Electrospun Nanofiber Composition for Water-Based Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrospinning in pure water is challenging due to high surface tension and viscosity, which complicates the production of continuous nanofibers with consistent diameter and low environmental impact, as existing solutions often compromise ecological aspects.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, such as polysaccharides or proteins, combined with a spinning promoter like pullulan or alginate, allows for electrospinning in pure water, enabling the production of regular, defect-free nanofibers with high concentrations of active ingredients, up to 50% by weight, while maintaining ecological sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrospinning is performed in pure water, then environmental impact is reduced, but surface tension and viscosity prevent formation of continuous nanofibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spinning promoter as an intermediary substance that mediates between the polymer compound and water. This promoter reduces water's surface tension and viscosity, enabling the electrospinning process to proceed successfully in aqueous environments while maintaining fiber continuity and quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If additives are used to reduce surface tension and viscosity, then electrospinning becomes feasible, but ecological aspect is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the spinning promoter to achieve ecological compatibility. By selecting promoters with specific molecular structures and properties that are biodegradable and non-toxic, the process becomes both technically feasible and environmentally friendly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and ecology.
3Quantity of substance
If high concentration of active ingredients is incorporated, then product efficacy is improved, but viscosity increases making electrospinning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spinning promoter acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between active ingredient concentration and solution viscosity. By incorporating the promoter, the system can accommodate high concentrations of active ingredients without experiencing excessive viscosity increases, as the promoter maintains favorable rheological properties for electrospinning.
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 composition facilitates the production of nanofibers with consistent diameter and improved mechanical properties, enabling higher concentrations of active ingredients in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or nutritional products, overcoming the limitations of traditional formulations and environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The electrospinning process is known, which allows to obtain nanofibers, that is, continuous fibers with a diameter in the order of a nanometer, starting from a composition based on a polymer compound to be electrospun that is subjected to an electric field.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a composition to be electrospun comprising a first compound to be electrospun, an electrospinning promoter and at least one active ingredient, as well as a method to prepare it. This composition allows to obtain electrospun nanometric fibers with good structural and absorption properties.