Ceramide Nano-Emulsions via Phase Inversion Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for topical delivery of ceramides, including ceramide nano-emulsions, are inefficient and costly, limiting the biological utility of ceramides due to their insolubility and the high energy requirements of conventional emulsification processes.
Innovation Solution
A low-impact method for creating highly absorbable, concentrated water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions using a combination of emulsifiers, glycols, and ceramides, where the aqueous phase is mixed with ceramides and optionally oils to form a stable emulsion with a low water ratio, allowing for efficient topical delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high-energy emulsification processes (high-pressure homogenizers, micro-fluidizers, sonication) are used to create ceramide nano-emulsions, then the ceramides can be delivered topically, but the energy consumption and production costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system by using phase inversion temperature (PIT) methodology. Instead of applying high mechanical energy, the process utilizes temperature-induced phase inversion of nonionic surfactants to spontaneously form nano-emulsions. This transforms the emulsification mechanism from mechanical disruption to thermodynamic phase transition, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective ceramide delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical emulsification systems (high-pressure homogenizers, micro-fluidizers, sonication equipment) with a chemical-thermodynamic system based on phase inversion temperature. The mechanical forces are substituted by surfactant phase behavior changes at critical temperatures, eliminating the need for expensive high-energy equipment while achieving the same nano-emulsion formation
2Reliability
If conventional high-energy emulsification processes are used, then ceramide nano-emulsions can be formed, but the production costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs simple, inexpensive laboratory glassware (beakers, hot plates, stirrers) instead of costly industrial homogenization equipment. The process uses readily available nonionic surfactants and standard heating equipment, making the manufacturing accessible to small-scale producers and significantly reducing capital investment and operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from mechanical parameters (pressure, shear rate, sonication power) to thermal parameters (phase inversion temperature), the invention enables a low-cost manufacturing approach. The phase inversion temperature method requires only heating capability, transforming an expensive mechanical process into an affordable thermal process
3Reliability
If ceramides are used in topical preparations, then skin barrier function is improved, but the bioavailability is limited due to ceramide insolubility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses nonionic surfactants as intermediary agents that solubilize insoluble ceramides. The surfactants form micellar structures that encapsulate ceramide molecules, acting as carriers that enable the hydrophobic ceramides to be dispersed and delivered in aqueous topical formulations, thereby improving bioavailability without compromising skin barrier function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite nano-emulsion systems where ceramides are combined with surfactants in specific ratios to form stable nano-sized droplets. This composite structure integrates the skin-beneficial properties of ceramides with the solubilizing and emulsifying properties of surfactants, achieving both improved bioavailability and skin barrier enhancement
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
This method enables the formation of stable, highly lipophilic emulsions that enhance the bioavailability and skin barrier function of ceramides, improving skin health and drug delivery while reducing production costs and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
mixing one or more emulsifiers and one or more glycols at to form an aqueous homogenous mixture
Implementation Method 2
mixing one or more ceramides with the homogeneous mixture to form a water in oil emulsion
Implementation Method 3
The phase inversion temperature method is a low-energy process based on the changes in solubility of polyoxyethylene type of nonionic surfactants with temperature
Implementation Method 4
These surfactants become lipophilic with increasing temperature because of dehydration of the polyoxyethylene chains
Implementation Method 5
Heating both phases prior to mixing promotes a smaller particle size due to a lowering of the interfacial tension
Implementation Method 6
Heating both phases prior to mixing promotes a smaller particle size due to a lowering of the interfacial tension
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are low impact methods of creating concentrated water-in-oil and oil-in-water nanosized emulsions, effective therapeutic carriers for skin aging preparations. To achieve optimum multifunctional activity, ceramide and plant-based ceramides are selected to naturally mimic epidermal composition; and are made into evenly dispersed, small droplet, high-absorption skincare treatment emulsions. The water-in-oil emulsion is a highly stable, low-water ratio concentrate, of particular benefit to dry and aging skin types. The oil-in-water lipophilic emulsion maximizes lipid and nutrient release into the epidermis (stratum basale to stratum corneum). Lipophilic compositions are non-irritating and highly absorbable, resulting in superior skin health; specifically skin barrier keratinocyte, lipid and hydration improvements and aesthetic improvements, including skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction, while decreasing potential dermatitis and similar. Oil-in-water emulsions are achieved using a novel low-energy, low-cost flip phase methodology, in contrast to hot-stage high pressure homogenization techniques which yield inconsistent droplet sizes and are subject to oxidation.