Antimicrobial articles, methods of making and using same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial antimicrobial coatings and filters struggle to effectively trap and inactivate microbes due to their inability to release active agents in the presence of contaminants, leading to reduced efficacy over time and potential health risks when disposed of, as they trap but do not inactivate bacteria and viruses.

Innovation Solution

Articles comprising a substrate with a polymer matrix containing a hydrogen peroxide releasing compound, such as urea hydrogen peroxide, dispersed within, which slowly releases hydrogen peroxide upon exposure to humidity, providing sustained antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If commercial antimicrobial coatings are used, then direct contact antimicrobial effect is achieved, but the activity declines during extended use when contaminants cover the coating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidduration of antimicrobial activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is pre-loaded with hydrogen peroxide releasing compounds (HPRC) that will be activated upon contact with moisture from microbes or environmental humidity, enabling the coating to generate its active antimicrobial agent in advance rather than requiring continuous external application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coating system is self-sustaining through the incorporation of HPRC that automatically releases hydrogen peroxide when exposed to moisture, eliminating the need for external reapplication or active maintenance to restore antimicrobial activity during extended use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If commercial filters are used to trap contaminants, then physical trapping is achieved, but the trapped microbes can be released when the filter is changed or disposed of

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobe trappingVSAvoidmicrobe release risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter converts the trapped microbes from a harmful contaminant into the activation trigger for the HPRC, as the moisture from the trapped microbes initiates hydrogen peroxide release that inactivates them in place within the filter media

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Hydrogen peroxide acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the trapped microbes and the filter structure, enabling inactivation of the microbes while they remain trapped in the filter, thus eliminating the need to remove or replace the filter for safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If cationic polymer grafted surfaces are used, then antibacterial and antiviral effects are achieved through direct contact, but the active agents cannot be released to the surrounding environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectVSAvoidenvironmental release capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coating transitions from a static direct-contact mechanism to a dynamic release system where hydrogen peroxide is continuously generated and released to the surrounding environment in response to moisture triggers, enabling both contact and non-contact antimicrobial activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coating changes its operational parameters from requiring direct physical contact to enabling diffusion-based release of active species, allowing the antimicrobial effect to extend beyond the surface into the surrounding environment through hydrogen peroxide release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hydrogen peroxide release from the polymer matrix effectively inactivates microbes, maintaining antimicrobial properties over an extended period and reducing health risks by continuously disinfecting surfaces and environments without the need for direct contact.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer matrix comprising a hydrogen peroxide releasing compound dispersed within the polymer matrix, wherein the polymer matrix is in contact with the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen peroxide release: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

The hydrogen peroxide releasing compound is dispersed within the polymer matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen Peroxide

Implementation Method 3

The hydrogen peroxide release from the polymer matrix effectively inactivates microbes, maintaining antimicrobial properties over an extended period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20240374779A1Antimicrobial articles, methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 TERASAKI INST FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION

AI summary

Provided are articles having a substrate and a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix includes a hydrogen peroxide releasing compound dispersed within the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix is provided on a surface of the substrate. Also provided are methods of forming the articles of the disclosure and kits for preparing the articles of the disclosure.