DE102012106899A1 - Manufacturing composition of function-bearing base substances, comprises metering and/or mixing of base substances, which are present in liquid form and/or are embedded in carrier liquid by transporting discrete volumes of base substances - Google Patents

Abstract

Manufacturing a composition of function-bearing base substances, comprises metering and/or mixing of the base substances, which are present in liquid form and/or are embedded in the carrier liquid. The metering and/or mixing are carried out by transporting discrete volumes of the base substances by using the electrowetting action. An independent claim is also included for a device for producing a composition of function-bearing base substances, comprising a dosing section (2A) for providing discrete volumes of a basic substance, a mixing section (3) for combining discrete volumes of base substances into a mixing volume, a separator track for separating the mixing volume into sub-volumes, an output line for providing a destination volume of the liquid composition, where at least one of these sections are adapted to transport the base substances by the electrowetting action.

Description

introduction

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing mixtures of functional basic substances. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing olfactory compositions of discrete liquid components.

State of the art and disadvantages

Chemically, olfactorily or otherwise active compositions, hereinafter also referred to as compositions for short, often consist of a number of certain function-bearing basic substances. Although such basic substances are often in the form of solids; However, this form is often only conditionally suitable for the preparation of mixtures of such functional basic substances, in short mixtures, since only a very thorough mixing to the desired result, such as. B. to a desired perfume leads. This is only possible to a limited extent with solids; Also, a typically occurring reaction of the individual basic substances with each other requires the greatest possible contact of the reactants to each other. Therefore, basic substances in the form of liquids are preferred. Unless the basic substances are already in liquid form, they can be dissolved in carrier liquids.

Various processes are known for the preparation of mixtures of functional basic substances, in particular of olfactorily active mixtures (fragrances).

Classically, the mixing is done manually, with the help of devices for accurate weighing of the basic substances, to exactly observe the so-called "recipe". Manual processes are only suitable for the preparation of small amounts of mixtures, eg. For example, only to create new fragrances, and are typically performed by specially trained and experienced personnel.

In addition, automated processes are known, in which compliance with the recipe is ensured by means of suitable metering devices. Such methods are particularly suitable in mass production. Dispensers based on displacement of a certain volume and pumps which convey a defined amount of liquid ground substance into a mixing chamber over a defined period of time are known as metering devices. Novel methods utilize the mixing of basic substances in the gas phase; For this atomizers are used, for example, based on the collision of two separate liquid jets, or nebulizers, for example, based on the principle of electrospray.

The known methods have the disadvantage that they require a relatively high expenditure of time and / or that complex cleaning steps are necessary when changing the formulation. In addition, reproducibility can only be achieved with great effort. The devices used for the method are either only operated by specialists, and / or the design effort is very high. In addition, they are usually very voluminous and expensive.

Object of the invention and solution

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device with which the above disadvantages can be avoided. The process should be quick and easy to carry out, provide reproducible results, and be particularly suitable for the production of olfactory compositions (fragrances). The device should be inexpensive and have a low installation space in relation to known systems.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and an apparatus according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

description

The process according to the invention serves to produce a composition of functional basic substances which are present in liquid form and / or embedded in carrier liquid, the composition being produced by dosing and mixing these basic substances. It is characterized in that the metering and / or mixing is carried out by transporting discrete volumes of the basic substances using the electrowetting effect.

The effect of electrowetting is based on the fact that the surface energy (and thus the surface tension) of polar liquids, to which z. B. also counts water, changed under the action of an electric field. The structure of a device using the effect of electrowetting comprises a first electrode, a dielectric layer, a second electrode, and a space for the polar liquid between the dielectric layer and the second electrode. Typically, the first electrode is provided with a hydrophobic coating and in turn disposed on a substrate.

If a voltage U is now applied to the electrodes, then the contact angle Θ, which is measured between the plane of the dielectric and a drop of the polar liquid, behaves according to the so-called Lippmann-Young equation:

Here, Θ ₀ denotes the contact angle with no applied voltage U, ε ₀ the absolute dielectric constant, ε _r the relative dielectric constant, and d the thickness of the dielectric layer, and γ denotes the interfacial energy (surface tension). In simple terms, by increasing the voltage U, the contact angle Θ is reduced; the drop of the polar liquid dissolves.

For a drop of size 1 mm (diameter), the voltage U is typically about 30 V. This results in "switching speeds" of about 100 ms. Due to the fact that the control is almost powerless, the energy consumption is very low, which is particularly advantageous in terms of mobile, high-performance systems.

Known fields of application in the field of electrowetting are: in the field of liquid lenses, the curvature of which can be changed via the electric field (described, for example, in the publication WO / 1999/018456 ); in the field of displays, in which colored liquid droplets that are conveyed by means of the effect into or out of the field of view of an observer serve as pixels of a matrix display (described, for example, in printed edition) DE 10 2009 022788 A1 ); and in the field of microfluidic systems, where the liquid transport in so-called Labs-on-a-Chip by means of electrowetting works ("Digital Microfluidics").

First, the present in liquid form and / or embedded in carrier liquid basic substances must be suitably dosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, metering is accomplished by transporting discrete volumes of the basic substances using the electrowetting effect. In other words, from each of the basic substances initially present in greater quantity, a precisely defined, discrete volume is "transported out" by means of electrowetting, ie dosed.

Alternatively, however, a dosage in other conventional manner possible (see above).

Then the dosed basic substances must be brought together in an appropriate amount, so mixed together. For this purpose, a transport of the (dosed) basic substances now present as discrete volumes is (possibly also, see above) indispensable. According to a further embodiment of the invention, therefore, the mixing takes place by means of transport of discrete volumes of the basic substances using the electrowetting effect.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible to mix in another conventional manner (see above).

More preferably, both dosing and mixing are done using the electrowetting effect.

By using the method according to the invention, there are a number of advantages. Due to the metering of a matrix in well-defined volumes, typically in the range of 0.1 picoliter to 500 nanoliters, and subsequent accumulation of a precisely known number of these volumes, a likewise precisely determined amount of matrix can be provided. The method has a high reproducibility, since - provided equal environmental parameters such as pressure and temperature, as well as the same electrical parameters in relation to the electrowetting effect - the discrete volumes of a matrix are always exactly the same size. The power consumption is very low, which is particularly advantageous in terms of energy self-sufficient solutions. Due to the high clock rates, a larger, precisely measured amount of basic substances can be made quickly available. The process is fully automated and requires no special expertise or experience to carry it out.

To further improve the accuracy, a ground substance may be diluted in a (neutral) carrier liquid. Thus, for example, dilutions are possible with proportions of 0.01-5% of a ground substance.

More preferably, at least one functional matrix is an olfactory agent, and the method is used to prepare an olfactory composition. Accordingly, the composition and / or the functional base substances selected from the group consisting of fragrances (eg, perfumes, indoor fragrances), flavors, or odors (ie, as "unpleasant" perceived odors). For the field of the production of olfactively active compositions, the inventive method is not yet described.

Thus, the invention particularly discloses a method for producing a liquid Perfume from commodity liquids comprising liquid form present and / or carrier liquid embedded fragrance precursors wherein the fragrance is prepared by dosing and mixing these base liquids. The method is characterized in that the metering and / or mixing is carried out by transporting discrete volumes of the raw material liquids using the electrowetting effect.

The production of fragrances from functional basic substances is thus a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The process according to the invention differs fundamentally from the hitherto known production processes for olfactorily active compositions (see above) and offers a number of advantages.

The recipes on which the fragrances are based must be kept with a high degree of accuracy in order to obtain the desired result in a reproducible manner, which is ensured by the method described. In particular, the creation of new fragrances is simplified, since due to the incremental and very precise dosing finest gradations are reproducible. The process reduces costs, since the amounts of base substances to be used can be very small.

It is clear that the invention can also be used elsewhere. Thus, the composition and / or the functional base substances may be further selected from the group consisting of insecticides, pesticides, cosmetics, hormones and medicaments.

The inventive method is therefore particularly suitable for the applications mentioned, because it allows a "personalized" production of the products, so for example, designed according to personal preferences, consisting of predetermined basic substances fragrances, or the personal needs exactly appropriate drugs. The production can be done due to the simple design "on site", ie the user. It may also be "on-demand", which is particularly advantageous if the composition, unlike its individual components, can not be stored for a long time and therefore must always be fresh, or if storage of the composition could cause health problems, which do not occur during storage of the basic substances (eg with insecticides).

Preferably, the transport of polar basic substances is achieved directly on account of the electrowetting effect. Such base substances contain liquids such as water, water-like media, or DPG (di-propylene glycol). Accordingly, such liquids are advantageous as carrier liquids for basic substances, even for those already liquid type such as fragrance oils suitable.

In the case of nonpolar basic substances, it is preferred that their transport be achieved indirectly due to the transport of polar auxiliary liquid. In other words, the electrowetting effect does not affect the non-polar ground substance, but is (co-) moved by a non-miscible polar auxiliary liquid. It is clear that the auxiliary liquid is removed if possible before the actual, downstream mixing process, so that only the desired basic substance is processed further.

Alternatively or additionally, direct transport is also possible if the so-called electrophoretic effect is used. This causes a migration of electrically charged particles in a carrier medium, for example, one of the o. G. Carrier liquids may be.

According to a further embodiment, the basic substances are provided (applied) from one or more internal or external reservoirs. For this purpose, for example, a micropump, in particular a micromembrane pump, can be used.

It is clear that each matrix should be provided in a separate reservoir.

It should be noted that the actual dosing is not to be confused with the application.

Accordingly, it is preferred that the discrete volumes of a matrix are provided on a metering path. This means that a certain area is provided in or on which the separation of the applied base substance takes place, which is referred to below as dosing line. It is clear that the metering process is downstream of the mere application and in particular by the electrowetting process.

Discrete volumes of several basic substances are now preferably combined on a mixing line to form a mixing volume. Again, the method of electrowetting is particularly preferred.

It is further preferred that a separation of the mixing volume into sub-volumes is carried out on a separator section, again with the preferred use of the method of electrowetting. When separating, equal or different subvolumes can be generated.

Particularly preferably, a mixing of the mixing volume, that is to say a mixing thereof which goes beyond the mere first-time merging, is carried out by repeated separation and merging thereof. For this example, linear, star-shaped or annular structures can be used. Separating into more than two subvolumes and subsequent recombining can also contribute to a particularly fast and efficient mixing result. Another possibility of thorough mixing consists in the rapid and repeated activation and deactivation of a pair of electrodes assigned to the mixing volume. As a result, the mixing volume gets into vibration without dividing, which leads to a thorough mixing of its contents.

Finally, it is preferred that on a dispensing line, a target volume of the liquid composition be provided by merging a certain number of discrete volumes of mixing volume. In other words, the mixing volume is divided, if necessary, into sub-volumes, of which then a certain number is combined on one output line. Most preferably, however, the entire mixing volume is provided on the discharge line. This is possible by means of the method according to the invention also because it allows to operate from the first to the last step only with the actually necessary amounts. This is also desirable for economic reasons, as the basic substances are often very expensive.

The invention also discloses an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention.

• – eine Dosierstrecke zum Bereitstellen diskreter Volumina einer Grundsubstanz;
• – eine Mischstrecke zum Zusammenführen diskreter Volumina mehrerer Grundsubstanzen zu einem Mischvolumen;
• – eine Separatorstrecke zum Separieren des Mischvolumens in Subvolumina;
• – eine Ausgabestrecke zum Bereitstellen eines Zielvolumens der flüssigen Zusammensetzung.

Accordingly, the device is used to produce a composition of functional basic substances, which are present in liquid form and / or embedded in carrier liquid, so that the composition can be prepared by dosing and mixing these basic substances. The device according to the invention comprises one or more, and preferably all of the following components:

• A metering path for providing discrete volumes of a matrix;
• A mixing section for merging discrete volumes of a plurality of basic substances into a mixing volume;
• A separator line for separating the mixing volume into sub-volumes;
• An output path for providing a target volume of the liquid composition.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of these sections is suitable for transporting the basic substances by means of the electrowetting effect. For simplicity's sake, a "cell" will be referred to below if an electrical unit is meant with which (in a limited volume) an electric field can be generated in order to produce the electrowetting effect. A "route" typically comprises a plurality of sequentially arranged cells.

The dosing serves to separate discrete volumes, z. B. individual drops, from a larger amount of a ground substance. For this purpose, a plurality of sequentially arranged cells can be used, which allow a "constriction" of an elongated drop or volume and thereby conditional separation of a smaller volume.

The mixing section can be constructed, for example, from two or more intersecting arrangements of sequentially arranged cells. At the intersection, the discrete volumes transported there meet, resulting in a combination of the liquids to the mixing volume.

The same distance can also act as a separator by dividing an already merged mixing volume back into individual discrete volumes. For this purpose, the control of the consecutive routes to be reversed, so that the mixing volume is pulled apart again.

Finally, the output section may preferably be a storage container or open into such. In this, the ready-mixed composition is collected and provided for further use.

It is clear that a plurality of reservoirs may be provided for the basic substances, and that a corresponding number of cell webs may lead to one or more mixing sections. It is also clear that the device according to the invention can also have a multistage arrangement of said components such that first of all intermediate substances, and subsequently of these intermediates, the final composition is produced.

In order to be suitable for transporting the basic substances by means of the electrowetting effect, a path preferably has a first electrode, a dielectric layer, at least one second electrode, and a gap between the dielectric layer and the at least one second electrode. The basic structure of such "cells" is known and therefore not described in detail herein.

Preferably, the first electrode is provided with a hydrophobic coating and / or in turn arranged on a substrate.

Suitable materials for the hydrophobic layer are in particular fluoropolymers such as Teflon into consideration. As a dielectric material with a high dielectric constant ε are generally preferred (tantalum pentoxide: 28, silicon nitride: 4).

As a substrate, in particular (even more flexible) plastic or glass can be used.

It is clear that the device according to the invention may further comprise an electronic controller for driving the second electrode (s), and / or a voltage source. In this way, a complete, energy self-sufficient device is provided, which is spatially and temporally independent usable. The control can for example also radio controlled, z. B. via Bluetooth interface, or time-dependent. A control, for example, by body parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, insulin levels, ...) is conceivable.

The device of the invention is also well combined with the above-mentioned atomization or nebulization. In particular, the composition can be released into the environment after its production by such methods in a highly effective and at the same time energy-saving manner.

The device according to the invention is particularly preferably used for the production of olfactorily active compositions. In other words, the device is for producing a liquid perfume from raw material liquids comprising liquid form present and / or embedded in carrier liquid fragrance base materials, wherein the fragrance can be prepared by dosing and mixing these raw material liquids.

The use of an electrowetting effect-based device for the preparation of olfactory compositions (scents) is not known in the prior art, but has a number of advantages compared to those already set forth above and therefore need not be repeated ,

In summary, the presented invention provides a method and an apparatus which effectively avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. The process is quick and easy to perform, and provides reproducible results. The device is inexpensive and has a small installation space in relation to known systems. In particular, for the production of olfactory effective compositions (fragrances) methods and apparatus are advantageously used.

figure description

1 shows roughly schematically a plan view of a device according to the invention.

2 shows a part of the 1 while mixing.

In the 1 is roughly schematically a plan view of a device according to the invention shown. This has three reservoirs 1A . 1B . 1C on. In the reservoir 1A there is a first ground substance G1, in the second reservoir 1B a second basic substance G2. The reservoir 1C is not used in this example and serves as a reserve. All reservoirs 1A . 1B . 1C are over dosing lines 2A . 2 B . 2C with a mixing section 3 connected. This is followed by an issue line 5 which is in a storage container 6 empties. All routes ( 2a . 2 B . 2C . 3 . 4 . 5 ) have a plurality of cells shown as squares (without reference numerals). These cells are capable of generating an electric field which induces the electrowetting effect in a polar liquid in the cell.

From the basic substances G1, G2, discrete volumes V are thus secreted with the aid of the electrowetting effect, which migrate along the metering path. Subsequently, these volumes V meet in one as a mixing section 3 designated area. There they combine to form a mixed volume M.

From the mixing volume M discrete volumes V are then in turn be separated, which via an output path 5 in a storage container 6 hike.

How out 2 As can be seen, it is advantageous for thorough mixing if the mixing volume M is separated several times into subvolumes S1, S2. This is done using a Separatorstrecke 4 , the present structurally with the mixing section 3 is identical. Due to the high possible frequency of such an operation, effective and thorough mixing of the basic substances G1, G2 is possible in a very short time. After mixing the mixing volume sufficiently well, it can, as mentioned above, be supplied to the target volume located in the storage container (not shown in each case). The Dosierstrecken and the output section are not shown for reasons of clarity.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1A, 1B, 1C

 reservoir

2A, 2B, 2C

 dosing segment

3

mixing section

4

Separatorstrecke

5

delivery line

6

reservoir

Z

composition

G1, G2

Ground substance, polar ground substance

V

discrete volume

M

mixing volume

S1, S2

subvolume

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 1999018456 [0014]
• DE 102009022788 A1 [0014]

Claims (14)

Process for the preparation of a composition (Z) of functional base substances (G1, G2) which are in liquid form and / or embedded in carrier liquid, the composition (Z) being prepared by dosing and mixing these basic substances (G1, G2), characterized in that the metering and / or mixing is carried out by transporting discrete volumes (V) of the basic substances (G1, G2) using the electrowetting effect. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one functional base substance (G1; G2) is an olfactive agent, and the method is used to prepare an olfactory composition (Z). A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ground substance (G1; G2) is polar and its transport is achieved directly due to the electrowetting effect. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a ground substance (G1; G2) is non-polar and the transport is achieved indirectly due to the transport of polar auxiliary liquid, and / or directly by means of the electrophoretic effect. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic substances (G1, G2) from one or more internal or external reservoirs ( 1A . 1B . 1C ) to be provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the discrete volumes (V) of a ground substance (G1, G2) on a metering path ( 2A . 2 B . 2C ) to be provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein discrete volumes (V) of several basic substances (G1, G2) on a mixing line ( 3 ) are combined to a mixing volume (M). Method according to claim 7, wherein on a separator line ( 4 ) a separation of the mixing volume (M) in sub-volumes (S1, S2) is performed. The method of claim 7 and 8, wherein a mixing of the mixing volume (M) by repeatedly separating and merging thereof is performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on an output line ( 5 ) a target volume of the liquid composition (Z) is provided by combining a certain number of discrete volumes (V) of the mixing volume (M). Device for producing a composition of functional basic substances (G1, G2), which are in liquid form and / or embedded in carrier liquid, so that the composition (Z) can be prepared by dosing and mixing these basic substances (G1, G2), the Device - a dosing line ( 2A . 2 B . 2C ) for providing discrete volumes (V) of a ground substance (G1, G2), and / or - a mixing section ( 3 ) for combining discrete volumes (V) of several basic substances (G1, G2) into a mixing volume (M), and / or - a separator line ( 4 ) for separating the mixing volume (M) into sub-volumes (S1, S2), and / or - an output line ( 5 ) for providing a target volume of the liquid composition (Z), characterized in that at least one of these routes ( 2A . 2 B . 2C . 3 . 4 . 5 ) is suitable for transporting the basic substances (G1, G2) by means of the electrowetting effect. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a route ( 2A . 2 B . 2C . 3 . 4 . 5 ) for suitability for transport of the basic substances (G1, G2) by means of the electrowetting effect, a first electrode, a dielectric layer, at least one second electrode, and a gap between the dielectric layer and the at least one second electrode. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first electrode is provided with a hydrophobic coating and / or in turn is disposed on a substrate. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising an electronic control for driving the second electrodes, and / or a voltage source. Use of a device according to any one of claims 11 to 14 for the preparation of olfactory effective compositions.

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