Efficient anti-bacterial hydroxy acid ester oligomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-bacterial agents, such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate oligomers, have insufficient anti-bacterial efficiency, limited water solubility, and require expensive, non-biological raw materials and toxic catalysts, restricting their application range and increasing production complexity.
Innovation Solution
Designing R-(−)-hydroxy acid ester oligomers with controlled molecular structure and c log P values to enhance membrane penetration and destroy bacterial cells, using bio-based materials and avoiding toxic solvents, resulting in controllable water solubility and broadened application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If poly-3-hydroxybutyrate oligomers are used as anti-bacterial agents, then anti-bacterial activity is provided, but anti-bacterial efficiency is insufficient and water solubility is not adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the degree of polymerization (n=1-8), alkyl group types (R1 and R2), and esterification ratios (m) to achieve both high anti-bacterial efficiency and adjustable water solubility. Different combinations of these parameters produce oligomers with tailored solubility characteristics while maintaining effective anti-bacterial activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite molecular structures by combining hydroxy acid ester oligomers with specific alkyl chain lengths and degrees of polymerization. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of anti-bacterial performance and water solubility, transforming a single-function material into a multi-functional system with adjustable properties.
2Productivity
If conventional synthesis methods are used, then oligomers are produced, but expensive non-biological raw materials and toxic catalysts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, non-renewable petrochemical raw materials with inexpensive, renewable biological resources such as starch, cellulose, and plant oils. This substitution dramatically reduces raw material costs and eliminates the need for toxic catalysts, making the synthesis process safer and more economically viable while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of raw material origin from petrochemical to biological sources. This parameter change triggers a cascade of benefits including reduced cost, improved safety, and alignment with green chemistry principles, while the oligomer production efficiency remains high through optimized biological-based synthesis routes.
3Reliability
If existing oligomer structures are used, then basic anti-bacterial function is achieved, but application range is limited due to fixed solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a family of oligomer structures that can adapt to different application requirements. By adjusting the degree of polymerization, alkyl group composition, and esterification ratio, the same base compound can serve multiple functions including water-soluble anti-bacterial agents, water-insoluble coating materials, and intermediates for various polymer modifications, thereby expanding application range while maintaining reliable anti-bacterial function.
Data Source
AI summary
An efficient anti-bacterial hydroxy acid ester oligomer of the present invention has a general structural formula (I). Starting from the design of molecular structure, the present invention rationally designs the end group and chain length structure of the substance of formula (I), and controls its c log P value, so that the substance of formula (I) of the present invention reaches an appropriate size, which maximizes the ability of the substance of formula (I) to penetrate into the bacteria and destroy the bacterial cell membrane, thereby achieving high anti-bacterial efficiency. By precisely designing the molecular structure, the present invention regulates the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the hydroxy acid ester oligomer to obtain a bio-based anti-bacterial agent with controllable water solubility.