Non-cellulosic Polysaccharide Derivative for Split End Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair care compositions fail to effectively repair split ends and restore hair cuticle damage, with known polyelectrolyte complexes being unstable when combined with other ingredients, and conventional cationic polymers causing undesirable dry hair effects.

Innovation Solution

A non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative with a cationic degree of substitution lower than 0.15 and an average molecular weight below 2,000,000 g/mol, such as a galactomannan derivative, is used to mend split ends and repair hair cuticle damage without causing greasy or sticky feelings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cationic polymers with high charge density and high molecular weight are used, then split end mending is achieved, but dry hair negatives such as greasy appearance, sticky feel, loss of gloss and heavy coated feel occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplit end mending effectivenessVSAvoiddry hair negatives (greasy appearance, sticky feel, loss of gloss)
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of the polysaccharide derivative by controlling the degree of substitution (DS) to be less than 0.15 and molecular weight to be less than 2,000,000 g/mol. This parameter optimization allows the polymer to provide split end mending while avoiding the harmful effects associated with high charge density and high molecular weight conventional polymers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a specific type of polysaccharide derivative (non-cellulosic with controlled DS and molecular weight) that combines the beneficial properties of cationic polymers (split end mending) while eliminating their drawbacks (greasy feel, loss of gloss). This represents a composite material approach by selecting specific molecular characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polyelectrolyte complexes are used to repair split ends, then repair effectiveness is improved, but stability is compromised when other ingredients are added to the formulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplit end repair effectivenessVSAvoidpolyelectrolyte complex stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of polyelectrolyte complexes (split end repair) while removing the problematic aspect (instability with other ingredients). By using a specifically modified polysaccharide derivative with controlled DS < 0.15 and molecular weight < 2,000,000 g/mol, the patent achieves repair effectiveness without the stability issues of conventional polyelectrolyte complexes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the polymer by controlling the degree of substitution to be less than 0.15 and molecular weight to be less than 2,000,000 g/mol. This parameter optimization allows the polymer to provide split end mending while avoiding the harmful effects associated with high charge density and high molecular weight conventional polymers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If guar gums with high cationic charge density are used, then split end mending is achieved, but substantial repair is not achieved in the absence of other polymeric substituents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplit end mending capabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity (requirement of multiple polymers)
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of multiple polymer combinations (effective split end repair) and achieves it with a single polysaccharide derivative. By optimizing the degree of substitution to be less than 0.15 and molecular weight to be less than 2,000,000 g/mol, the patent eliminates the need for complex multi-polymer formulations while maintaining repair effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes a single polysaccharide derivative perform multiple functions that previously required multiple polymers: split end mending, cuticle smoothing, and formulation stability. This universal polymer replaces complex multi-component systems.

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

The specific non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative effectively mends split ends, closes lifted cuticle scales, and provides durable repair, maintaining hair health without adverse dry hair effects, even under stress from combing and styling.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention is concerned with split end mending, that is to say repair of existing damage by depositing substances that will restore axial cohesion to splits or 'fill in' areas of shaft damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a specific non- cellulosic polysaccharide derivative is useful as an agent for mending split ends... at least one non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative containing at least one cationic group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3522989A1Hair repair composition
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 SPECIALTY OPERATIONS FRANCE

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for mending split ends of hair comprising contacting the hair with split ends with a composition comprising at least one non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative containing at least one cationic group, wherein said non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative has a cationic degree of substitution DScat lower than about 0.15 and an average molecular weight lower than about 2,000,000 g/mol.