Water-Insoluble Antimicrobial Polymer Coating for Sustained Pathogen Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack effective solutions for inhibiting the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly those causing necrotizing fasciitis, on human or animal hosts, especially in environments where skin integrity is compromised or in water settings, and fail to provide sustained protection against opportunistic pathogens like Candida albicans, Vibrio vulnificus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Innovation Solution

A water-insoluble antimicrobial polymer coating that facilitates the sustained release of biocidal agents, specifically using poly(hexamethylene biguanide) (PHMB) in combination with additional antimicrobial agents like glycerol monolaurate, which forms a protective film on skin surfaces, offering prolonged protection against opportunistic pathogens and providing additional benefits as a sunscreen and insect repellent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a water-soluble antimicrobial coating is used, then the coating can be easily applied and removed, but it fails to provide sustained protection in water environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of antimicrobial protectionVSAvoidmicrobial ingress in water environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter of the polymer coating from water-soluble to water-insoluble. This allows the coating to remain stable and maintain its antimicrobial function in water environments, providing sustained protection without dissolving or washing away.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite formulation combining water-insoluble polymer (such as polyvinyl chloride or polyacrylonitrile) with water-soluble antimicrobial agents (such as PHMB). This composite structure allows the coating to be applied as a water-based solution that forms a water-insoluble film, providing both ease of application and sustained protection in water environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a water-insoluble polymer coating is used, then sustained protection in water environments is achieved, but the coating application and removal becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against microbial ingressVSAvoidease of coating application and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter of the polymer coating from water-insoluble to water-soluble. This allows the coating to be easily applied as a water-based solution and easily removed by washing with water, while still providing effective antimicrobial protection when dry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If biocidal agents are released quickly, then immediate antimicrobial effect is achieved, but sustained protection over time is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate antimicrobial effectVSAvoidsustained protection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates antimicrobial agents within the polymer coating matrix that continuously release biocidal substances over an extended period. This ensures both immediate antimicrobial effect upon application and sustained protection throughout the wear period of the hosiery garment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 polymer coating demonstrates significant and sustained inhibition of opportunistic pathogens, achieving a log reduction of at least 2 log orders within 48 hours, providing effective protection against necrotizing fasciitis-causing bacteria and fungi, while also offering protection against UVA and UVB radiation and insect bites.

Implementation Method 1

facilitates the sustained release of biocidal agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The liquid coating solution can be applied by spraying, wiping, dipping, painting, casting, brushing, and by aerosol propellants, or by other conventional coating methods, to coat a biological surface. The volatile solvent evaporates readily at room or body temperature to provide a protective polymer coating.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11839626B2Composition and kits for inhibition of pathogenic microbial infection and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 ROCHAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Antimicrobial polymer coating formulations are prepared that protect biological surfaces by treating, reducing, ameliorating, preventing or inhibiting pathogenic microorganism ingress to a human or animal host, reducing the potential for infection, particularly by necrotizing fasciitis originating microorganisms, through use of a polymer coating barrier containing antimicrobial agents that facilitates sustained release of biocidal agents active against such opportunistic microorganisms. Such formulations are effective for inhibiting microbial ingress pertaining to soft tissue and skin tears, abrasions, punctures and surgical wounds, and can be used as in water environments and as a skin protectant sunscreen and insect repellent.