Controlled-Release PMD Repellent Formulation for Long-Duration Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insect repellents with synthetic active ingredients have short durations, are volatile, and require frequent application, leading to issues like toxicity, irritancy, and resistance, while natural alternatives are too volatile for effective long-term use.

Innovation Solution

A formulation combining p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) isomers, a glycoside, an organic acid, and a divalent metal halide salt, which provides a controlled release of PMD isomers for extended insect repellency, reducing the need for frequent application and minimizing odor and irritancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If natural insect repellents are used, then health safety is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to high volatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth safetyVSAvoidduration of action
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a metal complex as an intermediary carrier that binds to the natural repellent molecule (PMD). This complex acts as a mediator that controls the release rate of the repellent, preventing rapid evaporation while maintaining safety. The metal complex structure allows controlled degradation to release PMD gradually over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the repellent system by forming a metal complex. This complexation modifies the volatility and release characteristics of PMD, transforming it from a rapidly evaporating natural repellent into a controlled-release system that maintains effective concentration over longer durations while preserving the safety profile of natural ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If synthetic insect repellents are used, then duration of action is improved, but harmful effects worsen due to toxicity and irritancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of actionVSAvoidtoxicity and irritancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The metal complex serves as an intermediary that delivers natural repellent molecules in a controlled manner. This prevents the need to use high concentrations of synthetic repellents to achieve long duration, thereby avoiding their associated toxicity and irritancy issues while maintaining extended protection through controlled release of safe natural ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the delivery mechanism to a metal complex-based controlled release system, the patent enables the use of natural repellents at effective concentrations that provide long duration without the harmful effects of synthetic alternatives. The complexation and controlled degradation parameters allow sustained release at safe concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If frequent application of repellent is required, then protection effectiveness is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to busy lifestyles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The metal complex acts as a long-lasting intermediary carrier that maintains effective repellent concentrations on the skin for extended periods. This eliminates the need for frequent reapplication, making the system more convenient for users with busy lifestyles while preserving continuous protection effectiveness through controlled release over many hours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuous useful action by designing a controlled release system that maintains effective repellent concentrations over extended periods. The metal complex degrades gradually to provide uninterrupted protection, eliminating gaps between applications and ensuring continuous effectiveness without requiring frequent user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If increased concentration of active ingredient is applied, then protection effectiveness is improved, but harmful effects worsen due to toxicity and irritancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and irritancy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The metal complex serves as a controlled-release intermediary that provides effective protection through gradual degradation and release of natural repellent molecules. This controlled mechanism maintains effective concentrations over time without requiring high initial doses, thereby achieving protection effectiveness while avoiding toxicity and irritancy associated with high concentrations of active ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the release parameters by using metal complexation, which controls the rate at which the active ingredient is released. This parameter change allows effective concentrations to be maintained over extended periods through controlled degradation, avoiding the need to apply high concentrations that would cause toxicity and irritancy while preserving continuous protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 formulation achieves almost complete protection with low application rates, maintaining a long-duration effect and reducing the concentration of active ingredients, thus minimizing health risks and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

Topical and spatial repellents are volatile molecules that, upon evaporation, provide a protective zone above the skin or in the surrounding area that prevents mosquitos from landing and/or biting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4646930A1Long-duration formulation
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 GLYCOSCIENCE SL
  • EP4646930A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4646930A1 patent drawingFigure 2.1
  • EP4646930A1 patent drawingFigure 2.2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a formulation. It exhibits a long-duration insect repellent effect. It relates also to the use of said repellent formulation, to said formulation for use as a medicament, to a method of use thereof, and to a composition comprising said formulation.