METHODS TO FORMULATE NEUTRAL ORGANIC COMPOUNDS WITH POLYMER NANOPARTICLES
A composition including a collapsed, polymer nanoparticle and at least one organic, neutral compound associated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle is less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer comprises a water-soluble polyelectrolyte, has a molecular weight of at least about 100,000 Dalton and is cross-linked. The organic, neutral compound is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, colorants, oils, UV-light absorbing molecules, fragrances, flavoring molecules, preservatives, electro-conductive compounds, thermoplastic compounds, adhesion promoters, penetration enhancers, anti-corrosive agents, and combinations thereof.
1 . A composition comprising a polymer nanoparticle and at least one organic, neutral, non-ionic compound associated with the polymer nanoparticle,
wherein the polymer nanoparticle is less than 100 nm in diameter, and
the polymer nanoparticle comprises: multiple, cross-linked, collapsed, water-soluble polyelectrolytes, each of which comprises a random copolymer with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, and has a molecular weight of at least about 100,000 Dalton; and
wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, colorants, oils, UV-light absorbing molecules, fragrances, flavoring molecules, preservatives, electro-conductive compounds, thermoplastic compounds, adhesion promoters, penetration enhancers, anti-corrosive agents, and combinations thereof.
2 . (canceled)
3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer nanoparticle is less than 50 nm in size.
4 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer nanoparticle is less than 20 nm in size.
5 . (canceled)
6 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is hydrophobic.
7 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the multiple, cross-linked, collapsed, water-soluble polyelectrolytes are cross-linked by one of the following: electromagnetic radiation induced cross-linking, chemically induced cross-linking or thermally induced cross-linking.
8 . A dispersion comprising the composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is dispersed at a concentration higher than its solubility in the absence of the polymer nanoparticle.
9 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the multiple, cross-linked, collapsed, water-soluble polyelectrolytes comprise poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), poly (styrene sulfonate), chitosan, poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride), poly (allylamine hydrochloride), or combinations thereof.
10 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is in an interior of the polymer nanoparticle.
11 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is on a surface of the polymer nanoparticle.
12 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound remains associated with the polymer nanoparticle after being exposed to a solvent.
13 . The composition of claim 1 which provides for extended or sustained release after application.
14 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is released via triggered release.
15 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is neutral at a pH of between about 5 to about 9.
16 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is neutral at a pH of between about 6 to about 8.
17 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the multiple, cross-linked, collapsed, water-soluble polyelectrolytes have a molecular weight of at least about 250,000 Daltons.
18 . (canceled)
19 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the organic, neutral, non-ionic compound is not a salt, or ion from a salt.
20 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer nanoparticle has a cavity.
21 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer nanoparticle has a network structure.
22 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer nanoparticle is recovered in a dried form and redispersed in a suitable solvent.
23 - 24 . (canceled)
25 . A method to associate an organic, neutral compound with polymer nanoparticles comprising the steps of:
(a) dissolving polymer nanoparticles and an organic, neutral compound in a suitable solvent; and
(b) removing the solvent,
wherein the organic, neutral compound is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, colorants, oils, UV-light absorbing molecules, fragrances, flavoring molecules, preservatives, electro-conductive compounds, thermoplastic compounds, adhesion promoters, penetration enhancers, anti-corrosive agents, and combinations thereof,
wherein the polymer nanoparticles are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer nanoparticles comprise multiple, cross-linked, collapsed, a water soluble polyelectrolyte; each of which comprises a random copolymer with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, and has a molecular weight of at least about 100,000 Dalton.
26 - 58 . (canceled)