Spheroid Polymer Particles Narrow Size Distribution Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing spheroid polymer particles through dispersion polymerization often result in a broad size distribution, requiring costly size classification steps or the use of seed particles, which hinders their chromatographic performance and mechanical stability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a two-phase system with a crosslinkable monomer, polymerization initiator, and organic solvent in an aqueous medium without a dispersion stabilizing agent, allowing polymerization while agitated, which achieves a narrow size distribution by controlling particle diameter ratios and surface structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If dispersion polymerization is used to prepare spheroid polymer particles, then the particles can be produced with controlled size, but the particles exhibit a broad size distribution which reduces chromatographic performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size distributionVSAvoidchromatographic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the polymerization system by introducing a crosslinkable monomer and controlling the polymerization conditions (temperature, initiator concentration, monomer ratio) to achieve narrow size distribution. The crosslinking reaction modifies the particle formation dynamics, leading to more uniform particle sizes without requiring post-polymerization classification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite monomer systems combining crosslinkable monomers with other polymerizable monomers. This composite approach creates particles with both uniform size (from controlled crosslinking) and desired functional properties (from the other monomers), achieving narrow size distribution while maintaining chromatographic functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If size classification steps are performed after polymerization to achieve narrow size distribution, then chromatographic performance improves, but the process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size distributionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs the size control action during the polymerization process itself rather than after. By incorporating crosslinkable monomers and controlling polymerization conditions, the particles form with narrow size distribution directly, eliminating the need for subsequent classification steps and reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts or removes the size classification step from the overall process. Instead of performing polymerization followed by classification, the method integrates size control into the polymerization reaction itself, taking out the separate classification operation and simplifying the process flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If very large pores are created to allow unhindered diffusion of biomolecules, then separation efficiency improves, but the mechanical strength of the particles decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by creating a crosslinked network structure within the particle that provides mechanical strength while maintaining larger pore spaces for biomolecule diffusion. The crosslinking creates a rigid framework that supports the particle structure without filling the pores, allowing simultaneous achievement of mechanical strength and separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method produces polymer particles with a narrow size distribution and a rough surface structure, reducing backpressure and enhancing chromatographic performance, particularly for large biomolecules, while maintaining mechanical strength and simplifying the preparation process.

Implementation Method 1

a crosslinkable monomer, a polymerization initiator and an organic solvent which is soluble in the crosslinkable monomer are mixed with each other in an aqueous medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP1881011B1Method of preparing spheroid polymer particles having a narrow size distribution by dispersion polymerization, particles obtainable by said method and use of said particles
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP1881011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1881011B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP1881011B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of preparing spheroid polymer particles having a narrow size distribution by dispersion polymerization. This method comprises the steps of: providing a two-phase system in the form of a dispersion comprising an organic phase of droplets dispersed in an aqueous medium, mixing said organic phase in said aqueous medium under agitation without using a dispersion stabilizing agent to stabilize the dispersion, wherein the organic phase comprises at least a crosslinkable monomer, a polymerization initiator and an organic solvent for said monomer, and allowing the crosslinkable monomers to polymerize, while the two-phase system is agitated.