Antimicrobial Skin Solution for Nonflammable Surgical Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Alcohol-based preoperative skin solutions are flammable and pose a fire risk in surgical settings, while non-alcohol based solutions may not achieve timely and effective microbial reduction.

Innovation Solution

An antimicrobial solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate and benzyl alcohol, which is non-flammable and maintains effective microbial reduction, allowing for a shorter drying time before surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alcohol-based preoperative skin solutions are used, then microbial reduction effectiveness is improved, but fire risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial reduction effectivenessVSAvoidfire risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the preoperative skin solution by using chlorhexidine gluconate (2-4% w/v) and benzyl alcohol (0.5-2% w/v) instead of traditional high-concentration alcohol formulations. This parameter change maintains effective microbial reduction while eliminating the fire hazard associated with alcohol-based solutions, directly resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-alcohol based antimicrobial solutions are used, then fire risk is reduced, but microbial reduction timeliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire riskVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite antimicrobial formulation combining chlorhexidine gluconate (a biguanide antiseptic) with benzyl alcohol (a penetration enhancer and preservative). This composite material achieves both non-flammability and rapid microbial action, with the benzyl alcohol component enhancing the penetration and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate, thereby reducing the required drying time while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively kills and reduces microorganisms on the skin surface within a shorter time frame, reducing the risk of fire and ensuring surgical safety.

Implementation Method 1

An antimicrobial solution comprising a biguanide, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, as a primary active ingredient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Implementation Method 2

The antimicrobial solutions described herein exhibit advantages properties as compared to previously described antimicrobial CHG solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPenetration enhancement:

Data Source

PatentUS12357594B1Antimicrobial solution for pre-operative preparation

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 SAGE PROD LLC

AI summary

A method for the preparation of a patient's skin prior to surgery includes applying a volume of an antiseptic solution to the skin surface prior to surgery in an amount effective to reduce bacteria on the skin surface; and allowing the antiseptic solution to stand on the skin surface for less than three minutes before commencing surgery. The antiseptic solution includes a biguanide and benzyl alcohol, and is comparable to an antiseptic solution containing at least 60% isopropyl alcohol or at least 60% ethyl alcohol at reducing bacteria.