Antimicrobial Catheter Lock Solution pH Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antimicrobial catheter lock solutions face issues with component precipitation, leading to reduced stability and effectiveness, which can result in clogged catheter lumens and emboli, and existing solutions often require immediate use or disposal due to instability and cost concerns.

Innovation Solution

The development of antimicrobial compositions comprising EDTA and an alcohol, adjusted to a pH of 6-8, which minimizes precipitation and maintains stability for extended periods, allowing for stable storage and use of catheter lock solutions, including combinations like minocycline/EDTA/Ethanol with pH adjustment using acidic and basic EDTA salts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EDTA and alcohol are included in antimicrobial solution, then antimicrobial properties are improved, but precipitation of components occurs reducing stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial propertiesVSAvoidsolution stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the antimicrobial solution to a specific range (pH 6-8) and controlling the concentration ratios of EDTA to alcohol. This resolves the contradiction by modifying the chemical parameters to prevent precipitation while maintaining the antimicrobial efficacy of the solution components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite antimicrobial solution by carefully formulating multiple components (antibiotic, EDTA, alcohol, and pH adjusters) in specific proportions. This composite approach allows the solution to maintain stability while preserving the antimicrobial properties of each component through synergistic interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If EDTA concentration is reduced to minimize precipitation, then solution stability is improved, but antimicrobial properties are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution stabilityVSAvoidantimicrobial properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter to an optimal range (pH 6-8) which allows higher EDTA concentrations to remain stable without precipitating. This resolves the contradiction by modifying the pH parameter to enable both high stability and high antimicrobial activity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pH adjusters (acids or bases) as intermediary substances that mediate between EDTA and alcohol components. These intermediaries control the chemical environment to prevent precipitation while maintaining the antimicrobial effectiveness of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If antimicrobial solution is prepared with multiple components, then antimicrobial effectiveness is enhanced, but precipitation and clogging of catheter lumens occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidprecipitation and clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling pH (6-8) and component concentration ratios to prevent the formation of precipitates. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting parameters to ensure all components remain in solution, maintaining antimicrobial effectiveness while eliminating clogging hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-adjusting the pH and formulating the solution with specific component ratios before administration. This preventive approach counteracts the potential for precipitation and clogging before they can occur, ensuring both effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution provides a stable antimicrobial catheter lock solution that remains effective for at least 72 hours, reducing the risk of precipitation and emboli, and allows for prolonged storage and use, enhancing the management of catheters in clinical settings.

Implementation Method 1

inclusion of both EDTA and an alcohol in an antimicrobial solution with an antibiotic can result in an undesirable precipitation (e.g., of the EDTA and/or antibiotic) from the solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentEP3370794B1Antimicrobial solutions with enhanced stability
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

Provided are antimicrobial solutions, including catheter lock solutions. In some embodiments, the solution contains an antibiotic (e.g. , minocycline or trimethoprim), EDTA, and an alcohol (e.g., ethanol), wherein the pH of the solution is adjusted to about 6-8 to reduce precipitation. Methods of using the solutions and kits are also provided.