PMD Slow-Release Formulation for Extended Insect Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insect repellents have short durations of effectiveness, require frequent applications, and can be harmful due to high concentrations of active ingredients, while natural alternatives are too volatile and provide insufficient protection against expanding insect species.

Innovation Solution

A slow-release formulation comprising p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a glycoside, an organic acid, and a divalent metal halide salt, which provides a controlled release of PMD for extended protection against insects, reducing the need for frequent applications and minimizing health risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If natural repellent molecules are used, then the repellent provides a safer alternative with reduced health risks, but the molecules are too volatile and provide protection for only a very short time-period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth risksVSAvoidprotection duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the repellent molecule into two parts: a volatile natural repellent molecule (providing safety) and a non-volatile carrier molecule (providing duration). The repellent is attached to the carrier through a bond that releases the repellent slowly over time, thus achieving both safety and extended protection duration simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier molecule acts as an intermediary between the volatile natural repellent and the skin surface. It holds the repellent molecule and releases it in a controlled manner, preventing the repellent from evaporating too quickly while maintaining its natural safety profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If increased concentrations of active ingredient are applied, then the effective duration is extended, but increased exposure can lead to toxicity and irritancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective durationVSAvoidtoxicity and irritancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the release rate parameter of the active ingredient by using a carrier molecule with specific properties. Instead of applying high concentrations that cause toxicity, the system maintains lower concentrations and controls the release rate to extend duration without increasing exposure levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional repellent products are used, then protection against morning or evening biting mosquitos is provided, but multiple applications are required for daytime feeding Aedes species

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication frequencyVSAvoideffectiveness against different insect species
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous release of the repellent molecule over an extended period (up to 24 hours or more) through the carrier system. This continuous action provides uninterrupted protection against daytime feeding Aedes mosquitoes, eliminating the need for multiple reapplications and maintaining effectiveness throughout the day.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 formulation achieves a long-lasting insect repellent effect of at least 24 hours with reduced active ingredient concentration, minimizing odor and irritancy, and allows for the use of natural repellents like PMD, enhancing protection against diverse insect species.

Implementation Method 1

The formulation comprises p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a glycoside, an organic acid, and a divalent metal halide salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4344398B1Slow-release formulation
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GLYCOSCIENCE SL
  • EP4344398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4344398B1 patent drawingFigure 2.1
  • EP4344398B1 patent drawingFigure 2.2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a slow-release formulation. It relates also to the use of said repellent formulation, to a method of use thereof, and to a composition comprising said formulation. It further relates to PMD glucovanillin conjugate compound of formula (II), a process for preparing the compound of formula (II), and further to the use of the compound of formula (II) for the controlled release of PMD. It refers also to a process for isolating racemic cis/trans-PMD from an extract containing PMD.