Hyperbranched Polycarbonate Amphiphiles for Solubilizing Hydrophobic Actives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amphiphiles are ineffective in solubilizing high quantities of sparingly soluble active ingredients in aqueous media, are often not water-soluble or water-dispersible, and are sensitive to hydrolysis, limiting their application in solubilizing hydrophobic active ingredients for pharmaceutical and agrochemical uses.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a hyperbranched polycarbonate amphiphile that is joined to a linear or comb-type polymer, allowing for the solubilization of active ingredients with low water solubility, achieving high solubilization capacities and improved water solubility or dispersibility, while being less sensitive to hydrolysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional amphiphiles are used to solubilize hydrophobic active ingredients, then some solubilization capacity is achieved, but the solubilization capacity is limited to small amounts of active ingredient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of active ingredient solubilizedVSAvoidsolubilization capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite amphiphilic polymers combining poly(alkylene oxide) blocks with hyperbranched polycarbonate structures. This composite structure provides both hydrophilic (polyalkylene oxide) and hydrophobic (hyperbranched polycarbonate) domains, enabling high solubilization capacity for hydrophobic active ingredients while maintaining water solubility. The hyperbranched structure with multiple terminal hydroxyl groups allows extensive interaction with hydrophobic substances, dramatically increasing the amount of active ingredient that can be solubilized compared to conventional amphiphiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If polyester-containing amphiphiles are used, then amphiphilic properties are achieved, but the amphiphiles are sensitive to hydrolysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamphiphilic propertyVSAvoidhydrolysis sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing polyester linkages with polycarbonate linkages in the amphiphilic structure. The polycarbonate bonds are inherently more resistant to hydrolysis than polyester bonds, particularly the terminal groups. This parameter change maintains the amphiphilic character while significantly improving hydrolytic stability and reliability of the solubilizing agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If known amphiphiles are used for solubilizing hydrophobic active ingredients, then some water dispersibility is achieved, but the amphiphiles themselves are often not water-soluble or water-dispersible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive ingredient solubilizedVSAvoidwater solubility of amphiphile

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by creating distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions within the same amphiphilic molecule. The poly(alkylene oxide) blocks provide hydrophilic character ensuring water solubility and dispersibility, while the hyperbranched polycarbonate regions provide hydrophobic character for active ingredient interaction. This local differentiation of properties within the molecule enables both high active ingredient loading and excellent water solubility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 hyperbranched polycarbonate amphiphile effectively solubilizes high concentrations of active ingredients in water, enhancing their bioavailability and stability, and is suitable for various applications including agrochemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Implementation Method 1

a hyperbranched polycarbonate which is joined to at least one linear or comb-type polymer... allowing for the solubilization of active ingredients with low water solubility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicelle formation: Amphiphiles

Data Source

PatentUS9426986B2Hyperbranched polycarbonates for solubilizing poorly soluble active substances

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 BASF SE

AI summary

The present invention provides a composition comprising an amphiphile and an active ingredient whose solubility in water at 20° C. is not more than 10 g/L. Likewise provided is an amphiphile comprising a hyperbranched polycarbonate which is joined to at least one linear or comb-type polymer, a process for preparing the amphiphile, and the use of the amphiphile in compositions comprising an active ingredient whose solubility in water at 20° C. is not more than 10 g/L.