Low-Molecular Gelator Spray Base Material for Dripping Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spray base materials fail to achieve optimal spray performance, safety, and compatibility with various agents, particularly in preventing dripping and ensuring uniform coating, while also effectively incorporating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Innovation Solution
A spray base material utilizing a low-molecular gelator that self-assembles to form a fibrous network structure, allowing for sprayability and sustained release of compounds, with a concentration of 0.0001 to 20% (w/v) and a molecular weight not exceeding 1000, containing a lipid peptide with a hydrophobic and hydrophilic moiety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If polymer thickener is dissolved in mother liquid to increase viscosity for preventing dripping, then dripping prevention is improved, but sprayability deteriorates due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the thickening agent from conventional high molecular weight polymers to low molecular weight compounds (500-5000 Da), which fundamentally alters the viscosity behavior. This enables the system to achieve both high viscosity for dripping prevention and good sprayability, as low molecular weight thickeners do not form the same restrictive networks as high molecular weight polymers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition behavior of low molecular weight thickeners that exhibit thixotropy and shear-thinning properties. These materials transition from a gel-like state at rest (preventing dripping) to a more fluid state under shear stress during spraying, enabling both dripping prevention and sprayability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If macromolecular compound solution is used to increase viscosity, then dripping prevention is improved, but mist formation deteriorates due to thread formation during spraying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter from macromolecular compounds to low molecular weight compounds (500-5000 Da), which prevents thread formation during spraying. Low molecular weight thickeners do not form the long-chain entanglements that cause spinnability issues, resulting in better mist formation while maintaining dripping prevention
3Object-generated harmful factors
If surfactant content is increased to enhance thickening and dripping prevention, then dripping prevention is improved, but skin irritation increases reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the thickening agent to low molecular weight compounds, which provide effective thickening without the need for high surfactant concentrations. This reduces skin irritation while maintaining dripping prevention, as low molecular weight thickeners work through different mechanisms that are less irritating to skin
4Object-generated harmful factors
If inorganic substances like hectorite are used for gelation, then dripping prevention is improved, but spraying properties deteriorate due to aggregation in dispersion medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from inorganic gelators to low molecular weight organic thickeners with molecular weights of 500-5000 Da. These organic compounds remain molecularly dispersed rather than aggregated, maintaining good spraying properties while effectively preventing dripping through their thickening and gel-forming capabilities
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 low-molecular gelator enables sprayability under any conditions, prevents dripping, ensures uniform coating, and allows for the inclusion and sustained release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, making it safe for use on skin and the environment.
Implementation Method 1
the low-molecular gelator includes one, two, or more compounds selected from a group consisting of low-molecular compounds that can gel the aqueous medium via self-assembly
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2
AI summary
There is provided a spray base material that can be safely used with a sense of security, that prevents leakage of liquid from a spray container, that is sprayable under any condition (when inverted, for example), that is sprayable to achieve uniform coating of the surface of an object (surface to be sprayed) without scattering, that causes no dripping from a sprayed surface, and that is safe when sprayed on a skin surface and the like; and a spray base material with an excellent sprayability that can include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic low-molecular compounds such as physiologically active compounds and perfume components to be used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and cosmetics, and that has a sustained release property. A spray base material comprising an aqueous medium that is gelled by a low-molecular gelator in the medium, wherein the low-molecular gelator includes one, two, or more compounds selected from a group consisting of low-molecular compounds capable of gelling the aqueous medium via self-assembly.