Hyperbranched Copolymer Antimicrobial for Low-Preservative Cosmetics
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial agents in cosmetic compositions are under public scrutiny, necessitating a reduction in their use while maintaining effective microbial inhibition to enhance product stability and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of a specific hyperbranched copolymer composed of dodecenyl succinic acid anhydride, diisopropanol amine, and bis-dimethylaminopropyl amine with terminal quaternary ammonium groups, formulated as an antimicrobial agent in cosmetic compositions, preferably at 0.005-5.0% by weight, to inhibit microbial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial agents are used in cosmetic compositions, then microbial growth is effectively inhibited, but consumer safety and health concerns increase due to public scrutiny
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the polymer by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine, quaternary ammonium) in defined ratios and configurations. This structural parameter modification enables the polymer to exhibit antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms while maintaining compatibility with cosmetic applications and reduced toxicity concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite functional polymer by combining multiple functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine, and quaternary ammonium groups) within a single polymeric structure. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously provide antimicrobial activity, film-forming properties, and reduced irritation compared to conventional single-function preservatives
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the amount of antimicrobial agents is reduced in cosmetic compositions, then consumer safety improves, but product stability and shelf life are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular parameters of the polymer including molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol), functional group ratios, and structural architecture to optimize antimicrobial efficacy at lower concentrations. The specific configuration of terminal and side chain functional groups enables enhanced microbial inhibition per unit mass, allowing reduced overall usage while maintaining shelf life protection
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric antimicrobial agent performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, forms protective films on skin and hair, acts as a conditioning agent, and stabilizes the cosmetic formulation. This multi-functionality allows it to replace or supplement multiple conventional additives, maintaining product stability with reduced total additive load
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional preservatives are used to maintain product stability, then shelf life is extended, but the need to reduce antimicrobial agents remains unmet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes key parameters including molecular weight distribution, functional group composition and ratios, and polymeric structure architecture to enhance antimicrobial potency. These parameter adjustments enable the polymer to achieve effective microbial inhibition at lower concentrations and with broader spectrum activity compared to conventional preservatives
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric structure acts as an intermediary that combines the functions of multiple conventional preservatives into a single molecule. The different functional groups within the polymer interact with microbial cells through multiple mechanisms (electrostatic interaction, membrane disruption, metabolic interference), providing reliable antimicrobial efficacy that mediates between reduced chemical usage and maintained product stability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of a specific hyperbranched copolymer (HBC) of the monomers dodecenyl succinic acid anhydride, diisopropanol amine and bis-dimethylaminopropyl amine as an antimicrobial agent mixture.