PEG-Functionalized Triglyceride Polymers for UV-Absorbing Sunscreens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current topical sunscreens lack effective UV absorption and stability, as well as adequate antioxidant properties to protect skin from UV-induced damage and skin cancer, particularly in formulations using soybean oil-based components.
Innovation Solution
Development of polyethylene glycol-functionalized triglyceride polyol polymers, which are synthesized by reacting epoxidized soybean oil with polyethylene glycol-based polymers, creating a UV-absorbing base compound for topical sunscreens that includes antioxidants like daidzein and genistein, cerium oxide nanoparticles, and herbal extracts, enhancing UV protection and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional topical sunscreens use soybean oil-based components, then they provide basic moisturization and skin compatibility, but they lack effective UV absorption and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material by functionalizing triglyceride polyol polymers with polyethylene glycol groups. This combines the moisturizing properties of soybean oil-based triglycerides with the UV absorption and water solubility properties of polyethylene glycol, achieving both effective UV protection and formulation stability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of triglyceride polyol polymers by introducing polyethylene glycol functional groups at specific positions on the fatty acid chains. This parameter change transforms the molecule from having poor water solubility and UV absorption to exhibiting both water solubility and UV absorption capabilities while maintaining the original moisturizing properties
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sunscreens use simple oil-based formulations, then they are easy to manufacture and apply, but they lack adequate antioxidant properties to protect skin from UV-induced damage
Solution Approach 1:
The polyethylene glycol-functionalized triglyceride polyol polymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a UV absorber, an antioxidant agent, and a moisturizer. The polyethylene glycol groups provide both UV absorption capability and enhance antioxidant properties, while the triglyceride backbone maintains moisturization and skin compatibility, eliminating the need for separate antioxidant additives
3Reliability
If sunscreens use higher concentrations of UV filters to increase SPF, then UV protection improves, but water solubility and skin absorption may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubility parameters of UV filtering agents by attaching polyethylene glycol chains to the triglyceride backbone. The polyethylene glycol groups are hydrophilic and improve water solubility, while the overall molecular structure maintains skin compatibility and absorption characteristics, allowing effective UV protection without sacrificing ease of operation
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 resulting sunscreen formulations demonstrate improved UV resistance, stability, and antioxidant activity, effectively protecting skin from UV-induced damage and skin cancer, with enhanced water solubility and dispersibility, and a higher sun protection factor (SPF) compared to commercial products.
Implementation Method 1
Current topical sunscreens lack effective UV absorption and stability
Implementation Method 2
The resulting sunscreen formulations demonstrate improved UV resistance, stability, and antioxidant activity, effectively protecting skin from UV-induced damage
Data Source
AI summary
A polyethylene glycol-functionalized triglyceride polyol polymer comprising a glycerol component and three fatty acid components bonded to the glycerol component, wherein at least one of the fatty acid components comprises: a fatty acid chain; a hydroxyl functional group bound to a carbon atom of the fatty acid chain; and a polyethylene glycol-based functional group bound to an adjacent carbon atom of the fatty acid chain; according to Structure Iwherein:n is from 10 to 40; andR is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and silyl.