Light-Activated Antimicrobial Dental Tray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial solutions are not effective in efficiently destroying or inhibiting microbial growth on tissues, particularly in dental and medical applications, as they lack a synergistic effect when used alone.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines an antimicrobial solution with a predetermined wavelength of light, using a fiber optic cable and a solution holding apparatus to enhance the antimicrobial effect, potentially incorporating a light source like LEDs or lasers, to create a synergistic effect that increases the efficacy of microbial reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antimicrobial solutions are used alone, then the treatment can be applied to tissues, but the effectiveness in destroying or inhibiting microbial growth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines antimicrobial chemical agents with light energy (photodynamic therapy) to create a synergistic effect. The photosensitizing agent absorbs light energy and converts it to reactive oxygen species that dramatically enhance microbial destruction, achieving both high reliability and productivity in antimicrobial treatment
2Productivity
If light of certain wavelengths is added to enhance antimicrobial effect, then microbial reduction efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dental tray is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the antimicrobial solution, positions the fiber optic cable for light delivery, and provides the treatment interface. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high microbial reduction efficiency through photodynamic therapy
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 combination of antimicrobial solutions with specific wavelengths of light significantly enhances microbial reduction, achieving higher effectiveness than the solutions alone, with potential applications in dental and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic cable that exposes the antimicrobial solution to light of a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 2
Light of certain wavelengths has been demonstrated to improve or 'super-charge' the effects of certain antimicrobial or anti-microbial agents, creating a synergistic effect to destroy or inhibit microbial growth
Data Source
AI summary
Dental and medical devices with a light source and antimicrobial solution include an antimicrobial solution; a fiber optic cable that exposes the antimicrobial solution to light of a predetermined wavelength; and a solution holding apparatus that retains the lighted antimicrobial solution against the tissue. A method for antimicrobial treatment of a user includes retaining an antimicrobial solution in a solution holding apparatus; purposefully selecting a wavelength of light that reacts with the antimicrobial solution; providing the selected wavelength of light from an LED or laser or other appropriate light source; utilizing a fiber optic cable to expose the antimicrobial solution to the light; and utilizing the solution holding apparatus to hold the lighted antimicrobial solution against the user.