Dibenzoylmethane Photostability via Triplet Energy Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dibenzoylmethane derivatives used in sunscreens are sensitive to UV radiation, leading to rapid degradation and the need for frequent reapplication to maintain effective skin protection against UV rays.

Innovation Solution

Combining dibenzoylmethane derivatives with an amide oil and a compound capable of accepting the excited triplet level energy of dibenzoylmethane, enhancing the photochemical stability of the derivatives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If dibenzoylmethane derivatives are used as UV screening agents, then high intrinsic absorbing power is achieved, but photochemical stability deteriorates leading to rapid degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintrinsic absorbing powerVSAvoidphotochemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces triplet state energy acceptors as intermediary substances that mediate between the dibenzoylmethane derivative and UV radiation. These acceptors receive excess energy from excited dibenzoylmethane molecules through triplet-triplet energy transfer, preventing degradation and maintaining both high absorbing power and photochemical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite photoprotective system combining dibenzoylmethane derivatives with triplet state energy acceptors. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously exhibit the high UV absorption capability of dibenzoylmethane and the enhanced photostability provided by the energy acceptors, resolving the contradiction between absorbing power and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If dibenzoylmethane derivatives are used for skin protection, then effective UV screening is achieved, but duration of action decreases due to rapid degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin protection effectivenessVSAvoidprotection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Triplet state energy acceptors act as mediators that extend the functional lifetime of dibenzoylmethane derivatives by continuously managing their excited state energy. This intermediary mechanism ensures sustained protection effectiveness over longer periods without degradation, maintaining reliable skin protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy transfer system enables continuous useful action by preventing the termination of dibenzoylmethane's protective function through degradation. The triplet state energy acceptors continuously manage excited states, ensuring the screening agent remains active and effective throughout extended exposure periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If higher concentrations of dibenzoylmethane are used to maintain protection, then UV screening effectiveness is improved, but photodegradation accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening effectivenessVSAvoidphotodegradation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The triplet state energy acceptor serves as an intermediary that protects dibenzoylmethane molecules from photodegradation even at higher concentrations. By providing an alternative energy dissipation pathway, it reduces the loss of dibenzoylmethane substance while maintaining or enhancing screening effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful excess energy that would cause degradation into a beneficial protective mechanism. The triplet state energy acceptors utilize the excited state energy that would otherwise be destructive, transforming it into a harmless energy transfer process that actually protects the screening agent.

Inventive Principle:

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

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

Significantly improves the photostability of dibenzoylmethane derivatives, providing sustained protection against UV radiation without the need for frequent reapplication.

Implementation Method 1

a compound capable of accepting the excited triplet level energy of the said dibenzoylmethane derivative

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriplet-triplet energy transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS7357920B2Photostable photoprotective compositions comprising dibenzoylmethane and amide oil compounds and a compound that accepts the excited triplet level energy of said dibenzoylmethane(s)

Publication Date: 2008.04.15 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Topically applicable, improvedly photostabilized, photoprotective cosmetic/dermatological compositions contain (i) an effective UV-screening amount of at least one dibenzoylmethane sunscreen and an effective photostabilizing amount of (ii) at least one oil containing at least one amide structural unit and (iii) at least one compound accepting the excited triplet level energy of said at least one dibenzoylmethane sunscreen, formulated into (iv) a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable support therefor.