Synthetic Squalane Esters for Stable Emollients
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The supply of naturally derived squalane is variable due to its dependence on natural sources, leading to instability in personal care products, as other emollients lack the stability and effectiveness of squalane.
Innovation Solution
A novel fatty acid ester is developed, comprising a high concentration of monoalkyl-branched saturated branched fatty acids, which are more stable and suitable for use as emollients in personal care compositions, particularly as a synthetic alternative to squalane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If naturally derived squalane is used as an emollient, then stability and effectiveness are improved, but supply consistency deteriorates due to dependence on natural sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of squalane by esterifying squalene with fatty acids. This synthetic squalane ester reproduces the beneficial stability and emollient properties of natural squalane while eliminating supply inconsistencies. The copying principle allows replication of the desired molecular structure and performance characteristics without relying on variable natural sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of squalane by introducing ester groups through reaction with fatty acids. This parameter change transforms natural squalane into synthetic squalane esters with enhanced or modified properties while maintaining the core stability and effectiveness. The parameter changes include adding ester functional groups and varying chain lengths to optimize performance.
2Quantity of substance
If other emollients are used to replace squalane, then supply availability is improved, but stability and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using unrelated alternative emollients, the patent copies the successful structure of squalane and enhances it through esterification. This ensures that the synthetic emollient retains the proven stability and effectiveness of squalane while providing consistent supply through synthetic production methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite molecular structures by combining squalene with fatty acids to form squalane esters. This composite approach integrates the stability of squalane with the properties of fatty acids, producing a hybrid molecule that maintains supply consistency while preserving or enhancing stability and effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If branched fatty acids are used in esterification, then liquid state and ease of handling at room temperature are improved, but oxidation stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively introducing branches at specific positions (primarily at carbon-8) rather than random branching throughout the chain. This localized branching provides the desired liquid state and handling properties while minimizing the negative impact on oxidation stability compared to polybranched structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the degree and position of branching as controllable parameters. By limiting branches primarily to monobranched structures at specific locations and controlling the number of branches per molecule, the patent achieves a balance between liquid state properties and oxidation stability, avoiding the excessive branching that would compromise stability.
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 novel fatty acid ester provides enhanced stability and effectiveness as an emollient, replicating the skin benefits of squalane while offering a consistent supply, suitable for various personal care products.
Implementation Method 1
The novel emollients are emollients which can be used to replicate the emollient effect of naturally derived emollients
Implementation Method 2
The emollient effect, as well as the fact that the compound is stable, i.e. it is not prone to oxidation, makes squalane a desirable ingredient
Data Source
AI summary
A novel fatty acid ester having the general formula R1-COOR2 wherein R1 and R2 are hydrocarbon groups derived from a branched fatty acid and an alcohol, respectively. R1 is derived from a branched fatty acid which has been refined from a commercially available acid to give a product with a high concentration of monobranched fatty acids and a low concentration of polybranched fatty acids. The use of the ester derived from the refined fatty acid is found to be particularly useful in personal care compositions, for example as an emollient.