Compositions comprising one cationic alpha-1,6-glucan derivative and one alpha-1,3-glucan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymers for microbial control in textiles require high concentrations to be effective, leading to negative impacts on fabric properties, and there is a need for cost-effective, easily formulated polymers that can durably partition to fabric surfaces and work at concentrations comparable to conventional biocides.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a derivative of alpha-glucan with at least 40% alpha-1,6 linkages and a degree of substitution of 0.001 to 3.0, combined with an insoluble alpha-glucan having at least 50% alpha-1,3 linkages, which is adsorbed onto fiber-containing materials for enhanced antimicrobial activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymers are used at elevated concentrations to improve microbial control activity, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but fabric properties such as feel, color, mechanical properties, moisture-wicking and anti-redeposition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer's chemical structure by introducing cationic groups (quaternary ammonium or tertiary ammonium) at specific degrees of substitution (0.1-3.0), changing the polymer's properties to achieve effective microbial control at lower concentrations without harming fabric properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite glucan structures with specific linkage compositions (alpha-1,6 and alpha-1,3 linkages) combined with cationic groups to create a material that achieves both antimicrobial effectiveness and fabric compatibility at optimized concentrations
2Reliability
If conventional biocides are used to achieve effective microbial control, then antimicrobial activity is improved, but durability on fabric surfaces deteriorates due to easy washing off during laundry cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential antimicrobial function from conventional biocides and transfers it to a polymer system that can be durably applied to fabric, using cationic glucan structures that bind to fabric surfaces and resist washing off
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the antimicrobial agent by using cationic glucan derivatives with specific degrees of substitution and molecular weights, enabling both effective antimicrobial activity and improved durability through stronger fabric binding
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer concentration is reduced to maintain fabric properties, then fabric properties are preserved, but antimicrobial activity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously - degree of substitution (0.1-3.0), molecular weight (10k-2000k Da), and linkage composition - to maximize antimicrobial activity per unit concentration, enabling effective protection at low concentrations that preserve fabric properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining glucan backbone with cationic functional groups, achieving synergistic effects where the combination provides both fabric compatibility and enhanced antimicrobial potency at lower concentrations
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 effectively partitions to fabric surfaces at lower concentrations, maintaining fabric properties while providing enhanced antimicrobial effects.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the composition with a fiber-containing material/article, wherein at least the alpha-glucan derivative and the insoluble alpha-glucan are adsorbed (or otherwise incorporated into/onto) to the fiber-containing material/article
Data Source
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AI summary
Compositions are disclosed herein comprising at least (a) a derivative of an alpha-glucan, wherein (i) at least about 40% of the glycosidic linkages of the alpha-glucan are alpha-1,6 linkages, and (ii) the alpha-glucan has a degree of substitution (DoS) of about 0.001 to about 3.0 with at least one positively charged organic group (optionally in ether linkage); and (b) an insoluble alpha-glucan, wherein at least about 50% of the glycosidic linkages of the insoluble alpha-glucan are alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages, and the weight-average degree of polymerization (DPw) of the insoluble alpha-glucan is at least 10. The insoluble alpha-glucan can enhance the degree to which the alpha-glucan derivative deposits onto a fiber-containing material/article such as fabric, for example. Methods are further disclosed for preparing compositions comprising an alpha-glucan ether derivative, as well as various applications of using these compositions, such as for controlling microbes on fabric surfaces.