Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Microcapsule for Controlled Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current encapsulation methods, such as melamine-formaldehyde resin-based capsules, suffer from the use of toxic formaldehyde in their manufacturing process, and alternative methods like liposome capsules, coacervation, and inorganic material-based capsules face issues with stability, active ingredient release control, and elasticity, necessitating a new capsule material that is economical, versatile, and free from toxic substances.

Innovation Solution

The development of an organic-inorganic hybrid microcapsule with a polymer and inorganic nanoparticles composite outer wall, formed through interfacial polymerization, which allows for controlled release of active ingredients at room temperature and adjustable strength, using natural polymers and derivatives as precursors to create an eco-friendly and biodegradable capsule.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If melamine-formaldehyde resin-based capsules are used, then encapsulation stability is improved, but toxic formaldehyde must exist in the manufacturing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencapsulation stabilityVSAvoidformaldehyde toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite outer wall structure combining organic polymer (polyurea or polyurethane) and inorganic material (silica) to achieve the stability of inorganic materials while avoiding the toxicity of formaldehyde. The organic-inorganic hybrid structure provides both mechanical strength and chemical stability without requiring formaldehyde in the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If inorganic material-based capsules are used, then capsule stability is improved, but difficulty in forming outer wall and controlling activation degree occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule stabilityVSAvoidouter wall formation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines organic polymer precursors with inorganic silica to form a composite outer wall that is easier to manufacture than pure inorganic capsules. The organic component facilitates outer wall formation through interfacial polymerization, while the inorganic silica provides stability. This composite approach resolves the manufacturing difficulty while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the activation degree by adjusting the composition ratio and molecular weight of the polymer precursors in the outer wall. By changing these parameters, the elasticity and fracturability of the capsule can be precisely controlled to achieve desired activation characteristics without the limitations of pure inorganic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If organic polymer-based capsules are used, then formaldehyde-free manufacturing is achieved, but poor fracturability by pressure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformaldehyde-freeVSAvoidfracturability by pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates inorganic silica particles into the organic polymer matrix to create a composite structure that enhances fracturability by pressure. The inorganic component provides rigidity and controlled breakage characteristics, while the organic polymer maintains the formaldehyde-free advantage. This composite structure resolves the poor fracturability issue of pure organic polymer capsules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 organic-inorganic hybrid microcapsule effectively controls the release of active ingredients, offers adjustable strength for improved usability, and reduces the use of toxic substances, while maintaining high versatility and economical efficiency, making it a suitable alternative to existing encapsulation methods.

Implementation Method 1

forming an outer wall of the capsule through interfacial polymerization by adding the second solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterfacial polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

preparing a first continuous-phase solution containing inorganic nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS11951449B2Method for preparing organic-inorganic hybrid microcapsule

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a biodegradable and eco-friendly organic-inorganic hybrid microcapsule having few toxic substances with high versatility and economical efficiency by using a pickering emulsion method with a specific outer wall reinforcing material, a reactive material, and inorganic nanoparticles, and allowing polymerization of the outer wall reinforcing material and the reactive material to proceed at the interface. Specifically, the organic-inorganic hybrid microcapsule can stably support an active ingredient and then effectively express its activity by pressure, and exhibit a characteristic of gradually releasing the active ingredient at room temperature.