Topical Micrococcus Luteus Composition for Preservative-Free Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic compositions with Micrococcus luteus face challenges such as instability in aqueous solvents, sensitivity to heat, and the need for lyoprotectants, leading to viability issues and complex manufacturing processes, while consumer demand for preservative-free products complicates formulation.
Innovation Solution
A topical composition comprising Micrococcus luteus Q24 with viscosity modifiers like beeswax and cocoa butter, formulated without lyoprotectants, achieving a viscosity of 2,500,000 to 8,000,000 cP at 25°C, ensuring stability and viability, and including additional probiotics and prebiotics for skin benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Micrococcus luteus is formulated in aqueous solvents, then the composition can be easily manufactured, but the microorganism becomes unstable and loses viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from aqueous to non-aqueous (oil-based). This parameter change transforms the environment from harmful to beneficial for Micrococcus luteus viability, allowing the microorganism to remain stable and viable while maintaining ease of formulation. The oil-based vehicle creates a compatible environment that preserves microbial integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert, non-aqueous environment using oil-based vehicles that does not support microbial degradation or unwanted chemical reactions. This inert environment protects Micrococcus luteus from instability issues associated with aqueous systems while allowing for straightforward manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If lyoprotectants are added to protect Micrococcus luteus during freeze-drying, then viability is maintained, but the formulation becomes more complex and requires additional ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for lyoprotectants from the formulation by using a non-aqueous oil-based vehicle. This approach removes the disturbing element (lyoprotectants) while maintaining the desired outcome (viability protection) through the inherent stability provided by the oil medium, thereby simplifying the formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil-based vehicle itself provides the protective function that would otherwise require separate lyoprotectant additives. The formulation is self-sufficient, using the vehicle medium to inherently protect Micrococcus luteus during processing and storage without needing additional protective agents.
3Shape
If heating is applied to achieve desired viscosity, then the composition reaches proper consistency, but Micrococcus luteus viability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity control parameter from temperature-based to composition-based. By selecting oil-based vehicles with appropriate inherent viscosity characteristics and adjusting the composition ratios, the desired consistency is achieved without requiring heating, thereby preserving Micrococcus luteus viability while maintaining proper rheological properties.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If preservatives are added to maintain microbiological stability, then product shelf-life is extended, but the formulation becomes less suitable for preservative-free consumer demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert, non-aqueous environment using oil-based vehicles that inherently resists microbial growth and degradation. This inert environment provides natural preservation without requiring additional preservative agents, extending shelf-life while meeting consumer demand for preservative-free products.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation is self-preserving through the use of oil-based vehicles that create an environment unsuitable for microbial proliferation. The system maintains its own stability and shelf-life without needing external preservative agents, making it suitable for preservative-free consumer applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to topical compositions comprising Micrococcus luteus Q24 and a viscosity modifier, the composition having a viscosity of from about 2,500,000 to about 8,000,000 cP at 25° C., and the use of these for improving the appearance of skin or at least one sign of aging, or reducing skin dryness.