The present invention relates to coated or functionalized or surface modified nanoparticles , comprising a silica core and a coating of gallic acid; to articles comprising such nanoparticles; to methods of manufacturing such nanoparticles and coatings and to uses of such nanoparticles and coatings. It is well known to use gallic acid and derivatives thereof (such as E310, E311 and E312) as antioxidant. However, due to polymerisation reactions, gallic acid is not stable. As a consequence thereof, rapid deactivation occurs under physiological conditions. As a further consequence of this polymerisation, a brownish colour occurs on products containing gallic acid.

Various attempts .are known to stabilize gallic acid. Stathi et al (Chemical Physics Letters 2009, 472, 85-89) discloses the stabilisation of gallic acid on silica gels when covalently bond. Gels are considered continuous media with limited surface availability and stability. Although a stabilizing effect of gallic acid is reported, such gels are by itself of low stability, therefore difficult to handle and thus less beneficial. Giannakopoulos et · al . (Langmuir 2006, 22, 6863-6873) discloses the stabilisation of gallic acid on specific clay types when adsorbed. Obviously, the use of such natural materials is disadvantageous.

In consequence, there is a need for providing gallic acid in a stabilized form and / or , for providing improved methods to stabilize gallic acid. These objectives are achieved by the nanoparticles as defined in claim 1 and the manufacturing method as defined in claim 12. Further aspects of the invention are disclosed in the specification and independent claims, preferred embodiments are disclosed in the specification and the dependent claims. The present invention will be described in more detail below. It is understood that the various embodiments, preferences and ranges as provided / disclosed in this specification may be combined at will. Further, depending of the specific embodiment, selected definitions, embodiments or ranges may not apply.

Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply in this specification: As used herein, the term "a," "an," "the" and similar terms used in the context of the present invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context .

As used herein, the terms "including", "containing" and "comprising" are used herein in their open, non-limiting sense. The term "containing" shall include the meaning of "comprising", "essentially consisting of" and "consisting of".

The term "antioxidant" is known in the field and relates to chemical entities that prevent or delay the development of deterioration due to _. oxidation. Preferred antioxidiants are selected from the group of trihydroxy phenolic acids its salts and derivatives; particularly gallic acid, its salts and derivatives.

The term "nanoparticle" is _. known in the field and includes crystalline or amorphous materials. Nanoparticles are particles having a diameter in the submicron size range and thus differ from particles (having larger sizes) and gels (having no particulate structure) . Such particles may be characterized by its particle size and / or by its specific surface area (SSA) . A wide range of particle sizes are suitable, depending on the intended use. Primary particle sizes are preferably between 1 - 100 nm. Suitable methods for the determination of primary particle size can be found by Hyeon-Lee et al. Langmuir, 14, 5751 (1998). ) . Typically, the SSA is in the range of 50 - 1000 m ² /g preferably 80 - 500 m ² /g. The SSA may be determined by nitrogen adsorption using the BET method (according to: Janssen et al, .Journal of Applied Polymer Science 52, 1913, 1994) . It is generally accepted that nanoparticles tend to form aggregates or agglomerates; typically within a size of 10 nm - 10 μηα. Nanoparticles may be obtained from a range of preparation methods, including high temperature-gas phase processes (such as flame synthesis, laser processes and plasma processes), and liquid phase chemical methods (such as precipitation and sol-gel processes).

The present invention will be better understood by reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 shows High Resolution-TEM image of . the Si02 [90] sample, before (a) and after (b) the GA surface functionalisation as described in the example.

Fig. 2 shows the antioxidant activity of coated Si02 nanoparticles according to the invention by the time- decay of UV-vis absorption spectrum of DPPH-radical (y- axis absorbance, x-axis wavelength, with a maximum at 514nm) .

Fig. 3 [A] shows the kinetics of decay of absorbance at 515nm for DPPH radicals ([DPPH]0 = 29.0±0.1μΜ) reacting with Si02-GA NPs. In Fig. 3[B] the experimental data shown by [0] for pure GA, and by [♦] for Si02-GA are zoomed at the intitial 0-15 minutes, for better viewing the initial phases. In Fig. 3[B], the ^■ solid lines are theoretical fits to the experimental data, [dashed lines] theoretical fast exponential components for the DPPH:Si02-GA and DPPH : GA . (y-axis DPPH radicals remaining ( [μπι] ; x-axis: reaction time [min] )

In more general terms, in a first aspect, the invention relates to nanoparticles containing a core and a coating, wherein said coating comprises gallic acid said. In an advantageous embodiment, the core comprises silica. In an advantageous embodiment, the gallic acid is covalently bonded to said core. It was found that such nanoparticles show a number of beneficial properties. First, they are very active (i.e. having a high radical scavenging capacity RSC) and are long-lasting. Further, the inventive nanoparticles are thermally stable, reusable and available at low-costs. By these features, the above identified known problem, gallic acid' s low stability, is overcome.

This aspect of the invention, particularly details of the nanoparticles as well as advantageous properties thereof, shall be explained in further detail below. As outlined herein, these, nanoparticles may be considered as hybrid nanoantioxidant materials .

Nanoparticles: The term nanoparticle is defined above. Nanoparticles particularly suitable in the context of the present invention may be obtained by a flame spray synthesis (FSP) process.

Core: The core of the inventive nanoparticles contains, preferably consists of, - (a) pure silica; or (b) silica doped with a dopant, said dopant preferably being selected from the group consisting of alumimium (Al) (c) an inner core of a material different from silica and an outer core of pure or doped silica.

It is known that silica nanoparticles contain on its surface hydroxyl groups which are susceptible to chemical reaction, this is described e.g. in Mueller et al. (Langmuir 2003, 19, 160-165). Accordingly, the invention provides nanoparticles wherein the core ^' s surface contains, preferably consists of, silica ^' having reactive hydroxyl groups .

The size of the core may vary over a broad range, but typically is in the range of 5-100nm, preferably in the range of 10-50nm

Gallic Acid: The term includes the free compound formula (I)

its hydrates, salts and / or its derivatives.

Covalent bonding: In an advantageous embodiment, the present invention provides nanoparticles having a silica core that has been covalently functionalized with gallic acid; these nanoparticles may also be referred to as "hybrid nanomaterial" . Accordingly, the silica nanoparticles are a solid substrate where gallic acid is covalently attached ("grafted") . Accordingly, the inventive nanoparticles may be coated nanoparticles, or functionalized nanoparticles or surface modified nanoparticles. It was surprisingly found that such covalently bound gallic acid maintains its structural integrity, its activity, is long lasting and shows no leakage . Coupling agent / linker: The _. covalent bonding between gallic acid and core may be accomplished by using a coupling agent of general formula (II) . (II)

wherein R ₂ represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, preferably hydrogen;

n represents an integer from 0-10, preferably 1-4-, much preferred 3;

Fgi represents a functional group capable in reacting with a carboxy group, particularly -NH2, -OH, halogen, preferably -NH ₂ ;

Fg2 represents a functional group capable in reacting with an inorganic hydroxy group, particularly a trialkoxysilyl group, such as trimethoxysilyl or triethoxysilyl .

Upon the reaction of the coupling agent (II), its structure will be modified due to the reaction of the functional groups. The structure obtained after covalent bonding is named "linker".

In a preferred embodiment, the core is partly or fully of formula (la)

wherein X refers to a fragment that allows covalent bonding between gallic acid and the surface of the nanoparticle . Thus, the invention provides nanoparticles wherein said coating comprises gallic acid which is covalently bond to said core via its carboxylic group by a linker. In a preferred embodiment, X represents a group

(Ha) (lib) (lie) wherein

R ¹ represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, preferably C1-C4 alkyl, much preferred ethyl;

n represents an integer from 0-10, preferably 1-4, much preferred 3;

the sinuous line represents the nanoparticles core.

In this embodiment, gallic acid is covalently bond to the core by an amide (peptide) bond.

A preferred coupling agent is thus APTES.

The amount of gallic acid may vary over a broad range and depends on the intended use. Typically, the amount of gallic acid is in the range of 0.1-4 molecules / nm ² , preferably 1 molecule / nm ² or more.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to an article, comprising nanoparticles a described herein. . The inventive nanoparticles comprise the components silica and gallic acid; both being approved for pharmaceutical applications, cosmetic applications and food additives. Consequently, the inventive · nanoparticles may be applied / used in any article belonging to one of these groups; particularly where anti-oxidative properties are important. This aspect of the . invention shall be explained in further detail below. The article may be a final product, intended for the end- user or an interim product, not intended for the end- user. In one embodiment, the inventive nanoparticles may be coated on top of said article. In this embodiment, the article simultaneously acts as- a support. Accordingly, the invention provides a coating containing nanoparticles as described herein or, respectively, an article coated with the nanoparticles as described herein. This embodiment may find application in packaging industry, where a foil or container shows antioxidative properties. In a further embodiment, the inventive nanoparticles may be embedded within said article. In this embodiment, the article simultaneously acts as a matrix. This embodiment may find application in cosmetic products, where a cosmetic product, such as a cream, shows antioxidative properties.

Further, the article may be intended for consumption (a consumable material) or not (a shaped article) . Consumables: This term includes pharmaceutical products, cosmetic products, food products and products for purification .

In one embodiment, the invention thus provides a pharmaceutical product (i.e. a formulation for human health, animal health, or plant protection) containing one or more active ingredients and nanoparticles as described herein. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a cosmetic product containing nanoparticles as described herein. Such cosmetic products include creams (like toothpaste, sunscreen), liquid products (like mouthwash, shampoo) or solid products (like lipstick, powders) .

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a food product (for human or for livestock) containing nanoparticles as described herein. Such food products include liquid products (like drinks, pre-concentrates of drinks) or solid products (like cereals, like effervescent tabs) and semi-solids (like yoghurt, puddings) . In a further embodiment, the invention provides a product for purification of the environment, particularly water- purification and/or air-purification.

In a further embodiment, the invention thus provides a shaped article containing nanoparticles as described herein. In this embodiment, the invention provides a composite material containing a matrix · material typically a polymer - and nanoparticles as described herein wherein said nanoparticles are dispersed in said matrix. The inventive nanoparticles may be dispersed (i) homogeneously within the matrix or (ii) predominantly (i.e. >50%, preferably >90%) on the surface of the matrix .

Such composite material ("composite") described above is a low-cost, highly active antioxidative composite and may be used in a number of applications such as polymeric commodity products (like in packaging applications) or for the coating of large areas. In general, the composite is considered useful, where oxidation is undesired. It was found by the present inventors that the composites as described herein provide a highly efficient and long- lasting antioxidative effect.

The inventive composite material typically comprises a polymer. The polymer acts as a matrix in which the nanoparticles are dispersed or embedded; preferably in an amount of 0.02-50 % (w/w) , more preferably 5-30 % (w/w) , most preferably 10-20 % (w/w) . In general, all polymers known or obtainable according to known methods are suitable for manufacturing such composites. The term polymer shall thus also embrace polymer blends and reinforced polymers.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the polymer is selected form the group consisting of silicones, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonates, polyetheretherketones , poly(vinyl chloride), poly ( ethylene terephtalate) , polyamides, poly- tetrafluoroethylene, poly(vinyl acetate), polyesters, polyurethanes , styrene-block copolymers, polymethyl methacrylate , . polyacrylates , acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers, natural and synthetic rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, and mixtures or copolymers thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the polymer is a biodegradable polymer, preferably selected from the group consisting of polylactide or poly(lactic acid co glycolic acid), polyurethanes and starch based polymers.

In an advantageous embodiment, the shaped article is fibrous material, particularly a woven material or a non- woven material .

In an advantageous embodiment, the shaped article is a foil.

In an advantageous embodiment, the shaped article is a packaging material.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to ^' a method of manufacturing nanopart icles as described herein. This aspect of the invention shall be explained in further detail below.

The starting materials for this manufacturing method, gallic acid, coupling agent, silica nanoparticles , are commercial articles or obtainable according to known methods. Further, the chemical reactions itself are known per se, although not yet applied to obtain the specific nanoparticles of the present invention. These chemical reactions are considered "mild" as they do not involve harsh reaction conditions.

In. one embodiment (method A) , the invention provides a method for manufacturing nanoparticles as defined herein, comprising the steps of (i) providing silica nanoparticles; (ii) modifying said silica nanoparticles and (iii) coupling gallic acid with said modified nanoparticles. In this embodiment, modified silica nanoparticles are coupled to gallic acid.

Step i: Suitable silica nanoparticles, including doped silica nanoparticles and core-shell silica nanoparticles, are commercially available or may be obtained from known methods. Such methods include dry manufacturing methods (e.g. pyrolytic methods) as well as wet manufacturing methods (e.g. sol gel processes) . Advantageously, the silica nanoparticles are dried at 120 - 160°C, 6-24 hrs, such as 140°C, 12 hrs.

Step ii: Silica particles and coupling agent (II) are reacted in an organic solvent, such as an aromatic solvent, e.g. toluene. Reaction temperatures may vary and are generally from room temperature to reflux. Reaction times may also vary and are generally from 1 - 48 hrs. The thus obtained modified silica nanoparticles are optionally washed and / or dried, preferably are washed and dried.

Step iii: Modified silica particles of step ii), gallic acid and optionally activating agents, such as EDC, are combined in an organic solvent, such as an aromatic solvent, e.g. toluene. Reaction temperatures may vary and are generally from room temperature to reflux. Reaction times may also vary and are generally from 1 - 48 hrs. The thus obtained modified silica nanoparticles are optionally washed and / or dried, preferably are washed and dried. In an advantageous embodiment, step iii) is performed under water - free condition, to avoid formation of stable GA radicals ' on the nanoparticles obained . In a further embodiment (method B) , the invention provides a method for manufacturing nanoparticles as defined herein, comprising the steps of ,(i) providing gallic acid; (ii) modifying, said gallic acid (iii) coupling said modified gallic acid with silica nanoparticles. In this embodiment, modified gallic acid is coupled to silica nanoparticles.

Step i: Suitable gallic acids or derivatives thereof, are commercially available or may be obtained from known methods. Such methods include organic synthesis or enzymatic manufacturing methods (e.g. from glucose)

Step ii: Gallic acid and coupling agent, e.g. EDC, are reacted in an organic solvent,, such as an aromatic solvent, e.g. toluene. Reaction temperatures may vary and are generally from room temperature to reflux. Reaction times may also vary and are" generally from 1 - 48 hrs . The thus obtained activated gallic acid is used in Step iii .

Step iii: Modified gallic acid of step ii), amino functionalised silica nanoparticles, are combined in an organic solvent, such as an aromatic solvent, e.g. toluene. Reaction temperatures may vary and are generally from room temperature to reflux. Reaction times may also vary and are generally from 1 - 48 hrs. The thus obtained modified silica nanoparticles are optionally washed and / or dried, preferably are washed and dried. In an advantageous embodiment, step iii) is performed under water - free conditions. Water free conditions are believed to avoid formation of stable GA radicals on the nanoparticles obtained.

In a> further embodiment, the nanoparticles initially obtained as described above are further modified. Such modification may comprise the step of forming aggregates or agglomerates of the nanoparticles initially obtained.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an article as defined herein. This method comprises the steps of combining an effective amount of nanoparticles as described herein with an article to obtain a modified article, being particularly stable towards oxidation. The inventive _ particles may be processes in the same manner as conventional particles.

For example, Shaped articles or pharmaceutical products (if in solid form) may be coated with a formulation to obtain such modified articles.

Further, food products, cosmetic products and pharmaceutical products (if in liquid or solid form) may be mixed with the inventive particles or with formulations of inventive particles to obtain such modified articles.

The amount of inventive nanopart icles may vary over a broad range and may be determined by routine experiments. Typically, the amount required is not more than pure gallic acid to be used.

In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to the use of nanopart icles and articles as defined herein.

This aspect of the invention shall be explained in further detail below. In one embodiment, the invention provides for the use of nanoparticles , as described herein, as an antioxidant. By providing the inventive nanoparticles, it is possible to provide gallic acid in a stabilized form. Articles, comprising an effective amount of the inventive nanoparticles are thus stabilized towards oxidation and show improved aesthetic properties and or improved sensory properties.

In one further embodiment, the invention provides for the use of nanoparticles, as described herein, for providing an immobilized gallic acid.

In one further embodiment, the invention provides for the use of silica nanoparticles, including pure silica nanoparticles, doped silica nanoparticles and core shell silica nanoparticles having a shell of pure or doped silia, as a solid substrate for gallic acid. To further illustrate the invention, the following examples are provided. These examples are provided with no intend to limit the scope of the invention.

1. Manufacturing of Nanoparticles

1.1 Chemicals

All aqueous solutions were prepared in Milli-Q water produced by a Millipore Academic System. 3-Aminopropyl- triethoxysilane (APTES, >98%)-, Gallic Acid monohydrate [purum >98%] and N- ( 3-dimethylaminopropyl ) -N ^r - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) [purum >98%], and ultrapure Methanol [puriss, absolute, over molecular sieve (H ₂ 0 <0.01%), >99.5% (GC)] were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich . 2 , 2-Diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH') was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich and used fresh i.e. within one month from its purchase.

Si0 ₂ NPs

Four well-characterized commercially available, •hydrophilic SiC>2 NPs were used (herein called according to the code of the provider i.e. Aerosil A90, A150 and A300, A380 Evonik) . Their SSA, m ² g ^"1 determined by N ₂ (PanGas, 9.9999%) adsorption at -196 °C (Micromeritics , Tristar 3000) is listed in Table 1. The Si0 ₂ NPs had an average OH-surface density of 2.6-2.8 OH/nm ²

Table 1: SSA and GA-loading for the Si0 ₂ -GA NPs.

[a]: estimated by the SSA using the relationship d [nm] =6000/(2.2 [gr/cm ³ ]xSSA [tnVgr] ) ;

[b] estimated by dividing the GA-loading [μΜ/gram] per SSA [m ² /gr] . 1.2 Preparation of Functionalized Si0 ₂ -GA NPs Before functionalization, all Si0 ₂ NPs were dried at 140 °C for 12 h. Aminopropyl-Si0 ₂ (APTES-Si0 ₂ ) was prepared by reacting 5 gr of dry Si0 ₂ with 5 ml of APTES in 50. ml toluene. The suspension was refluxed for 24 h at 80 °C, - then each material was rinsed three times with toluene, ethanol(x3) and acetone (x3), dried for 18 h at 80 °C in a Buchi (B-585) rotating furnace-drier. The obtained NPs were aminopropyl-SiC>2, herein named Si02- H ₂ for brevity. Then, covalent immobilization of GA on them achieved by formation of amide bonds between the amine groups of Si0 ₂ -NH ₂ and the carboxyl group of GA activated by the EDC coupler. One gram of Si0 ₂ -NH ₂ was suspended in 50 ml of toluene, then GA and EDC were added in the suspension. For all materials a [GA:EDC] mass ratio [3:1] was used e.g. 300 mg GA and 100 mg EDC per gram of Si0 ₂ -NH ₂ . The mixture was refluxed for 18 h at 80 °C . Then the solid was centrifuged in a ROTINA Hettich 6000 rpm, 5 minutes at 25 °C and rinsed three times with toluene, methanol [x3] and acetone [x3] and dried at 80 °C for 12 h. Here the protocol did not involve washing in aqueous solution in the final step, to avoid formation of stable GA radicals on the Si0 ₂ -GA NPs.

1.,3 Particle Characterization

The so-prepared hybrid Si0 ₂ -GA.NPs were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TE ) on a Tecnai F30 ST. The SSA was obtained according to Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) by five-point N ₂ adsorption at 77 K (Micromeritics Tristar 3000) . Prior to that, samples were degassed in N ₂ for at least 1 h at 150 °C. The organic loading in hybrid NPs was measured by thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis performed using a Schimadzu DTG-60 analyzer. FTIR measurements were performed in KBr pellets using a PerkinElmer 580 spectrophotometer. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Malvern Zetasizer, model Nano 'ZS, measurements were. performed in DTS1060 folded capillary cells. The conditions of DLS experiments (concentrations of NPs and DPPH). were similar to these used for the kinetic study described in Table 2.

Tab.2: Surface Cone, and Density of GA Radicals estimated by EPR.

To measure the aggregation of NPs due to the interaction with the. DPPH radicals, the NPs suspension was allowed to react with DPPH for 60 minutes and then introduced into the DLS cell. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded with a Bruker ER200D spectrometer at 77K (in liquid-N2) , equipped with an Agilent 5310A frequency counter. Adequate signal-to-noise was obtained after 5-10 scans. Spin quantitation was done using DPPH as spin standard. Herein, EPR spectroscopy was used as a state-of the art tool with a double purpose: [i] to determine the maximum concentration of GA molecules able to form radicals on each type of the Si0 ₂ -nanomaterial . This was done by oxidation of GA by O2 in aqeous solution at alkaline pH . [ii] to monitor the radical reactions e.g. between DPPH and Si0 ₂ -GA. For each Si0 ₂ -material , the reaction mixture consisted of Si0 ₂ -GA nanoparticle suspension in methanol plus DPPH inside the EPR tube, [Willmad Glass Suprasil, 5.5 mm outer diameter]. The initial concentrations [DPPH:GA] ₀ were similar to those used for the kinetic UV-Vis experiments. To monitor the time evolution of the DPPH .radical scavenging, the reaction was quenched at selected times between 0 and 60 minutes, by rapid freezing [within 10 seconds] the sample at 77 K. The EPR signals for DPPH:Si0 ₂ -GA were recorded at non-saturating microwave power 0.125 mW with a modulation amplitude of 2 Gpp . For comparison, similar experiments were also run for DPPH:GA. 2. Evaluation of Nanoparticles

The nanoparticles according to # 1 are evaluated in the following tests: 2.1 Chemical stability

3g of nanoparticles according to #1 are suspended in 3 ml aqueous solution @ ph 5.0, 7.1, 8.2, 12.0 and stirred for 10 hrs / 26°C. The supernatant was removed and the amount of gallic acid was determined bat 254 nm.

For suspensions of pH 5.0, 7.1 and 8.2, a leaching of less than 0.5% was determined.

For suspensions of pH 12.0, a leaching of less than 0.5% was determined. 2.2 Antioxidant, Antiradical stability

The Radical Scavenging capacity (RSC) is determined according to the standardised DPPH Method using EPR spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Key findings are:

^■ The nanoparticles according to #1 scavenge up to 4 DPPH radicals per GA molecule grafted on the core surface.

^■ The nanoparticles according to #1 can perform rapid H atom transfer (HAT) reactions with kinectic times below 1 minute .

^■ The nanoparticles according to #1 can be reused after their interaction with DPPH radicals, by a simple washing step, with no "impairment of their RSC.

^■ The nanoparticles according to #1 retain more than 90% of their RSC after treatment up to 150°C/40 min. Pure gallic acid retains less than 60% of their RSC after similar treatment.