Epoxidized Vegetable Oil Esters in Polymers for Antimicrobial Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polymeric materials lack effective antimicrobial properties, particularly against viruses, due to the limited efficacy of silver nanoparticles dispersed in polymer matrices and the challenges of anchoring coatings, along with potential toxicity issues, making it difficult to create materials that can continuously deactivate pathogens without special treatments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating epoxidized fatty acid esters derived from vegetable oils, such as Glycerol Formal, into polymers at concentrations above 10% wt. to create materials with intrinsic antimicrobial activity, including both bacteria and viruses, by ensuring compatibility and mobility within the polymer matrix.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silver nanoparticles are dispersed in polymer matrices, then antibacterial properties are provided, but the silver ions become trapped and cannot effectively interact with microorganisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidion mobility restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mediator substance that facilitates the release and mobility of silver ions from the polymer matrix. This intermediary mechanism allows silver ions to be transported to the surface and interact with microorganisms without requiring direct contact between the nanoparticles and the pathogens, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing antibacterial properties and maintaining ion mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical or physical parameters of the polymer matrix or silver nanoparticle composition to enhance ion mobility. By changing parameters such as polymer polarity, cross-linking density, or nanoparticle surface treatment, the system enables silver ions to move more freely within the matrix and reach the surface for effective antimicrobial action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If special polymer mixtures with cross-linking processes are used to support Ag+ ions, then antibacterial activity is improved, but the coating process complexity and anchoring challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidcoating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes the complex cross-linking process from the coating application. By using a pre-formulated polymer mixture that inherently supports silver ion stability without requiring post-application cross-linking, the system simplifies the coating process while maintaining antimicrobial activity, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved antimicrobial performance and reduced process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If silver ions are used to destroy microorganisms, then antimicrobial action is achieved, but toxicity to human cells may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen deactivationVSAvoidhuman cell toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by creating a localized high concentration of silver ions at the polymer surface where microorganisms contact the material, while maintaining lower bulk concentrations that minimize systemic toxicity. This spatial differentiation allows effective pathogen deactivation at the interface without exposing human cells to harmful levels of silver ions throughout the entire material volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 resulting polymeric materials demonstrate significant antimicrobial efficacy, effectively deactivating both bacteria and viruses, especially those with lipid envelopes, without the need for additional coatings or treatments, enhancing safety and hygiene in public environments.

Implementation Method 1

due to electrostatic attraction and affinity for sulfur proteins, silver ions can adhere to the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

the ability to destroy viruses and bacteria that settle on their surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

After crossing the lipid protective membrane (the membrane is semipermeable to cations such as K+ and Na+) and penetrating the cytoplasm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

silver ions can inhibit protein synthesis by denaturing ribosomes in the cytoplasm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtein denaturation:

Implementation Method 5

the interaction of silver ions with DNA sulfur and phosphorus can cause problems in DNA replication, cell reproduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4613097A1Use of esters from vegetable oils for the production of polymeric materials with antimicrobial activity

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 FLUOS S A S DI GIUSEPPE CHIARADIA & C

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention concerns the use of esters from vegetable oils in formulations for the production of polymeric materials whose surface has antimicrobial properties. This invention allows the creation of articles in PVC, polyurethane, epoxy resins, SBR and NBR rubbers and other polymers having the ability to destroy viruses and bacteria that deposit on their surface.