Inorganic Oxide Capsule Shells for Low-Permeability Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microencapsulation technologies face challenges in achieving a balance of low shell permeability, mechanical properties, and rupture profile, particularly for encapsulating small molecules, while being environmentally safe and human-friendly, with limited sustainable solutions available.
Innovation Solution
The development of metal oxide or semi-metal oxide-based capsules using a green emulsification technique, with a carefully selected primary and secondary shell components, core-shell ratio, and shell thickness, to create a dense and strong shell with low permeability and targeted rupture upon friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If silane monomers (TMOS, TEOS) are used for capsule shell formation, then reaction speed increases due to higher water solubility and lower molecular weight, but the resulting particulate sols cannot form dense non-porous shells with low permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular weight parameter of the silane monomers by using higher molecular weight precursors (such as polyalkoxysilanes with Mn ≥ 1000 g/mol) instead of low molecular weight monomers like TMOS and TEOS. This parameter change slows down the hydrolysis reaction speed but enables the formation of dense, non-porous shell networks with low permeability, resolving the contradiction between fast reaction and low shell permeability.
2Reliability
If polymeric capsules are used to achieve low shell permeability and mechanical properties, then encapsulation performance improves, but environmental safety and sustainability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameter by using inorganic metal oxide materials (such as silica, alumina, titania) instead of traditional polymeric materials for capsule shell formation. This material substitution maintains low shell permeability and good mechanical properties while improving environmental safety and sustainability, as inorganic materials are generally more biodegradable and less toxic to the environment.
3Strength
If shell thickness is increased to improve mechanical integrity and reduce permeability, then shell strength improves, but controlled release capability and rupture profile are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite shell structures combining different inorganic materials (such as silica-alumina, silica-titania composites) with complementary properties. This composite approach allows the shell to achieve both high mechanical strength and low permeability through material composition optimization, while maintaining controlled release capability through precise thickness control and porous structure design, avoiding the need to simply increase thickness.
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 capsules maintain mechanical integrity, have low permeability, and ensure controlled release of the payload upon friction, providing improved stability and targeted fracture strength for encapsulated benefit agents.
Implementation Method 1
the condensed layer can include a condensation product of a precursor. In embodiments, the precursor comprises at least one compound of Formula (I), Formula (II) or mixture thereof
Implementation Method 2
the condensed layer can include a condensation product of a precursor
Implementation Method 3
The core material is then mechanically separated from the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 4
the one commonly relied upon is mechanical rupture of the capsule shell
Data Source
AI summary
A population of capsules, the capsules can include a core including a benefit agent and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell can include a first shell component.