Aqueous Icaridin Composition Using Micelles for Safe Spray Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Icaridin, a popular insect repellent, is hydrophobic and cannot be effectively dissolved in water, limiting its use in safe and sprayable formulations, and existing methods like cosolvents and surfactants are inadequate for dissolving water-insoluble compounds.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an alcohol and a quaternary ammonium salt surfactant is used to dissolve water-insoluble compounds like icaridin in water, forming a stable mixture by creating a micelle structure around the compound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If icaridin is dissolved in neat oil or organic solvents, then the compound is soluble and effective as an insect repellent, but the formulation becomes flammable and requires special handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary solvent system that replaces flammable organic solvents. By using a water-based formulation with specific surfactants and cosolvents, the invention achieves effective delivery of icaridin without the harmful flammability associated with alcohol-based or neat oil formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from organic/flammable to aqueous/non-flammable. This parameter change maintains the solubility and effectiveness of icaridin through the use of surfactants and cosolvents while eliminating the fire hazard associated with traditional formulations.
2Quantity of substance
If surfactants are used to dissolve oily compounds in water, then some solubility is achieved, but only at very low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite dissolution system combining surfactants with cosolvents in a water-based formulation. This composite approach synergistically enhances the solubility of hydrophobic icaridin in water, achieving concentrations sufficient for effective insect repellent activity while maintaining the safety advantages of a water-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses cosolvents as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between hydrophobic icaridin and hydrophilic water. This intermediary mechanism enables higher concentrations of icaridin to be achieved in aqueous solutions compared to surfactant-only systems.
3Duration of action of moving object
If icaridin is applied in non-aqueous formulations, then it provides insect repellent activity, but it evaporates quickly from surfaces limiting duration of action
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and evaporation characteristics of the formulation by using water as the primary solvent instead of volatile organic solvents or neat oils. This parameter change significantly reduces the evaporation rate from surfaces, thereby extending the duration of insect repellent action while maintaining effectiveness.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous solutions of icaridin are prepared, then the formulation is safe and non-flammable, but icaridin cannot be effectively dissolved due to hydrophobicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite aqueous formulation system that combines water with surfactants and cosolvents. This composite system maintains the safety and non-flammability advantages of water-based formulations while overcoming the solubility limitation through the synergistic action of the auxiliary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces surfactants and cosolvents as intermediary substances that enable hydrophobic icaridin to dissolve in hydrophilic water. These intermediaries reduce the interfacial tension and facilitate the formation of stable aqueous solutions with sufficient icaridin concentration for effective insect repellent activity.
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 composition enables the formulation of stable, non-flammable, and safe aqueous solutions of icaridin, allowing its use in sprayable products and extending its duration of action.
Implementation Method 1
the surfactant acts as an emulsifier, which means that the surfactant will form a micelle or micelle like structure around the water-insoluble active compound
Implementation Method 2
the surfactant acts as an emulsifier, which means that the surfactant will form a micelle or micelle like structure around the water-insoluble active compound
Implementation Method 3
The alcohol is this composition is a cosolvent. Cosolvents are added to compositions to increase the solubility of a poorly soluble compound
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for dissolving a water-insoluble active compound comprising: an alcohol, a surfactant, being a quaternary ammonium salt according to Formula I, and water, wherein R3 of Formula I is a C1-18 alkyl or alkene. The use of the composition comprising an active ingredient. The use of the composition with the active ingredient as an insect repellent insecticide, antimicrobial composition, antibacterial composition, fragrance or fungicide. Additionally, a method for repelling insects and a method of for dissolving a water-insoluble active compound. The use of such a composition for storing an active compound in extreme conditions.