Antimicrobial Compositions Using 1,2-Alkanediols
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial compositions face challenges such as resistance development, irritation, and inactivation by organic matter, particularly when used on moist mammalian tissues like the nasal passages, vagina, and wounds.
Innovation Solution
The development of antimicrobial compositions that include a quaternary amine antiseptic component, a polycarboxylic acid chelator, an alphahydroxy acid buffer, and a (C8-C12) 1,2 alkane diol, formulated with a pH between 3.5 and 5.5, and with water present in greater weight percent than other components, to enhance antimicrobial activity and reduce resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antiseptics (iodine, quaternary ammonium compounds) are used at high concentrations to achieve broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but tissue irritation and damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using (C8-C12) 1,2-alkanediols instead of conventional high-concentration antiseptics. This parameter change allows achieving broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations, thereby reducing tissue irritation while maintaining efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite antimicrobial formulation by combining (C8-C12) 1,2-alkanediols with specific excipients and buffers. This composite approach enhances antimicrobial activity while minimizing irritation, resolving the contradiction between efficacy and tissue safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antibiotics are used at low concentrations to treat infections, then safety and side effects are improved, but bacterial resistance develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using antibiotics (biological agents) to (C8-C12) 1,2-alkanediols (chemical antiseptics). This parameter change in the type of antimicrobial agent prevents resistance development while maintaining safety, as the alkanediols act through multiple mechanisms that bacteria cannot easily resist.
3Ease of operation
If formulations contain solvents to improve delivery and coverage, then application properties are improved, but antimicrobial activity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the formulation parameters by selecting specific excipients and buffers that are compatible with (C8-C12) 1,2-alkanediols. This allows the use of aqueous-based formulations with improved delivery properties without compromising antimicrobial activity, unlike formulations with conventional antiseptics.
4Productivity
If surfactants are added to enhance penetration and distribution, then delivery efficiency is improved, but antiseptic efficacy is reduced due to micelle formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the antimicrobial agent to (C8-C12) 1,2-alkanediols, which do not form micelles with surfactants like conventional antiseptics. This allows the use of surfactants to enhance penetration and distribution without compromising antiseptic efficacy.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including a quaternary amine antiseptic component having a concentration of at least about 0.04% by weight; a poly carboxylic acid chelator having a concentration of at least about 0.05 M and/or an alphahydroxy acid buffer having a concentration of at least about 0.05 M; a (C8-C12) 1,2 alkane diol; and optionally water are provided. The compositions have a pH greater than or equal to 3.5 and less than 5.5 at 23° C. In certain embodiments, water is present in the composition at a greater weight percent than each of the quaternary amine antiseptic component; the polycarboxylic acid chelator, if present; the alphahydroxy acid buffer, if present; and the (C8-C12) 1,2-alkane diol. In certain embodiments, water is present in the composition at a greater weight percent than any other component.