PFPE Phosphate Emulsions for High Internal Phase Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emulsions, particularly multiple and high internal phase emulsions, face challenges in stability, compatibility, and bioavailability for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, with conventional methods being costly and inefficient in producing stable oil-in-water emulsions with high internal phase.
Innovation Solution
The development of an oil-in-water (O/W) high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) using perfluoropolyether phosphate (PFPE phosphate) that exhibits lipophobicity, homophobicity, and balanced hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, allowing for the creation of stable emulsions with an internal phase exceeding 74% volume, which are cost-effective and suitable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional emulsifying agents are used to produce oil-in-water emulsions, then the emulsion can be formed, but the stability is poor and the internal phase cannot exceed 74% by volume due to geometrical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the emulsifying agent by using perfluoropolyether phosphate instead of conventional surfactants. This chemical parameter change enables the formation of stable emulsions with internal phase exceeding 74% by volume, overcoming the geometrical constraints that limit conventional emulsions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite emulsifying system based on perfluoropolyether phosphate that combines lipophobicity and hydrophilicity properties. This composite material approach allows the emulsion to maintain stability while accommodating high internal phase volumes that would otherwise cause coalescence and separation.
2Quantity of substance
If the internal phase volume is increased beyond 74% by volume, then higher oil content emulsions are achieved, but coalescence and phase separation occur
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the chemical nature of the emulsifying agent to perfluoropolyether phosphate, the invention modifies the interfacial properties to prevent coalescence even when internal phase exceeds 74% by volume. This parameter change allows high oil content emulsions to remain stable without phase separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emulsions (W/O/W) are prepared to improve sensory properties and moisturizing capacity, then compatibility of active principles is enhanced, but preparation constraints and poor stability remain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complexity of multiple emulsion systems and replaces them with a simplified single-phase O/W emulsion using perfluoropolyether phosphate. This extraction of complexity maintains the ability to accommodate different active principles while eliminating the preparation constraints and stability issues inherent in W/O/W multiple emulsions.
4Quantity of substance
If high internal phase emulsions are formed with conventional methods, then oil content is increased, but production costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to perfluoropolyether phosphate as the emulsifying agent, the invention enables high oil content emulsions to be produced with simpler, more efficient methods. The unique properties of this emulsifier allow for easier formulation and production compared to conventional approaches, thereby improving productivity while maintaining high internal phase volume.
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 PFPE phosphate-based HIPE emulsions demonstrate improved stability, sensory qualities, and bioavailability, reducing skin penetration of active substances and enhancing the performance of ingredients like UV filters and fragrances, while maintaining non-miscibility and anti-sticking properties, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional emulsions.
Implementation Method 1
emulsifying agents are commonly used, generally surfactant agents, whose function is to lower the interface tension between the two liquid phases
Implementation Method 2
an oil-in-water (O/W) HIPE emulsion which presents lipophobicity and homophobicity
Implementation Method 3
an oil-in-water (O/W) HIPE emulsion which presents lipophobicity and homophobicity
Implementation Method 4
This second mechanism depends on the relation between the density of the internal phase and the external phase. Different densities cause accumulation of the internal phase
Implementation Method 5
if the internal phase is lighter than the external one (creaming)
Implementation Method 6
if the internal phase is heavier (sedimentation)
Implementation Method 7
according to the Stokes' law this form of instability can be avoided by increasing the emulsion viscosity and reducing the dimensions of the dispersed particles
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a perfluoropolyether phosphate (PFPE phosphate), dissolved in water, for the preparation of oil-in-water emuisions (O/W) with high internal phase (HIPE). The internal phase (O) typically comprises at least 74% by volume of the emulsion and includes one or more OiIs1 which acquire, after a treatment with PFPE phosphate, some typical characteristics of high fluorine content compounds, in particular lipophobicity and homophobicity, combined with limited hydrophilicity.