Melatonin Solution Composition for Shelf-Life Stability in Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Melatonin solutions in aqueous preparations are unstable at elevated temperatures, leading to rapid degradation and inadequate shelf life, which is a concern for topical applications requiring prolonged stability and bioactivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycofurol into melatonin solutions as additives in a glycofurol/water mixture, with DMSO present in a molar excess, to retard the breakdown of melatonin and its derivatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If melatonin is formulated in aqueous solutions for topical application, then it provides convenient delivery and absorption, but it degrades rapidly at elevated temperatures leading to inadequate shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DMSO as an intermediary substance that mediates between melatonin and the aqueous environment. DMSO acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct degradation of melatonin by water and temperature, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining the aqueous formulation's convenience for topical application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining DMSO with aqueous components. This composite material leverages the beneficial properties of both DMSO (stability, solubility enhancement) and water (biocompatibility, ease of application), resolving the contradiction between convenience and shelf life through material composition
2Ease of manufacture
If melatonin is stored at elevated temperatures to avoid refrigeration requirements, then it improves storage accessibility, but it accelerates decomposition and reduces bioactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating DMSO into the formulation before storage. This preemptive measure counteracts the degrading effects of elevated temperatures before they can cause significant decomposition, allowing the product to be stored at higher temperatures without losing bioactivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the formulation by adding DMSO, which fundamentally alters the temperature-stability relationship. This parameter change enables the system to maintain reliability (bioactivity) across a broader temperature range, including elevated temperatures that improve storage accessibility
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 solution maintains at least 95% of melatonin's initial concentration after 45 days of storage at 25°C, ensuring stability and bioactivity for topical applications.
Implementation Method 1
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)...to retard the breakdown of melatonin and its derivatives
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycofurol into melatonin solutions as additives in a glycofurol/water mixture
Data Source
AI summary
Use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or glycofurol or their combination as an additive in a solution comprising a solvent and at least one active ingredient selected from melatonin and/or an antioxidant metabolite, derivative or analogue thereof, for prolonging stability and/or shelf life of said at least one active ingredient in said solution by retarding a decomposition of said at least one active ingredient comprised in said solution.