Antimicrobial Cross-linked Polymeric Polycarboxylic Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bio-based absorbent materials, such as poly(amino acid) and polysaccharide, suffer from high enzymatic degradation rates induced by microbes, limiting their long-term in-use stability in various applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of antimicrobial cross-linked polymeric polycarboxylic acids containing ammonium groups, which are prepared by reacting a polymeric polycarboxylic acid with a polyepoxide cross-linker and a glycidyl ammonium compound, thereby slowing down the degradation of water-absorbent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bio-based polymers (poly(amino acid) and polysaccharide) are used as water-absorbent materials, then environmental sustainability is improved, but enzymatic degradation rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite material by cross-linking bio-based polymeric polycarboxylic acids with glycidyl ammonium compounds. This composite structure combines the renewable, biodegradable nature of bio-based polymers with the stabilizing and antimicrobial effects of cross-linking, achieving both environmental sustainability and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of bio-based polymers by introducing cross-links through reaction with glycidyl ammonium compounds. This structural modification reduces enzymatic degradation rates while maintaining the bio-based nature of the material, thereby improving in-use stability without sacrificing environmental sustainability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cross-linking is applied to bio-based polymers to improve stability, then in-use stability is improved, but antimicrobial protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The glycidyl ammonium compound serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cross-linking agent to improve structural stability and also introduces ammonium groups that provide antimicrobial properties. This multi-functional approach addresses both stability and microbial protection needs in a single modification strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of ammonium groups through the cross-linking reaction changes the chemical properties of the polymer, providing both structural cross-linking for stability and antimicrobial activity to protect against microbial degradation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional petroleum-based polymers are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the raw material source from petroleum-based to bio-based polymers, fundamentally altering the environmental profile while maintaining the cross-linked gel structure and water-absorbent functionality. This substitution addresses environmental concerns while the cross-linking process maintains performance characteristics.
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 incorporation of ammonium groups into cross-linked polymeric polycarboxylic acids significantly improves the in-use stability and service life of water-absorbent materials by reducing enzymatic degradation, while also potentially providing antimicrobial properties.
Implementation Method 1
water-absorbent polymers, which absorb water or aqueous fluid and hold it in the form of a gel
Implementation Method 2
cross-linked into water insoluble networks that can absorb water to form hydrogels
Implementation Method 3
antimicrobial cross-linked polymeric polycarboxylic acids... significantly improves the in-use stability and service life of water-absorbent materials by reducing enzymatic degradation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods of preparing an antimicrobial cross-linked polymeric poly carboxylic acid with improved in-use stability and service life, by making a cross-linked polymeric polycarboxylic acid containing ammonium groups. Also disclosed are the antimicrobial cross-linked polymeric polycarboxylic acids made by the methods, antimicrobial water-absorbent cross-linked polymeric poly carboxylic acids made by the methods, and water-absorbent materials comprising the antimicrobial cross-linked polymeric poly carboxylic acids.