Plant Protein Microcapsules via Aliphatic Polyisocyanate Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microencapsulation technologies face challenges in achieving biodegradability and stability while maintaining effective release properties for hydrophobic active ingredients, particularly in consumer products where environmental impact and veganism are concerns.
Innovation Solution
The development of plant protein-based microcapsules produced through an aqueous emulsion process using aliphatic polyisocyanates as crosslinking agents, which form a stable capsule shell for encapsulating hydrophobic active ingredients while being biodegradable and vegan-friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microencapsulation technologies are used to achieve stability, then the capsule shell provides good stability, but biodegradability and environmental impact are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the capsule shell by using plant protein-based polymers instead of conventional synthetic polymers. This substitution maintains the structural integrity and stability needed for encapsulation while introducing biodegradability and reducing environmental harm, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining plant protein-based polymers with crosslinking agents to create a capsule shell that achieves both stability and biodegradability. The composite approach allows the shell to maintain mechanical strength through crosslinking while the plant protein base ensures biodegradability, simultaneously addressing both requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plant protein-based microcapsules are produced to achieve biodegradability, then environmental impact is reduced, but stability and release properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the plant protein-based polymer through controlled crosslinking. By adjusting crosslinking density and degree, the shell achieves optimal balance between stability for encapsulation and biodegradability for environmental compatibility, resolving the contradiction between these two properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial crosslinking rather than complete crosslinking of the plant protein-based polymer. This partial action maintains sufficient stability for encapsulation while leaving enough uncrosslinked regions to allow biodegradation, effectively resolving the contradiction between stability and environmental impact
3Reliability
If a stable capsule shell is formed for hydrophobic active ingredients, then encapsulation efficiency is improved, but release properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality variations in the capsule shell by forming regions with different crosslinking densities. Some regions have higher crosslinking for stability and encapsulation, while other regions have lower crosslinking to facilitate controlled release of hydrophobic active ingredients, resolving the contradiction between encapsulation efficiency and release properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial crosslinking to achieve a balance between stability and release. By not fully crosslinking the plant protein-based polymer, the shell maintains sufficient stability for encapsulation while retaining enough flexibility and porosity to allow controlled release of the active ingredient over time
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 plant protein-based microcapsules demonstrate excellent stability and sensory performance, with improved biodegradability and reduced environmental impact, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including household products and cosmetics.
Implementation Method 1
The plant protein-based microcapsules are produced by interfacial polymerization of a plant protein with aliphatic polyisocyanates
Implementation Method 2
aliphatic polyisocyanates as crosslinking agents, which form a stable capsule shell
Implementation Method 3
The plant protein-based microcapsules are produced by interfacial polymerization in an aqueous emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of microcapsules, in particular plant protein-based microcapsules and dispersions of such microcapsules (microcapsule slurry), which include at least one hydrophobic active ingredient, preferably perfume- or aroma-containing plant protein-based microcapsules, which have a balance of stability and performance compared to microcapsules of the prior art. Furthermore, the present invention relates to plant protein-based microcapsules obtainable by the method according to the invention. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the plant protein-based microcapsules and dispersions according to the invention as a component of household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, scent boosters or fragrance enhancers in liquid or solid form, cosmetics, personal care products, perfume compositions, agricultural products, pharmaceutical products or print coating for paper. Ultimately, the present invention relates to consumer products comprising such microcapsules or microcapsule dispersions according to the invention.