EP4103384A1

EP4103384A1 - Solid composite matrix for prolonged delivery of active agents

Info

Publication number: EP4103384A1
Application number: EP21710537.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Montaine LONGATO; Arnaud Vilbert; David Nguyen
Original assignee: AB7 Innovation SAS
Current assignee: AB7 Sante SAS
Priority date: 2020-02-14
Filing date: 2021-02-12
Publication date: 2022-12-21
Also published as: US20230345934A1; JP2023514828A; FR3107203B1; WO2021160947A1; FR3107203A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a composite polymer matrix carrier for prolonged delivery of active substances suitable for controlled release over a sustained period of time. More particularly, the invention relates to a composite polymer matrix carrier comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one cellulose derivative, and at least one active agent, and the method for manufacturing same. The invention also relates to the use of a cellulose derivative for improving the incorporation of active agents in a thermoplastic polymer matrix.

Description

Title: SOLID COMPOSITE MATRIX FOR SUSTAINED ASSET DELIVERY

[0001] The invention lies in the field of solid polymeric supports based on thermoplastics, and more precisely in the incorporation of active substances within a composite solid structure serving as a support to allow the progressive release. and controlled thereof in an environment.

[0002] The invention therefore relates to a support made of a composite polymer matrix for the controlled distribution of active substances suitable for the controlled release over a prolonged period of time. More particularly, the invention relates to a support in a composite polymer matrix comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one cellulose derivative and at least one active agent.

[0003] Another object of the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a support. The polymer support is a solid polymeric matrix based on thermoplastic, which acts as an active reservoir. Said function is obtained thanks to a process which makes it possible to add an active vector within the thermoplastic polymer during an incorporation step and thus to obtain, as a final product, a composite matrix, comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one cellulose derivative, loaded with active ingredients.

[0004] Among the processes conventionally used in plastics, there are extrusion processes and injection-molding processes. It should be understood that the new process of the present application favors injection molding without however excluding the possibility of extrusion.

[0005] The use of thermoplastics has many and varied applications; we find the plastics processes used in the manufacture of veterinary products or intended for humans.

[0006] Nowadays, the treatment of companion animals is carried out via two main routes. On the one hand, there are liquid formulations of emulsions, solutions or dispersions type, among others in the form of "spot-on", "roll-on", shampoo, lotion or sprays which consist in the topical application of a substance on animals, and on the other hand we find the range of treatments with spontaneous diffusion and long-lasting efficacy via active ingredients contained in a solid support. Said support may be in the form of a collar, a medallion, an earplate for animals, a bracelet, a patch, a blister, a polymer block or any other device for distributing assets. It is shaped by any of the known plastics techniques of the skilled person.

[0007] Plastics materials for the diffusion of active agents as well as the methods of incorporation of active agents within these materials are known from the prior art.

The state of the art describes in particular the polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrices and certain polyesters for which the incorporation of active agents has been the subject of numerous investigations. In fact, among the plastics authorized in the distribution of active ingredients in humans or animals and in particular in pest control, preference is given to plastics belonging to the EVA or PVC class. However, no incorporation technique using cellulose derivatives as active support has been employed to date in a matrix of plastic materials.

[0008] The prior art also deals with PU matrices and in this example we can cite document FR2992325 which discloses a polyurethane matrix in which an active ingredient is incorporated. In addition, the documents FR2386254 A1 and US4189467 respectively disclose anti-ectoparasitic collars and PU matrices having this same effect. However, these documents neither disclose nor suggest a process in which active agents are incorporated into a cellulose derivative.

[0009] Polyethylene (PE) in its commercial application, for its part, is used mainly for packaging (plastic bottles, etc.) and other plastic bags as usually known. Because of its physicochemical properties, and its relative impermeability to bulky active ingredients, PE is a polymer that is little used in the context of the controlled release of active ingredients. This can be explained in part by the fact that PE is the polymer with the simplest possible structure based on a chain of units of - CH2-. There are several types of PE including LDPE (low density polyethylene) or HDPE (high density polyethylene), with different levels of crystallinity. Polyethylene is found in its high molecular weight variants (HDPE) in technical textile fibers such as sports equipment (sails, kites, anti-abrasion suits for motorcycles). LDPE has a low degree of crystallinity, and its structure has a large number of amorphous zones, which in theory can incorporate active molecules. However, within LDPE, these can only accommodate small molecules in very small quantities. There are, however, a few examples of such materials used in fields of application such as active packaging, drug devices and active textiles.

[0010] Thus, active PE packaging allowing the diffusion of antioxidant molecules has already been the subject of numerous studies. Indeed, despite very good moisture barrier properties, PE is not very oxygen-tight and only partially protects food from oxidation. Active packaging have therefore been produced with synthetic molecules such as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), or natural extracts such as Astaxanthin, Car- vacrol or thymol. The release of perfumes or aromas has also been investigated, in particular with vanillin incorporated into a LDPE film.

[0011] The article “Permeability and release properties of cyclodextrin-containing poly (vinyl chloride) and polyethylene films, (2007)” shows that active agents are gradually released from plastic films but, for the most sensitive molecules, the The use of cyclodextrin is necessary to protect them from degradation induced by processing temperatures which can reach 200 ° C. In addition, these active agents are introduced into the films at very low rates (<2% total weight).

[0012] Furthermore, in the context of devices gradually releasing active substances for medicinal purposes, implants for animals exist based on polyethylene incorporating progesterone. These allow the molecule to be released over several weeks at very low rates, of the order of a milligram per day. Polyethylene is in this case mainly used for its mechanical rigidity properties. The active principle is incorporated into the polyethylene via the granulation by twin-screw extrusion at a temperature close to 200 ° C. This step is repeated several times in order to guarantee good homogenization of the drug within the matrix. Finally, the devices are obtained by injection.

The use of PE in thermoplastics incorporating active materials is therefore rare, in particular due to the fact that the incorporation of such substances is not as easy in PE as within EVA or PU matrices for example. . It is indeed difficult to incorporate an active ingredient in a sustainable way, in sufficient quantity and to stabilize it within a PE matrix. It is known that the active ingredient to be incorporated tends to be released immediately, not remaining within the polymer matrix. However, the objective of the matrix according to the invention is to incorporate the active ingredient in a stable manner and to release it in a controlled manner over time. In addition, since most incorporation processes require high temperatures, they do not lend themselves to the use of temperature-sensitive active ingredients.

[0014] Another current trend is to limit the use of plastic, leaving the door open to innovation in products that are more or less respectful of the environment. The latter are intended above all to be produced in part with materials of natural origin such as wood derivatives or cellulose derivatives.

As regards the use of cellulose derivatives in PE, application US4559365 discloses an approach for improving the dispersibility of cellulose in a material. More particularly, this document deals with a hydrolytic pre-treatment of cellulose in order to convert the latter into a powder. Microcrystalline with improved dispersibility in high density polyethylene. This document remains silent as to the incorporation of active agent into the material and consequently as to any action of the cellulose derivative on the vectorization or incorporation of an active agent within the polymer matrix.

[0016] Cellulose fiber has also been used as a reinforcing ingredient in thermoplastic compositions. Application US Pat. No. 3,856,724 describes a composite based on polypropylene or low density polyethylene and alpha-cellulose with certain additives. Application US 3875088 describes a composite material comprising a binder in thermoplastic resin (ABS or poly- styrene modified with rubber) and wood flour, the plastic / wood flour ratio being between 1.5 and 3.0. . Application US 3878143 describes a composite material comprising polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene or ABS, and wood flour as well as some minor additives. Application WO2018 / 169904 describes a composite material comprising only a lignocellulosic derivative obtained from wood within a thermoplastic matrix so as to reinforce the matrix. All these documents mention the use of cellulose derivatives for the sole purpose of improving the resistance of thermoplastic materials that are too fragile in the cases exposed. However, none of these documents discloses or suggests the use of cellulose derivatives likely to contain active ingredients or their use for the purpose of vectorizing the active ingredient or of improving the incorporation of said active ingredients into thermoplastics. .

[0017] Document US5516472 discloses for its part a composite made of approximately

26% high density polyethylene and 65% wood flour, the whole being extracted in the presence of zinc stearate as a lubricating agent. Again there is no mention of assets within this document.

[0018] US Pat. No. 6,758,996 deals with a granular material made from a composite which may be polyethylene. This patent discloses a composite material which comprises a mixture of papermaking sludge in the form of granules and a synthetic polymer resin composition. These granules can be used as the main ingredient in the formulation of thermoplastic composite materials. The composite thermoplastic granules of said application consist of 60 to 75% by weight of cellulose fibers, 20 to 40% by weight of plastic polymers (eg: LDPE, HDPE, Polypropylene, PVC, polyamide) and additives (colorants , compatibilizers, flame retardants, etc.). Composite granules can be extruded, injected or compression molded. This patent therefore shows that sludge from paper mills in the form of granules mixed with a thermoplastic polymer increases the flexural strength as well as the resistance to deformation of the composite while allowing a reduction in the risks of inflammation and moisture uptake. In any case, this patent does not suggest the use of cellulose derivatives to promote the incorporation of active agents within a polymer matrix. [0019] In US Pat. No. 5,248,700, a polymer matrix system is disclosed in which different active materials can be incorporated simultaneously at different concentrations. To do this, the active material is first incorporated into a microporous polymer powder to constitute the active agent, then said active agent is then dispersed within a biodegradable polymer. The biodegradable polymer is a polylactic acid and the active agent is incorporated in a microporous powder of a polylactic acid which degrades less quickly than the biodegradable polymer. The active agents used in this application can be pesticides, drugs, fertilizers or even perfumes, but the incorporation of active agent in polyethylene and even less the use of cellulose derivatives is by no means proposed.

[0020] Patent WO2013038426 describes a method of incorporating pyrethroid insecticides into PE (HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP). The incorporation is done by "hot-melt". The insecticide, in powder form, is mixed with the PE powder, then the compound is extruded in the form of threads intended for the manufacture of clothing. This application in no way discloses the use of cellulose powder as a vector during the incorporation of active ingredients.

Active vectors are also known which have the function of storing the active agent and promoting its migration within the polymer matrix to be incorporated. For this, there must be good compatibility between the vector and the polymer matrix. The active carriers are generally chosen from mineral fillers, such as triphenyl phosphate. It should be noted that certain fillers can weaken or modify the physical characteristics of the polymer matrix. In the case where coalescence is desired for the transfer of the active agent into the polymer support, EP0537998 B1 uses as carrier an ether, polyethylene glycol or alkoxylated polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol block polymer, an ethoxylated alkylphenol or another fatty ester, ethoxylated sorbitan. Likewise in French patent FR 2746261 B1, polyisocyanates were used as active vectors. However, products operating by coalescence have the disadvantage of being highly unstable during storage. These patents do not mention the use of cellulose derivatives as active carriers.

[0022] In view of the various aforementioned documents, the prior art contains little information on the incorporation of active agents into a thermoplastic matrix using a cellulosic powder. At most, the cellulose derivatives of the prior art are used in most of the documents cited for the production of composite material whose mechanical resistance and hardness are improved. They are not dealing with an active matrix. Furthermore, the documents of the prior art mentioning the incorporation of active ingredients within a PE film do not include of cellulose derivative. The prior art also mentions the difficulty of incorporating said active agents, present in generally low concentrations, namely less than or equal to 2% by total weight.

[0023] There is therefore a need to provide a composite matrix based on thermoplastic with an incorporation of active ingredient in sufficient quantity, greater than 2%, to obtain a desired efficiency, while maintaining the stability of the composition and which , optionally, allows the controlled release over time of said active.

Desiring to respond to a problem that has hitherto been unanswered, the applicant also wishes by the present application to provide for the first time a thermoplastic matrix and a method of manufacturing such a matrix which makes it possible to consider incorporation active ingredients thanks to the particular use of a powder of at least one cellulose derivative, the detailed description of which will appear on reading the following lines.

[0025] Within the meaning of the invention, a solid support which can integrate or incorporate an active or an active vector is called matrix. In the remainder of the application, the terms matrix, polymer matrix, polymer matrix, composite matrix, composite polymer matrix, solid matrix, thermoplastic matrix, will be used interchangeably to define the composite solid polymer support according to the invention.

[0026] One of the objectives of the invention is to provide a material capable of responding to the problem of incorporating active ingredients, optionally with prolonged release in a thermoplastic matrix. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that the incorporation of active ingredients into a thermoplastic can be greatly improved by the addition of at least one cellulose derivative and the use of a new process for the manufacture of the thermoplastic. composite solid matrix.

[0027] Consequently, a first object of the present invention consists of a composite matrix comprising at least one thermoplastic, at least one cellulose derivative, and at least one active ingredient. Said active ingredient is incorporated into the cellulosic derivative then serving as a vector in order to form the thermoplastic and cellulosic derivative mixture loaded with active ingredient, intended to be shaped by a plastics processing process.

[0028] For the purposes of the invention, the term “vector” is understood to mean the fact that one compound can contain another and transport it.

[0029] Another objective of the invention is to propose a use of at least one cellulose derivative to allow the incorporation of active agents into a non-incorporating thermoplastic matrix and / or to improve the incorporation. of active agents within a thermoplastic matrix and / or to increase the incorporation amounts of active agents within said matrix.

According to the present invention, and according to a first variant embodiment, the polymers constituting the solid matrix are chosen from non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, chosen from the group formed by polyolefins and their derivatives chosen from polyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes (PP), copolymers of ethylene and d 'vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylenebutyl acrylates, polyamides, copolyamides and their derivatives chosen from block amide ethers (EBA), polyvinylchlorides (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), styrenics and their derivatives chosen from polystyrene-poly (ethylene-butylene) -polystyrene (SEBS) copolymers, polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene (SIS) copolymers, polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS) copolymers.

According to a second variant of the present invention, the polymer constituting the solid matrix is a biobased and / or biodegradable thermoplastic polymer which can be a polyester or copolyester, chosen from polycaprolactones, polyhydroxyalkonates, polylactides (PLA), polyesteramides, aliphatic and aromatic co-polyesters, or an agropolymer chosen from polysaccharides, starch and its derivatives, cellulose esters, derived from milk proteins or a mixture of all these polymers. The term “biobased” is understood to mean a polymer derived from renewable resources, plant, animal, residual, algal. The term “biodegradable” is understood to mean polymers which degrade by virtue of living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and algae. Some polymers can have both characteristics, biobased and biodegradable.

Preferably and according to a first variant embodiment, the thermoplastics constituting the composite matrix are chosen from polyolefins, more particularly from the family of polyethylenes (PE), namely low density polyethylenes (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) that a person skilled in the art will know how to distinguish.

Advantageously, low density polyethylenes are preferred.

(LDPE), the latter, by virtue of their physicochemical structure, make it possible to obtain a more branched polymer network and therefore to leave intermediate zones for the incorporation of possible active ingredients. In one embodiment, the thermoplastics can be a blend of low density and high density polyethylene in order to provide mechanical properties adjustable to the needs of those skilled in the art.

[0034] In a second variant according to the invention, the thermoplastics constituting the matrix are biodegradable, made of polyester or copolyester, or biobased from milk proteins.

In a third variant according to the invention, the thermoplastics constituting the matrix are copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA).

In the matrix according to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer is present in an amount sufficient to reach 100% by total weight of the matrix. Preferably, the thermoplastic constituting the matrix according to the invention is free of any water-soluble thermoplastic polymer. In fact, in one of the preferred embodiments, the matrix according to the invention comes within the constitution of a collar, bracelet, or other devices intended to be placed on the animal or any other subject to be treated and therefore does not need to be. water soluble. A gradual disintegration of the matrix according to the invention could disturb the kinetics of diffusion of the incorporated assets, which is not desirable according to the present invention.

[0038] Cellulose derivatives of lignocellulosic origin are known for the preparation of composite materials because they greatly increase the strength but also the hardness of the finished product when the so-called “crude” cellulose is in particular in the form of. sawdust. This hardness is not desirable for the production of products according to the invention, which requires mechanical strength but also flexibility. Furthermore, these lignocellulosic compounds have a low incorporation capacity and low cohesion with the polymers, which can have a negative impact on the cohesion of the composite matrix according to the invention. One of the objectives of the present invention is therefore the choice of cellulose derivatives, said derivatives being selected other than crude cellulose or lignocellulose derivatives so as not to increase the hardness of the matrix and to improve the incorporation of the active agents into the breast. of a stable thermoplastic matrix.

Surprisingly, the Applicant has been able to develop a composite matrix and a particular process which overcome the problems of hardness of the final composite material and make it possible to improve the incorporation of active agents within the thermoplastic matrix. .

[0040] In fact, in the present application, the choice is made to use chemically pure derivatives of cellulose in powder or granules and not sawdust and microfibrils. In this way, a final material is obtained which is satisfactory both in terms of flexibility and in terms of its mechanical strength. For the purposes of the invention, the term “cellulose derivative” is understood to mean the result of chemical treatments of the so-called “crude” natural cellulose fiber. By chemically pure derivative is meant a cellulose derivative powder in which the compound is present at at least 95%.

The cellulose derivatives according to the invention are chosen from cellulose esters, cellulose ethers or a mixture thereof. The cellulose esters are chosen from cellulose acetate (AC), cellulose triacetate (3 AC), cellulose butyrate (BuC), cellulose propionate (ProC), acetobutyrate (AceBuC) of cellulose or cellulose acetate propionate (AceProC). The cellulose ethers are chosen from methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Preferably, the cell derivatives losiques are selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), cellulose acetate (AC) or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the cellulose derivatives chosen are cellulose acetate or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). In an alternative embodiment, an AC and HPMC mixture can be used.

[0042] Various tests were carried out by varying the nature of the cellulose derivative and its concentration at constant levels of active ingredients. Surprisingly, it was observed that the cellulose derivative made it possible to promote the incorporation of the active ingredient (s) within the thermoplastic matrix. Furthermore, it was surprisingly observed that the kinetics of active release could be different depending on the nature of the cellulose derivative and / or their concentration and the nature of the active ingredient (s). It has been observed in particular that the nature of the cellulose derivative had an effect on the retention of certain active ingredients, which makes it possible to have modularity during the release of these. The results showing these effects are presented in FIGS 2 and 3. According to these curves, for the mixture of active ingredients tested, the higher the level of HPMC present in the formula, the more the active ingredient is retained. within the matrix. For this mixture of active ingredients, its release kinetics are different in the presence of HPMC or cellulose acetate. According to the present invention, it is therefore possible to adapt the nature and the proportion of the cellulose derivatives to the result to be achieved in terms of the release of the active ingredient (s) chosen.

[0043] For mechanical reasons and to have a final product which is satisfactory in terms of flexibility, resistance, efficiency of incorporation and stabilization of the active agent, the cellulose derivative represents between 5% and 40% by weight. total of the composite matrix, preferably between 10% and 25% of said matrix.

[0044] Problems with the resistance of extruded or injected materials are frequent and all the more so in plastic composite materials. Injectability, temperature resistance, mechanical resistance, tendency to stick or even stress cracks are conventionally found as a factor. The applicant has tested the introduction of polysaccharides other than cellulose derivatives. These comparative compositions allowed the introduction of a similar percentage of active ingredients, but turned out to be unstable and / or do not lead to a release of the active ingredients and / or have physical characteristics which do not allow injection for obtain a finished product according to the invention. Unexpectedly, the applicant, by choosing the nature and the concentrations of cellulose derivative, makes it possible to avoid the problems mentioned above in obtaining the final product after injection molding or even extrusion.

[0045] In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative and the thermoplastic are in the form of granules, or in the form of powder and can be used without distinction as a mixture in one form or another. Preferably, the cellulose derivative and the thermoplastic will be used in powder form. In fact, in the processes for manufacturing a solid plastic matrix, the starting thermoplastic polymer is placed in the form of granules, while the cellulose derivative is often in the form of powder, in a hopper to then be mixed and heated until homogenized. However, due to their differences in shape, the mixture between the polymer and the cellulose derivative often leads to demixing phenomena and material losses by sticking to the wall and the first prints are not necessarily homogeneous. Surprisingly, the Applicant has been able to overcome these problems by choosing starting materials in the form of powder. Advantageously, this choice avoids demixing both in the incorporation mixer and in the hopper of the injection-molding press or of the extruder. Better homogenization of the powder mixture gives better stability to the final product.

[0047] Preferably, in order to ensure optimum homogeneity of the mixture between the cellulose derivative and the thermoplastic polymer, the applicant has opted for a material in powder form, the average particle size of which is between 200 and 1000. μm. Preferably, the powders have an average particle size of the order of 300 μm to 800 μm.

[0048] According to the invention, the composite matrix comprises at least one active agent representing between 2 and 40%, preferably between 4 and 35%, more preferably between 5 and 15% by total weight of the matrix. The present invention therefore makes it possible to incorporate a higher rate of active agents than the rate conventionally encountered in the state of the art, in particular greater than 2%, preferably greater than 5% by total weight within a matrix. in thermoplastic and in particular in PE.

[0049] According to the present invention, the active agent is an active agent of natural or synthetic origin chosen from cosmetics, biocides, drugs, phytosanitary or biocontrol agents or a mixture of these. According to a preferred mode, the active agent according to the invention can be an insecticide, a repellent, a microbicide, an attractant, an essential oil, a plant extract, an odoriferous agent, an antistress, a soothing agent. , an anti-irritant, a cosmetic agent, an anti-itch agent, a pain reliever, or mixtures thereof.

The insecticides and repellents of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art, they are conventionally used in the fight against harmful organisms. For example, the insecticides and repellents are chosen in particular from the group formed by pyrethroids, pyrethrins and their derivatives, carbamates, formamidines, carboxylic esters, N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), l 'Icaridin, IR3535, phenylpyrazoles, organophosphorus compounds, organohalogen compounds, neonicotinoids, avermectins and their derivatives, spinosynes, essential oils tials and their constituents (examples: terpenes and their derivatives (alcohols, esters, aldehydes), sesquiterpenes and their derivatives (alcohols, esters, aldehydes)). In a variant according to the invention, the insecticides will be chosen from imidacloprid, deltamethrin, flumethrin, dimpylate, permethrin, cypermethrin, fipronil, diazinon, amitraz, n-octyl bicy- cloheptene dicarboximide or a mixture of these.

In a preferred embodiment, the active agent is a repellant or an insecticide which is chosen from essential oils such as essential oil of lavandin, geraniol, pyrethrum, essential oil of lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, neem, thyme, peppermint, spearmint, pennyroyal, wintergreen or basil, alone or in mixture, as well as any active ingredient belonging to the European Biocide list or recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA 25b) well known to those skilled in the art. Surprisingly, the Applicant has observed that the use of cellulose derivatives made it possible to preserve heat-sensitive active ingredients such as essential oils during the process for manufacturing such a matrix.

According to a variant of the invention, the repellents are chosen from the constituents of essential oils such as geraniol, lavandin, pyrethrum, limonene, menthol, thymol, alpha pinene. , linalool, citriodiol, citronellal or their mixture.

The odoriferous agent can be of natural or synthetic origin and is chosen from perfumes, aromas, essential oils and their constituents.

The anti-stress or the soothing agent can be a vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil or hemp oil, in particular rich in cannabinoids, or an essential oil such as essential oil of valerian, nepeta cataria, pine, tangerine, sour orange, verbena, ravintsara, chamomile, lavender, marjoram, Ylang-ylang, rosemary, eucalyptus or mint or a pheromone.

The pain-relieving agent can be an essential oil or a component of essential oils, monoterpene alcohols, monoterpene aldehydes, monoterpene esters or their mixtures. By way of nonlimiting example, the painkillers can be the essential oil of peppermint, the essential oil of lemon Eucalyptus, the essential oil of wintergreen, the essential oil of rosemary, menthol. , hemp derivatives such as cannabidiol (CBD) or methyl salicylate.

The anti-itching agent can be an essential oil such as lavandin, lavender, the essential oil of peppermint, the essential oil of Eucalyptus lemon or the essential oil of thyme, an oil. vegetable oil such as argan oil, canola oil or borage vegetable oil, a fatty alcohol, an ester, a fatty acid and its esters such as omega 3, 6 and 9, vitamins such as vitamin PP, B3 or their mixtures.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the composite matrix according to the invention comprises active ingredients in the form of a mixture of essential oil or of essential oil components. A particularly preferred mixture according to the invention is composed of essential oil of peppermint, thyme, geraniol. A second preferred active mixture according to the invention comprises the essential oil of cedar and peppermint. Another alternative is a blend of wintergreen essential oil and geraniol. Optionally, sweet almond oil can be added to each of these blends.

[0058] Since the preferred active agents according to the invention are in liquid form or made liquid, they present an additional difficulty of incorporation into thermoplastic materials, which justifies the need to improve their incorporation and their stability in the heat. surprisingly, through the use of cellulose derivatives.

[0059] Additives may be used, in particular solvents, propenetrants, antioxidants or any other additive that a person skilled in the art will deem useful to add to obtain the desired effect. According to the present invention, the matrix comprises in particular a mold release agent. The mold release agent is a metal salt of fatty acid chosen from zinc stearate, sodium stearate or magnesium stearate commonly used by those skilled in the art.

The second object of the invention is a process for manufacturing a composite solid matrix as described above.

[0061] In the plastics industry, two major processes are conventionally known for the manufacture of plastic articles. On the one hand, we find the injection-molding, rotational molding, heat-pressing processes and, on the other hand, the extrusion processes.

The state of the art shows that so-called "active" plastics and in particular PE are produced by a twin-screw extrusion process in a conventional manner. These twin-screw extrusion processes allow the polymer and the active ingredients to be mixed. A step of extruding the material or injecting the compound makes it possible to obtain the desired final shape. Thus, extrusion will be favored to obtain a finished product in the form of films, bands, tubes or active wires. An injection process will be used to preferentially obtain products in the form, in particular, of necklaces or bracelets.

The term "active" plastic is understood to mean known plastic materials in which active materials have been incorporated, which may be of different types and have different effects at the will of a person skilled in the art.

[0064] Although frequently used, these methods do not provide complete satisfaction with regard to the manufacture of "active" plastics. In fact, the twin-screw extrusion step remains limiting in the sense that the temperatures used are greater than 200 ° C and that the twin-screw system causes very high shear. high on matter. Consequently, these methods tend to generate substantial losses of assets due to the aforementioned constraints.

The Applicant hereby frees itself from the constraints mentioned by proposing an injection-molding or extrusion process which allows better incorporation of fragile and temperature-sensitive active ingredients and better preservation of the latter. Preferably, the injection-molding process is used. In particular, it offers more possibilities in terms of the shapes that one wishes to obtain for the final product.

The process developed by the Applicant allows, surprisingly, an incorporation, within plastics, of active ingredients, which are even fragile and heat-sensitive, thanks to the prior incorporation of these active ingredients in powder or granules made up of by at least one cellulose derivative. This incorporation is particularly effective for PE but remains applicable to other thermoplastics known to those skilled in the art. Thus the cellulose derivative acts as a real active support, the present invention provides the advantage of obtaining a compound ready to be injected at the end of the process without the latter being crushed or dissolved beforehand. Thus, the process according to the invention not only makes it possible to limit the loss of assets but it helps to preserve the assets within said matrix by not performing a post-incorporation grinding step. In addition, this process makes it possible not to weaken the polymer network after a solvent evaporation step. The process according to the invention will be detailed below.

In a first step of the process according to the invention, a mixture of at least one cellulose derivative and at least one active is carried out until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. By homogeneous according to the present invention is meant a mixture in which the active agent has been completely absorbed by the cellulose derivative.

This first step of the process consists in obtaining a “premix”. The term “premix” is understood to mean the composition obtained at the end of this first step of the process consisting in incorporating a liquid solution of active agents in a powder or granules of a cellulose derivative as described above (cellulose acetate, HPMC, CMC). The cellulose derivative of the invention in the form of powders or granules then plays a real role of vector. Those skilled in the art will adapt the incorporation temperatures to the nature of the cellulose derivative and to those of the active agents to be incorporated. In a particular embodiment, the incorporation with the cellulose acetate will preferably take place at room temperature. In another particular embodiment, the incorporation with the HPMC will preferably take place at a temperature which can reach 45 ° C. By ambient temperature according to the invention is meant a temperature lying between 20 and 25 ° Celsius. In a second step, the premix obtained and the thermoplastic are mixed to obtain the composite matrix according to the invention, loaded with active ingredients to be diffused. The matrix loaded with active ingredient is also called a compound by those skilled in the art. Said compound is then subjected to an injection press or an extruder, preferably, in order to obtain an “active” composite matrix of the desired shape. In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the injection / molding temperatures for obtaining dies according to the invention in the form of a collar or the like are between 100 and 160 ° C.

Unexpectedly, the process according to the invention makes it possible to obtain stable compositions of composite polymeric matrix. Indeed, the process makes it possible to make the cellulose derivative containing at least one active agent compatible with various thermoplastics, in order to allow the release of the active agent from the final product.

In a preferred variant, the thermoplastic used during the process is polyethylene (PE), preferably low density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0072] During the manufacturing processes of a plastic matrix, it is known to have to add plasticizing agents in order to obtain the desired mechanical resistance, or compatibilizing agents which help the incorporation of the active ingredients within the matrix. Some of these agents make it possible to improve the incorporation of active ingredients, but have the drawback of not facilitating the release of said active ingredients during use or of not stably incorporating the active ingredients which therefore exude, giving the mixture obtained a sticky and / or oily structure and not suitable for injection molding of the finished product. Moreover, these agents which are well known to those skilled in the art are in particular phthalates, which have proven toxicity and therefore must be avoided. The term “release” is understood to mean the release of the active agents from the matrix so that they are brought into contact with the target areas of the active agent. In the request, the terms “release” and “release” of the asset (s) are used interchangeably.

Advantageously and surprisingly, the method according to the invention allows the incorporation of active materials, in particular liquid or made liquid, within a cellulose derivative, which thus contributes to limiting the loss of active ingredients. during the manufacturing process. Incorporation makes it possible to incorporate an amount greater than 2% within a polymer such as PE, PLA, Polyesters or PVC in particular. The method also makes it possible to maintain the stability of the assembly, while eliminating the need for a compatibilizer.

[0074] The object of the invention therefore also resides in a process for manufacturing a composite matrix as described above and in particular in the preferred case of liquid or liquid assets to be incorporated within the matrix.

The method of manufacturing such an active composite polymer matrix according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) Introduction of the active agent (s) into a suitable container of the beaker type. In in the case of multiple assets, mixing of the liquid assets until homogenization, b) Introduction of the cellulose derivative into a reactor. Heating to a temperature between room temperature and 50 ° C, temperature defined by the nature of the active agent (s) and of the cellulose derivative, and stirring, c) Addition to the reactor, of the mixture of active agent obtained in a), gradually with vigorous stirring, d) Once the compound is dry, ie when the active agent or mixture of active agents is completely incorporated into the powder in a homogeneous manner, optional addition of a mold release agent and stirring for homogenization, e) Cooling in the case of a mixture initially heated in order to reach ambient temperature with gentle stirring, f) Addition of the thermoplastic and homogenization with considerable stirring, g) Draining.

[0076] By way of non-limiting example, by gentle stirring according to the invention, stirring is meant corresponding to a stirring speed of approximately 40 revolutions / minute. By significant stirring is meant a stirring speed of between 200 and 400 revolutions / minute carried out with a laboratory-type reactor and being able to reach 600 revolutions / min with an 8-liter pilot reactor. Those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the stirring speeds according to the nature and size of the reactor as well as the mixtures to be stirred.

[0077] Thus, the control of the heating and cooling stages, the stirring speed as well as the management of the speed of addition of the active ingredients, are the parameters making it possible to guarantee the homogeneous production and preferably in the form of 'an active, deagglomerated and stable powder. This process also makes it possible to obtain active powders at relatively low temperatures in order to guarantee the preservation of the most sensitive active substances.

This process surprisingly makes it possible to obtain a composite solid matrix which incorporates at least 5% of active agents by total weight of matrix.

[0079] In a preferred variant, this process is applied to low density polyethylene, to biodegradable polyester, to PLA, to TPU, or even to PVC, noting the other thermoplastics mentioned in the present application which can also be used.

The invention relates to a variant of the process according to the invention which consists, depending on the nature of the active ingredients and of the thermoplastic used, in incorporating a portion of the active ingredients beforehand within the thermoplastic.

The invention also relates to a second variant of the process which consists in the direct incorporation of the active ingredient (s) into the mixture produced beforehand of thermoplastic and of the cellulose derivative (s).

Those skilled in the art will adapt the process to the nature of the thermoplastic and to that of the active ingredients to be incorporated therein. In a preferred embodiment, the incorporation step a) is carried out on cellulose acetate at room temperature. In a second preferred embodiment, the incorporation takes place on HPMC at a temperature of 45 ° C. The temperatures of incorporation of the cellulose derivative according to the invention are at temperatures below the temperatures which risk degrading the active agents, such as essential oils.

The product obtained at the end of the process is then introduced into an injection press or an extruder in order to mold it to the desired shape and size. The process according to the invention also has the advantage of obtaining a directly injectable compound once the polymer / premix mixture has been made. This process avoids a grinding step that could cause loss of asset or problems during injection. According to the present invention, the device is molded in the form of films, bands, tubes or wires or in the form of a collar, medallion, earplate for animals, bracelet, patch, wafer, polymer block, harness, etc. lanyard, belt or any other shape suitable for the use and subject for external use. Preferably, the matrix according to the invention will be produced in the form of collars.

[0085] The invention also relates to the use of the composite matrix according to the invention preferably for conveying active agents in order to improve the well-being of animals, and more particularly in terms of pain relief, of muscle comfort, stress improvement or by repellent effect against pests or insecticide. Those skilled in the art will adapt the choice of active ingredients used in order to obtain the desired effect.

[0086] The present invention also relates to the use of at least one cellulose derivative as active carriers for improving the incorporation of active agents into a thermoplastic matrix. By improvement of the incorporation of active ingredient is meant the possibility of incorporating a quantity of active agents greater than what is encountered in the prior art, namely a quantity of active principle greater than 2%. , preferably between 4 and 35% by total weight of said matrix. By improving the incorporation of assets is also meant to obtain a stable asset within the matrix. By stable active in the matrix, we mean an active which does not exude but which is gradually released during the use of the matrix. According to the present invention, the choice of the nature of the cellulose derivative and of its amount will make it possible to influence the release of the active ingredient over time.

The present invention relates to a composite matrix comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one cellulose derivative, characterized in that said cellulose derivative is loaded with at least one active ingredient and that it represents between 5 to 40% by weight total of said matrix. Preferably, said cellulose derivative represents between 10% to 25% by total weight of said matrix. Said cellulose derivative having a role of active vector. The matrix according to the invention is characterized in that the cellulose derivative is chosen from cellulose esters, cellulose ethers or their mixture and preferably from cellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or their mixture. .

[0089] The matrix according to the invention is characterized in that the active ingredient represents between 4 and 35% by total weight of said matrix, and is preferably chosen from essential oils, or their components alone or in mixed.

The invention relates to a matrix characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer is chosen from among polyethylenes (PE), polylactic acids (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), polyvinylchlorides ( PVC) or Polyesters.

The invention relates to a matrix characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer is a polyethylene, preferably a low density polyethylene, and that it is present in an amount sufficient to reach 100% by total weight of the matrix.

The invention relates to the matrix characterized in that it is in the form of a necklace, bracelets, harness, lanyard or belt.

The invention relates to a matrix characterized in that the mixture of plastic polymer and cellulose derivative is a mixture of powders, preferably having an average particle size of between 200 and 1000 μm.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a matrix as described above, and comprising the following steps: a) Mixing the active agent (s) with the cellulose derivative in powder until total incorporation. of the active agent (s) within said cellulose derivative. b) Addition of the powdered thermoplastic to the mixture obtained in a) c) Injection into a molding press or extrusion of the matrix obtained

More particularly, the process according to the invention is as follows: a) Mixing of liquid assets, b) Introduction of the cellulose derivative into a reactor and heating to a temperature of between 20 and 50 ° C with stirring, c) Addition to the reactor, from the mixture of active agent obtained in a), to the cellulose derivative prepared in b) gradually with vigorous stirring, d) Cooling to room temperature with gentle stirring, e) Addition of the thermoplastic and homogenization with vigorous stirring, f) Draining.

The invention also relates to the preceding method characterized in that it comprises a step of adding a mold release agent.

[0096] The present invention also relates to the use of at least one cellulose derivative to improve the incorporation of active agents within a thermoplastic matrix. The present invention also relates to the use of at least one cellulose derivative for improving the incorporation of at least one active agent within said matrix, characterized in that said cellulose derivative is chosen from cellulose esters, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers or their mixture and said active ingredient represents between 4 and 35% by total weight of said matrix.

[0097] [Fig 1] represents the results of the study of the influence of the nature and the concentration of the cellulosic compound on the kinetics of release of the active agent. The release of the active agents is measured by gravimetry. The compositions tested are composition 2 according to the invention described in Example 2 compared to comparative compositions 1 and 10, described respectively in Examples 1 and 10. The curves show that:

- Composition 1 without cellulose derivative does not make it possible to release the active agents over time and is therefore not suitable for the desired aim of the compositions according to the invention.

the composition 10 containing xanthan gum as an active carrier allows incorporation and release of the active agents over time, but this composition has been found to be unstable following degradation of the xanthan gum due to the temperature used during the manufacturing process,

- Only composition 2 according to the invention has been shown to be stable, making it possible to incorporate the active ingredients in a percentage greater than 5% and then to release them regularly over time.

[0104] [Fig 2] represents the results of the study of the influence of the concentration of cellulose acetate on the release kinetics of the active agent within compositions 2, 6 and 7 according to the invention. The curves show that the release of the active ingredients is not proportional to the concentration of acetate used and allows the three concentrations tested to effectively incorporate and release the active ingredients.

[0099] [Fig 3] shows the results of the study of the influence of the concentration of HPMC on the release kinetics of the active agent in compositions 3, 8 and 9 according to the invention. The HPMC concentration influences the amount of active ingredients released and makes it possible to modulate the release kinetics of the active ingredient depending on the desired effect.

[0100] Comparative Example 1: composition 1 without cellulose derivative

[Table 1]

This composition was prepared with the preferred active agents according to the invention to be incorporated within a polyethylene matrix, without adding any cellulose derivative, in order to compare with a composition according to the invention. Numerous difficulties were encountered and various formulation tests had to be carried out in order to achieve a composition in which the active agents could be incorporated. At the end of the various tests, however, it was necessary to use an alternative vector, glyceryl dicaprylate, to stabilize the active agents within the LDPE matrix. In addition, it has not been possible within such a composition to incorporate more than 3.45% of active ingredients in order to maintain a composition which is stable and injectable. The goal is to achieve the incorporation of at least 5% of assets. In addition, the curve in Figure 1 shows that the assets are not released by this formula over time.

This composition is compared with Examples 2 and 10 described below and the release curves of the active agents over time are shown in Figure 1.

[0101] Examples 2 to 9 described below are examples of stable compositions according to the invention which describe compositions which vary the active agents as well as the cellulose derivative and its concentration.

[0102] Example 2: composition 2 of LDPE plus 10% of cellulose acetate

[Table 2]

By adding the cellulose acetate vector, it was possible to obtain a stable composition comprising 6.4% of the mixture of preferred active ingredients for a repellent composition according to the invention.

The process for preparing composition 2 is carried out according to the following steps:

Geraniol and the two essential oils are introduced at room temperature, ie 25 ° C, in a beaker. Weak stirring is carried out using a magnetized bar in order to obtain a homogeneous mixture which constitutes the solution of active agents. The cellulose acetate is incorporated with vigorous stirring at room temperature. Stirring is maintained as long as the mixture of active ingredients is not completely incorporated into the cellulose acetate powder and the compound does not appear dry to obtain the “premix”. Once the compound is dry, the zinc stearate is added with stirring. Then, the PE with the cellulose acetate / active agent “premix” obtained previously is introduced into the mixer with vigorous stirring. Stirring is carried out until all the liquid is completely absorbed by the polymer. The mixer is emptied, the compound thus obtained is stored in a packaging sealed against air and humidity. The product obtained makes it possible to incorporate the active ingredients in a stable manner. FIG. 1 clearly shows that composition 2 according to the invention makes it possible to release the active agent, unlike composition 1 which does not make it possible to release the active agents or to composition 10, which is unstable.

The product thus obtained can then be introduced into an injection molding machine in order to mold it to the shape and size obtained. In the present example, the powder loaded with active ingredients is injected in order to obtain a collar for dogs or cats that can be declined in different sizes, such as 35, 60 or 75 cm. This present collar is intended to be worn by a dog or a cat around the neck to ward off harmful parasites.

[0103] Example 3: composition 3 of LDPE plus 10% of HPMC

[Table 3]

[0104] Example 4: composition 4 of LDPE plus 30% cellulose acetate

[Table 4]

[0105] Example 5: composition 5 of LDPE plus 30% of HPMC

[Table 5]

[0106] Example 6: composition 6 of LDPE plus 5% of cellulose acetate [Table 6]

[0107] Example 7: composition 7 of LDPE plus 15% of cellulose acetate

[Table 7]

[0108] Example 8: composition 8 of LDPE plus 5% of HPMC

[Table 8]

[0109] Example 9: composition 9 of LDPE plus 15% of HPMC

[Table 9]

[0110] Example 10: composition 10 of LDPE plus other polysaccharide

[Table 10]

Composition 10 was produced to test an alternative polysaccharide to cellulose derivatives, xanthan gum, as a vector for the active ingredients of the composition. The curve in Figure 1 shows that the assets could have been incorporated at 6.4% and are released over time. However, the composition is not stable and does not support injection. Degradation of color and odor is observed due to degradation of xanthan gum. A lower temperature would be necessary during the injection process so as not to degrade the xanthan gum, but this would not be sufficient to soften the PE and make the formulation injectable. Composition 10 therefore does not comply with what the Applicant wishes to obtain.

[0111] Example 11: composition 11 of LDPE plus 30% of HPMC

[Table 11]

[0112] Example 12: composition 12 of LDPE plus 35% of HPMC

[Table 12]

[0113] Example 13: composition 13 of LDPE plus 40% of HPMC

[Table 13]

Example 14: composition 14 of LDPE plus 40% of cellulose acetate [Table 14]

Example 15: composition 15 of PLA and more than 20% of cellulose acetate

[Table 15]

Example 16: Illustrates 3 compositions (16 to 18) of matrices with insecticide active agents and cellulose acetate according to the invention.

[Table 16]

Claims

[Claim 1] Composite matrix comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one cellulose derivative characterized in that said cellulose derivative is loaded with at least one active ingredient and represents between 5 to 40% by total weight of said matrix.

[Claim 2] A matrix according to claim 1, characterized in that said cellulose derivative is chosen from cellulose esters, cellulose ethers or their mixture.

[Claim 3] Matrix according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cellulose derivative is chosen from cellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or their mixture.

[Claim 4] A matrix according to claim 3, characterized in that the active ingredient represents between 4 and 35% by total weight of said matrix.

[Claim 5] Matrix according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the active ingredient is an active ingredient of natural or synthetic origin chosen from insecticides, repellents, attractants or essential oils.

[Claim 6] Matrix according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer is chosen from polyethylenes (PE), polylactic acids (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) or Polyesters.

[Claim 7] A matrix according to claim 6, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer is a low density polyethylene.

[Claim 8] Matrix according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer is present in an amount sufficient to reach 100% by total weight of the matrix.

[Claim 9] Matrix according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the mixture of thermoplastic polymer and cellulose derivative is a mixture of powders.

[Claim 10] Matrix according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in the form of a collar, bracelets, harness, lanyard or belt.

[Claim 11] A method of manufacturing a die according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising the following steps: a) Mixing of the active agent (s) with the powdered cellulose derivative until total incorporation of the active agent (s) within said cellulose derivative. b) Addition of the powdered thermoplastic to the mixture obtained in a) c) Injection into a molding press or extrusion of the matrix obtained

[Claim 12] A method according to claim 11 characterized in that it comprises a step of adding a mold release agent.

[Claim 13] Use of at least one cellulose derivative for improving the incorporation of active ingredients into a thermoplastic matrix according to one of claims 1 to 12.

[Claim 14] Use according to claim 13 characterized in that said cellulose derivative is chosen from cellulose esters, cellulose ethers or their mixture.

[Claim 15] Use according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the active ingredient represents between 4 and 35% by total weight of said matrix.