Gelatin-Pectin Microcapsule Shell for Pyrethrin Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microencapsulated insecticidal compositions lack effective and sustainable solutions for stabilizing pyrethrin, particularly in controlling a wide range of insect pests, including wood-harmful and agriculturally harmful insects, with biodegradable materials.

Innovation Solution

A microcapsule formulation comprising a pyrethrin core encapsulated in a shell made of gelatin and at least one polysaccharide, such as gum arabic or pectin, with optional additives like plant oils and powdery substances, which is produced through a controlled pH and temperature process to achieve stable and biodegradable insect control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pyrethrin is microencapsulated using conventional materials, then insecticidal effect is achieved, but stability and sustainability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of pyrethrinVSAvoideffectiveness against wide range of insects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite capsule shell made of gelatin and polysaccharide (gum arabic or pectin) to encapsulate pyrethrin. This composite material structure provides both stability for pyrethrin retention and controlled release properties that enhance effectiveness against various insect pests, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If biodegradable materials are used for microencapsulation, then environmental friendliness is improved, but pyrethrin stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidpyrethrin stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight ratios and composition proportions of gelatin and polysaccharide in the capsule shell to create a biodegradable matrix that maintains structural integrity long enough to protect pyrethrin stability while ultimately degrading environmentally. The specific parameter control of material composition enables both biodegradability and pyrethrin stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional microencapsulation is used, then insect control is achieved, but cost-effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect control effectivenessVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs gelatin and polysaccharide, which are relatively inexpensive and readily available natural materials, to create microcapsules that provide effective insect control. The use of these cost-effective biodegradable materials reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable insecticidal performance through controlled release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 microcapsule formulation provides effective and stable insect control, with adjustable particle size and composition, achieving high mortality rates against various insect species, including termites and cockroaches, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a microcapsule comprising a core material containing pyrethrin and a capsule shell wall which surrounds said core material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEncapsulation:

Implementation Method 2

produced through a controlled pH and temperature process to achieve stable and biodegradable insect control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH control:

Implementation Method 3

produced through a controlled pH and temperature process to achieve stable and biodegradable insect control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature control:

Data Source

PatentUS8067018B2Microencapsulated pyrethrin
Publication Date: 2011.11.29 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD

AI summary

A microcapsule comprising a core material containing pyrethrin and a capsule shell wall which surrounds said core material, said shell wall material comprises gelatin and at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of gum arabic and pectin is effective for controlling insects.