Multiple-Charged Polyamine Compounds for Biofilm Fouling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water systems, particularly industrial ones, suffer from microbial contamination and fouling due to biofilm growth, leading to efficiency reduction, equipment failure, and health risks, with current fouling control agents like quaternary ammonium compounds being hazardous and regulated.

Innovation Solution

Development of multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds derived from polyamines through aza-Michael addition and ring-opening reactions with activated olefins and epoxides, providing effective fouling control without the hazards of traditional quaternary ammonium compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as fouling control agents, then effective biofilm prevention is achieved, but hazardous substances are introduced into the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefouling control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the fouling control agent by using polyamines with multiple amine groups that can be quaternized to create multiple charged species. This fundamental parameter change in charge multiplicity and chemical structure allows effective biofilm control while using less hazardous substances than traditional quaternary ammonium compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite functional molecules by combining polyamine backbones with multiple quaternizable amine groups and hydrophobic alkyl chains. This composite structure provides both the electrostatic interactions needed for biofilm control and reduced environmental hazard compared to single-function quaternary ammonium compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple charged polyamine compounds are synthesized through aza-Michael addition and ring-opening reactions, then effective fouling control is achieved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefouling control effectivenessVSAvoidsynthesis process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The synthesis is divided into distinct segments: first aza-Michael addition of polyamine with activated olefin, then ring-opening reaction with epoxide. This segmentation of the manufacturing process into discrete steps makes the complex multi-functional compound synthesis manageable and scalable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The polyamine backbone is prepared in advance before undergoing subsequent modification reactions. This preliminary preparation of the core structure allows for systematic addition of functional groups in controlled steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 novel compounds effectively prevent or reduce biofilm formation, minimizing health risks and operational inefficiencies while complying with environmental regulations.

Implementation Method 1

multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds derived from polyamines through aza-Michael addition and ring-opening reactions with activated olefins and epoxides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAza-Michael addition: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds derived from polyamines through aza-Michael addition and ring-opening reactions with activated olefins and epoxides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRing-opening reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The unique positive charge of the ammonium plays a key role, e.g., electrostatic interactions, between the surfactant and surface or different components of biofilms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interactions: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentEP3843870B1Multiple charged ionic compounds derived from polyamines and compositions thereof and methods of preparation thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ECOLAB USA INC
  • EP3843870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3843870B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3843870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds, methods of making thereof, and articles or compositions comprising thereof. The disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds are derived from polyamines through two reactions: an aza-Michael addition with an activated olefin having an ionic group and a ring-opening reaction with an epoxide. The activated olefin has one of the following formulas (1), (2), or (3), the epoxide is (4), X is NH or O.