Fabric compositions comprising attached ascorbic acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial textiles face challenges in achieving effective, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly antimicrobial and antiviral properties, particularly in medical and hygiene applications, where synthetic agents are not ideal due to toxicity and resistance concerns, and naturally occurring compounds like ascorbic acid have shown limited efficacy when used alone.
Innovation Solution
Development of antimicrobial and antiviral fabric compositions comprising ascorbic acid, citric acid, and sodium hypophosphite covalently attached to cellulosic portions of fabrics, utilizing a pad/spray drying method and curing process to generate hydrogen peroxide for antimicrobial activity, enhancing the fabric's ability to inhibit microbial growth and viral activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ascorbic acid is applied alone to textiles, then the fabric remains non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but the antimicrobial activity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ascorbic acid with citric acid and sodium hypophosphite to create a synergistic antimicrobial system. This merging of multiple natural compounds achieves effective antimicrobial activity (99.99% inhibition) while maintaining the non-toxic and environmentally friendly properties of natural substances, resolving the contradiction between sufficient antimicrobial efficacy and environmental safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite antimicrobial system where ascorbic acid, citric acid, and sodium hypophosphite work together on cellulosic fabrics. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each component to achieve robust antimicrobial and antiviral activity that none of the individual substances could provide alone, while preserving biocompatibility.
2Reliability
If synthetic antimicrobial agents are used in textiles, then effective antimicrobial activity is achieved, but toxicity and antibiotic resistance concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs naturally occurring compounds (ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium hypophosphite) that degrade into harmless substances, replacing persistent synthetic antimicrobials. These natural compounds provide effective antimicrobial activity while being non-toxic and non-resistant, effectively treating the fabric as a disposable or short-lived antimicrobial system that leaves no harmful residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the limitations of natural compounds (individually weak antimicrobial activity) into a benefit through combination therapy. By merging multiple natural substances, the system achieves synthetic-level efficacy while maintaining the inherent safety and biodegradability of natural products, turning what was a weakness into a strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ascorbic acid is used in medical textiles, then non-toxic properties are maintained, but the duration of antimicrobial effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuous antimicrobial action by creating a sustained-release system where ascorbic acid, citric acid, and sodium hypophosphite are incorporated into the fabric structure. This combination provides prolonged effectiveness (72-96 hours) while maintaining non-toxic properties, ensuring continuous protection without requiring frequent reapplication or causing tissue damage.
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 approach results in fabrics with up to 99.99% inhibition of microbial growth and significant antiviral activity, providing a robust, non-toxic, and sustainable solution for medical textiles that can maintain effectiveness for extended periods without tissue breakdown, suitable for wound dressings and barrier fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pad/spray drying method and curing process to generate hydrogen peroxide for antimicrobial activity
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the fabric's ability to inhibit microbial growth and viral activity
Implementation Method 3
ascorbic acid is covalently attached to at least one cellulosic portion of the fabric composition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to antimicrobial and/or antiviral fabric compositions comprising ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium hypophosphite, or a mixture thereof. The ascorbic acid may be covalently attached to at least one cellulosic portion of the fabric composition. The invention also relates to methods for preparing such fabric compositions.