Detergent Composition Antimicrobial Stability via Surfactant Alkanediol Synergy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent compositions are prone to microbial contamination, which can lead to disease and allergic responses in building occupants, especially in indoor environments where high humidity and moisture levels promote microbial growth.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one surfactant and at least one 1,2-alkanediol with 5 to 14 carbon atoms into detergent compositions, particularly liquid detergents, to enhance stability against microbial contamination. The combination of surfactants, especially cationic surfactants, with 1,2-alkanediols demonstrates synergistic antimicrobial activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If detergent compositions are formulated with high organic content to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but susceptibility to microbial contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of organic material (which promotes microbial growth) into a beneficial antimicrobial system by combining surfactants with 1,2-alkanediols. The surfactants, particularly cationic ones, work synergistically with 1,2-alkanediols to create an antimicrobial environment while maintaining the necessary organic content for cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite antimicrobial system combining two different types of chemicals: surfactants (especially cationic surfactants) and 1,2-alkanediols. This composite approach creates synergistic antimicrobial activity that effectively counters the microbial growth risk associated with high organic content detergent formulations.
2Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial agents are added to detergent compositions to reduce microbial contamination, then microbial stability is improved, but the complexity of the composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the surfactant component multi-functional by selecting surfactants (particularly cationic surfactants) that provide both cleaning performance and antimicrobial activity. The 1,2-alkanediols serve dual purposes as well, contributing to both formulation stability and enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated antimicrobial additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cleaning function and antimicrobial function into a unified system. The surfactants and 1,2-alkanediols are combined in such a way that their antimicrobial activities are synergistic, creating a single integrated solution that addresses both cleaning performance and microbial stability without requiring multiple separate additive systems.
3Reliability
If cationic surfactants are used to enhance antimicrobial activity, then microbial protection is improved, but compatibility with other detergent ingredients may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of both cationic surfactants and 1,2-alkanediols to achieve effective antimicrobial activity while maintaining compatibility. By carefully controlling the amounts of each component and their ratio, the formulation achieves synergistic antimicrobial effects without excessive incompatibility issues that would arise from higher concentrations of single agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The 1,2-alkanediols act as intermediary substances that facilitate the compatibility between cationic surfactants and other detergent ingredients. They mediate the interactions in the formulation, allowing the cationic surfactants to exert their antimicrobial effects while reducing potential negative interactions with anionic surfactants, builders, and other common detergent components.
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 use of surfactants and 1,2-alkanediols in detergent compositions significantly reduces microbial contamination, providing improved stability and safety in indoor environments by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.
Implementation Method 1
1,2-alkanediols represent a group of actives which are known for their antimicrobial activity... show an improved action against microbial contamination of detergent compositions
Data Source
AI summary
Suggested is a detergent composition, comprising or consisting of: (a) at least one surfactant and (b) at least one 1,2 alkanediol having 5 to 14 carbon atoms.