Antimicrobial Glove Material via Coagulant Ionophore Complex

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable gloves, particularly those made from nitrile and vinyl, lack effective antimicrobial and antiviral properties on their external surfaces, and coatings applied to enhance these properties can compromise material flexibility and durability.

Innovation Solution

A coagulant formulation incorporating a polymeric ionophore:ion complex is used during the manufacturing process to impart intrinsic antimicrobial and antiviral properties to the external surface of disposable gloves, utilizing a coagulant composition comprising a coagulant, wetting agent, solvent, and anti-tack agent, with optional additional antimicrobial agents and plasticizers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coatings are applied to enhance antimicrobial properties, then antimicrobial protection is improved, but material flexibility and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial protectionVSAvoidmaterial flexibility and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antimicrobial agent directly with the polymer matrix during the extrusion process, merging two functions (structural integrity and antimicrobial protection) into a single integrated material rather than applying separate coatings. This eliminates the trade-off between coating flexibility and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material where antimicrobial agents are incorporated within the polymer matrix structure. This composite approach allows the antimicrobial properties to be embedded within the material itself, maintaining the base polymer's mechanical properties while adding protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If vinyl gloves are used for cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but protective barrier integrity and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidprotective barrier integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymerization parameters and additive composition during the extrusion process to enhance the structural integrity of vinyl gloves. By controlling the polymerization degree, cross-linking density, and plasticizer distribution, the material achieves improved barrier properties while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces specific intermediaries (cross-linking agents and stabilizers) during the extrusion process that mediate between the low-cost vinyl polymer and the requirement for high barrier integrity. These intermediaries facilitate molecular cross-linking and structural stabilization without significantly increasing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If nitrile gloves are used for durability and chemical resistance, then resistance to chemicals and punctures is improved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability and chemical resistanceVSAvoidflexibility and touch sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modifications by incorporating flexible plasticizers and lubricants specifically in the polymer matrix regions that require flexibility, while maintaining cross-linked structures in areas requiring chemical and puncture resistance. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of durability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic cross-linking mechanisms that allow the polymer network to adjust its cross-linking density in response to mechanical stress. The cross-links can form and break dynamically, providing high resistance to chemicals and punctures when needed while allowing flexibility and comfort during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 formulation provides rapid and effective antimicrobial and antiviral protection without compromising the physical properties of the gloves, offering broad-spectrum protection against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and viruses.

Implementation Method 1

The formulation provides rapid and effective antimicrobial and antiviral protection without compromising the physical properties of the gloves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260013496A1Antimicrobial and/or antiviral materials

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CODIKOAT LTD

AI summary

Described a coagulant formulation for use in the preparation of a material that is formed by dipping, wherein the formulation includes a lipophilic and/or amphiphilic polymeric ionophore:ion complex wherein the polymeric ionophore is a hydrophilic and/or amphiphilic polymer and wherein the polymeric ionophore:ion complex imparts antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties to the material.