Cyclodextrin Polymer Synthesis via Direct-Melt Polycondensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing cyclodextrin polymers face limitations such as low yields, uncontrollable molecular weights, and restricted use of crosslinking agents due to solubility issues and temperature constraints, leading to polymers with limited effectiveness in molecular encapsulation and solubility, particularly for pharmaceutical applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel process that uses a mixture of cyclodextrins and crosslinking agents without water, employing heating to produce polymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and tetrapolymers with higher yields and broader applicability, allowing the use of all types of acids as crosslinking agents and enabling the synthesis of polymers with improved solubility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used to produce cyclodextrin polymers, then polymer production is achieved, but the yield is very low (less than 10% for soluble polymers)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the reaction system by using a melt reaction at elevated temperatures (above the melting point of crosslinking agents) instead of aqueous solution reactions. This parameter change enables the use of dibasic and polycarboxylic acids as crosslinking agents, which are not soluble in water, and dramatically improves polymer yield from less than 10% to over 80% for soluble polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional aqueous solution-based chemical reaction system with a melt reaction system. This substitution eliminates solubility constraints on crosslinking agents and allows direct heating to drive the polycondensation reaction, achieving high yields without the need for extensive purification by dialysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If crosslinking agents in the form of tri- or polycarboxylic acids are used at temperatures of 100°C to 200°C, then polymer synthesis is possible, but the use of dibasic or monobasic agents is limited because higher temperatures (210°C to 270°C) are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of limiting crosslinking agent selection based on traditional temperature constraints, the patent inverts the approach by selecting crosslinking agents first (including dibasic and monobasic acids) and then optimizing the reaction temperature accordingly. This allows the use of a broader range of crosslinking agents with appropriate melting points, expanding versatility while maintaining processability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the process uses water as a solvent, then reagents can be dissolved, but the esterification reaction equilibrium limits polymer yield and requires long purification times (60 hours of dialysis)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the reaction system entirely, replacing the aqueous solution medium with a melt reaction system. This eliminates the solubility limitations and equilibrium constraints of water-based esterification, allowing the reaction to proceed to completion without forming water that would reverse the reaction. The process achieves high yields directly without requiring lengthy dialysis purification.
4Reliability
If native cyclodextrins are used, then the inclusion ability is maintained, but the solubility in water is limited (127 g/l for α-CD, 18.8 g/l for β-CD, 236 g/l for γ-CD)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite polymer structures where cyclodextrin units are linked through crosslinking agents to form polymers and copolymers. This composite approach combines the inclusion ability of native cyclodextrins with the enhanced solubility and processability of polymer materials, achieving both high inclusion performance and improved solubility in the final product.
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 process results in cyclodextrin-based polymers with enhanced solubility and stability, enabling more effective molecular encapsulation and broader pharmaceutical applications, with higher yields and greater flexibility in polymer composition and properties.
Implementation Method 1
Fusion of the crosslinking agent or the mixture of crosslinking agents in a reactor by heating at a temperature between 90° C. and 400° C.
Implementation Method 2
heating to produce polymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and tetrapolymers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel method for synthesizing a composition of polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers, and to the use thereof, said composition being made from: cyclodextrins, in particular α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, the derivatives or corresponding mixtures thereof, and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or of calix[n]arene derivative(s) and/or a mixture of two or more different calix[n]arenes selected from calix[n]arenes (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof, and to the uses thereof. A method was developed on the basis of direct-melt polycondensation. The invention can be used in the pharmaceutical, human medicine, veterinary medicine, chemistry, separation chemistry, environmental, electronics, biological, diagnostics, phytosanitation, medicinal food, agri-food, and cosmetics fields, and in the nutraceutical field and in the field of molecular imprints (MIP).