Cross-Linked Chitosan Shell Particles for Low-Viscosity Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chitosan-based delivery particles face challenges in delivering desired performance levels due to viscosity-building tendencies and processing difficulties, particularly in aqueous environments, limiting their effectiveness in treatment compositions.
Innovation Solution
The development of chitosan-based core/shell delivery particles with a specific weight average molecular weight range of 100 kDa to 600 kDa, combined with a cross-linking agent, to form a shell that enhances performance and processing convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If chitosan-based delivery particles are used, then biodegradability and environmental compatibility are improved, but delivery performance and processing ease deteriorate due to viscosity-building tendencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the molecular weight of chitosan (100-600 kDa range) and the cross-linking degree to optimize the balance between biodegradability and delivery performance. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal chitosan molecular weight range that provides sufficient structural integrity for effective benefit agent delivery while maintaining biodegradability and reducing excessive viscosity buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining chitosan with cross-linking agents to create a modified chitosan-based shell. This composite approach enhances the mechanical strength and stability of the delivery particles for improved benefit agent delivery performance, while the chitosan component maintains biodegradability. The cross-linked composite structure resolves the contradiction between environmental compatibility and delivery effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chitosan-based delivery particles are used, then biodegradability is improved, but processing ease deteriorates due to viscosity-building tendencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the chitosan molecular weight range (100-600 kDa) and controlling cross-linking parameters to reduce excessive viscosity buildup during processing. This parameter optimization maintains the biodegradable nature of chitosan while significantly improving processability and manufacturing ease by preventing gelation and viscosity-related handling difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cross-linking agents as intermediaries to modify chitosan properties. The cross-linking process creates a balanced network structure that reduces the viscosity-building tendencies of native chitosan while preserving its biodegradability, thereby improving processing ease without sacrificing environmental compatibility.
3Productivity
If chitosan molecular weight is increased to improve delivery performance, then benefit agent delivery efficiency is improved, but viscosity buildup increases making processing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining a specific molecular weight range (100-600 kDa) for chitosan that optimizes the balance between delivery efficiency and processing ease. This parameter specification resolves the contradiction by identifying the optimal molecular weight window where chitosan provides sufficient structural integrity for effective benefit agent delivery without excessive viscosity buildup that would complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cross-linked chitosan structures that replicate the beneficial delivery properties of high molecular weight chitosan while maintaining easier processing characteristics. The cross-linking creates a stable network that mimics the performance of higher molecular weight chitosan without the associated viscosity problems, effectively copying the desirable traits while eliminating the processing difficulties.
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 selected molecular weight range of chitosan improves the delivery performance and processing characteristics of the particles, resulting in better deposition efficiency and stability, while maintaining biodegradability.
Implementation Method 1
the shell includes a polymeric material that is the reaction product of chitosan and a cross-linking agent
Data Source
AI summary
A population of core/shell delivery particles, where the shell is made, at least in part, of a polymeric material that is the reaction product of chitosan and a cross-linking agent, where the chitosan is characterized by a particular weight average molecular weight, such as from 100 kDa to 600 kDa. Related methods of making and using such compositions.