Antiviral Tissue Composition Using Copper II Ions and PEG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use paper products, such as handkerchiefs and tissues, fail to maintain a low viral and bacterial load, leading to potential re-transmission of pathogens and skin irritation from antibacterial agents.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising water-soluble copper (II) ions, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a viscosifying agent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent is applied to a fibrous substrate, providing antiviral and antibacterial properties without skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-use paper products are used, then they are simple and inexpensive, but they fail to maintain low viral and bacterial load leading to pathogen re-transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining copper (II) ions with PEG and PVP to create a multifunctional composition that provides antiviral and antibacterial properties while maintaining skin compatibility. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple functions (pathogen reduction, skin safety, uniform distribution) into a single material system that can be applied to paper products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses PEG as a viscosifying agent and PVP as a stabilizing agent as intermediaries to enable the copper (II) ions to be uniformly distributed and stably maintained on the paper product surface. These intermediary substances resolve the contradiction by facilitating the reliable delivery of antiviral/antibacterial activity without requiring complex product structures.
2Reliability
If antibacterial and disinfectant products are applied to paper, then viral and bacterial load is reduced, but the agents can persist on paper for several days causing re-infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the antiviral/antibacterial composition by using water-soluble copper (II) ions combined with PEG and PVP, which alter the persistence characteristics of the active agent on paper. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by reducing agent persistence to appropriate levels while maintaining effective pathogen reduction, preventing re-infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The copper (II) ion composition provides self-limiting action where the antiviral and antibacterial effect is exerted immediately upon application, and the water-soluble nature ensures the agents do not persist indefinitely on the paper surface. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by automatically controlling both effectiveness and duration without requiring additional complex systems.
3Reliability
If strong antibacterial agents are used to reduce viral and bacterial load, then pathogen reduction is effective, but skin irritation and burning occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using copper (II) ions at controlled concentrations combined with PEG and PVP, which modifies the interaction between the antiviral/antibacterial composition and skin tissue. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining effective pathogen reduction while reducing skin irritation and burning effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces PEG and PVP as intermediary substances that mediate between the copper (II) ions and the skin surface. These intermediaries help distribute the active ions uniformly and reduce direct harsh contact with skin, resolving the contradiction by maintaining pathogen reduction effectiveness while minimizing skin irritation.
4Reliability
If copper ions are applied to paper products, then antiviral and antibacterial properties are achieved, but uniform distribution across the surface is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses PEG as a viscosifying agent and PVP as a stabilizing agent as intermediaries that facilitate uniform distribution of copper (II) ions across the paper surface. These intermediary substances control the flow and adhesion characteristics, ensuring homogeneous coverage and resolving the manufacturing precision challenge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the composition by adjusting viscosity through PEG and stability through PVP, which enables uniform application and distribution of copper (II) ions on the paper surface. This parameter modification resolves the contradiction by achieving both antiviral/antibacterial activity and homogeneous distribution.
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 viral and bacterial loads by more than two orders of magnitude, minimizing the risk of transmission and ensuring the product is gentle on the skin, with antiviral and antibacterial properties uniformly distributed across the surface.
Implementation Method 1
Copper is known to have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties
Implementation Method 2
comprises at least one polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a viscosifying agent, i.e. a chemical compound adapted to optimize the viscosity of the solution to allow optimal distribution
Implementation Method 3
comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent of the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A composition, and related method, adapted for making a tissue product with antiviral and antibacterial properties includes water-soluble copper metal ions with an oxidation state of +2 (II), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).