Composition and method for microbial control on material surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for microbial control on material surfaces using metal-containing actives like silver, zinc, and copper pose environmental concerns due to potential leaching, while organic molecules are temperature-sensitive, expensive, and have toxicity issues, necessitating a cost-effective and safe alternative.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method utilizing a polymeric material with a Generally-Recognized-as-Safe (GRAS) additive, such as organic acids like benzoic acid, sorbic acid, or citric acid, which are incorporated directly into the material for antimicrobial properties, eliminating the need for a coating process and providing durable antimicrobial protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-containing actives (silver, zinc, copper) are used for microbial control, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates due to potential leaching into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from metal-containing actives to GRAS-substance-based actives (organic acids, esters, alcohols, phenolics). This substitution maintains antimicrobial efficacy while eliminating the environmental leaching problem associated with heavy metals, as GRAS substances are recognized as safe for environmental discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily biodegradable GRAS substances that break down naturally in the environment, replacing persistent metal actives. These organic compounds provide effective antimicrobial action but decompose over time, preventing long-term environmental accumulation and toxicity issues.
2Reliability
If organic molecules (phenolics, azoles) are used for microbial control, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects GRAS substances including common organic acids (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid) and their derivatives that are inexpensive, widely available, and effectively biodegradable. These substances provide antimicrobial protection at lower cost compared to specialized organic molecules like azoles, while maintaining sufficient efficacy for the application.
3Reliability
If organic molecules (phenolics, azoles) are used for microbial control, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates due to sensitivity to UV degradation and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure selection within the GRAS substance class to prioritize compounds with higher thermal and UV stability. This includes selecting certain organic acids and their salts that are more resistant to degradation at processing temperatures and during product use, while still maintaining antimicrobial activity and GRAS status.
4Reliability
If organic molecules with high antimicrobial activity are used, then microbial control efficacy is improved, but toxicity increases causing undesirable side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical composition to use GRAS substances at optimized concentrations that provide effective microbial control while maintaining safety. The selection of organic acids and their derivatives allows for fine-tuning of the efficacy-toxicity ratio, achieving sufficient antimicrobial protection without the dangerous side effects associated with more toxic organic 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 direct incorporation of GRAS antimicrobial components into polymers results in durable, cost-effective, and safe microbial control, maintaining efficacy even at high temperatures and during polymer processing, without adverse effects on the material's aesthetics or environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The composition comprises a polymeric material and a Generally-Recognized-as-Safe (GRAS) additive or component having an antimicrobial or preservative property
Data Source
AI summary
A composition and method for microbial control on a material surface using a minimum risk pesticide such as a GRAS antimicrobial/preservative component. The GRAS antimicrobial/preservative component is preferably an organic acid.