Anti-microbial Coating for Multi-dose Container Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-dose cosmetic and fragrance packages face contamination issues due to microbial growth, limited shelf-life, and material permeability, leading to product degradation and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
Application of an anti-microbial coating on the interior surfaces of packaging, combined with a barrier and pH protective coating, to inhibit microbial growth, extend shelf-life, and prevent material interaction with the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-dose packages are used to store products over time, then convenience and reduced waste are improved, but microbial contamination and limited shelf-life worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating preservative systems and barrier coatings into the package design before use. These preventive measures actively counteract microbial contamination from the outset, allowing the product to maintain safety throughout the multi-dose period without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary substances such as preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid) and barrier coatings that act as mediators between the product and environmental contaminants. These intermediaries protect the product by blocking or neutralizing harmful microorganisms while allowing the multi-dose package to remain open for repeated use.
2Reliability
If preservatives are added to prevent microbial growth, then product safety is improved, but adverse reactions and product degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration and combination of preservatives to optimize effectiveness while minimizing adverse reactions. The patent specifies precise ranges for preservative concentrations (e.g., phenoxyethanol at 0.1-1.0%, benzoic acid at 0.05-0.5%) to balance microbial protection with user safety and product stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite preservative systems combining multiple substances (phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and their salts) that work synergistically to provide broad-spectrum microbial protection while reducing the concentration of each individual component, thereby minimizing adverse reactions and product degradation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If barrier coatings are applied to prevent material interaction, then product stability is improved, but gas permeability and manufacturing complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying barrier coatings specifically to the interior surfaces of the package that contact the product, rather than coating the entire package structure. This targeted approach provides necessary protection at the product-coating interface while minimizing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple, cost-effective barrier coating materials that can be applied through standard manufacturing processes. The coatings are designed to provide adequate protection for the product's shelf life without requiring complex multi-layer structures or specialized application equipment, thereby controlling manufacturing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If applicators are used for precise application, then ease of use is improved, but microbial contamination risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the applicator with antimicrobial coatings or incorporating preservatives into the applicator material itself before use. This preventive measure ensures that the applicator remains microbially protected throughout its contact with the product, eliminating the need for user sterilization while maintaining precise application capability.
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 anti-microbial coating effectively kills bacteria, extends the post-opening shelf-life of products, and the barrier coating reduces gas permeability, enhancing the pre-opening shelf-life and product stability.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-microbial coating on an interior surface of the one or more walls, wherein the anti-microbial coating is in contact with the fluid; and wherein the anti-microbial coating is effective to kill bacteria introduced into the lumen
Implementation Method 2
the barrier coating reduces gas permeability, enhancing the pre-opening shelf-life and product stability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to multi-dose containers, such as eye drop bottles, nasal spray bottles, cosmetic and fragrance containers, and the like, in which at least a portion of an interior wall of the container, which is in contact with a fluid product, is provided with an anti-microbial coating. The anti-microbial coating is effective to inhibit the growth of microbes and/or inactivate or kill microbes, such as bacteria, that may be introduced into the lumen during use of the product. As such, the shelf life of the product after first use may be increased and/or the amount of preservatives or excipients in the fluid product may be decreased. The containers may also include one or more oxygen barrier coatings, which may increase the shelf life of the product prior to first use.