Muscodor-Based Antimicrobial Composition for Safe Human Use

Solution Overview

Problem

Current biocides used for controlling molds and plant diseases are often toxic to humans and wildlife, leading to environmental and health concerns, prompting the need for natural or biomimetic compositions with antimicrobial properties that are safe for human use.

Innovation Solution

Development of a system utilizing a Muscodor species, specifically M. crispans, and its volatile by-products, along with a non-indigenous medium or substrate, to create antimicrobial compositions that are free from naphthalene and azulene derivatives, which can be used in various applications including food, agriculture, and medical contexts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional synthetic biocides are used to control microbial infections, then effective antimicrobial activity is achieved, but human toxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidhuman toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful volatile compounds (naphthalene and azulene derivatives) produced by Muscodor species into a benefit by using them as the active antimicrobial ingredients in the composition, while carefully controlling the formulation to maintain effectiveness while reducing toxicity through the specific combination and concentration of components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite antimicrobial composition by combining multiple volatile compounds including naphthalene derivatives, azulene derivatives, and other volatile organic compounds produced by Muscodor species, along with carriers and optional inactive ingredients, to achieve synergistic antimicrobial effects while modulating toxicity profiles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If naphthalene and azulene derivatives are included in Muscodor by-products, then antimicrobial efficacy is enhanced, but safety for human use is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidhuman safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the Muscodor by-products by adjusting the concentration ratios of naphthalene and azulene derivatives relative to other volatile compounds, and by controlling the physical state (volatile vs. non-volatile fraction) to achieve optimal balance between antimicrobial efficacy and human safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality characteristics to different components of the composition, where naphthalene and azulene derivatives are present at controlled concentrations specifically targeted at microbial cells, while the overall formulation ensures these compounds do not reach toxic levels for human exposure through appropriate delivery systems and concentration control

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

The compositions effectively inhibit and eradicate microbial infections without harming humans or wildlife, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional biocides, as demonstrated by their ability to kill drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and prevent fungal growth on food and plant materials.

Implementation Method 1

The compositions effectively inhibit and eradicate microbial infections without harming humans or wildlife, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional biocides, as demonstrated by their ability to kill drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and prevent fungal growth on food and plant materials.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial activity:

Implementation Method 2

The compositions effectively inhibit and eradicate microbial infections without harming humans or wildlife, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional biocides, as demonstrated by their ability to kill drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and prevent fungal growth on food and plant materials.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntifungal properties:

Data Source

PatentUS20230172199A1Antimicrobial Compositions and Related Methods of Use

Publication Date: 2023.06.08 JENEIL BIOSURFACTANT CO LLC

AI summary

Antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more compound components generally recognized as safe for human consumption, and related methods of use, such compositions and methods as can be employed in a wide range of agricultural, industrial, building, pharmaceutical and/or personal care products and applications.