Amide-Based Antimicrobial Composition for Renewable Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a composition that provides improved cleaning and antimicrobial benefits while incorporating increased content of raw materials derived from renewable sources, specifically using amides to potentiate antimicrobial activity in aqueous solutions.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a surfactant, an acidifying agent, an amide of formula R1-CO-NR2R3, and water, with a pH range of 1.0 to 6.0, containing 0.01% to 30% of an antimicrobial active, such as hydrogen peroxide, where the amide is derived from renewable sources and enhances antimicrobial activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional antimicrobial compositions are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the content of renewable raw materials is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent of renewable raw materialsVSAvoidantimicrobial activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter by introducing amides with specific molecular structures (varying chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation) derived from renewable sources. These parameter changes in molecular structure enable the amides to potentiate antimicrobial activity while maintaining renewable origin, thus resolving the contradiction between renewable content and antimicrobial effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite antimicrobial compositions by combining amides derived from renewable sources with conventional antimicrobial actives. This composite approach allows the renewable amides to enhance and potentiate the antimicrobial activity of the conventional actives, achieving both high renewable content and reliable antimicrobial performance simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If amides are added to potentiate antimicrobial activity, then antimicrobial efficacy is enhanced, but composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The amides serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as solvents, surfactants, and antimicrobial potentiators in the composition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additive components, thereby enhancing antimicrobial activity without proportionally increasing composition complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antimicrobial actives are combined, then broad spectrum activity is achieved, but safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroad spectrum activityVSAvoidsafety concerns
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The amides act as intermediary substances that potentiate the activity of conventional antimicrobial actives, allowing lower concentrations of potentially hazardous actives to achieve the desired broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect. This intermediary role of the safe, renewable amides reduces the overall safety concerns associated with using multiple strong antimicrobial actives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition delivers effective cleaning and antimicrobial benefits on hard and soft surfaces, demonstrating potentiation of antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, with improved safety and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

amides (which may be derived from renewable sources) may be incorporated into phase stable aqueous solutions to provide cleaning and potentiation of antimicrobial activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPotentiation:

Implementation Method 2

compositions comprising a surfactant; an acidifying agent; an amide of formula I

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

an acidifying agent; with a pH range of 1.0 to 6.0

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Implementation Method 4

containing 0.01% to 30% of an antimicrobial active, such as hydrogen peroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3393243B1Compositions comprising an amide
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to compositions containing an amide, products incorporating the compositions, and methods of using the compositions and products.