Castor Oil Sodium Hydroxide API Virucidal Fungicidal Activity

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective and readily available pharmaceutical compositions and APIs to treat SARS-CoV-2 and opportunistic fungal infections, particularly in underdeveloped countries where vaccine production capacity is limited, and current treatments like remdesivir show varying effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A virucidal and fungicidal active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is developed by heating a mixture of pharmaceutical grade castor oil and sodium hydroxide to 225° C to 275° C, creating a reaction product that is effective against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, with specific ID50 and TI values, and also active against comorbid fungal infections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pharmaceutical grade castor oil and sodium hydroxide are heated to 225°C to 275°C to create a reaction product, then virucidal and fungicidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV is achieved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirucidal activityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the heating temperature (225°C to 275°C) and time parameters during the reaction of castor oil and sodium hydroxide. This specific parameter range transforms the physical and chemical properties of the reactants to produce the desired virucidal reaction product with high therapeutic index, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable antiviral activity and maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite reaction product from castor oil and sodium hydroxide through controlled heating. This composite material combines the properties of both reactants to achieve enhanced virucidal and fungicidal activity against coronaviruses, while the standardized preparation method keeps the manufacturing process manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a high therapeutic index is achieved for treating SARS-CoV-2, then safety and effectiveness are improved, but the availability of treatment options in underdeveloped countries remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic indexVSAvoidavailability in underdeveloped countries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive, readily available materials - pharmaceutical grade castor oil and sodium hydroxide - as starting materials for the reaction. These materials can be obtained even in underdeveloped countries, making the treatment accessible. The simple two-ingredient formulation eliminates dependence on complex supply chains for expensive antiviral drugs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction product demonstrates dual activity against both viral infections (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV) and opportunistic fungal infections that commonly complicate coronavirus cases. This multi-functional property allows a single preparation to address multiple health concerns simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate medications and improving overall treatment availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the reaction time at 225°C to 275°C is extended to maximize virucidal activity, then the effectiveness against coronaviruses is improved, but the energy consumption and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirucidal activityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by limiting the heating duration to a specific range (35 minutes maximum) rather than extending it indefinitely. This optimized time frame is sufficient to achieve the desired virucidal and fungicidal activity while preventing excessive energy consumption. The reaction reaches optimal conversion point within this time window, balancing effectiveness with energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 API demonstrates significant virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV with high therapeutic index and fungicidal activity against comorbid fungal infections, offering a safe and effective treatment option for beta-coronaviridae infections and associated fungal infections.

Implementation Method 1

heating a mixture of pharmaceutical grade castor oil and 1 M sodium hydroxide to a temperature of about 225° C. to about 275° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

cooling the reaction mixture and then centrifuging and recovering the pellet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS20230310533A1Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 DAMIT HLDG (PTY) LTD

AI summary

An active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) which is prepared by a process, wherein the process comprises heating a mixture of pharmaceutical grade castor oil and sodium hydroxide, and wherein the API shows virucidal and/or fungicidal activity, in particular, to beta-corona viruses such as SAR-Co V-2.