Ternary Cyclodextrin Mixture for Demographic-Specific Odor Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current deodorant compositions are inadequate in effectively addressing age and gender-specific body odors, as they fail to account for the varying chemical compositions of sweat across different life stages and genders, leading to inconsistent odor control.

Innovation Solution

A ternary mixture of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins in specific weight ratios (2:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:1:2, and 1.5:0.5) is used to create an odour-absorbing composition that effectively controls and masks body odors in teenagers, adult men, women, and older individuals by optimizing the prevalence of each cyclodextrin type based on the user's category.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of cyclodextrin is used, then the composition is simple and easy to manufacture, but it can only absorb a limited spectrum of body odors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor absorption spectrumVSAvoidcyclodextrin mixture composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three different types of cyclodextrins (α, β, and γ) into a single deodorant composition. Each cyclodextrin type has different cavity sizes that can accommodate various sized odor molecules, thereby expanding the overall odor absorption spectrum beyond what any single cyclodextrin type could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite material system consisting of multiple cyclodextrin polymers with different structural properties. The specific ratios of α-cyclodextrin (0.1-2.0%), β-cyclodextrin (0.1-1.0%), and γ-cyclodextrin (0.1-0.5%) create a composite that leverages the unique absorption characteristics of each component to handle diverse odor molecules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If antimicrobial agents and fragrances are used to control malodours, then odor masking is achieved, but the composition may cause skin irritation and does not address the root cause

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalodour controlVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using antimicrobial agents to kill bacteria or fragrances to mask odors, the patent employs cyclodextrins to bind with odor molecules through inclusion complexation. This converts the harmful odor molecules into benign complexes that can be easily removed, eliminating the need for potentially irritating chemicals while addressing the symptom without harming the skin.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Cyclodextrins act as intermediary molecules that facilitate the removal of odor molecules from the skin surface. The cyclodextrin cavity structure serves as a mediator that captures and sequesters odor molecules, preventing them from interacting with the skin and being perceived as unpleasant odors, without requiring direct contact between the skin and harsh antimicrobial or fragrance chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If activated charcoal and zeolites are used as odour absorbers, then some odor control is achieved, but they lack specificity for different age and gender-related body odors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveage and gender-specific odor controlVSAvoidabsorbent material efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by assigning different cyclodextrin types to target specific odor profiles associated with different demographic groups. The composition can be tailored with specific ratios of α, β, and γ-cyclodextrins to address the unique odor characteristics of teenagers, adult men, adult women, and elderly individuals, providing localized optimization for each group's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 specific cyclodextrin ratios significantly enhance the composition's ability to absorb and mask body odors, as demonstrated by sniff tests showing improved odor control across different age and gender groups, with the best results achieved for teenagers, women, men, and elderly individuals.

Implementation Method 1

The use of cyclodextrins to absorb odours including body odours such as perspiration malodours, is well known. Solid and liquid deodorant composition comprising cyclodextrins are disclosed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclusion complexation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3313533B1Deodorant composition comprising a mixture of alpha, beta and gamma cyclodextrin
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 AZIENDE CHIMHE RIUNITE ANGELINI FRANCESCO A C R A F
  • EP3313533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3313533B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3313533B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to an odour-absorbing composition comprising a mixture of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins, wherein the amount of one of said α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins is equal to or higher than the total amount of the other two cyclodextrins.