Inorganic Shell Capsule Formation for Low-Permeability Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microencapsulation technologies face challenges in achieving long-term retention and controlled release of small molecules while being safe for human health and the environment, with limited options providing the right balance of low shell permeability, mechanical properties, and rupture profile.
Innovation Solution
A method for making capsules using a specific precursor compound (MvOzYn)w, where M is silicon, titanium, or aluminum, with a carefully selected core-shell ratio and thickness, and a second shell component to achieve low permeability and mechanical integrity, using a green emulsification technique with nanoparticles and inorganic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric capsules are used to achieve low shell permeability and mechanical properties, then shell integrity is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameters by replacing polymeric materials with inorganic materials (metal oxides, semi-metal oxides). This substitution maintains shell integrity through inorganic material properties while eliminating environmental and health concerns associated with polymeric degradation products.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite inorganic shell structures combining metal oxides and semi-metal oxides (particularly silica) to achieve the required mechanical properties and low permeability. This composite approach provides both structural integrity and environmental safety by using naturally occurring, biocompatible inorganic materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If silica capsules are used to achieve environmental safety, then environmental safety is improved, but shell permeability and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite shell structure where silica serves as the base inorganic material providing environmental safety, while metal oxide components are integrated to enhance mechanical strength and reduce shell permeability. This composite approach allows silica capsules to maintain their environmental benefits while achieving the required performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different inorganic material properties to different functional requirements within the shell structure. Silica provides the environmentally safe base structure, while metal oxide components are strategically incorporated to specifically address mechanical strength and permeability control at critical shell regions.
3Productivity
If fast-reacting monomers are used to achieve rapid shell formation, then productivity is improved, but shell permeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using metal oxide and semi-metal oxide precursors instead of traditional fast-reacting organic monomers. These inorganic precursors undergo controlled hydrolysis and condensation reactions that form dense, low-permeability shell structures while maintaining practical reaction speeds suitable for manufacturing.
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 method produces capsules with reduced permeability and increased mechanical integrity, allowing for controlled release and improved stability of encapsulated benefit agents in surfactant-based matrices.
Implementation Method 1
The precursor comprises at least one compound of Formula (I): (MvOzYn)w... these types of disclosures often use cationic surfactants such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), supposedly to drive the negatively charged hydrolyzed intermediate reaction species that are dispersed in the water phase
Implementation Method 2
the partially hydrolyzed monomers that are in an excess of water start condensing and forming ever larger particulate sols that are drawn to oil/water interfaces
Implementation Method 3
the partially hydrolyzed monomers that are in an excess of water start condensing and forming ever larger particulate sols that are drawn to oil/water interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making 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.