Photochemical cross-linkable polymers, methods of making photochemical cross-linkable polymers, methods of using photochemical cross-linkable polymers, and methods of making articles containing photochemical cross-linkable polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial agents face challenges in effectively addressing microbial infections in various commercial applications such as textiles, food packaging, and medical devices, as they often require frequent application and can release harmful substances into the environment.
Innovation Solution
Development of a polymer composition comprising a linear or branched polyethylenimine polymer quaternized with a hydrophobic side chain and a photo cross-linkable moiety, which is covalently bonded to surfaces using UV light, creating an antimicrobial coating that inhibits microbial growth without leaching biocides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antimicrobial agents are applied frequently to maintain effectiveness, then microbial infection prevention is improved, but environmental contamination and substance loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating surfaces with antimicrobial polymers before microbial contamination occurs. The polymer coating is applied in advance through methods such as dip-coating, spray-coating, or spin-coating, allowing the antimicrobial agent to be positioned on the surface before it is needed, thereby eliminating the need for frequent reapplication and reducing environmental release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin polymer film coating that adheres to the substrate surface. This flexible thin film contains the antimicrobial agent within the polymer matrix, preventing leaching into the environment while maintaining continuous antimicrobial protection. The thin film structure allows the antimicrobial properties to be sustained without requiring frequent replenishment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If polymer coating is applied to achieve covalent bonding and durability, then antimicrobial durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical bonding processes with photochemical bonding. Instead of using mechanical fastening, heat treatment, or multi-step chemical processes to achieve durable bonding, the invention uses UV light irradiation to initiate photo-crosslinking of the polymer coating, forming strong covalent bonds with the substrate in a single, simplified step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing UV light irradiation to transform the polymer from a non-crosslinked state to a crosslinked state. This change in the chemical parameter (crosslinking degree) of the polymer enables strong adhesion to the substrate and provides durable antimicrobial protection, achieving long-lasting performance through a simple parameter change rather than complex manufacturing steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If photo-crosslinkable polymers are used to create covalent bonds with surfaces, then coating stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable UV irradiation step to achieve stable coating bonding. The UV light exposure is a transient, single-use process that permanently crosslinks the polymer coating to the substrate. This approach achieves high stability through a simple, temporary energy input rather than requiring precise, continuous control during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the photo-crosslinking step immediately after coating application, while the polymer is still wet or freshly applied. This timing ensures uniform UV exposure and consistent crosslinking throughout the coating, achieving high stability without requiring complex precision control, as the process is completed in one straightforward step before the coating dries or cures.
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 polymer coating demonstrates high antimicrobial efficacy, killing over 99% of bacteria on treated surfaces and maintaining effectiveness even after sonication and extended washing, providing a durable and environmentally friendly solution for reducing microbial contamination.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the polymer to a UV light, wherein the interaction of the polymer with the UV light causes the polymer to covalently bond with the surface
Implementation Method 2
The polymer coating demonstrates high antimicrobial efficacy, killing over 99% of bacteria on treated surfaces and maintaining effectiveness even after sonication and extended washing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, materials, methods of attaching materials, and the like.