Hydrogel Patch Syneresis Control via Phase Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogel patches for cosmetics face challenges in controlling syneresis patterns, which affect transdermal delivery of active ingredients and physical properties like gel formation and stability, especially under extreme temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel patch is developed by mixing phases A, B, C, and D to create a filling solution that controls syneresis patterns, using a crosslinking agent, organic polymer, polyhydric alcohol, humectant, and pH adjusting agents to achieve stable gel formation and enhanced transdermal delivery, with specific ratios and additives to ensure optimal pH and osmotic pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a temperature-sensitive hydrogel is designed to undergo syneresis at body temperature (37°C), then transdermal delivery of active ingredients is enhanced, but the hydrogel may undergo syneresis before attachment to the skin when exposed to extreme temperatures (40°C or higher)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the syneresis activation temperature of the hydrogel by adjusting polymer composition and crosslinking density, shifting the syneresis threshold from body temperature (37°C) to above 40°C. This parameter change ensures the hydrogel remains stable during storage and application while still enabling controlled syneresis for transdermal delivery under physiological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic syneresis response system where the hydrogel undergoes volume phase transition only when exposed to specific temperature ranges (above 40°C or at body temperature depending on composition). This dynamic behavior allows the hydrogel to adapt its permeability and syneresis rate based on environmental conditions, enabling controlled active ingredient delivery while maintaining structural integrity during application.
2Productivity
If the syneresis pattern of hydrogel is increased to enhance transdermal delivery, then active ingredient penetration is improved, but the physical properties such as gel formation and formulation stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the balance between syneresis activity and formulation stability by precisely controlling polymer concentration, molecular weight, and crosslinking density. These parameter adjustments enable the hydrogel to exhibit appropriate syneresis for active ingredient delivery while maintaining sufficient gel strength and formulation stability for practical application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite hydrogel formulations combining multiple polymer types (e.g., polyampholytes, polyelectrolytes) with complementary properties. This composite approach allows one polymer component to provide structural stability while another facilitates syneresis-driven transdermal delivery, achieving both formulation stability and enhanced active ingredient penetration.
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 hydrogel patch effectively controls syneresis patterns, enhancing transdermal delivery and maintaining good physical properties such as gel formation, stability, and user feel, even under extreme temperatures, making it suitable for cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a filling solution capable of controlling a syneresis pattern associated with the internal osmotic pressure of a hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
syneresis of hydrogel is due to the mechanical and chemical properties of the organic polymer constituting the hydrogel, and is caused by irregular contraction and relaxation of the organic polymer due to a change in the thermodynamic properties thereof
Implementation Method 3
The spontaneous change in the volume of the hydrogel network by external environmental changes in the above factors is referred to as an overshooting phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method for preparing a hydrogel patch containing a filling solution for controlling a syneresis pattern. The method includes: separately stirring a phase A consisting of a crosslinking agent and purified water, a phase B consisting of an organic polymer and a polyhydric alcohol, and a phase C consisting of a pH adjusting agent and purified water, and then sequentially adding the phase B and the phase C to the phase A, thereby preparing a hydrogel; separately stirring a phase D consisting of a humectant and purified water, a phase E consisting of a thickener and a polyhydric alcohol, and a phase F consisting of a pH adjusting agent and purified water, and then sequentially adding the phase E and the phase F to the phase D, thereby preparing a filling solution; and filling the hydrogel with the filling solution.