Poly(amino acid) Capsules via Interfacial Polymerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current encapsulation technologies struggle to produce poly(amino acid) based capsules with a wide range of particle sizes, a mechanically strong shell, and the ability to be isolated in a dry state, using a single step process.

Innovation Solution

The development of poly(amino acid) based core-shell structures achieved through interfacial ring opening polymerization of specific N-carboxy-anhydride monomers, allowing for the creation of capsules with a broad scope of functionalities and particle sizes in a single step.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If classical interfacial polycondensation is used to prepare poly(amino acid) based capsules, then the shell can be formed, but the method is not suited for preparing poly(amino acid) based capsules with controlled particle sizes and mechanical strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability of preparation methodVSAvoidcontrol over particle size and shell properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymerization process by using N-carboxy-anhydride monomers instead of classical monomers, and by controlling the ratio of amino acid monomers to achieve specific shell compositions and particle sizes. This allows precise control over capsule properties while maintaining poly(amino acid) composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite shell structures by combining different amino acid monomers (e.g., hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids) to create poly(amino acid) shells with tailored properties. This composite approach enables simultaneous control of particle size, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If poly(amino acid) based shells are used to achieve biocompatibility and biodegradability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the mechanical strength and shell density are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocompatibility and biodegradabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength of shell

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific amino acid residues at different positions in the polymer chain to create regions with different properties. Hydrophobic amino acids provide mechanical strength and shell density, while hydrophilic amino acids maintain biocompatibility and degradation properties, achieving both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining amino acids with different functional properties in the poly(amino acid) shell. This composite structure allows the shell to exhibit both mechanical strength (from hydrophobic residues) and biocompatibility (from hydrophilic residues), resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If a single step process is used to produce capsules with wide range of particle sizes, then productivity is improved, but the control over shell density and particle size distribution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol over particle size and shell density

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by developing a single polymerization process that can produce capsules across a wide range of particle sizes (from nanoscale to microscale) by simply adjusting reaction parameters such as monomer concentration, temperature, and catalyst amount. This single step process maintains control over both particle size distribution and shell density through systematic parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables the production of capsules with a strong and dense polymeric shell, capable of encapsulating a variety of core materials, and can be easily scaled for industrial production while maintaining high stability and control over particle size.

Implementation Method 1

polymerization occurs at the interface of the oil drops in an oil-in-water emulsion or at the interface of the water drops in water-in-oil emulsions. In interfacial polycondensation, two reactants meet at the interface of the emulsion droplets and react rapidly.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRing opening polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250073176A1Poly(amino acid) based capsules

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 AGFA GEVAERT NV

AI summary

A capsule consisting of a polymeric shell surrounding a core, the core comprises an organic compound, the polymeric shell comprises a poly(amino acid) and is obtainable by interfacial polymerization of a N-carboxy-anhydride monomer according to general structure (I). The organic compound is a marine oil, a vegetable oil, an essential oil, a fragrance, a flavour, an insect repellent, a flame retardant, an active pharmaceutical ingredient or an agrochemical.