Air Sanitization Formulation for Rapid Pathogen Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air decontamination methods lack standardized testing for efficacy and fail to effectively reduce airborne pathogens, particularly bacteria and viruses, in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
Air decontamination formulations comprising 28% to 38% dipropylene glycol, 0.12% to 0.43% odor neutralizing cationic surfactant, 28% to 50% alcohol, and 14% to 33% water, which form a single liquid phase, are introduced into the air for 0.1 to 5 minutes to achieve a 3 log10 reduction of aerosolized bacteria and viruses, including Staphylococcus aureus and enveloped viruses like Phi6.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air decontamination formulations are introduced to reduce airborne pathogens, then the effectiveness against bacteria and viruses is improved, but the lack of standardized testing prevents verification of efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise formulation parameters (28-38% dipropylene glycol, 0.12-0.43% cationic surfactant, 28-50% alcohol, 14-33% water) to ensure consistent microbicidal activity. These parameter specifications enable standardized testing and verification of efficacy against airborne pathogens.
2Reliability
If complex formulations are used to achieve microbicidal activity, then the effectiveness against pathogens is improved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite formulation combining dipropylene glycol, cationic surfactant, alcohol, and water in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of multiple components to achieve reliable microbicidal activity while maintaining a manageable formulation structure.
3Reliability
If longer exposure time is used to achieve pathogen reduction, then the effectiveness is improved, but the time required for sanitization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves rapid pathogen reduction (3 log10 reduction in 0.1 to 5 minutes) by optimizing the concentration parameters of active ingredients, particularly the cationic surfactant and alcohol content, which accelerate microbial inactivation without requiring prolonged exposure times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formulations provide a 3 log10 reduction of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Phi6 within 0.1 to 5 minutes, effectively sanitizing and disinfecting air in volumes up to 25 m3, addressing the need for standardized and effective microbicidal solutions.
Implementation Method 1
U.S. Pat. No. 2,333,124 to Robertson et al. discloses methods of sterilizing air by means of glycol vapors
Data Source
AI summary
Air decontamination formulations are disclosed comprising approximately 28% to approximately 38% by weight of the formulation of dipropylene glycol; approximately 0.12% to approximately 0.43% by weight of the formulation of an odor neutralizing cationic surfactant; approximately 28% to approximately 50% by weight of the formulation of an alcohol, preferably ethanol; and approximately 14% to approximately 33% by weight of the formulation of water. The disclosed air decontamination formulations sanitize or disinfect a volume of air less than or equal to 25 m3 in 0.1 to 5 minutes by providing equal to or greater than a 3 log10 reduction of aerosolized bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and aerosolized enveloped viruses, including Phi6.