Mineralized Core-Shell Microcapsules for Substrate Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current perfume delivery systems face challenges with stability and deposition on substrates, particularly in surfactant-based products, leading to inefficiencies in fragrance release and retention, and existing methods for improving deposition are time-consuming and economically unprofitable.

Innovation Solution

A mineralized core-shell microcapsule slurry with a hydrophobic active ingredient-based core, a polymeric shell with a terminating charged surface, and a mineral layer featuring rough, spiny, or textured crystalline features, which enhances deposition properties by forming a strong bond with substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cationic capsules are used to improve deposition on substrate, then deposition efficiency is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and economically unprofitable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition efficiencyVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the cationic polymer directly into the capsule wall formation process during interfacial polymerization, rather than performing separate post-formation cationization steps. This allows the capsules to acquire cationic charges and deposition capabilities during their creation, eliminating subsequent purification and re-suspension steps required in conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the capsule formation process with the cationic charge acquisition process by adding the cationic polymer to the organic phase during interfacial polymerization. This combines two previously separate operations (capsule synthesis and cationic modification) into a single integrated process, reducing overall process time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If delivery systems are incorporated into surfactant-based products, then perfume delivery capability is improved, but stability problems occur leading to degradation and loss of efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperfume delivery capabilityVSAvoidstability in surfactant-based products
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite capsule wall structure by incorporating cationic polymer (such as polyquaternium-51 or chitosan) into the polymeric shell formed during interfacial polymerization. This composite structure combines the barrier properties of the base polymer with the stability and deposition-enhancing properties of the cationic polymer, providing both perfume delivery capability and stability in surfactant-based products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the capsule wall by introducing cationic functional groups during polymerization. This parameter change (adding positive charges to the capsule surface) fundamentally alters the capsule's interaction with surfactants and substrates, providing resistance to degradation in surfactant-based products while maintaining perfume delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional cationic polymer treatment is applied after capsule formation, then deposition on substrate is improved, but the process becomes complex with multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition on substrateVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges capsule formation and cationic modification into a single interfacial polymerization step by adding the cationic polymer to the organic phase before polymerization. This eliminates the need for separate purification, isolation, and re-suspension steps that characterize conventional cationic treatment methods, significantly simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs the cationic modification action during the capsule formation process itself, rather than as a subsequent step. By incorporating the cationic polymer into the wall formation process, the capsules acquire deposition capabilities immediately upon formation, eliminating the need for post-formation treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 mineralized microcapsules demonstrate improved deposition efficiency on hair and fabric surfaces, maintaining stability and fragrance release performance even after rinsing, significantly surpassing previous technologies in terms of deposition percentage and retention.

Implementation Method 1

The mineral layer is formed on the charged surface of the polymeric shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The surface of the mineral layer has a rough, spiny, spiky, ridged, rugose, dendritic or textured appearance with rough heterogeneous crystalline features over the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystal growth: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 3

a polymeric shell having a terminating charged surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3558509B1Microcapsules having a mineral layer
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 FIRMENICH SA
  • EP3558509B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3558509B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3558509B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mineralized core-shell microcapsule slurry comprising at least one microcapsule having: a) an oil-based core comprising a hydrophobic active ingredient, preferably a perfume; b) a polymeric shell having a terminating charged functional surface; and c) a mineral layer on the terminating charged functional surface. Process for the preparation of said microcapsules is also an object of the invention. Perfuming compositions and consumer products comprising said microcapsules, in particular perfumed consumer products in the form of home care or personal care products, are also part of the invention.