Hydrophobically Modified Polymer Compositions for Enveloped-Virus Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antiviral treatments for enveloped viruses are often ineffective due to drug resistance, narrow breadth of neutralization, and host cellular toxicity, and there is a need for a non-irritating, broad-spectrum agent that can inhibit viral transmission effectively.

Innovation Solution

Low molecular weight hydrophobically modified polymers derived from (meth)acrylic acid and C1 to C9 alkyl (meth)acrylates are used to inhibit enveloped virus entry into cells, applied as compositions with low surfactant levels to maintain gentleness and effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If topical antiviral treatments are used to inhibit viral transmission, then viral infection can be prevented, but the treatments may be irritating to treated tissues and increase infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviral infection preventionVSAvoidtissue irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by controlling molecular weight (10,000-100,000 Da), hydrophobic modification levels, and monomer composition ratios to achieve optimal balance between antiviral activity and tissue compatibility. This resolves the contradiction by finding specific parameter ranges that provide both efficacy and gentleness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses copolymers composed of multiple monomer units with different properties (hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments) to create a composite material that combines antiviral activity with tissue compatibility. The composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of both contradictory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If antiviral agents with narrow specificity are used to target specific viral epitopes, then treatment can be directed, but viral resistance develops rapidly due to high mutation rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidresistance development time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer is designed with multiple hydrophobic interaction sites that can bind to various viral envelope proteins through non-specific hydrophobic interactions. This multi-functional binding capability allows the single polymer to effectively neutralize diverse enveloped viruses without requiring high specificity, thereby preventing resistance development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If broad-spectrum antiviral agents are used to neutralize diverse viruses, then viral transmission can be inhibited across multiple strains, but the agents become irritating and toxic to human cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroad-spectrum antiviral activityVSAvoidcellular toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes specific parameters including molecular weight (10,000-100,000 Da), hydrophobic modification degree (5-50%), and monomer composition ratios to achieve the desired balance. These parameter changes enable broad-spectrum activity while maintaining tissue compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer structure incorporates localized hydrophobic regions within a predominantly hydrophilic matrix. The hydrophobic segments provide antiviral activity through envelope protein binding, while the hydrophilic segments ensure tissue compatibility and solubility. This local quality distribution resolves the contradiction between broad activity and low toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

These polymers effectively inhibit enveloped virus entry across multiple strains without irritating human tissues, reducing transmission risk and avoiding resistance issues.

Implementation Method 1

low molecular weight hydrophobically modified polymers derived from (meth)acrylic acid and C1 to C9 alkyl (meth)acrylates are used to inhibit enveloped virus entry into cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4138800B1Methods of inhibiting enveloped viruses using low molecular weight hydrophobically modified polymers

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 KENVUE BRANDS LLC

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AI summary

This invention relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the transmission of enveloped viruses, which entails applying a composition containing a low molecular weight hydrophobically-modified polymer to an infectable or ingestible surface that may contain viruses, wherein said compositions further comprise less than about 9% by weight of surfactant having an HLB of greater than 12.