Solid Protein-Dye Complex for Rapid Surfactant Harshness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the harshness of surfactants are not quick enough and cannot be easily performed outside laboratory settings, making it difficult to provide immediate product recommendations to consumers in retail or salon environments.
Innovation Solution
A method using pre-prepared solid protein-dye complexes, comprising non-denatured corn protein and a specific protein-binding dye, which are dissolved in aqueous alcohol, formed into a solid complex, and used to measure the color change when added to a surfactant solution, allowing for rapid and portable harshness assessment using a reference scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods using chemical indicators are used to measure surfactant harshness, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-preparing solid protein-dye complexes that are ready for immediate use. The protein and dye are combined and dried into a stable solid form beforehand, eliminating the need for laboratory preparation steps during actual measurement. This allows the test to be performed quickly by simply adding the pre-prepared solid complex to the surfactant solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the protein-dye complex from liquid/solution form to solid form. This transformation enables the complex to be stored stably and transported easily, while maintaining its reactivity when added to aqueous surfactant solutions. The parameter change from liquid to solid resolves the contradiction between precision and speed.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods are used for harshness measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex preparation steps from the measurement procedure itself. By separating the protein-dye complex preparation into a preliminary stage and using the pre-prepared solid complex in the actual measurement, the method removes operational complexity from the field test while maintaining measurement accuracy through the validated complex formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid protein-dye complexes can be prepared as disposable units that are stable during storage but react quickly when used. This approach simplifies operation by eliminating the need for complex equipment or multi-step procedures during field measurement, while maintaining accuracy through the standardized pre-prepared complexes.
3Reliability
If conventional harshness testing methods are used, then reliability of measurement is improved, but adaptability to different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the protein-dye complex to solid form, which fundamentally improves environmental adaptability. The solid form is stable under various conditions (temperature, humidity, transport) while maintaining measurement reliability when added to surfactant solutions. This parameter change enables reliable measurements in retail, salon, and field environments beyond controlled laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid protein-dye complex serves multiple functions: it is stable during storage and transport, easy to handle in various environments, and provides reliable measurement results when used with surfactant solutions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between reliability and environmental adaptability by making the same measurement system effective both in laboratories and in field conditions.
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
Enables quick and portable measurement of surfactant harshness, allowing for immediate product recommendations and is stable for extended periods, facilitating use in various non-laboratory environments.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving a) and b) in aqueous alcohol to form a solution of protein-dye complex
Implementation Method 2
The intensity of the colour change indicates the amount of protein present
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a quick and accurate way of assessing harshness of a surfactant towards a protein, which can be easily carried out under non-laboratory conditions and which facilitates recommendations for making suitable products. Particularly, provided are methods of measuring the harshness of a surfactant, which includes (a) providing an aqueous solution of surfactant and taking a first colour measurement; (b) adding a solid protein-dye complex to the aqueous solution of surfactant; (c) taking a second colour measurement and measuring the change in colour between the first colour measurement and the second colour measurement; and (d) matching the change in colour with a reference scale. The solid protein-dye complex can be prepared by dissolving a non-denatured corn protein and a protein binding dye in aqueous alcohol, and removing the aqueous alcohol.