Synergistic Biocidal Mixture of Hop Extract and Phenylpropanol
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no known combination of hop extract and phenylpropanol with a synergistic biocidal effect, despite both components having antimicrobial properties, and existing technologies do not suggest their concomitant use or resulting effects.
Innovation Solution
A biocidal mixture comprising hop extract rich in beta-acids and phenylpropanol, with a specific ratio of 1:30 to 1:50, demonstrating a synergistic effect that is as effective as known biocides, and can be used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hop extract and phenylpropanol are used separately as biocides, then each provides some antimicrobial effect, but the overall biocidal effect is limited and requires higher concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hop extract and phenylpropanol in a specific mixture where hop extract serves as the active biocidal principle and phenylpropanol acts as a synergistic enhancer. This merging of two substances creates a synergistic effect where the combination is more effective than the sum of individual components, allowing reduced concentrations while maintaining or improving biocidal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite biocidal system by formulating hop extract with phenylpropanol in specific ratios. This composite approach leverages the antimicrobial properties of beta-acids in hop extract while phenylpropanol enhances the overall efficacy, creating a material with superior biocidal performance compared to individual components.
2Reliability
If higher concentrations of single biocides are used to achieve effective microbial inhibition, then biocidal reliability improves, but the risk of harmful effects on skin and mucosa increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging hop extract with phenylpropanol in a synergistic formulation, the patent achieves effective microbial inhibition at lower overall concentrations. The synergistic interaction means that phenylpropanol enhances the biocidal activity of hop extract, allowing the use of lower concentrations that are less irritating to skin and mucosa while maintaining reliable antimicrobial protection.
3Reliability
If known biocides are used to ensure effective microbial protection, then reliability is maintained, but the cost and complexity of formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional formulation where phenylpropanol serves dual purposes: as a fragrance component (its traditional function) and as a synergistic biocidal enhancer (new function). This universality allows the formulation to achieve effective microbial protection without requiring separate dedicated biocidal additives, thereby reducing formulation complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a synergistic mixture of biocidal effect comprising phenylpropanol and hop extract. Particularly, the mixture of the invention can be used in the fields of cosmetics, medicines and food.