Cationic Polymer Biocide Films for Durable Non-Toxic Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial technologies are limited in providing continuous, long-term protection against disease-causing pathogens on surfaces and skin, as they are not durable and often based on toxic chemicals, failing to break the chain of infection effectively.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymer-based antimicrobial films using cationic polymers with specific counterions that create a durable, non-toxic, and residual antimicrobial coating capable of inactivating bacteria, viruses, and fungi, offering ongoing protection by forming a contact-active film that remains effective for days or weeks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antimicrobial chemicals are used, then antimicrobial effect is achieved, but toxicity and lack of durability are problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using cationic polymers with specific counterions (acetate, formate, citrate) instead of traditional toxic antimicrobial chemicals. This parameter change maintains antimicrobial effectiveness while eliminating toxicity and improving durability through polymer-based residual activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by combining cationic polymers with specific counterions to create a durable antimicrobial coating. This composite approach provides both the antimicrobial function and the durability needed for long-term protection without the toxicity of traditional chemicals
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional antimicrobial solutions are applied, then initial antimicrobial action is achieved, but continuous long-term protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action through polymer-based antimicrobial films that provide residual activity for days or weeks. The cationic polymer structure maintains continuous antimicrobial action on surfaces and skin, eliminating the need for repeated application and ensuring consistent protection over time
3Reliability
If polymer-based antimicrobial films are developed, then durability and non-toxicity are improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using cationic polymers with specific counterions (acetate, formate, citrate) that are selectively effective against pathogens while being safe for human skin and surfaces. This localized chemical property provides durability and non-toxicity without requiring complex multi-component formulations
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 polymer-based antimicrobial films demonstrate high efficacy in reducing microbial populations by up to 10,000-fold within minutes, passing rigorous durability tests, and providing continuous killing action, thus significantly reducing the transmission of infectious diseases without toxicity concerns.
Implementation Method 1
forming a contact-active film that remains effective for days or weeks
Implementation Method 2
providing continuous killing action
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method for generating a biocide, comprising the steps of generating a solution of polymers comprising charged amines on nitrogen containing repeating backbone monomers, the solution comprising chloride anions as counterions to greater than fifty percent of the charged amines and a pH less than four; and subsequently: (1) increasing a pH of the solution by at least one pH unit and (2) decreasing the chloride anion concentration of the solution by at least five percent to yield a reduced chloride anion solution, the reduced chloride anion solution yielding the biocide, the biocide inactivating, with physical contact for greater than two minutes, both: greater than fifty percent of a bacteria and fifty percent of a virus. Methods of increasing the pH and decreasing the chloride concentration optionally include increasing the pH, forming a solid salt, rinsing and lowering the pH and/or using an anion exchange material.