Monosubstituted Phenol and Terpineol Antimicrobial Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial compositions, particularly those containing halogenated phenols, are ineffective due to long contact times, environmental concerns, and sensory issues, and there is a need for alternatives that provide rapid antimicrobial action without relying on halogenated compounds, with reduced active ingredient amounts and improved sensory profiles.
Innovation Solution
The development of antimicrobial compositions comprising selected monosubstituted phenols and terpineol, which provide synergistic antimicrobial action, allowing for fast microbial inactivation within 15 seconds without relying on halogenated phenols, and offering a more acceptable scent and reduced odor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine-based antimicrobial agents such as triclosan are used, then antimicrobial action is provided, but contact time required is too long for practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing chlorine-based antimicrobials with phenolic compounds having specific molecular structures (substituted phenols with particular R1, R2, R3 groups). This structural modification enables rapid antimicrobial action within 30 seconds or less, resolving the contradiction between reliable antimicrobial action and acceptable contact time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite antimicrobial compositions combining multiple phenolic compounds (e.g., mixtures of substituted phenols with specific R1, R2, R3 groups) to achieve synergistic effects. This composite approach provides rapid and reliable antimicrobial action within short contact times, overcoming the limitations of single-agent systems.
2Reliability
If halogenated phenols are used as antimicrobials, then antimicrobial efficacy is achieved, but environmental toxicity and bioaccumulation concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates halogenated phenols from the antimicrobial composition, replacing them with non-halogenated phenolic compounds. This extraction of harmful substances maintains antimicrobial efficacy while removing environmental toxicity and bioaccumulation concerns, as the new phenolic compounds are biodegradable and non-persistent in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting halogenated phenols with non-halogenated phenolic compounds having specific molecular structures. This parameter change preserves antimicrobial efficacy while fundamentally altering the environmental profile from toxic and persistent to biodegradable and non-bioaccumulative.
3Loss of time
If phenolic compounds are used as antimicrobials, then rapid antimicrobial action is achieved, but corrosiveness and irritating effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by introducing specific substituent groups (R1, R2, R3) at particular positions on the phenolic molecular structure. These localized structural modifications tune the properties of the phenolic compound to maintain rapid antimicrobial action while reducing corrosiveness and skin irritation, making the composition suitable for personal care applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes the molecular parameters of phenolic compounds by varying the substituent groups (R1, R2, R3) and their positions. This parameter optimization achieves a balance between rapid antimicrobial efficacy and reduced harmful effects such as corrosiveness and irritation, enabling safe use in personal care products.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If small changes to molecular structure of phenolics are made, then sensory properties improve, but antimicrobial efficacy becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phenolic molecular structure into distinct functional regions: the core phenolic ring providing antimicrobial activity, and substituent groups (R1, R2, R3) providing sensory properties. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region - the substituents can be tuned for acceptable sensory profiles while the core structure maintains predictable and reliable antimicrobial efficacy.
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 compositions achieve rapid and effective antimicrobial action with reduced concentrations of monosubstituted phenols and terpineol, providing complete microbial inactivation in less than 15 seconds, addressing the limitations of existing technologies while being environmentally friendly and consumer-acceptable.
Implementation Method 1
compositions comprising selected monosubstituted phenols and terpineol, which provide synergistic antimicrobial action
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition and a method for disinfection involving the antimicrobial composition. It particularly relates to an antimicrobial composition for personal cleaning, oral care or hard surface cleaning applications. It was found that compositions comprising one or more monosubstituted phenols, terpineol and a carrier provide synergistic antimicrobial action. In a preferred aspect the composition also comprises 1 to 80 %-wt of one or more surfactants.