Polymeric Carbon Nitride Crystal Form for ROS-Free UV Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UV-blocking agents, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, generate harmful reactive oxygen species and pose health risks, necessitating the development of a safe, stable, and biocompatible material that can absorb UV radiation across the entire spectrum.

Innovation Solution

A specific crystal form of polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) with unique X-ray and infrared spectra, thermally and chemically stable, and non-toxic, which absorbs UV-A and UV-B rays without generating reactive oxygen species, and can be adjusted to various colors for cosmetic applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If inorganic UV-blocking agents (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are used, then UV-blocking capability is improved, but skin safety deteriorates due to generation of reactive oxygen species

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV-blocking capabilityVSAvoidreactive oxygen species generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameter from inorganic metal oxides (ZnO, TiO2) to organic polymer carbon nitride, fundamentally altering the chemical properties to eliminate ROS generation while maintaining UV absorption capability across the 280-400nm spectrum

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite organic polymer structure (carbon nitride) that combines the UV-absorbing properties of inorganic materials with the biocompatibility of organic materials, achieving both effective UV blocking and skin safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If inorganic UV-blocking agents are used, then UV protection is provided, but biocompatibility deteriorates due to oxidative stress and cellular damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV radiation protectionVSAvoidbiocompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material class from inorganic to organic, specifically using polymer carbon nitride which demonstrates superior biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and lack of photocatalytic activity compared to inorganic alternatives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the previously harmful photocatalytic activity of inorganic UV filters into a beneficial property by using an organic polymer that absorbs UV energy without generating harmful radicals, thus eliminating the harm while preserving the protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 PCN effectively blocks UV radiation, is non-toxic and biocompatible, and can be formulated into cosmetic compositions to suit individual skin tones, providing broad-spectrum UV protection without the drawbacks of traditional inorganic agents.

Implementation Method 1

the PCN effectively blocks UVA and UVB radiation, preventing skin damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12629330B2Polymer carbon nitride, specific crystal form of said polymer carbon nitride, and ultraviolet ray-blocking use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 UNIST (ULSAN NAT INST OF SCI & TECH)
  • US12629330B2 patent drawing
  • US12629330B2 patent drawing
  • US12629330B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a polymer carbon nitride, a specific crystal form of the polymer carbon nitride, and a cosmetic composition, an ultraviolet ray-blocking composition, and an external use skin preparation composition, which include the polymer carbon nitride. The polymer carbon nitride according to one aspect of the present invention and a crystal form produced by a specific preparation example thereof can absorb both UVA and UVB, and thus can effectively protect the skin from ultraviolet rays while also being non-toxic and thus suitable for living bodies and lacking photoactivity. Therefore, the polymer carbon nitride and the crystal form can be utilized in a cosmetic composition, an ultraviolet ray-blocking composition and an external use skin preparation composition, which are applied to the living body. Moreover, the specific crystal forms of the polymer carbon nitride have different characteristics according to the manufacturing method, and thus may be used in a variety of ways according to the characteristics. Particularly, the crystal form of the polymer carbon nitride according to one aspect can be adjusted to various colors according to the preparation method, and thus can be utilized to obtain a composition having a desired color. Therefore, the crystal form can be suitably utilized to produce products of various colors suitable for the skin tones of individuals.