Buffered Biocidal Composition for High-Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formulations of glutaraldehyde and tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane struggle with stability, leading to degradation of the actives, particularly when stored under elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A stable biocidal composition is formulated with glutaraldehyde, tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane, a buffer (acid or salt), and a solvent, maintaining a pH of 2.8-5, using specific solvents like methanol, isopropanol, and glycol ethers, to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glutaraldehyde and tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane are combined in a formulation, then synergistic biocidal activity is achieved, but stability and degradation prevention become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the pH of the formulation within a specific range (pH 2.8-5.0) and maintaining specific concentration ratios of glutaraldehyde to tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane (1:1 to 1:4). These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction by creating conditions where both actives remain stable while maintaining their synergistic biocidal activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation system that combines glutaraldehyde, tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane, and a buffer system (such as phosphoric acid, citric acid, or acetic acid buffers) into a single stable composition. This composite approach allows the components to work together synergistically while the buffer system maintains the pH conditions necessary for stability.
2Reliability
If the formulation is stored under elevated temperatures, then biocidal activity may be maintained, but degradation of actives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a buffer system into the formulation that proactively maintains pH stability before temperature-induced degradation can occur. The buffer acts as a protective mechanism that cushions against pH shifts that would otherwise accelerate degradation during elevated temperature storage, ensuring the actives remain stable throughout the storage period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter to a specific range (2.8-5.0) that minimizes temperature-dependent degradation. By setting the initial pH within this optimized range and using appropriate buffers, the formulation maintains stability even when stored at elevated temperatures, reducing active degradation while preserving biocidal activity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pH is maintained below 6 for stability, then active degradation is reduced, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, commercially available buffer systems (phosphoric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, or their salts) that are inexpensive and readily available. These buffer systems effectively maintain pH below 6 without requiring complex stabilization mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by providing adequate pH control through simple, economical components rather than complex formulations.
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 composition maintains less than 10% loss of biocidal activity when stored at 55°C for 4 weeks or 40°C for 12 weeks, ensuring effective microbial inhibition.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer, and a solvent, and having a pH of less than 6; wherein the buffer is an acid, salt, or combination thereof and wherein the pH of the buffer is 2.8-5
Implementation Method 2
wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, isopropanol, triethylene glycol, diproplyene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether and mixtures thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a composition and method of use of a stable biocide combination of glutaraldehyde and tris (hydroxymethyl) nitromethane by the addition of certain buffers and solvents.