Multifunctional (METH)acrylate polysaccharide microcapsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microencapsulation methods face challenges in creating robust, sustainable microcapsules with low leakage that can effectively protect and deliver benefit agents to targeted sites, often relying on non-natural components and lacking efficient emulsification processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of microcapsules featuring a shell composed of a free radical addition product of multifunctional (meth)acrylates cross-linked with hydrophobically modified polysaccharides, which act as both the shell material and emulsifier, formed through an interfacial reaction between oil and water phases, allowing for stable encapsulation and potential biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microencapsulation methods are used, then microcapsules can be produced, but they exhibit high leakage and poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite shell structure formed by interfacial polymerization between isocyanate-functionalized polysaccharide (in aqueous phase) and polyol (in organic phase), creating a polyurethane-based composite material that combines the structural integrity of synthetic polymers with the biodegradability of natural polysaccharides, thereby achieving both low leakage and high stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including the molecular weight of polysaccharide (50,000-500,000 Da), the ratio of functional groups, cross-linking density, and polymerization conditions to achieve the desired balance between shell robustness (for low leakage) and controlled biodegradability (for stability in target environments)
2Strength
If non-natural components are used in microcapsule shells, then robustness is improved, but biodegradability and environmental sustainability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses isocyanate-functionalized polysaccharide as an intermediary material that bridges the gap between natural biodegradable materials and synthetic robust materials. The polysaccharide backbone provides biodegradability while the grafted polyurethane chains (formed through interfacial polymerization with polyol) provide the necessary mechanical strength and chemical resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure exhibits local quality differentiation where the polysaccharide core regions provide biodegradability and environmental compatibility, while the polyurethane cross-linked regions provide mechanical strength and barrier properties, creating a spatially differentiated functional structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex emulsification processes are used, then stable emulsions can be formed, but process complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-emulsifying system where the isocyanate-functionalized polysaccharide in the aqueous phase automatically forms stable emulsion droplets with the organic phase containing polyol, eliminating the need for additional emulsifiers or complex emulsification equipment. The interfacial polymerization occurs spontaneously at the phase boundary, simplifying the overall process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single material: the isocyanate-functionalized polysaccharide serves simultaneously as the aqueous phase component, the shell-forming polymer precursor, and the emulsion stabilizer, thereby reducing the number of separate components and process steps required
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 results in microcapsules with improved stability and reduced leakage, capable of effectively protecting and delivering benefit agents while being based on natural, renewable components, and facilitating biodegradability for environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the shell comprises a free radical addition product of a multifunctional (meth)acrylate cross-linked with a hydrophobically modified polysaccharide
Implementation Method 2
formed through an interfacial reaction between oil and water phases
Implementation Method 3
hydrophobically modified polysaccharides, which act as both the shell material and emulsifier
Implementation Method 4
a free radical addition product of a multifunctional (meth)acrylate cross-linked with a hydrophobically modified polysaccharide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a core shell microcapsule wherein the capsule shell is an interfacial copolymer formed of a modified polysaccharide free radical cross-linked with a multifunctional (meth)acrylate. The polysaccharide is hydrophobically modified with an adduct containing at least one unsaturated bond. The modification imparts hydrophobic character to the polysaccharide to act as an emulsifier, driving the modified polysaccharide to an oil-water interface of an encapsulation emulsion described, and creates an active bonding site for free-radical polymerization between the polysaccharide and multifunctional (meth)acrylate, thereby forming a microcapsule shell surrounding the core material.