Durable Antimicrobial Composition Stabilized by Polymer Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial compositions are not effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including spore-form organisms, and are often unstable, requiring frequent reapplication and potentially containing volatile solvents with unpleasant odors.
Innovation Solution
A durable antimicrobial composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation, an organic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and specific polymers, which are stable and effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including spores, without the need for volatile solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial compositions are used, then antimicrobial activity is provided, but the compositions are unstable and require frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer intermediary is used to stabilize the interaction between quaternary ammonium compounds and hydrogen peroxide, preventing direct reaction and decomposition. The polymer acts as a carrier that releases these antimicrobial agents gradually, maintaining stability during storage while providing sustained antimicrobial activity over extended periods without frequent reapplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by using carbonate or bicarbonate salts of quaternary ammonium compounds instead of traditional formulations, and controls pH within specific ranges (4-9 for hydrogen peroxide stability, 6-9 for quaternary ammonium stability). These parameter changes enable both components to coexist stably while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are used, then effectiveness against various microorganisms is improved, but the composition becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite antimicrobial system combining quaternary ammonium compounds (effective against Gram-positive bacteria) with hydrogen peroxide (effective against Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, and spores). This composite formulation achieves broad-spectrum coverage while the polymer stabilizer prevents incompatibility issues between the different antimicrobial agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer serves as an intermediary carrier that holds both quaternary ammonium compounds and hydrogen peroxide in a stable complex, enabling their coexistence despite potential chemical incompatibility. This intermediary structure allows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity while maintaining formulation stability.
3Ease of operation
If volatile solvents are added to antimicrobial compositions, then application properties are improved, but unpleasant odors are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or eliminates volatile solvent components from the formulation, relying instead on the polymer-stabilized aqueous system to provide proper application properties. This removal of volatile solvents eliminates the source of unpleasant odors while maintaining the composition's ability to be applied effectively to surfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If quaternary ammonium compounds and hydrogen peroxide are combined, then broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the combination is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer acts as a stabilizing intermediary that complexes with both quaternary ammonium compounds and hydrogen peroxide, preventing their direct interaction and decomposition. This intermediary structure maintains the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of both agents while ensuring compositional stability during storage and use.
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 maintains antimicrobial activity for an extended period, effectively reducing microorganisms by a log 2 factor after multiple insults and remaining stable under various storage conditions, ensuring long-lasting protection without frequent reapplication and unpleasant odors.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen peroxide and a polymer... hydrogen peroxide... effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including spore-form organisms
Implementation Method 2
a carbonate/bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation... quaternary ammonium compounds are considered 'broad spectrum' antimicrobial cationic compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions having durable antimicrobial activity. The compositions include a carbonate/bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation, an organic acid, hydrogen peroxide and a polymer. The polymer is selected from cationic amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct, cationic amine polymer-epichlorohydrin resin, poly(methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium) chloride, poly(bis(2-chloroethyl)ether-alt-1,3-bis(dimethylamino)propyl)urea, poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride, poly(t-butyl acrylate co-ethyl acrylate co-methacrylic acid), polyethylene oxide, polyquaternium-16, polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-67 and mixtures thereof.