Atomic Quantum Clusters as Stable Antimicrobial Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Despite extensive research, the mechanism of antibacterial/biocidal behavior of nano/microparticles remains unknown, and existing technologies face challenges in stability and efficacy due to the low stability of nanoparticles as their size decreases, leading to unpredictable bactericide properties.
Innovation Solution
The use of stable Atomic Quantum Clusters (AQCs) with less than 500 metal atoms, which exhibit unique physico-chemical properties and antimicrobial activities, differing from nanoparticles and metal salts, allowing for direct application without stabilization and at significantly lower concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but stability deteriorates as size decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from continuous nanoparticle sizes to discrete quantum cluster sizes (2-500 atoms). This quantization of size parameter creates stable clusters with specific magic numbers of atoms, resolving the stability-size contradiction by establishing discrete stable states rather than continuous size reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures by combining metal atoms with stabilizing ligands or surfaces to form quantum clusters. This composite approach maintains the small size advantage while introducing stabilizing components that prevent aggregation and dissolution, thus improving reliability without sacrificing size benefits.
2Reliability
If nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but predictability of bactericide properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter from continuous nanoparticle dimensions to discrete quantum cluster sizes defined by atom counts (2-500 atoms). This discretization enables predictable structure-activity relationships where specific atom numbers (magic numbers) correspond to enhanced stability and predictable bactericidal properties, eliminating the unpredictability associated with continuous size variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the size parameter into discrete quantum clusters with specific atom counts rather than continuous nanoparticle sizes. This segmentation creates distinct, well-defined size categories with predictable properties, allowing systematic study and reliable prediction of bactericidal activity based on cluster size and composition.
3Reliability
If metal salts are used as bactericides, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but concentration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from dissolved metal ions to solid quantum clusters. This phase change concentrates the active metal atoms in a stable, non-dissolving form that maintains high antimicrobial efficacy at lower overall concentrations, as the clusters do not require high solubility concentrations to achieve bactericidal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses quantum clusters as stable, long-lasting alternatives to transient metal ion releases. The clusters provide sustained antimicrobial activity without rapid dissolution, effectively reducing the total quantity of metal substance needed compared to metal salts that require continuous high concentrations to maintain efficacy.
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
AQCs demonstrate potent antimicrobial and biocidal activities against a wide range of pathogens at concentrations 100,000 times lower than nanoparticles, showing specificity and stability, and can be used in various applications including medical treatments and material formulations.
Implementation Method 1
there is a separation of energy Fermi levels ('HOMO-LUMO' gap or bandgap) in AQCs that causes these particles to stop behaving like metals
Implementation Method 2
the suppression of their plasmon band, and the appearance of different bands due to electron transitions between the different energy levels of the clusters
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of stable atomic quantum clusters (AQC) with antimicrobial activity. The stable AQCs include at least 500 metal atoms (Mn, n<500), the metals being selected from among Au, Ag, Co, Cu, Pt, Fe, Cr, Pd, Ni, Rh, Pb or bi- or multi-metallic combinations thereof. Said AQCs are used as antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents and biocides at concentrations of the order of between 1 nM and 100 nM or more in relation to atoms of the corresponding metal. The antimicrobial activity is specific to both the type of metal and size of cluster used.