Flavonoid Misting Surface Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface sterilization methods, particularly in hospitals and kitchens, often rely on noxious gases that require extensive dissipation time and leave residual odors, and are not effective against resistant pathogens like MRSA and C. difficile.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a mixture of flavonoids, such as naringin and neohesperidin, in a misting solution that can be derived from bitter oranges, providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including MRSA and C. difficile, without the need for isolating individual flavonoids, and can be used on surfaces, animals, and food items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noxious gases are used for surface sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but residual odors and dissipation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sterilization agent from traditional noxious gases to flavonoid compounds. This parameter change maintains sterilization effectiveness while eliminating residual odors and reducing dissipation time, as flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds that do not leave harmful residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful noxious gases into beneficial flavonoid compounds that provide sterilization effectiveness while being safe for humans and the environment. The flavonoids act as natural antimicrobial agents without the harmful side effects of traditional chemical sterilants
2Reliability
If noxious gases are used for surface sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but residual odors are left
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from traditional noxious gases to flavonoid-based solutions. This substitution eliminates residual odors while maintaining sterilization effectiveness, as flavonoids are natural compounds that degrade without leaving harmful residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the harmful property of residual odors into a benefit by using flavonoids that naturally decompose without leaving unpleasant smells. The flavonoid compounds provide the necessary antimicrobial action while being odorless or having pleasant natural scents
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sterilization methods are used, then broad coverage is achieved, but effectiveness against resistant pathogens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite flavonoid formulations that combine multiple flavonoid compounds with different mechanisms of action. This composite approach provides broad-spectrum coverage while specifically targeting resistant pathogens like MRSA and C. difficile through synergistic effects of the different flavonoids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sterilization agent to include specific flavonoid compounds known to be effective against resistant bacteria. These natural compounds work through multiple mechanisms that bypass the resistance mechanisms developed against traditional antimicrobials
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 flavonoid misting solution effectively reduces microbial loads on surfaces and in environments, offering rapid reoccupation safety, non-toxicity, and sustained efficacy against a wide range of pathogens, including resistant strains, without leaving residual odors, and can be used on various surfaces and living organisms.
Implementation Method 1
surfaces may be sterilised by misting using compositions which contain some or similar flavonoids
Implementation Method 2
providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method of sterilizing surfaces using flavonoids, for example mixtures containing inter alia naringin and neohesperidin, by misting.