Nitrone Phenolic Antioxidant for Unsaturated Fat Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current personal care compositions lack effective antioxidants to inhibit the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, which can lead to rancidity and unpleasant odors, despite existing solutions in food processing not being optimal for personal care applications.

Innovation Solution

A personal care composition containing a nitrone and phenolic compound, specifically (Z)-N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)propan-2-amine or (Z)-N-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)propan-2-amine oxide, combined with unsaturated fatty acids and a dermatologically acceptable carrier, providing enhanced oxidative stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antioxidants are used to inhibit oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, then oxidation inhibition is achieved, but high concentrations are required and efficacy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation inhibition efficacyVSAvoidantioxidant concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two distinct antioxidant mechanisms into a single hybrid molecule: the nitrone group provides radical trapping capability while the phenolic group contributes hydrogen donation ability. This composite structure enables the antioxidant to function more efficiently at lower concentrations compared to conventional single-mechanism antioxidants, directly resolving the contradiction between efficacy and quantity required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the antioxidant by introducing the nitrone functional group (C=N-O-) into the molecular structure. This parameter change fundamentally alters the antioxidant's mechanism of action, enabling it to scavenge peroxyl radicals more effectively and achieve superior oxidation inhibition at lower concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If antioxidant cocktails are used to decrease peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, then peroxidation is reduced, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperoxidation inhibitionVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antioxidant functions (radical trapping, hydrogen donation, chain-breaking) into a single hybrid nitrone-phenolic molecule. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex antioxidant cocktails containing multiple different substances, thereby reducing formulation complexity while maintaining or enhancing peroxidation inhibition efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid antioxidant molecule performs multiple antioxidant functions simultaneously: the nitrone group traps peroxyl radicals, the phenolic group donates hydrogen atoms to break propagation chains, and the combined structure provides synergistic protection. This multi-functionality in a single molecule replaces the need for multiple specialized antioxidants, simplifying the formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 composition effectively inhibits oxidation of unsaturated fats at lower concentrations or with higher efficacy compared to conventional antioxidants, stabilizing unsaturated fatty acids and extending the shelf life of personal care products.

Implementation Method 1

The compounds contain both nitrone and phenolic functionalities... effectively inhibits oxidation of unsaturated fats... providing enhanced oxidative stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation inhibition: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3270875B1Nitrone inhibition of oxidation of unsaturated fats
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3270875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3270875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3270875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are compositions useful for inhibiting oxidation of unsaturated fats comprising an antioxidant compound of Formula I wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5and R6are as defined herein. The compounds contain both nitrone and phenolic functionalities.