Ecologically Protected Material Using Microbial Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting materials, especially biodegradable ones like wood, from microbial deterioration and environmental factors such as UV radiation and moisture, often rely on harmful biocidal chemicals, which are environmentally and health-wise undesirable, and do not provide satisfactory long-term resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a base material treated with a water-insoluble substance and a covering micro-organism layer, optionally with a growth substrate, to create a durable and environmentally friendly protective barrier against microbial degradation and weather effects, using substances like mineral oils, waxes, and specific microorganisms like Aureobasidium spp. for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocidal chemicals are used to protect materials from microbial deterioration, then protection effectiveness is improved, but environmental and health safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A water-insoluble coating is applied as an intermediary layer between the base material and the micro-organism layer. This coating prevents water and dissolved nutrients from reaching the base material, thereby protecting it from microbial degradation without requiring direct contact with biocidal chemicals. The coating acts as a physical barrier that mediates the interaction between the protective micro-organism layer and the base material.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a self-service mechanism where a protective micro-organism layer is cultivated on the coated surface. These micro-organisms naturally produce metabolites and form a biofilm that provides ongoing protection against degrading micro-organisms. The growth substrate embedded in the coating nourishes these protective micro-organisms, enabling them to maintain their protective function autonomously over time.
2Reliability
If a micro-organism layer is applied directly to the base material, then protection against degradation is improved, but dimensional stability and crack formation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water-insoluble coating serves as a crucial intermediary layer that separates the base material from the micro-organism layer. This intermediate layer prevents direct biological interaction between the micro-organisms and the base material, eliminating the risk of enzymatic degradation or structural modification that could lead to dimensional instability or cracking, while still allowing the micro-organism layer to provide protective functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble substances are used for treatment, then ease of application is improved, but penetration and long-term protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the solubility parameter of the coating substance from water-soluble to water-insoluble. This parameter change ensures that the coating forms a stable, non-leaching barrier that provides long-term protection. The water-insoluble coating maintains its integrity over time, preventing water and dissolved nutrients from penetrating to the base material, thereby ensuring sustained protection without the application complications associated with water-insoluble materials.
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 method achieves excellent dimensional stability, resistance to microbial degradation, and a durable, homogenous surface color, making the treated materials suitable for construction and outdoor applications with reduced risk of cracking and degradation.
Implementation Method 1
applying a water-insoluble substance to the base material
Implementation Method 2
a micro-organism layer (1), wherein the micro-organism layer is essentially separated from the base material by the water-insoluble substance
Implementation Method 3
applying a growth substrate for growing a micro-organism to the base material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ecological protected material, comprising a base material (4) provided with a water-insoluble substance, a growth substrate and a microorganism layer. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a material according to the invention, comprising providing a base material with a water-insoluble substance, a growth substrate and a microorganism.