Electrically-Activated Anti-Pathogen Membrane for Biofilm Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing the spread of microbes on high-contact surfaces are inadequate, as they either do not effectively reduce microbial loads or inhibit biofilm formation.
Innovation Solution
A membrane system with an arrangement of electrodes encased in an encapsulating material, which, when energized, creates a localized electrical field that neutralizes contaminants, reduces microbial loads, and inhibits biofilm formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial methods are used on high-contact surfaces, then some level of microbial protection is provided, but they fail to effectively reduce microbial loads or inhibit biofilm formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the surface by embedding electrodes within the membrane material, transforming it from a passive barrier to an active system capable of generating electrical fields. This parameter change enables the surface to dynamically adjust its antimicrobial properties by applying voltage, thereby effectively reducing microbial loads and preventing biofilm formation that conventional static methods cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by integrating conductive electrodes with encapsulating material to form an electrically-activated membrane. This composite material combines the protective function of the encapsulating material with the antimicrobial capability of the electrode system, achieving both mechanical integrity and effective pathogen neutralization that neither component could provide alone
2Reliability
If electrodes are embedded within membrane material to create electrical fields, then microbial neutralization capability is significantly improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection as a barrier layer, generates electrical fields for pathogen neutralization, and can be integrated into various high-contact surfaces. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating protection and active antimicrobial action into a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin film membrane material allows the electrode structure to remain flexible and adaptable to different surface geometries. The encapsulating material forms a protective shell around the electrodes while maintaining the overall flexibility and conformability of the membrane, reducing structural complexity compared to rigid electrode assemblies
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 membrane system effectively creates an efficacious zone that significantly reduces microbial contamination and biofilm formation on surfaces, thereby mitigating the spread of pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement of electrodes (30), potentially referred to in this disclosure as an array, encased in a protective or encapsulating compound or material (12)... When energized, the membrane (10) creates an electrical field hostile or destructive to various types of pathogens
Implementation Method 2
The membrane (10) may create an electrical field hostile or destructive to various types of pathogens or pathogen vectors... The created electrical field may reduce a microbial load and inhibit biofilm formation on a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane system comprising an arrangement of conductors, electrically attachable to a power supply, encapsulated within a protective material, which conductors, when powered, may create an electrical field that is hostile to various types of pathogens and pathogen vectors, such as microbial, viral, bacterial, biologic, animal, and insect.