Anti-pathogen device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-pathogen devices lack the ability to effectively bind and neutralize pathogens, particularly viruses and bacteria, due to the weak binding affinity of sialic acid and its derivatives when unattached, and there is a need for improved methods to deliver additional anti-pathogen factors.
Innovation Solution
An anti-pathogen device comprising a carrier with a pathogen-binding component and a binding intermediate, where the binding intermediate is attached to the carrier to enhance the binding affinity for pathogens, utilizing sialic acid or its derivatives, and optionally oligosaccharides and proteins to form a pathogen-binding construct that can recognize and bind pathogens more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sialic acid and its derivatives are used to bind pathogens, then pathogen binding capability is achieved, but the binding affinity is weak when sialic acid is free (unbound)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sialic acid with a carrier material (such as activated carbon, metal impregnated activated carbon, or other substrates) to create a composite structure. This composite approach allows the sialic acid to maintain its pathogen-binding capability while the carrier provides structural support and enhances the overall binding affinity through the combined properties of both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention attaches sialic acid to specific locations on a carrier surface, creating localized binding sites with high density and affinity. By concentrating the pathogen-binding functionality at specific locations rather than using free sialic acid, the device achieves both reliable pathogen binding and strong binding affinity at the attachment sites.
2Strength
If sialic acid is attached to a carrier to enhance binding affinity, then binding strength is improved, but the ease of attachment to the carrier is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediate materials or linking mechanisms that facilitate the attachment of sialic acid to the carrier. These intermediaries serve as bridges, making the attachment process more straightforward while maintaining the enhanced binding affinity. For example, using activated carbon as an intermediary carrier provides both structural support and chemical properties that simplify sialic acid attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
By selecting carrier materials with inherent properties that complement sialic acid (such as activated carbon with high surface area and adsorption capabilities), the invention creates a composite structure where the attachment process is simplified. The carrier material's characteristics naturally facilitate the binding of sialic acid, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If combination of sialic acid with other anti-pathogen factors is used, then neutralization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple anti-pathogen factors (such as sialic acid, metals like silver or copper, and other antimicrobial agents) into a single unified device structure. By merging these components into one composite device, the invention achieves enhanced neutralization effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of managing separate devices or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier-based device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables sialic acid attachment for pathogen binding, incorporates antimicrobial metals for additional protection, and facilitates delivery of anti-pathogen factors. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive neutralization effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enhanced binding affinity allows for improved pathogen capture and neutralization, enabling the delivery of additional anti-pathogen factors, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the device in neutralizing viral and bacterial infections.
Implementation Method 1
a binding intermediate is attached to the carrier to facilitate binding of the pathogen-binding component to the carrier by forming a pathogen-binding construct with the pathogen-binding component
Implementation Method 2
the pathogen-binding component is selected to have a binding affinity for a pathogen marker
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-pathogen device may be useful as a wound dressing, an antibiotic sock, a mastitis cup, a tampon, or a window, door or bed cover. It comprises a carrier and a pathogen-binding component and a binding intermediate is attached to the carrier to facilitate binding of the pathogen-binding component to the carrier by forming a pathogen-binding construct with the pathogen-binding component. The pathogen binding construct may be lactoferrin, hololactoferrin, apolactoferrin, or asialolactoferrin. A carbohydrate binder binds the pathogen binding construct to the carrier.A device for protection against pathogens such as viruses. The device could be a wearable device such as a facemask. The device comprises a carrier comprising a textile material (e.g. cotton or synthetics). The device further comprises a glycoprotein (e.g. as a coating on or embedded in the carrier). Examples of glycoproteins that could be used include albumin, lactoferrin, casein, or lactoglobulin. The carrier is permeable to airflow.