Zein Nanoparticles via Non-Volatile Solvent Self-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing zein nanoparticles require the use of volatile organic solvents and complex techniques like high shear homogenization or supercritical fluid technology, making large-scale production challenging and requiring the removal of solvents, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the spontaneous self-assembly of zein nanoparticles using water miscible non-volatile organic solvents like propylene glycol or glycerol, allowing for the formation of nanoparticles without volatile solvents and complex equipment, enabling high encapsulation efficiency and bioadhesive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volatile organic solvents and complex techniques like high shear homogenization or supercritical fluid technology are used, then nanoparticles can be produced, but the process becomes complex and challenging for large-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates volatile organic solvents from the nanoparticle production process, replacing them with water-miscible non-volatile organic solvents. This removal of harmful volatile components simplifies the production process by eliminating the need for complex solvent removal equipment and high shear homogenization, while maintaining reliable nanoparticle formation through spontaneous self-assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service by utilizing the spontaneous self-assembly capability of zein proteins in water-miscible non-volatile organic solvents. The system automatically forms nanoparticles without requiring external energy input from high shear homogenizers or supercritical fluid equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable nanoparticle production.
2Ease of manufacture
If volatile organic solvents are used to dissolve zein, then zein solution can be obtained, but solvent removal is required which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts volatile organic solvents from the zein dissolution process and replaces them with water-miscible non-volatile organic solvents. This substitution eliminates the need for complex solvent removal steps such as evaporation or distillation, as the non-volatile solvents can be directly mixed with aqueous phases to precipitate zein nanoparticles without requiring additional removal equipment or energy-intensive processes.
3Reliability
If conventional nanoparticle production methods are used, then nanoparticles can be formed, but encapsulation efficiency and bioadhesive properties are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system from volatile organic solvents to water-miscible non-volatile organic solvents. This parameter change fundamentally alters the precipitation mechanism, enabling spontaneous self-assembly that produces nanoparticles with superior encapsulation efficiency and enhanced bioadhesive properties, while maintaining reliable nanoparticle formation.
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 results in nanoparticles with homogeneous size, high yield, and enhanced bioadhesive affinity, facilitating industrial-scale production and improved release of encapsulated molecules, suitable for various applications including pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses.
Implementation Method 1
The invention provides a simple in situ self-assembly method that allows the spontaneous formation of said nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
zein solution is added to other miscible solvent to precipitate zein (solvent displacement-evaporation method) forming colloidal particles
Implementation Method 3
A method involving the spontaneous self-assembly of zein nanoparticles using water miscible non-volatile organic solvents like propylene glycol or glycerol
Implementation Method 4
nanoparticles based on vegetable hydrophobic proteins, particularly zein, and water miscible non-volatile organic solvents having high mucosal bioadhesion capacity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to nanoparticles for encapsulating compounds, the preparation and uses thereof, said nanoparticles being based on a vegetable hydrophobic protein, particularly zein, and a water miscible non-volatile organic solvent, particularly propylene glycol. Said nanoparticles can encapsulate or incorporate a product of interest for use in the agricultural, cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical fields.