pH-Adjusted Antiseptic Solution Stability and Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antiseptic solutions face challenges in maintaining chemical stability during storage while ensuring microbiological activity upon application, as the pH required for stability differs from that needed for effective antimicrobial activity.
Innovation Solution
An antiseptic solution with a pH-dependent antimicrobial agent that has an operative pH range, utilizing a pH-lowering agent to maintain stability during storage and adjusting to the operative pH range upon activation, combined with an applicator design that includes a pledget and interaction agents to control liquid flow and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pH of the antiseptic solution is adjusted to maintain chemical stability during storage, then the chemical stability is improved, but the microbiological activity upon application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the antiseptic solution to a specific range (pH 2.0-4.0) that optimizes both chemical stability during storage and microbiological activity upon application. This involves changing the chemical parameter (pH) to resolve the contradiction between stability and activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the pH of the antiseptic solution during manufacturing to the optimal range before storage. This preliminary pH adjustment ensures that the solution maintains chemical stability during storage while retaining microbiological activity for when it is applied, eliminating the need for post-storage pH modification
2Reliability
If the pH of the antiseptic solution is increased to enhance microbiological activity, then the antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but the chemical stability during storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the pH within the range of 2.0-4.0, which is optimized to provide both chemical stability and antimicrobial efficacy. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the pH window that satisfies both requirements simultaneously
3Reliability
If the antiseptic solution is stored at its operative pH range, then the microbiological activity is maintained, but the degradation rate increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH to the specific range of 2.0-4.0, which creates an optimal balance between maintaining microbiological activity and minimizing degradation over time. This pH optimization extends shelf life while preserving 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 solution achieves extended shelf life with reduced degradant formation and maintains effective microbiological activity upon application, ensuring both chemical stability and antimicrobial efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the solution has a pH on storage that is lower than the operative pH range
Data Source
AI summary
An antiseptic solution comprising a pH-dependent antimicrobial agent, the pH-dependent antimicrobial agent having an operative pH range, wherein the solution has a pH on storage that is lower than the operative pH range. Applicators for applying the antiseptic solution and methods of using the antiseptic solution and applicators are also provided.