Bis-Indolylmethane Textile Treatment for UV and Antimicrobial PPE

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved fabrics for Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) that provide a more effective barrier against both UV radiation and infections, as existing PPEs may not adequately protect against excessive sun exposure or microbial hazards.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel bis-indolylmethane compounds that can be incorporated into textiles to enhance UV protection and impart anti-infective properties, specifically through a process involving the reaction of specific dihalo-alkylene and benzaldehyde in the presence of a strong base, followed by treatment of fabrics with these compounds to create a barrier against UV radiation and microorganisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional PPE fabrics are used, then basic protective function is provided, but UV protection and anti-infective properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective effectivenessVSAvoidUV radiation and microbial exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by incorporating bis-indolylmethane compounds (formula I) into textile fabrics. These compounds combine multiple functional groups (indole rings, alkyl/alkoxy substituents, halogen atoms) that provide both UV absorption and antimicrobial properties simultaneously, creating a fabric with enhanced protective effectiveness against multiple harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the textile fabric through treatment with bis-indolylmethane compounds. The compounds contain variable substituents (R1-R6 groups, m values) that can be adjusted to optimize UV absorption characteristics and antimicrobial activity, thereby changing the protective parameters of the fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing fabric treatments are applied, then some protective properties are achieved, but dual functionality (UV protection and anti-infective) is not adequately provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidbarrier effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing bis-indolylmethane compounds that simultaneously provide UV protection and antimicrobial functionality. The molecular structure contains chromophoric groups for UV absorption and bioactive moieties for antimicrobial activity, allowing a single treatment to deliver multiple protective functions against both UV radiation and microbial hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If novel bis-indolylmethane compounds are synthesized and applied, then UV protection and anti-infective effects are significantly enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV protection and anti-infective efficacyVSAvoidsynthesis and treatment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the synthesis process into distinct stages: (1) preparation of dihalo-alkylene intermediates, (2) condensation with benzaldehyde in the presence of strong base to form bis-indolylmethane compounds, and (3) application to textile fabrics. This segmented approach allows for systematic optimization of each step while managing overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediaries by employing strong base catalysts in the synthesis reaction and utilizing solvent systems to mediate the condensation reaction between dihalo-alkylene and benzaldehyde. These intermediaries facilitate the formation of bis-indolylmethane compounds with controlled structures, thereby managing synthesis complexity while achieving desired protective properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 treated fabrics demonstrate significantly increased Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) values and exhibit anti-microbial effects, particularly against Gram (+) bacteria, categorizing them as 'Excellent UV-protection' and showing effective antimicrobial activity, making them suitable for PPEs.

Implementation Method 1

The treated fabrics demonstrate significantly increased Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) values... categorizing them as 'Excellent UV-protection'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The treated fabrics... exhibit anti-microbial effects, particularly against Gram (+) bacteria

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10081596B2Bis-indolylmethanes, a process for their preparation and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 SANKO TEKSTIL ISLETMELERI SANAYI VE TICARET AS

AI summary

The present invention relates to novel bis-indolylmethanes, a process for their preparation and their use in the preparation of technical textiles and PPE's (Personal Protective Equipments), namely in the preparation of UV-protective and anti-infective textiles and garments.