Disinfectant Composition with Residual Anti-Microbial Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfectant compositions fail to provide adequate residual antimicrobial activity on hard surfaces, requiring repeated application and being easily removed by abrasion or frequent touching.
Innovation Solution
A disinfectant composition combining a quaternary ammonium biocide with a film-forming agent, such as polyethyleneimine, that forms a clear, non-tacky coating providing sustained antimicrobial protection even after abrasion resistance testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If existing disinfectant compositions are applied to hard surfaces, then initial anti-microbial effect is achieved, but residual activity rapidly decreases due to degradation, evaporation, or physical removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary coating of the disinfectant composition to the surface before contamination occurs. This pre-application creates a residual layer that remains active on the surface, providing ongoing antimicrobial protection against future contaminations without requiring repeated applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a thin film formulation of the disinfectant composition that adheres to hard surfaces. This film structure allows the active ingredients to remain in contact with the surface longer, reducing evaporation and physical removal while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy over extended periods.
2Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as biocides, then anti-microbial activity is achieved, but significant residues are left on smooth glossy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the formulation to create different local properties within the composition. The active quaternary ammonium biocide provides antimicrobial activity while the film-forming agents and surfactants create an invisible or minimal residue layer on smooth glossy surfaces, separating the functional property from the visual property.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses visual residue concerns by formulating the composition to be substantially clear or minimally pigmented when dry. This allows the antimicrobial function to remain while the visual appearance of the surface is preserved, making the treatment invisible on glossy surfaces.
3Duration of action of moving object
If biocidal metals are imbedded on surfaces to achieve long-lasting anti-microbial effects, then prolonged protection is provided, but cost increases and regulatory limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, regulated biocidal metals with a cost-effective organic disinfectant composition that can be easily reapplied. While individual applications may have shorter duration than metal embedding, the overall system achieves prolonged protection through economical reapplication cycles, avoiding metal embedding costs and regulatory restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the antimicrobial approach by using organic quaternary ammonium compounds instead of metallic biocides. This substitution maintains long-lasting effects through optimized formulation and application frequency while dramatically reducing cost and eliminating regulatory barriers associated with heavy metal use.
4Reliability
If disinfectant composition is applied frequently to maintain anti-microbial properties, then sustained protection is achieved, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a continuous antimicrobial barrier on the surface through the film-forming composition. This continuous layer provides uninterrupted protection, eliminating the need for frequent discrete reapplications and maintaining sustained efficacy over extended periods with a single application or minimal reapplications.
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 achieves a Log Reduction of 2 or greater against S. aureus and K. aerogenes after abrasion resistance testing, maintaining antimicrobial activity for an extended period with minimal weight retention on the surface.
Implementation Method 1
a film forming agent, where the film forming agent includes a polyethyleneimine
Implementation Method 2
The composition provides a Log Reduction of about 2 or greater against S. aureus after undergoing abrasion resistance testing according to EPA 01-1A
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a disinfectant composition that includes a quaternary ammonium biocide in combination with a polyethyleneimine film forming agent. The disinfectant composition forms a film on a surface that is abrasion resistant and that provides anti-microbial activity over an extended period of time.