Gelatin Capsule CPC Migration Prevention via Hydrophobic Structuring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) migration into gelatin capsules during manufacturing causes 'fish eye' defects and reduced delivery in gelatin encapsulated liquid oral care compositions, leading to compromised gelatin structure and low CPC release during brushing.

Innovation Solution

Suspension of CPC in an oil carrier with a hydrophobic structuring agent, such as gelled mineral oil, and incorporation into gelatin capsules, along with a hydrophilic active and oil carrier, to prevent migration and stabilize the composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CPC is incorporated into gelatin encapsulated liquid oral care compositions, then the antibacterial properties are improved, but CPC migration into gelatin capsules causes fish eye defects and compromised gelatin structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidcapsule structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hydrophobic structuring agent as an intermediary substance between CPC and gelatin. This agent forms a separate hydrophobic phase that prevents direct interaction between CPC and gelatin, thereby eliminating fish eye defects while maintaining CPC's antibacterial functionality. The hydrophobic structuring agent acts as a mediator that resolves the incompatibility between the hydrophilic CPC and hydrophobic gelatin matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the oral care composition by adjusting the hydrophobicity balance. Specifically, it incorporates substances with high hydrophobic character (hydrophobic structuring agents and oil carriers) to create a biphasic system where CPC remains suspended in the hydrophobic phase rather than migrating into the gelatin capsule wall, thus preventing structural compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If CPC is suspended in oil carrier with hydrophobic structuring agent, then CPC migration is prevented and gelatin capsule is stabilized, but the composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegelatin capsule stabilityVSAvoidcomposition structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite oral care composition consisting of multiple phases: a gelatin capsule shell, a hydrophobic structuring agent phase, an oil carrier phase, and suspended CPC. This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of each component - gelatin provides encapsulation, hydrophobic structuring agent prevents migration, and oil carrier solubilizes CPC - achieving enhanced stability through material composition rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If CPC is released effectively during brushing, then the antibacterial action is enhanced, but CPC migration during manufacturing reduces delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial action efficiencyVSAvoidCPC delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-suspending CPC in the hydrophobic structuring agent and oil carrier mixture before capsule formation. This pre-positioning of CPC in the hydrophobic phase ensures that during subsequent manufacturing and storage, CPC remains trapped in the internal hydrophobic environment rather than migrating into the gelatin wall, thereby preserving the quantity available for later release during brushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Prevents CPC migration, stabilizes the gelatin capsule, and ensures effective release of CPC during brushing, maintaining the integrity of the oral care composition and enhancing its antibacterial properties.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

an encapsulated oral care composition comprises: (a) a capsule comprising gelatin; and (b) a oral care composition contained within the capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS9320690B2Gelatin encapsulated oral care composition containing hydrophilic active, hydrophobic structuring agent and oil carrier

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

An encapsulated oral care composition includes: (a) a gelatin capsule; and (b) a oral care composition contained within the capsule, and including: (i) a hydrophilic active; (ii) a hydrophobic structuring agent; and (iii) an oil carrier. The hydrophilic active is preferably cetylpyridinium chloride. The hydrophobic structuring agent is preferably a gelled mineral oil. The oil carrier is preferably a vegetable oil. A method of cleaning teeth includes applying to the teeth the encapsulated oral care composition such that the capsule releases the oral care composition to clean the teeth. A oral care implement includes: a handle; a head mounted to the handle, the head having an outer surface and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface; and the encapsulated oral care composition positioned on the head.