Biodegradable cationic polyesters for active ingredient delivery in cleansing products
Introducing biodegradable cationic poly(ester-amines) with quaternary ammonium groups for effective active ingredient delivery in cleansing products. These polymers offer strong interactions with anionic surfactants and surfaces, enhancing deposition on skin and hair.
Overview
The innovative biodegradable cationic polyesters, designed for cleansing products, integrate a hydrolytically degradable polyester backbone with quaternary ammonium side groups, facilitating effective delivery of active ingredients. By leveraging strong cationic interactions with anionic surfactants and negatively charged surfaces, these polymers enhance deposition on both skin and hair. The tunable structure balances hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, making it suitable for coacervate-based formulations.
Technical specifications
- Biodegradable Structure: Composed of biobased diacids and amino-diols, the polyester backbone ensures environmental breakdown through ester hydrolysis.
- Cationic Character: Quaternary ammonium groups provide robust positive charges for electrostatic binding, promoting active deposition.
- Tunable Properties: Monomer compositions are adjustable for optimal adhesion on diverse surfaces.
- Production Scalability: Initial synthesis at gram-scale with a clear path to kilogram-scale production.
- Water Compatibility: Suitable for inclusion in water-based cleansing product formulations.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 2, this technology has been synthesized at gram-scale with plans for scalability and testing. Further validation includes characterization, biodegradability tests, and deposition performance evaluations. Partnership opportunities for research support are sought to advance development and integration into commercial formulations.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a comprehensive private research university in upstate New York, pairing fundamental inquiry with applied, industry-facing work. Industry engagement is anchored by a downtown innovation campus with co-located university–industry labs, pilot-scale testbeds, and flexible prototyping spaces. A centralized corporate partnerships office and experiential learning pipelines link R&D teams to faculty and student talent through sponsored research, internships, and capstone collaborations. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office and campus-linked incubators streamline IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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