Controlled Release Biocidal Salts for Sustained Antimicrobial Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current preservatives lack environmentally safe, naturally-derived, and GRAS-approved components with controlled release properties for antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and skin/hair benefits, often causing irritation and not being suitable for food use.
Innovation Solution
Development of controlled release biocidal salts comprising a cationic Nα-(C1-C22) alkanoyl di-basic amino acid alkyl ester molecule and a monomeric anionic molecule with insignificant biocidal activity, which release biocidal ions in an aqueous medium, providing sustained antimicrobial activity and skin/hair benefits while being safe for use in cosmetics and food preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commonly-used preservatives are used, then antimicrobial and preservative capability is achieved, but environmental safety and GRAS approval are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of preservatives by using naturally-derived cationic biocidal molecules (such as amino acid derivatives) instead of conventional synthetic preservatives. This parameter change maintains antimicrobial efficacy while improving environmental safety and GRAS status.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite biocidal salts by combining cationic biocidal molecules with anionic molecules. This composite approach allows the preservative to maintain effectiveness against microorganisms while using naturally-derived components that are environmentally safe and GRAS-approved.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If controlled release properties are added to preservatives, then continuous release at effective levels is achieved, but composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biocidal salts exhibit self-service controlled release properties where the salt naturally dissolves and releases biocidal ions over time without requiring external control mechanisms. The composition uses simple naturally-derived components that automatically provide sustained release through their inherent solubility characteristics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If GRAS ingredients are used in preservative compositions, then safety for skin/hair and food use is improved, but antimicrobial effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GRAS-approved cationic biocidal molecules (such as amino acid derivatives) with anionic molecules to create composite salts that maintain both safety and antimicrobial effectiveness. The synergistic interaction between the cationic and anionic components ensures potent antimicrobial activity while using only safe, naturally-derived ingredients.
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 biocidal salts effectively inhibit or kill microorganisms, offering long-lasting lethality and reduced irritation, making them suitable for both cosmetic and food applications while ensuring environmental safety and compliance with GRAS standards.
Implementation Method 1
The salt is such that when it is exposed to an aqueous medium, the salt partially dissolves thereby releasing biocidal ions
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled release biocidal salt of a first component comprises a cation of a Nα-(C1-C22) alkanoyl di-basic amino acid alkyl (C1-C22) ester cationic biocidal molecule and a second component comprising an anion of a monomeric anionic molecule having insignificant biocidal activity. The salt is characterized such that when the salt is exposed to an aqueous medium, the salt partially dissolves thereby releasing biocidal ions in an amount sufficient to exceed the MIC or MBC of a target bacteria being controlled, and further characterized as leaving a residual reservoir of undissolved salt capable of releasing more biocidal ions as the salt is consumed or otherwise removed from the environment encompassing the target bacteria. The preferred cationic biocidal molecule comprises Nα-lauroyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (“LAE”).