Curcuma longa L. Extract for Broad-Spectrum UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunscreen chemicals fail to provide adequate protection across the UV spectrum, with titanium dioxide posing cancer risks and existing extraction methods for Curcuma longa L. extracts using toxic solvents and complex, costly processes.
Innovation Solution
A purified liquid extract from Curcuma longa L. roots using a non-toxic solvent, such as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (TWEEN 80) or isopropyl myristate, which functions as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, providing broad-spectrum UV protection without titanium dioxide and simplifying the extraction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If titanium dioxide is used to extend UVA protection range, then UVA protection is improved, but cancer risk increases due to skin penetration and UV conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes titanium dioxide from the sunscreen formulation and replaces it with Curcuma longa L. extract, which provides broad-spectrum UV protection without the cancer risks associated with titanium dioxide penetration and UV conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of UV radiation into a beneficial outcome by using Curcuma longa L. extract, which absorbs UV radiation and provides protection while simultaneously offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that protect skin health
2Reliability
If multiple sunscreen agents are combined to broaden UV protection spectrum, then UV protection coverage is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Curcuma longa L. extract as a multi-functional ingredient that simultaneously provides broad-spectrum UV protection (UVA and UVB), antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects, eliminating the need for multiple separate sunscreen agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (UV protection, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects) into a single natural extract, simplifying the formulation compared to using separate chemical agents for each function
3Manufacturing precision
If complex extraction processes are used to produce Curcuma longa L. extract, then extract purity is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes extraction parameters by using supercritical carbon dioxide instead of traditional solvents, achieving high extract purity with a simpler, more efficient process that avoids complex solvent removal and purification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical extraction processes with supercritical fluid extraction, which uses carbon dioxide in a supercritical state to efficiently extract curcuminoids without requiring complex filtration, evaporation, or purification steps
4Productivity
If toxic solvents are used in extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety and regulatory compliance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses supercritical carbon dioxide as an extraction solvent that can be easily removed by simple depressurization, leaving no toxic residuals in the final extract, thus achieving both high extraction efficiency and safety compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon dioxide as an inert, non-toxic solvent that creates a safe extraction environment, eliminating the hazards associated with toxic solvents while maintaining efficient curcuminoid extraction through supercritical fluid properties
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 solution offers enhanced bioavailability, stability, and compliance with FDA regulations, providing effective UVA and UVB protection while avoiding toxic residuals and complex processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
the Curcuma longa L. extract, surprisingly, has very good ultraviolet energy absorption properties across the entire wavelength range of interest
Implementation Method 2
a purified liquid extract from the roots of a Curcuma longa L. plant... The liquid extract also contains an at least substantially non-toxic extraction solvent that removes the compounds of interest from the roots
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of treating various types of tissue with safe extracts of Curcuma are provided. The processes provided include methods of making and using an extraction solvent that is at least substantially non-toxic and useful also as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in liquid dosage forms. The processes can produce a significantly higher yield from a single extraction than the state-of-the-art processes. For example, liquid dosage forms can be produced directly from the extraction process without requiring removal of the extraction solvent, reducing complexity and cost of processing over the state-of-the-art. Methods of making microemulsions and nanoemulsions are also provided to enhance the bioavailability and stability of the extracts.