Polyester-polyether gel matrix for controlled pheromone release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pheromone release products are not sustainable due to non-sustainable packaging, are laborious to install and remove, and there is a need for controlled release to avoid wastage.
Innovation Solution
A solid article using a chemically cross-linked polyester-polyether copolymeric gel matrix for sustained release of pheromones, prepared from less harmful starting materials and with improved biodisintegration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If polyurethane polymer gels are used for sustained release of volatile materials, then sustained release performance is achieved, but health safety deteriorates due to harmful isocyanate starting materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer gel from polyurethane (containing isocyanate) to polyester-polyether copolymer (containing hydroxyl, carboxyl, and ester groups), thereby eliminating harmful isocyanate residues while maintaining the sustained release capability through the gel matrix structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite polyester-polyether copolymer gel matrix that combines polyester and polyether segments to achieve both sustained release performance and improved safety profile, replacing the homogeneous polyurethane structure
2Duration of action of moving object
If polyurethane polymer gels are used for sustained release, then release functionality is achieved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to low biodisintegration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters to include hydrolyzable ester groups in the polyester-polyether copolymer, which enables biological degradation through hydrolysis and enzymatic breakdown, thereby improving biodisintegration while maintaining sustained release through the gel network
3Quantity of substance
If traditional porous packages are used for pheromone release, then pheromone delivery is achieved, but labor efficiency deteriorates due to laborious hanging and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible gel matrix that can be conformally applied to surfaces, replacing rigid porous packages that require hanging, thereby enabling easier installation and removal while maintaining effective pheromone delivery through the gel structure
4Quantity of substance
If pheromones are released without controlled release rates, then pheromone delivery is achieved, but material efficiency deteriorates due to wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous controlled release of pheromones from the gel matrix over an extended period, ensuring steady delivery rates that prevent both under-delivery and wasteful over-delivery, thereby improving material efficiency while maintaining effective pheromone communication
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 solution provides excellent pheromone release over time, reduces environmental impact, and allows for controlled release rates, addressing the sustainability and wastage issues of prior art products.
Implementation Method 1
a solid article for sustained release of one or more pheromones, comprising at least 5 wt % of one or more pheromones embedded in a gel matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a solid article for sustained release of one or more pheromones, comprising at least 5 wt % of one or more pheromones embedded in a gel matrix, wherein said gel matrix is formed from a chemically cross-linked polyester-polyether copolymeric material.