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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial products rely on toxic and expensive heavy metals like titanium and silver, with low efficacy and potential for heavy metal contamination, and there is a need for sustainable solutions to combat food waste and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A formulation combining cashew testa extract, iron particles or iron oxide particles, and a carbohydrate, applied in specific ratios to enhance anti-microbial efficacy and stability, providing a non-toxic, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly antimicrobial coating, disinfectant, or hand sanitizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy metal compounds (titanium, zinc, silver) are used to impart anti-microbial effect, then anti-microbial efficacy is achieved, but the products become expensive and toxic with potential heavy metal contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing heavy metal compounds with natural plant extracts containing phenolic compounds. This substitution maintains anti-microbial efficacy through alternative chemical mechanisms while eliminating toxicity and heavy metal contamination concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs natural plant extracts that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, replacing expensive and persistent heavy metal compounds. These natural extracts provide effective anti-microbial action without the long-term environmental persistence and toxicity of heavy metals.
2Reliability
If heavy metal compounds are used for anti-microbial effect, then anti-microbial activity is achieved, but production cost increases due to expensive materials and extensive washing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive natural plant extracts instead of costly heavy metal compounds. These natural extracts eliminate the need for extensive washing processes to remove toxic residues, thereby reducing both material and processing costs while maintaining effective anti-microbial activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts active anti-microbial components directly from plant materials, obtaining the necessary phenolic compounds through natural extraction processes. This approach eliminates the need for expensive heavy metal synthesis and the subsequent costly washing steps required to remove toxic precursors.
3Reliability
If traditional anti-microbial products are used, then anti-microbial effect is provided, but environmental sustainability is compromised due to toxic waste and heavy metal contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts plant waste materials into valuable anti-microbial extracts, transforming what would be discarded biomass into effective eco-friendly disinfectants. This approach eliminates environmental pollution while providing reliable anti-microbial protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the environmental impact parameters by replacing persistent heavy metal compounds with biodegradable plant extracts. This substitution maintains anti-microbial effectiveness while eliminating toxic waste generation and environmental contamination.
4Reliability
If cashew testa extract is combined with iron particles and carbohydrate, then synergistic anti-microbial effect is achieved with improved radical retention, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining cashew testa extract, iron particles, and carbohydrate. This composite structure generates synergistic effects where the interaction between components produces enhanced anti-microbial activity and improved radical retention that exceeds the sum of individual components.
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 formulation achieves a synergistic anti-microbial effect with improved radical retention and adherence, offering long-lasting protection against bacteria and viruses without the drawbacks of traditional heavy metal-based products, while utilizing food waste and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
cashew testa extract can be used as a precursor for synthesising iron particles and/or iron oxide particles
Implementation Method 2
cashew testa extract can be used as a precursor for synthesising iron particles and/or iron oxide particles
Implementation Method 3
when combined with other components such as iron particles and/or iron oxide particles, a synergistic (or at least additive) anti-microbial effect was observed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to anti-bacterial and anti-viral formulations comprising cashew testa extract, an iron particle and/or iron oxide particle, and a carbohydrate; and wherein the cashew testa extract is at least partially incorporated in the iron particle and/or iron oxide particle. A weight ratio of the cashew testa extract to the iron particle and/or iron oxide particle is 100:1 to 1:200; and a weight ratio of the carbohydrate to the cashew testa extract and iron particle and/or iron oxide particle is 8:1 to 1:300.