Antimicrobial Toner With Silver Nanoparticle Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial toners used in printing do not demonstrate effective antimicrobial activity after being applied to surfaces, as the biocide agents present in them are insufficient to inhibit microbial growth and colonization.
Innovation Solution
Development of toner particles with a core and a shell comprising metal ion nanoparticles, specifically silver nanoparticles, which attach to the core and provide antimicrobial properties even after the toner is applied and fused to a substrate, forming a stable antimicrobial coating or image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic biocide agents are added to toner materials, then the material is stabilized against microbial degradation during storage, but the biocide concentration becomes insufficient to provide antimicrobial activity in the final printed image
Solution Approach 1:
The toner is segmented into core particles and shell particles, with the biocide agent concentrated in the shell portion. This segmentation allows the biocide to be delivered in effective concentration at the printed image surface while using minimal total biocide in the toner formulation, resolving the contradiction between material stability and antimicrobial efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The biocide agent is localized to the shell region of the toner particle rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the entire toner. This local concentration ensures high biocide activity at the printed image interface where microbial contact occurs, while keeping the overall biocide content in the toner formulation low.
2Reliability
If high concentration of biocide agent is used in toner, then antimicrobial activity is improved, but the cost and potential toxicity of the toner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biocide agent is applied in excess only where needed - in the shell region that contacts the substrate during printing - rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the entire toner particle. This partial concentration strategy achieves effective antimicrobial activity at the critical interface while minimizing total biocide usage, thereby reducing cost and potential toxicity.
3Reliability
If metal ion nanoparticles are incorporated into toner particles, then antimicrobial property is imparted to the printed image, but the complexity of toner formulation and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toner is formulated as a composite material system with distinct core and shell regions. The shell contains metal ion nanoparticles (silver, gold, or their alloys) dispersed within a binder matrix, creating a composite structure that provides both toner functionality and antimicrobial activity. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (toner performance + antimicrobial protection) into a single material system, managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal ion nanoparticles are nested within the shell structure of the toner particle. This nested configuration allows the nanoparticles to be protected within the toner matrix during handling and storage, while still being available to contact and inhibit microbial growth when the toner is applied to the substrate. The nesting strategy simplifies the overall system by embedding the antimicrobial function within the existing toner structure.
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 toner particles effectively inhibit bacterial growth and colonization on surfaces, maintaining antimicrobial activity even after fusion, as demonstrated by the absence of bacterial growth around and on the printed images or structures.
Implementation Method 1
Noble metal ions, such as, silver and gold ions, are known to be antimicrobial and have been used in medical care to prevent and to treat infection. In recent years, that technology has been applied to consumer products to prevent transmission of infectious disease and to kill harmful bacteria
Implementation Method 2
wherein the antimicrobial printed image is affixed to a menu, a medical device, a medical equipment, a food package or packaging
Data Source
AI summary
Core-shell toner particles with antimicrobial properties are described, the toner particles contain a metal ion nanoparticle in the shell.