Pre-Activated N-Halamine Copolymer for Long-Lasting Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial products provide only short-term relief and are associated with issues such as selective antimicrobial behavior, corrosiveness, leaching, short shelf-life stability, high expense, and non-rechargeability, leading to the need for frequent sanitization and potential development of antibiotic resistance.
Innovation Solution
Development of rechargeable N-halamine moieties pre-activated with a halogen, integrated into a copolymer composition with monomers like sulfonic acid acrylic, diacrylate, and quaternary ammonium monomers, allowing for long-term antimicrobial protection without a secondary activation step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If commonly used antimicrobial products and disinfectants are applied to surfaces, then short-term antimicrobial protection is achieved, but the protection duration is limited and frequent reapplication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The N-halamine moiety is pre-activated with a halogen source during the polymerization process or prior to application, eliminating the need for secondary activation steps. This preliminary activation ensures the antimicrobial agent is ready for immediate and sustained action upon surface application, extending protection duration without requiring frequent reapplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the chemical state of the N-halamine from unactivated to pre-activated form, changing its functional parameters. The pre-activated N-halamine maintains stable halogen content over time while releasing it controllably during use, thereby extending the duration of antimicrobial action from hours to days or weeks.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If rechargeable N-halamine moieties pre-activated with halogen are used, then long-term antimicrobial protection is achieved, but the complexity of activation process may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the activation step with the application step by incorporating the halogen source directly into the polymerization process or pre-mixing it with the N-halamine precursor. This combination eliminates separate activation procedures, reducing process complexity while enabling long-term protection through the rechargeable nature of the N-halamine moiety.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-activated N-halamine polymer is designed to self-regulate its halogen release based on environmental conditions such as pH or presence of microorganisms. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external activation systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving extended duration of action.
3Ease of operation
If N-halamine moieties are pre-activated with halogen source, then secondary activation step is eliminated, but the stability during storage may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer structure is designed with localized regions that protect the pre-activated N-halamine moiety from degradation during storage. The copolymer matrix provides a protective environment that maintains halogen stability while allowing controlled release during use, thus achieving both ease of operation and storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite copolymer structure combining N-halamine-containing monomers with other functional monomers that provide structural stability and protect the halogenated groups. This composite material approach maintains composition stability during storage while enabling simple application and long-term effectiveness.
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 pre-activated N-halamine moieties offer long-lasting, reusable, and cost-effective antimicrobial protection against a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with minimal environmental impact and resistance development.
Implementation Method 1
n anti-microbial properties by releasing halogen
Implementation Method 2
adhered on the surface of the body or incorporated throughout the body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods, and treated surfaces that comprise a co-polymer composition comprising a rechargeable N-halamine moiety and one or more monomers. The compositions are pre-halogenated for providing a single step application for antimicrobial use without the need for a subsequent chlorine application for activation of antimicrobial properties. The copolymers provide for effective and rapid inactivation of bacteria and viruses, with improved solubility and stability.