Indicator Dye for ROS Detection on Solid Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to reliably determine the anti-microbial and/or anti-viral effectiveness of solid object surfaces due to disruptive factors like surface color, geometry, and hydrophobicity, which complicate the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) necessary for assessing anti-microbial effects.
Innovation Solution
An indicator system comprising an indicator carrier with a surface and dye molecules that react with ROS on the object surface, causing a color change, allowing for qualitative and quantitative assessment of anti-microbial and/or anti-viral effectiveness, along with a computer program simulating the indicator's functionality for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct detection of ROS on solid surfaces is performed, then the antimicrobial effectiveness can be determined, but the inherent color and properties of the object surface interfere with accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator as an intermediary substance that mediates between the reactive oxygen species on the object surface and the detection system. The indicator comprises indicator molecules that specifically react with ROS to produce a measurable color change, while the indicator carrier system ensures controlled application and observation. This intermediary approach eliminates the direct interference of surface properties by translating ROS presence into a distinct optical signal that can be observed independently of the object's inherent characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If liquid media indicators are used for ROS detection, then the method is simple and reliable, but it cannot be directly applied to solid surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the detection system from liquid phase to solid phase by changing the physical state parameters of the indicator system. The indicator molecules are incorporated into a carrier matrix that provides structural support and controlled release properties, enabling the indicator to function on solid surfaces while maintaining the chemical reaction mechanism. This parameter change allows the same ROS-detecting chemistry to be applied universally across different surface types without requiring liquid media.
3Reliability
If germ solutions or direct germ detection methods are used, then antimicrobial effectiveness can be determined, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and biological processes of germ culture and growth observation with a direct chemical detection mechanism. Instead of using germ solutions that require incubation and observation of microbial growth, the system uses indicator molecules that directly react with reactive oxygen species on the surface. This substitution eliminates the need for complex culture media, incubation equipment, and time-consuming growth observation, reducing the testing process to a simple visual or instrumental measurement of color change.
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
Enables easy, quick, and reliable determination of anti-microbial and/or anti-viral effectiveness without damaging the object surface, independent of germ cultures, and allows for quantitative analysis of ROS, providing accurate and environmentally friendly results.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator coloration of the indicator dye is based on a reaction of indicator molecules of the indicator dye with reactive oxygen molecules
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an indicator for determining the antimicrobial and/or antiviral efficacy of an object's surface, and to a corresponding testing method. The indicator comprises at least one indicator carrier with at least one indicator surface, and the indicator surface comprises at least one indicator dye with dye molecules. The indicator dye's color change depends on a reaction of the dye molecules with reactive oxygen species. The indicator surface and the object surface can be brought into contact such that the reaction of the dye molecules with the reactive oxygen species on the object surface can be triggered.The indicator dye's color change, caused by the reaction of its dye molecules with reactive oxygen molecules on the object's surface, allows conclusions to be drawn about the antimicrobial and/or antiviral efficacy of the object's surface. Methylene blue is preferably used as the indicator dye. The indicator's functionality is simulated using a computer program with a digital twin.