Sunscreen Composition That Preserves Nitric Oxide and Vitamin D

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sunscreen compositions inhibit the natural production of nitric oxide (NO) and vitamin D in the skin by blocking UV exposure, which are beneficial for health, leading to potential health issues such as vitamin D deficiency and related diseases.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating thiol and disulfide compounds into sunscreen compositions that generate NO and vitamin D upon UV exposure, supplementing the natural processes inhibited by traditional sunscreens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If sunscreen compositions block UV exposure to protect skin from damage, then skin protection from sun burn and cancer is improved, but natural production of nitric oxide and vitamin D in skin deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin protection from UV damageVSAvoidproduction of nitric oxide and vitamin D
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thiol and disulfide compounds as intermediary substances that mediate between UV radiation and the skin. These compounds absorb UV energy and transfer it to nitrite and other nitrogen-containing compounds, enabling nitric oxide production without direct UV exposure to the skin. This intermediary mechanism allows vitamin D and nitric oxide synthesis while maintaining skin protection from harmful UV effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sunscreen composition by incorporating specific thiol and disulfide compounds at controlled concentrations. These parameter changes enable the composition to generate nitric oxide and facilitate vitamin D production through chemical reactions triggered by UV exposure, transforming the sunscreen from a purely protective agent to an active producer of beneficial compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional sunscreens completely block UV rays to prevent skin damage, then skin safety is improved, but UV-dependent health benefits deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin safetyVSAvoidUV-dependent vitamin D and nitric oxide production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful UV radiation that causes skin damage into a beneficial process by using thiol and disulfide compounds to channel UV energy into producing nitric oxide and facilitating vitamin D synthesis. The UV radiation that would normally harm the skin is transformed into a catalyst for generating protective and health-promoting substances, turning a harmful factor into a beneficial one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite sunscreen material combining traditional UV-filtering ingredients with thiol and disulfide compounds. This composite formulation maintains the skin-protective function while adding the capability to generate nitric oxide and support vitamin D production, achieving multiple functions in a single integrated composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enhances skin-based NO and vitamin D production, preventing related health issues by maintaining therapeutic effects associated with UV-dependent processes.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating thiol and disulfide compounds into sunscreen compositions that generate NO and vitamin D upon UV exposure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochemical reaction: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

The skin's exposure to ultraviolet radiation of short wavelengths (UVB) has been linked to a decreased risk of melanoma

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotolysis: Photodissociation

Data Source

PatentEP3506984B1Compounds and compositions for use
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 AMPERSAND HOLDINGS LTD
  • EP3506984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3506984B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3506984B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compounds and compositions which may be used to augment, supplement and/or replace the products of certain UV sensitive/dependent processes. In particular, the disclosure provides sunscreen compositions which avoid problems associated with prior art sunscreen compositions which inhibit the natural progression of certain in vivo sunlight/UV dependent processes including processes which result in Nitic Oxide/Vitamin D production in the skin.