Functionalized Nanoparticles for Reversible Solubility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for altering solubility in crystallization processes, such as antisolvent addition, are not reversible and require complex downstream processing, leading to increased costs and processing time.
Innovation Solution
The use of functionalized nanoparticles that can be added to solutions to modulate solubility temporarily, either by reducing or increasing the solubility of compounds, allowing for reversible changes in solubility conditions without altering the solvent composition permanently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If antisolvent addition is used to alter solubility, then crystallization control is improved, but the process becomes irreversible and requires complex downstream processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces functionalized nanoparticles as an intermediary agent that temporarily modulates solubility through reversible solvation interactions. These nanoparticles act as a mediator between the solvent and solute, enabling crystallization control without permanently altering solvent composition, thereby avoiding complex downstream separation processes required by traditional antisolvent methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing nanoparticles with tunable surface functional groups that can reversibly interact with solutes. By adjusting nanoparticle surface properties (such as functional group type and density), the solubility can be dynamically controlled without permanent solvent composition changes, enabling precise crystallization control with simplified downstream processing
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional solubility alteration methods are used, then solubility control is achieved, but processing time and costs increase due to difficult solvent separation
Solution Approach 1:
The functionalized nanoparticles serve as temporary mediators that can be easily removed from the solution after serving their solubility modulation function. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for time-consuming solvent separation processes while maintaining precise solubility control during the crystallization window
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard and recover strategy where functionalized nanoparticles are used temporarily to control solubility during crystallization, then readily removed from the system. The nanoparticles can be recovered through simple filtration or centrifugation, and the solvent composition is restored to its original state, significantly reducing processing time compared to permanent solvent modification methods
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
Enables controlled crystallization and dissolution of compounds by creating supersaturated states, allowing for efficient recovery of crystals and reducing processing time and costs by avoiding permanent changes to the solvent composition.
Implementation Method 1
having one or more functional groups configured to undergo a solvation interaction with a component of the solution. In some embodiments, the solvation interaction is solvation of the one or more functional groups by the solvent, which surprisingly results in a reduction in the apparent solubility of a solute in the solution
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods and compositions of altering a solution through the use of readily retrievable agents (e.g., a nanoparticle) having one or more functional groups configured to undergo a solvation interaction with a component of the solution. Compositions, systems, and methods for crystallizing organic and inorganic compounds from solutions using nanoparticles surface coated with functional groups that create a supersaturated state in the solution and reversal thereof. Compositions, systems, and methods for purifying water or active pharmaceutical ingredients. Compositions, systems, and methods for increasing the solubility of a solution and reversal of the same. Compositions, systems, and methods for decreasing the solubility of a crystallized compound and reversal of the same.