Methods of reduction preventing or removing biofilms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biofilm formation on surfaces is difficult to remove and reduces the effectiveness of cleaning processes, particularly in humid environments, as existing methods do not adequately address the adhesion of microorganisms and the structural changes that enhance biofilm tenacity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a composition comprising a hydrophobically modified cationic polymer and a solvent, such as propylene glycol n-butyl ether, to surfaces to reduce microorganism adhesion and biofilm formation, making it easier to clean by altering the biofilm architecture and increasing exposure to antimicrobial agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical stress is applied to remove biofilm, then biofilm removal is achieved, but the tenacity of biofilm adhesion increases making future removal more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiofilm removal easeVSAvoidbiofilm adhesion tenacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by modifying the surface with polymers and solvents before biofilm formation occurs. This pre-treatment alters the surface properties to prevent strong adhesion, thereby reducing biofilm tenacity before it becomes entrenched and difficult to remove.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes surface parameters such as hydrophobicity, surface energy, and contact angles through polymer/solvent exposure. These parameter changes modify the surface characteristics to reduce biofilm adhesion strength while maintaining ease of cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biocides are used to prevent microbial attachment, then biofilm formation is reduced, but physiological impairment of microorganisms occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial attachmentVSAvoidmicroorganism physiological integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polymers and solvents as intermediary substances that modify the surface to repel microorganisms without directly contacting or harming them. This intermediary approach prevents attachment through physical-chemical surface modification rather than direct biocidal action, preserving microbial physiological integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes surface parameters such as hydrophobicity and surface energy to create a repulsive environment for microbial attachment. This non-invasive parameter modification achieves biofilm prevention without the harmful physiological effects associated with biocide use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If surface modification is performed to reduce biofilm formation, then microbial adhesion is reduced, but the complexity of the treatment process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial adhesionVSAvoidsurface treatment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material systems combining specific polymers and solvents to achieve effective surface modification. This composite approach provides synergistic effects that reduce microbial adhesion while managing treatment complexity through established material combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 reduces biofilm adhesion and tenacity, facilitating easier removal and enhancing the cleaning process, particularly on hard and soft surfaces in aqueous environments, while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

through topical modification of hard and soft surfaces (e.g. changing hydrophobicity, surface energy, contact angles, etc.), by exposing the surface to a combination of certain polymers and certain solvents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption