PHB UV Filter Particles with Natural Organic Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV filters, both inorganic and organic, have limitations such as reduced efficiency, photodegradation, and the need for multiple components to provide broad-spectrum protection, while natural alternatives often require combination with synthetic filters to achieve adequate SPF.
Innovation Solution
A UV filter based on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) particles functionalized with natural organic UV filters, where the PHB particles are sized between 0.2 to 500 µm and contain 2-10% of the organic filter, either incorporated within their structure or coated with liposomes, providing enhanced stability and absorption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic UV filters are used, then photostability is improved, but the layer thickness required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines organic UV filters with inorganic carriers (TiO2, ZnO, silica) to create composite particles. The inorganic carrier provides photostability and structural support, while the organic filter molecules embedded on or within the carrier provide UV absorption. This composite structure allows thinner application layers while maintaining both stability and effectiveness.
2Illumination intensity
If particle size of inorganic UV filters is reduced to 10-50 nm, then visible light scattering is reduced, but aggregation tendency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface modifiers and stabilizing agents (such as silanes, surfactants, or polymer coatings) that act as intermediaries between the inorganic particles and the organic UV filters. These intermediaries prevent particle aggregation by providing steric or electrostatic repulsion, while also facilitating the embedding or adsorption of organic filter molecules on the particle surface.
3Reliability
If organic UV filters are used, then absorption of UV radiation is improved, but photodegradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite structures where organic UV filter molecules are embedded within or adsorbed onto inorganic carrier particles. The inorganic carrier acts as a protective matrix that shields the organic molecules from direct UV exposure and oxidative degradation, thereby extending their functional lifetime while maintaining their UV absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates antioxidants, UV stabilizers, or protective coatings on the inorganic carrier particles before adding the organic UV filters. These protective layers are applied in advance to cushion the organic molecules from photodegradation effects during product storage and application, preventing premature breakdown.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple organic UV filters are combined, then broad-spectrum protection is achieved, but product complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single inorganic carrier particle type that can simultaneously support multiple different organic UV filter molecules on its surface or within its structure. This universal carrier platform provides broad-spectrum protection through one composite ingredient, simplifying formulation compared to mixing multiple separate filter compounds.
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 PHB-based UV filter achieves a high sun protection factor (SPF) and is water-resistant, safe for human health and the environment, with PHB contributing to UV radiation absorption and scattering, and the organic filter enhancing stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
PHB contributing to UV radiation absorption and scattering
Implementation Method 2
PHB contributing to UV radiation absorption and scattering
Implementation Method 3
Organic UV filters, also known as chemical UV filters, absorb the sun radiation and turn it, especially its UVB part, into thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
either incorporated within their structure or coated with liposomes
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a UV filter based on polyhydroxybutyrate containing polyhydroxybutyrate particles in size ranging from 0.2 to 500 µm, which are functionalised by at least one organic UV filter of natural origin at a total concentration of 2 to 10%. The invention also relates to the method of preparation of this UV filter.