Cationic Polymer Biocide Films for Residual Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial technologies fail to provide continuous, long-term protection against disease-causing pathogens on surfaces and skin, as they are limited to killing pathogens while wet and do not offer residual protection, and existing disinfectants are toxic and ineffective in breaking the chain of infection.
Innovation Solution
Development of cationic polymer-based antimicrobial films and coatings that are durable, non-toxic, and capable of inactivating bacteria, viruses, and fungi, providing residual protection by forming a contact-active, self-sanitizing layer that remains effective for days or weeks, even after drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antimicrobial disinfectants are used, then pathogen killing is achieved, but they are toxic and do not provide continuous long-term protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of antimicrobial agents by using cationic polymers with specific charge densities (0.01-1.0 meq/mg) and controlled protonation states, replacing traditional toxic disinfectants with non-toxic polymer-based alternatives that maintain effectiveness while eliminating harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite antimicrobial systems combining cationic polymers with various functional groups (ammonium, carbocation, ammonium salt) and counterions to form multifunctional materials that provide both antimicrobial activity and residual protection without toxicity
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional disinfectants are applied, then immediate pathogen inactivation occurs, but they evaporate or degrade quickly without leaving residual protection
Solution Approach 1:
The cationic polymer films are pre-applied and cured on surfaces before the actual contamination event, creating a persistent protective layer that remains active over time. The polymer matrix is designed to maintain antimicrobial functionality through extended periods without degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous antimicrobial action by formulating polymers that maintain their active state over time through controlled protonation and counterion selection. The film structure prevents degradation and maintains contact-active killing capability from application through extended duration
3Reliability
If cationic polymer films are formulated with high charge density, then antimicrobial effectiveness increases, but formulation stability and handling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes charge density parameters within specific ranges (0.01-1.0 meq/mg) to balance antimicrobial effectiveness with formulation stability. Counterion selection and polymer protonation control are adjusted to maintain stability while achieving desired biocidal activity
Solution Approach 2:
Counterions serve as intermediaries between the cationic polymer chains and the environment, mediating the interaction between polymer and target pathogens while maintaining formulation stability. The counterions regulate charge interactions and prevent aggregation issues
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 cationic polymer-based films demonstrate >log-4 inactivation of microorganisms, passing rigorous durability tests, and offer continuous killing action, reducing the transmission of infectious diseases by providing long-term protection on surfaces and skin without toxicity, thus addressing the limitations of existing disinfectants.
Implementation Method 1
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for dispensing a biocide, the biocide comprising a protonated polymer comprising repeating charged units
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for dispensing a biocide, comprising:a container and a biocide formulation in the container, the biocide formulation comprising: (1) the biocide and a solvent, the biocide comprising a protonated polymer comprising repeating charged units; (2) a total cationic charge density in a range of 0.005 to 0.95 meq/g, at least ten percent of the total cationic charge density from charges of non-quaternary amines of the protonated polymer; (3) an activity coefficient, γ, of a protonated site of the protonated polymer, of greater than 0.7; and (4) a counterion chloride concentration of less than 900 ppm.