Hydroxyacetophenone Protectant Blends for Stable Broad-Spectrum Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current natural and naturally-derived antimicrobial formulations are expensive, require high concentrations to be effective, have undesirable colors and odors, exhibit poor stability, and are not effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, often causing formulation thinning and limited usage due to being oils or extracts.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydroxyacetophenone in combination with 1,3-propanediol and mastic extract, or with vitamins B5, C, and E, provides a synergistic protectant system that inhibits microbial growth, including fungi, while being cost-effective, odorless, and stable, without causing formulation thinning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If natural and naturally-derived antimicrobial formulations are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but cost increases and high concentrations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidconcentration required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines hydroxyacetophenone with complementary antimicrobial agents (such as alcohols, phenols, or other natural antimicrobials) to create a synergistic formulation. This combination allows achieving broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity at lower individual concentrations compared to using hydroxyacetophenone alone, thereby reducing the total quantity of substance required while maintaining or enhancing antimicrobial reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If natural and naturally-derived antimicrobial formulations are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but undesirable colors and odors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidcolor and odor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydroxyacetophenone, which is specifically noted for having neutral or pleasant sensory properties, to address the color and odor issues. By strategically selecting and positioning this component within the formulation, the invention achieves antimicrobial activity while maintaining acceptable aesthetic qualities, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and sensory acceptance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If natural and naturally-derived antimicrobial formulations are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but stability in aqueous systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidstability in aqueous systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite antimicrobial formulation by combining hydroxyacetophenone with complementary agents that have different solubility and stability characteristics. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each component, where hydroxyacetophenone provides antimicrobial activity and stability enhancement, while complementary agents contribute additional antimicrobial spectrum and synergistic effects, thereby achieving both stability and broad-spectrum activity in aqueous systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If natural and naturally-derived antimicrobial formulations are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but effectiveness against broad spectrum of microorganisms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidbroad spectrum effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges hydroxyacetophenone with complementary antimicrobial agents that have different spectral activities. This combination creates a synergistic effect where the formulation achieves broad-spectrum coverage including bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility while maintaining antimicrobial reliability through the cooperative action of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Reliability

If natural and naturally-derived antimicrobial formulations are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but formulation thinning occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidformulation thinning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters and physical state of the antimicrobial formulation to prevent thinning. By carefully controlling the amount of hydroxyacetophenone and complementary agents used, and by adjusting formulation parameters such as viscosity modifiers or emulsifiers, the invention maintains antimicrobial activity while preventing unwanted thinning of the formulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and physical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 protectant system effectively inhibits microbial growth, maintains formulation stability, and prevents hydroxyacetophenone degradation, offering broad-spectrum protection with reduced color and odor, suitable for various products including personal care items.

Implementation Method 1

the protectant comprises (i) hydroxyacetophenone with (ii) at least one of 1,3-propanediol and a mastic extract... to inhibit microbial growth (e.g., fungi growth)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action: Preservative

Implementation Method 2

the protectant comprises (i) hydroxyacetophenone with (ii) at least one of vitamin B5, vitamin C, and vitamin E to protect a formulation from biodegradation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20250268253A1Multifunctional natural protectant systems with hydroxyacetophenone
Publication Date: 2025.08.28 BARENTZ NORTH AMERICA LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of multifunctional protectants comprising (i) hydroxyacetophenone with (ii) at least one of natural 1,3-propanediol and a mastic extract to protect a formulation from biodegradation. The present invention also relates to the use of a protectant comprising (i) hydroxyacetophenone with (ii) at least one of vitamin B5, vitamin C, and vitamin E to protect a formulation from biodegradation.