The method was developed by Katy Margulis-Goshen at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry.
The method in question produces a rapid conversion of oil-in-water micro emulsions, containing an insoluble substance, into a dry powder composed of nanoparticles which can easily be dissolved in water or other biological fluids.
Unique industrial importance
According to the university, the process could be of great industrial importance as it leads to a significant increase in solubility and dissolution properties of almost any active ingredient, without a high energy investment.
In cosmetics, active cosmetic ingredients for dermal delivery are usually water resistant, so that incorporating them into non-greasy, water-based formulations is of great importance.
It also means that in cosmetics, the powder containing active cosmetic ingredient may be incorporated into new, stable, water-based formulations.
The invention has been patented by Yissum, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University, which is seeking commercial partners for further research and development.
Award-winning
Margulis-Goshen was also chosen as one of the winners of the 2011 Kaye Innovation Awards at the university for her work.
The Kaye Awards were established in 1994 to encourage faculty, staff, and students of the university to develop innovative methods and inventions with good commercial potential which will benefit the university and society.
Margulis Goshen’s method is also of importance in the pharmaceutical field when manufacturing new drugs, and in the agriculture industry when mixing insecticides as a lot of them are resistant to mixing with water.