Microcapsule Powder Matrix for Stable Fragrance Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to efficiently incorporate microcapsules containing active ingredients into solid consumer product formulations like powdered detergents without causing breakage, leading to loss of fragrance or cosmetic ingredients due to interactions with other components and instability during manufacturing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of anhydrous alkaline earth or alkali metal salts, humectants, and microcapsules is employed to create a protective crystalline matrix that stabilizes the microcapsules during formulation, allowing for efficient and targeted release of active ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If microcapsules are incorporated directly into powdered formulations, then the formulation can be simplified, but the fragile microcapsules breakage during mixing leading to loss of fragrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier substance as an intermediary medium between the fragile microcapsules and the powdered formulation components. This carrier substance protects the microcapsules during mixing and handling, preventing breakage while allowing the formulation to remain relatively simple. The carrier acts as a buffer that absorbs mechanical stress during the formulation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by coating or embedding the microcapsules in a protective matrix or carrier substance before incorporating them into the powdered formulation. This protective layer is applied in advance to cushion the fragile microcapsules against mechanical stress during subsequent mixing and processing, preventing breakage and maintaining fragrance integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the capsule wall is made thicker to improve stability, then microcapsule stability increases, but the targeted release of active ingredient is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different structural characteristics in different regions of the microcapsule system. The capsule wall may have varying thickness or composition in different areas, or the protective carrier substance may be applied selectively. This allows the microcapsule to achieve adequate stability while maintaining pathways for targeted release of the active ingredient through controlled mechanisms such as enzymatic degradation, pH-triggered release, or mechanical disruption at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical or chemical properties of the capsule wall or carrier substance to optimize both stability and release. This may involve adjusting the composition, molecular weight, or structural characteristics of the capsule wall material, or changing the properties of the protective carrier substance. These parameter adjustments allow the microcapsule to remain stable during storage while enabling controlled release under specific conditions such as during use or under certain environmental stimuli.
3Reliability
If microcapsules are made more stable to prevent breakage, then fragrance loss is reduced, but the microcapsules may require complex multi-step preparation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function and the carrier function into a single integrated component or process step. Instead of applying multiple separate protective coatings or using complex multi-step preparation procedures, the invention combines these functions into one streamlined process. The carrier substance may be simultaneously applied and functionalized, or the protective matrix may be formed in a single step that also provides the necessary protection and release characteristics, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining microcapsule stability.
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 process results in stable microcapsules that withstand mechanical, chemical, and thermal stresses, ensuring efficient incorporation and targeted release of active ingredients in solid consumer products, enhancing olfactory performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A process involving the use of anhydrous alkaline earth or alkali metal salts, humectants, and microcapsules is employed to create a protective crystalline matrix that stabilizes the microcapsules during formulation
Implementation Method 2
mixing (a) at least one anhydrous alkaline earth or alkali metal salt or a mixture of at least one anhydrous alkaline earth metal salt and at least one anhydrous alkali metal salt, (b) at least one capsule slurry or at least one capsule and (c) optionally at least one humectant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of perfumed particles in particular for solid consumer product formulations such as textile care products or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a powder or of a pastille, consisting of or comprising a plurality of microcapsules containing one or more ingredients. Moreover, the present invention relates to a powder or a pastille obtained by the process. The present invention further relates to a consumer product comprising a powder or a pastille or more pastilles according to the invention and the use of a powder or a pastille for perfuming a consumer product according to the invention.