Compositions comprising cationic alpha-1,6-glucan derivative and alpha-1,3-glucan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymers with microbial control activity have limited applicability in controlling textile odor and require high concentrations for effectiveness, which can negatively impact textile properties, and there is a need for cost-effective, easily formulable, and durable antimicrobial agents that can effectively partition to fabric surfaces at concentrations comparable to conventional biocides.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a derivative of alpha-glucan with at least 40% alpha-1,6 glycosidic linkages and a degree of substitution of 0.001 to 3.0 with positively charged organic groups, combined with an insoluble alpha-glucan having at least 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages and a weight-average degree of polymerization of at least 10, which is adsorbed onto fiber-containing materials to enhance antimicrobial effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymers with microbial control activity are used at elevated concentrations to improve antimicrobial effectiveness, then microbial control activity is improved, but textile properties such as fabric feel, color, mechanical properties, moisture-wicking and anti-redeposition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of alpha-glucan by introducing positively charged organic groups (quaternary ammonium, tertiary ammonium, or protonatable groups) at specific degrees of substitution (0.01 to 3.0). This parameter change enables the polymer to achieve effective antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations (0.1 to 5 wt%) compared to conventional polymers, thereby avoiding negative impacts on textile properties while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining alpha-glucan backbone with various positively charged organic groups (such as alkyl chains with quaternary ammonium groups). This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both polymer durability and enhanced antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and textile property preservation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the concentration of antimicrobial polymers is reduced to preserve textile properties, then textile properties are preserved, but antimicrobial activity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the chemical parameters of alpha-glucan through derivatization with positively charged groups and controlling the degree of substitution, the patent achieves high antimicrobial activity at reduced concentrations (0.1 to 5 wt%). This parameter optimization allows textile properties to be preserved while maintaining sufficient microbial control activity.
3Reliability
If conventional biocides are used to achieve effective microbial control at low concentrations, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but durability and resistance to washing off deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional material where alpha-glucan derivative serves both as a durable polymer (providing longevity and resistance to washing off) and as an effective antimicrobial agent (due to positively charged groups). This single material performs multiple functions that were previously achieved by separate conventional biocides and polymers, achieving both low-concentration effectiveness and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of alpha-glucan with positively charged organic groups provides both the durability characteristic of polymers and the antimicrobial effectiveness traditionally associated with conventional biocides. This composite approach enables the material to withstand washing cycles while maintaining antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If polymers are used to provide durability and resistance to washing off, then durability is improved, but antimicrobial activity and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of alpha-glucan by introducing positively charged groups and controlling degree of substitution, enabling the polymer to achieve effective antimicrobial activity (at 0.1 to 5 wt% concentrations) while maintaining the durability and polymer characteristics that provide resistance to washing off.
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 inhibits microbial growth and odor formation on textiles, maintaining antimicrobial activity over time and through multiple wash cycles while preserving textile properties at lower concentrations compared to conventional biocides.
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
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.