Antimicrobial Cleaning Composition Using Amine Surfactant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antimicrobial hard surface cleaning compositions with quaternary ammonium compounds face reduced efficacy due to micelle formation with surfactants, leaving visible residues and streaks, and are not suitable for all surface types, especially delicate ones like wood and natural stone.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an amine surfactant of the formula R1-N—(R2)(CH2CHOH(CH2O)nR3), where R1 and R2 are selected from various alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups, and R3 is a C6 to C30 hydrocarbyl, to enhance antimicrobial efficacy and surface shine while reducing residue formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as antimicrobial agents, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but visible residues and streaks are formed on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific amine compound (formula I) as an intermediary substance that modifies the interaction between the quaternary ammonium compound and the surface. This amine acts as a mediator that allows the antimicrobial agent to function effectively while preventing the formation of visible residues and streaks on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by incorporating a specific amine compound with defined structural parameters (R1, R2, R3 groups and n value). This parameter modification alters the micelle formation behavior and surface deposition characteristics, reducing visible residues while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
2Reliability
If high levels of antimicrobial agent are used to overcome micelle formation, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but surface shine deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The amine compound serves as an intermediary that enables effective antimicrobial action at lower concentrations. By introducing this mediator, the system achieves the desired antimicrobial efficacy without the need for high levels of quaternary ammonium compound, thereby preventing the degradation of surface shine that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the concentration parameter of the antimicrobial agent by introducing the amine compound, which allows the system to achieve effective antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations. This parameter change prevents the formation of excessive residues that would compromise surface shine and visual appearance.
3Reliability
If high pH (10.5-11.5) is used to maximize efficacy against gram negative bacteria, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but suitability for delicate surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the cleaning composition by incorporating the amine compound, which allows the system to achieve effective antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria at lower, more moderate pH levels. This parameter modification enables the composition to be safe for delicate surfaces such as wood, quartz, and natural stone while maintaining broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy.
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 compositions exhibit improved antimicrobial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, provide better surface shine, and are effective at lower antimicrobial agent concentrations, suitable for a wide range of surface types including delicate materials.
Implementation Method 1
antimicrobial agents typically form mixed micelles with the cleaning surfactants present in the composition
Implementation Method 2
an amine surfactant selected from amine of formula I... providing improved antimicrobial efficacy and less visible residues or streaks on the treated surface
Data Source
AI summary
The need for an antimicrobial hard surface cleaning composition providing good antimicrobial efficacy, even at low levels of the antimicrobial agent, while also providing improved surface shine, is met by formulating the composition with an antimicrobial active and an amine.