Skin-Forming Polymer Composition with Controlled Volatile Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skincare products lack effective, non-invasive methods for delivering beneficial agents through a thin, durable, and skin-like layer that can transport volatile agents or other active ingredients in a controlled manner while preventing premature cross-linking during storage.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an unsaturated organopolymer, a hydride functionalized polysiloxane, and an environment-responsive agent, along with a catalyst, forms a thin film on the skin, allowing for the controlled transport of beneficial agents, such as fragrances, drugs, or insect repellents, through hydrosilylation step-growth polymerization, with ligands or encapsulating agents slowing down cross-linking reactions to prevent premature polymerization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crosslinked polymer layer is formed on the skin, then the durability and skin-like properties are improved, but the complexity of the application process and storage stability deteriorates due to premature cross-linking
Solution Approach 1:
The composition is divided into separate components: unsaturated organopolymer, hydride functionalized polysiloxane, and catalyst. These components are applied together but remain distinct until contact with skin, where the environment triggers cross-linking. This segmentation allows stable storage of individual components while enabling film formation only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The unsaturated organopolymer and hydride functionalized polysiloxane are prepared in advance as stable, non-crosslinked components. The catalyst is also prepared separately. All components are ready for application, but the cross-linking reaction is postponed until contact with skin environment (moisture, temperature, pH), preventing premature polymerization during storage and application.
2Productivity
If volatile agents are transported out of the composition, then the beneficial agent delivery is improved, but the control over release timing and rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linking density and network structure of the polymer film are controlled by adjusting the ratio of unsaturated organopolymer to hydride functionalized polysiloxane, the catalyst amount, and environmental conditions (moisture, temperature). These parameter changes allow tuning of the film's porosity and permeability, thereby controlling the release rate and timing of volatile agents while maintaining efficient delivery.
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 enables the controlled release of beneficial agents from a thin, durable skin-like film, enhancing skin protection and appearance while maintaining stability during storage and application, addressing the need for efficient and controlled delivery of active ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
hydrosilylation step-growth polymerization
Implementation Method 2
the environment-responsive agent is transported out of the composition by diffusion
Implementation Method 3
the environment-responsive agent is transported out of the composition by convection
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions for application to skin of a subject comprising (a) an unsaturated organopolymer, (b) a hydride functionalized polysiloxane and (c) an environment-responsive agent that is capable of transporting out of the composition or facilitates out-transport of one or more beneficial agents from the composition after the composition is applied to a subject. Alternatively, the compositions comprise (a) a bifunctional organopolysiloxane polymer having one unsaturated group and one hydride and (b) the environment-responsive agent. The environment-responsive agent may be a volatile agent and the compositions can be used to create a thin film on the skin of a subject wherein the volatile agent is capable of transporting out of the film. In one embodiment, the volatile agent is transported out of the composition by convection. In one embodiment, the volatile agent is transported out of the composition by diffusion.