium phosphate particles enable continuous release of antimicrobial agents over an extended period (several hours to days), replacing the quick-evaporating alcohol with a sustained-release system. This maintains antimicrobial protection continuously without requiring frequent reapplication, resolving the contradiction between quick application and long-lasting protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial release of antimicrobial agents from calcium phosphate particles, providing just enough continuous low-level antimicrobial action to maintain protection without the need for high initial concentrations that would require frequent reapplication. This partial continuous action extends protection duration while maintaining effectiveness.
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 effectively kill 99.9% of microorganisms for several hours, provide moisturization, and improve skin health by delivering nutrients from within, reducing dryness and the risk of infections while being gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
use a calcium phosphate component as a delivery system to bind with and deliver the benefits of calcium and skin nourishing agents
Implementation Method 2
deliver the benefits of calcium and skin nourishing agents, e.g., botanical and herbal extracts, anti-inflammatoires, anti-oxidants, vitamins and emollients, of the formulation into the skin where they work from inside out
Implementation Method 3
sanitizing active antimicrobial agent, e.g., benzalkonium chloride, remains on the skin's surface and kills 99.9% of microorganisms (Bacteria, Fungi & Viruses)
Implementation Method 4
moisturizing and nourishing the skin
Data Source
AI summary
Topical nourishing/antimicrobial compositions are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an microbial agent, e.g., a quaternary ammonium compound, and calcium phosphate particles, where the compositions may optionally include one or more skin nourishing agents. Embodiments of the compositions include lotions and cleansers. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions.