Fish Oil Topical Composition Odor Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Topical compositions containing fish oil are often avoided due to their strong, lingering fishy odor, which hinders their use in wound and skin disorder treatments despite the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil.
Innovation Solution
The incorporation of monolaurin and cetyl esters in specific weight ratios with fish oil, either with or without collagen, effectively eliminates the fishy odor, creating anhydrous topical compositions that maintain the therapeutic benefits of fish oil while minimizing its scent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fish oil is used as an active ingredient in topical compositions, then anti-inflammatory benefits are achieved, but strong lingering fishy odor is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces encapsulation technologies (liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles) as intermediary structures that contain the fish oil within a carrier system. This mediator approach allows the fish oil to be delivered to the target site without direct exposure to the environment, thereby eliminating the fishy odor while preserving therapeutic benefits. The encapsulation structure acts as a barrier between the active ingredient and the external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of fish oil through processing methods such as molecular distillation, deodorization, and encapsulation. These parameter changes alter the volatility and odor characteristics of fish oil while maintaining its anti-inflammatory properties. The processing transforms fish oil from a highly odorous substance into a therapeutic agent with minimal odor.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fish oil is excluded from topical compositions, then fishy odor is eliminated, but anti-inflammatory benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Encapsulation carriers serve as intermediaries that enable the inclusion of fish oil in topical compositions without manifesting its harmful odor property. The carrier system delivers the active ingredient to the application site where it exerts therapeutic effects, while the encapsulation structure prevents odor release during storage and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite material systems combining fish oil with encapsulation materials (lipids, polymers, surfactants) to form a new material with properties that differ from the individual components. This composite approach allows the fish oil to be incorporated into the composition while the composite structure controls odor release and provides sustained therapeutic action.
3Reliability
If conventional fish oil formulations are used, then therapeutic benefits are provided, but consumer acceptance is reduced due to odor
Solution Approach 1:
Encapsulation technologies introduce a mediator layer between the fish oil and the consumer, allowing the product to be applied and stored without exposing the user to the fishy odor. The intermediary structure maintains therapeutic integrity while improving sensory acceptance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies processing parameter changes that modify the odor profile of fish oil while preserving its therapeutic parameters. Through controlled processing conditions, the product achieves a balance between maintaining anti-inflammatory efficacy and improving organoleptic properties for consumer acceptance.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of reducing the rancid fish odor smell in a topical composition comprised of fish oil which comprises mixing the composition with monolaurin. Also disclosed are various anhydrous topical compositions comprising fish oil. One comprises fish oil, cetyl ester, palm olein, medium-chain triglyceride(s) of a mixture of C8 and C10 fatty acids, mixture of C8/C10 fatty acids, and monolaurin, another one comprises fish oil, cetyl ester, palm olein, medium-chain triglyceride(s) of a mixture of C8 and C10 fatty acids, mixture of C8/C10 fatty acids, monolaurin, collagen and sea salt, an a third ne comprises fish oil, cetyl ester, palm olein, medium-chain triglyceride(s) of a mixture of C8 and C10 fatty acids, mixture of C8/C10 fatty acids, monolaurin and hydrocolloid. These compositions are useful for treating wounds and skin conditions.