Cationic Biocide Cleanser With Non-Cationic Moisturizers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cleaning compositions with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties often dry out the skin due to the inactivation of cationic biocides by anionic surfactants, and there is a lack of predictive models for maintaining their functionality when combined with skin conditioning agents.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cleaning composition comprising at least 80 wt.% solvent, a cationic quaternary amine biocide, and non-cationic moisturizing agents, which reduces bacteria by at least 2.0 log10 and minimizes stratum corneum drying, using compatible conditioning agents like glycerin, polycarboxylic acids, and zinc compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cationic biocides are combined with anionic surfactants in liquid cleaning compositions, then anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties are achieved, but the cationic biocides are inactivated by charge coupling with anionic species, reducing their effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisturizing function from cationic conditioners that were previously combined with biocides, using only non-cationic moisturizing agents instead. This separation prevents the charge coupling that would inactivate the cationic biocide while still achieving the desired moisturizing effect through alternative agents like glycerin, polyglycols, and non-cationic silicones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charge parameter of the moisturizing agents from cationic to non-cationic, thereby eliminating electrostatic attraction to the cationic biocide. This parameter change ensures the biocide remains available and effective while still incorporating moisturizing functionality into the formulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cationic conditioning agents are added to maintain skin conditioning properties, then skin moisturization is improved, but the functionality of cationic biocides is inhibited due to charge interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charge parameter of conditioning agents from cationic to non-cationic, thereby eliminating electrostatic attraction to the cationic biocide. This parameter change ensures the biocide remains effective while still achieving skin conditioning through alternative mechanisms provided by non-cationic moisturizing agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moisturizing function from cationic conditioners and implements it through non-cationic agents only. This separation removes the harmful charge interactions that would inhibit biocide functionality while preserving the beneficial skin conditioning effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ingredients are combined to achieve both biocidal and moisturizing properties, then product functionality is improved, but predictive models for maintaining functionality are lacking, requiring extensive experimental work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes clear formulation parameters by specifying non-cationic moisturizing agents with particular chemical characteristics (polyglycols with specific molecular weights, glycerin content ranges, silicone types). These defined parameters provide a systematic approach to formulation that reduces the need for extensive experimental trial-and-error.
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 achieves both effective biocidal activity and skin moisturization, demonstrated by at least 2.0 log10 reduction in bacteria and reduced stratum corneum drying within 30-180 minutes, as assessed by ASTM E1174 and LCAT tests.
Implementation Method 1
Quaternary amines are cationic species due to the quaternary amine with its positive charge. Under a variety of conditions, free energy of the system is minimized by coupling the positive and negative charges producing a complex with low solubility and little biocidal activity.
Implementation Method 2
a non-cationic moisturizing agent, wherein the composition reduces bacteria by at least 2.0 log 10 when assessed using ASTM E1174 and reduces drying of the stratum corneum compared with a water control between 30 and 180 minutes after application
Implementation Method 3
Surfactants in the formulations, including soaps and synthetic detergents, increase the ability of aqueous solutions to carry hydrophobic materials such as oils, fats, and greases. Surfactants are chemicals with both a hydrophilic domain and a hydrophobic domain. Surfactants orient themselves on the boundary between hydrophobic material and the water environment.
Implementation Method 4
Under a variety of conditions, free energy of the system is minimized by coupling the positive and negative charges producing a complex with low solubility and little biocidal activity. The presence of anionic surfactants and quaternary amines in a solution allows rearrangement to minimize the free energy of the system, which can reduce the availability and effectiveness of cationic biocides over time as they couple with anionic species in the formulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cleaning composition including: at least 80 wt. % liquid solvent; a cationic quaternary amine biocide; and a non-cationic, amine oxide moisturizing agent.