Liquid Crystal Encapsulation for Stable Non-Greasy Active Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encapsulation systems for active ingredients in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals face challenges such as greasy texture, side effects, poor solubility, and instability, particularly with UV filters and retinol, requiring improved encapsulation for better stability and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

An encapsulation composition comprising liquid crystal particles with a core containing an active ingredient and a liquid crystal shell made of fatty alcohol, a first surfactant, and an optional lipid, using a method that includes mixing at or above the fatty alcohol's melting point and cooling to form stable liquid crystal particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oil is added as a solvent to dissolve UV filters, then the UV filters can be effectively delivered, but the cosmetic composition results in a greasy feeling on skin

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV filter delivery efficacyVSAvoidgreasy feeling on skin

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cosmetic formulation by encapsulating UV filters within liquid crystal particles, separating the active ingredient delivery function from the solvent function. This allows the UV filters to be delivered effectively without requiring bulk oil solvent that causes greasy feeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses liquid crystal particles with flexible shells that can encapsulate UV filters. These particles provide a non-greasy alternative to oil solvents while maintaining the solubility and delivery of the UV filter active ingredients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If higher loads of UV filters are included in sunscreen products, then sun protection factor is improved, but the greasy feeling on skin is intensified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun protection factorVSAvoidgreasy feeling on skin

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the UV filter delivery system from dissolved in oil to encapsulated in liquid crystal particles. This parameter change allows higher loads of UV filters to be incorporated without the greasy feeling that would normally accompany increased oil content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If retinol is used as an active ingredient, then anti-aging efficacy is provided, but side effects such as redness, irritation, and oxidation sensitivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-aging efficacyVSAvoidskin irritation and oxidation sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by encapsulating retinol within liquid crystal particles before application to skin. This encapsulation protects retinol from oxidation and prevents direct contact with skin that would cause irritation, while still allowing the anti-aging efficacy to be delivered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid crystal particles serve as an intermediary between retinol and the skin environment. This intermediary protects the retinol from oxidation and buffers its interaction with skin, reducing side effects while maintaining anti-aging benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional encapsulation systems are used, then active ingredients can be encapsulated, but durability and stability are insufficient with high burst release and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencapsulation capabilityVSAvoidparticle stability and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite liquid crystal materials that combine the properties of liquid crystalline phases with encapsulation functionality. This composite structure provides superior particle stability, durability, and resistance to burst release and leakage compared to conventional encapsulation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 liquid crystal encapsulation system provides improved stability, reduced solvent use, enhanced sensory feel, and higher active ingredient loading, while maintaining efficacy and reducing side effects, with durable particles suitable for high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

each of the liquid crystal particles comprises a core and a liquid crystal shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal phase: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

the liquid crystal shell contains a fatty alcohol, a first surfactant, and an optional lipid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20260027022A1Encapsulation compositions comprising liquid crystal particles and cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions and methods for producing the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ELC MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

The present application provides an encapsulation composition comprising liquid crystal particles, wherein each of the liquid crystal particles comprises a core and a liquid crystal shell, wherein the core contains an active ingredient and the liquid crystal shell contains a fatty alcohol, a first surfactant, and an optional lipid. The present application further provides a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising the encapsulation composition. The method for preparing the encapsulation composition is also provided.