Cationic Oligoaryl Ethynylene Biocidal Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial treatments for surfaces and materials are inadequate in preventing and eliminating bacterial biofilms, particularly on porous materials like fibers and fabrics, due to the physiological heterogeneity of bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics, leading to challenges in completely inhibiting biofilm formation and transmission of microbial pathogens.
Innovation Solution
The use of cationic end-only functionalized oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s (EO-OPEs) as biocidal oligomers, which are applied to or incorporated into porous materials, providing potent and non-selective toxicity against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and are effective in decontaminating surfaces and preventing biofilm growth by generating singlet oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial treatments are applied to porous materials, then some microbial contamination is reduced, but the treatment is ineffective against bacteria protected within the material pores and biofilms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents to block microbial contamination. The porous structure allows the antimicrobial agents to penetrate deep into the material and reach bacteria that would be protected in non-porous materials, while the pores themselves can trap and hold microbial cells for sustained treatment exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of antimicrobial treatments by using combinations of different agents (e.g., heat, chemicals, UV light) and controlling application parameters (temperature, concentration, exposure time) to overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms and effectively eliminate biofilms on various surfaces
2Reliability
If heavy metals and their salts are used for biocidal treatment, then microbial contamination is effectively reduced, but toxic byproducts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing heavy metal-based biocides with alternative agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. These alternatives maintain effective biocidal activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms while degrading into non-toxic byproducts like water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs consumable antimicrobial treatments that are applied, activated, and then degraded or removed, replacing persistent heavy metal treatments with temporary, non-cumulative agents that eliminate microbes without leaving toxic residues in the environment
3Reliability
If N-halamine compounds are used for antimicrobial treatment, then microbial contamination is controlled, but regeneration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-activating antimicrobial systems where the treatment agents are activated by environmental conditions such as moisture, light, or oxygen exposure. The materials release antimicrobial agents autonomously without requiring external regeneration or reapplication, maintaining continuous protection against microbial contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates sustained-release antimicrobial systems where agents are continuously released or activated over extended periods. The treatment maintains uninterrupted antimicrobial activity through controlled release mechanisms or continuous activation by environmental factors, eliminating the need for periodic regeneration interruptions
4Object-affected harmful factors
If triclosan and PHMB are used for biocidal treatment, then microbial growth is inhibited, but biocidal activity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antimicrobial agents with different mechanisms of action into composite treatment systems. By synergistically combining agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, the treatment achieves enhanced biocidal activity that exceeds the sum of individual agent effects, effectively eliminating resistant microbial strains
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
EO-OPEs demonstrate superior performance in killing biofilm bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations several folds lower than related compounds, effectively eliminating microbial contamination on surfaces and within materials, thereby reducing the risk of microbial transmission and infection.
Implementation Method 1
effective in decontaminating surfaces and preventing biofilm growth by generating singlet oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods and materials for decontamination of surfaces and fabrics, such as non-woven fabrics, that are contaminated with infestations of microorganisms such as bacteria. Biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group can be used to decontaminate infested surfaces in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, illumination. Fibers incorporating biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group, wherein the oligomer is physically associated with or covalently bonded to, or both, the fiber-forming polymer can be used to form non-woven mats. Biocidal non-woven mats prepared by methods of the invention, incorporating the biocidal oligomers, can be used to suppress bacterial growth in wound and surgical dressings and personal hygiene products.