Bioflavonoid Polymer Coating With Plasma-Enhanced Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic polymeric materials lack effective antimicrobial coatings, particularly for applications like food packaging and medical devices, due to bioflavonoid compositions not easily adhering to polymers, limiting their antibacterial and antioxidant performance.
Innovation Solution
A bioflavonoid coating comprising at least 50% wt/wt naringin and neohesperidin, with optional compounds like neoeriocitrin and oleuropein, applied to synthetic polymers using techniques such as immersion or spraying, enhancing adhesion through plasma treatment to achieve a thickness of 50-1300nm and surface roughness for prolonged antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bioflavonoid compositions are applied to synthetic polymers, then antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are achieved, but adhesion to the polymer surface is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasma treatment to the polymer surface before applying the bioflavonoid coating. This preliminary action modifies the polymer surface to improve its adhesion properties, allowing the bioflavonoid coating to bond effectively while maintaining its antimicrobial and antioxidant functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer surface through plasma treatment, altering surface energy, roughness, and reactivity. These parameter changes enable better coating adhesion without compromising the bioflavonoid's biological activities
2Reliability
If coating thickness is increased to improve antimicrobial performance, then bacterial reduction is enhanced, but coating material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Plasma treatment is applied before coating to enhance surface adhesion, enabling the bioflavonoid coating to achieve effective antimicrobial thickness with reduced material consumption due to improved bonding efficiency and reduced fallout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional coating methods with plasma-enhanced deposition, which allows for more efficient material utilization and thinner, more uniform coatings that achieve the same antimicrobial effect with less bioflavonoid material
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 bioflavonoid coating significantly reduces bacterial counts on packaged food and medical devices, extends shelf life, and prevents oxidation, demonstrating effectiveness against a wide range of microorganisms and pathogens, including MRSA and norovirus, while maintaining antioxidant properties.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing adhesion through plasma treatment
Implementation Method 2
A bioflavonoid coating comprising at least 50% wt/wt naringin and neohesperidin, with optional compounds like neoeriocitrin and oleuropein, applied to synthetic polymers
Data Source
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AI summary
Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.