Antimicrobial Ionomer Composition with Stabilized Silver-Ion Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial technologies, particularly those using silver, face challenges such as the potential hazards of nanoparticulate silver and limited development of polymer carrier-based silver technologies, as well as issues with discoloration and stability in existing compositions.
Innovation Solution
Development of an antimicrobial ionomer composition comprising an amine functional cationic polymer and silver halide, which is produced by reacting amine functional polymers with silver halides or silver non-halide salts in a solvent matrix, incorporating stabilizing components like sulfonamide groups to enhance stability and control silver-ion release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanoparticulate silver is used for antimicrobial activity, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but health and environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antimicrobial functionality from nanoparticulate silver and transfers it to ionic silver embedded in a polymer matrix. This removes the hazardous nanoparticle form while retaining the biocidal activity of silver ions, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of silver delivery by transitioning from nanoparticulate form to ionic form within a polymer matrix. This parameter change maintains antimicrobial efficacy while eliminating the health and environmental risks associated with nanoparticle exposure
2Reliability
If hyperbranched polyethyleneimine derivative is used as carrier, then silver ion release is enhanced, but discoloration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer matrix combining polyethyleneimine with additional polymers or stabilizing agents. This composite structure maintains the silver ion release capability of PEI while preventing the discoloration through synergistic interactions between the matrix components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (additional polymers or stabilizers) that mediate between the silver-containing PEI and the environment. These intermediaries prevent direct reactions causing discoloration while allowing controlled silver ion release, thus resolving the contradiction
3Reliability
If conventional silver containing particles are attached to surfaces, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but adhesion and stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the silver-containing component with the polymer matrix to form an integrated ionomer composition. This combination eliminates the adhesion problems of attached particles by incorporating silver ions directly into the polymer structure, creating a unified material with improved stability and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ionomer material where silver ions are embedded within the polymer matrix. This composite structure provides superior adhesion and stability compared to surface-attached particles, as the silver is an integral part of the material rather than a separate component
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 composition provides enhanced antimicrobial activity, improved adhesion properties, and stability, surpassing known silver-based antibacterial compositions, with controlled silver-ion release and optical performance, suitable for various surfaces and applications.
Implementation Method 1
antimicrobial ionomer composition which comprises an amine functional cationic polymer and silver halide
Implementation Method 2
controlled silver-ion release
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a polymeric antimicrobial composition, a method of producing the same and the uses thereof. The ionomer composition comprises an amine functional polymer compound reacted with silver halide, optionally together with a stabilizing component, such as an organic substance carrying a sulfonamide functional group. The ionomer composition can be obtained by reacting together (i) at least one polyamine and silver halide and optionally at least one organic stabilizer substance or; (ii) at least one polyamine, at least one non-halide silver salt or silver complex, hydrogen halide and/or alkaline metal halide salt and optionally at least one organic stabilizer substance. The present ionomer composition is suitable for use as an antimicrobial coating, antimicrobial finish, antimicrobial additive and as antimicrobial component for formation of new antimicrobial materials.