Amine-Quaternary Ammonium Buffer Compounds for Wide pH Range Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer compounds for biological systems lack the ability to maintain pH across a wide range, particularly from pH 11 to pH 13, and often suffer from toxicity, metal-binding properties, and compatibility issues due to chemical differences, limiting their effectiveness and versatility.
Innovation Solution
Development of a series of amine-quaternary ammonium buffer compounds with a wide range of pKa values (2-13) that provide controllable charge, low toxicity, and chemical compatibility, allowing for pH buffering across the pH range of 2 to 13, including the previously challenging range of pH 11 to 13.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If classical buffer compounds are used, then buffering capacity is provided within a limited pH range, but the ability to maintain pH across a wide range (especially pH 11-13) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the buffering function across multiple compounds with different pKa values. Instead of relying on a single buffer compound, the patent uses combinations of buffer compounds where each has a specific pKa value optimized for a particular pH range. This segmentation allows the system to provide reliable buffering across the entire pH 2-13 range by having different compounds active in different segments of the pH scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite buffering systems by combining multiple buffer compounds with different chemical structures and pKa values. These composite buffer systems integrate the strengths of different buffer types (e.g., Good's buffers, borates, phosphates) to achieve broad pH coverage while maintaining reliability in each specific pH range through the collective action of the component compounds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If buffer compounds are used to extend pH range, then pH buffering capability is improved, but toxicity and metal-binding properties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by selecting buffer compounds with specific chemical characteristics suited for different pH ranges. For example, in the alkaline pH range (11-13), the patent uses borates and phosphates which have appropriate pKa values for that range, while in neutral pH ranges, it uses Good's buffers like HEPES or MOPS. Each buffer compound is chosen for its local optimality in terms of minimal toxicity and metal-binding at its operating pH range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the buffer system by selecting compounds with specific pKa values, molecular structures, and functional groups that minimize harmful interactions. The patent carefully selects buffer compounds based on their pKa values, charge characteristics, and chemical structure to achieve broad pH coverage while maintaining low toxicity and minimal metal-binding properties across different pH conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different buffer compounds are used for different pH ranges, then pH buffering is achieved, but chemical compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves universality by developing a systematic approach to buffer selection and combination that can be applied across all pH ranges. The patent establishes general principles for selecting compatible buffer compounds based on their chemical properties, such as matching cationic and anionic buffers to maintain electrical neutrality and avoid precipitation. This universal framework simplifies the management of chemical compatibility across different pH ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses intermediary compounds or buffer systems that can mediate between different pH ranges and chemical environments. The patent describes using buffer compounds with intermediate pKa values or amphoteric properties that can function effectively across broader pH ranges, reducing the need for sharp transitions between different buffer systems and thereby simplifying compatibility management.
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 amine-quaternary ammonium buffer compounds offer a versatile and effective pH buffering system with improved compatibility and reduced toxicity, enabling stable pH maintenance across a broad pH range while minimizing interactions with biological molecules.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer compound comprises amine-quaternary ammonium compounds. More particularly, the invention relates to buffer compounds in which the buffer molecule contains both an amine nitrogen atom and a quaternary ammonium nitrogen atom
Data Source
AI summary
A method of buffering a chemical or biological composition, comprising adding to the composition an effective buffering amount of at least one protonated or un-protonated amine-quaternary ammonium compound having a general formula:wherein the variables R, G, n and k are as defined herein.