Water Soluble Polyacrylate Silver Salt Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial agents, particularly silver salts, face issues with residual toxicity, short-term efficacy, and low water solubility, limiting their effectiveness and environmental impact, while there is a need for water-soluble antimicrobial polymers that combine the benefits of silver ions with polymer properties.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt is synthesized by metal ion exchange, adjusting the molar ratio of silver carboxylic to sodium carboxylic groups to ensure high water solubility, using ultrafiltration to remove impurities and achieve a high silver content, and employing silver nitrate or acetate for their high solubility and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silver salts are used as antimicrobial agents, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but water solubility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining silver ions with polyacrylate polymer chains to form polyacrylate silver salt. This composite material integrates the antimicrobial properties of silver with the water solubility of the polymer, resolving the contradiction between antimicrobial efficacy and water solubility. The polymer chain acts as a carrier that maintains silver's biological activity while providing hydrophilicity.
2Reliability
If small molecule silver salts are used, then antimicrobial effect is achieved, but residual toxicity to environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular size parameter from small molecule to polymer chain scale. By incorporating silver ions into a large polymer structure, the material's physical and chemical parameters change, including reduced ability to accumulate in biological systems and altered toxicity profile. The polymer backbone modifies the bioavailability and persistence of silver in the environment.
3Reliability
If small molecule antimicrobial agents are used, then antimicrobial action is achieved, but duration of action is short
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer structure provides continuous antimicrobial action through multiple silver ions attached to each polymer chain. As the polymer releases silver ions gradually, the antimicrobial effect continues over an extended period. The multi-site attachment of silver ions to the polymer backbone ensures sustained availability of antimicrobial agents, creating continuous protection rather than transient action.
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 resulting polyacrylate silver salt exhibits excellent antimicrobial performance, maintaining solubility and efficacy, reducing environmental impact and extending the antimicrobial effect, as demonstrated by its ability to prevent mold growth on toast in a humid environment.
Implementation Method 1
A water-soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt is synthesized by metal ion exchange
Implementation Method 2
using ultrafiltration to remove impurities and achieve a high silver content
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is about a water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt. The molecular chain of the polyacrylate silver salt comprises sodium carboxylic group(-COONa) and silver carboxylic group(-COOAg). It is synthesized by dissolving an polyacrylate polymer comprising sodium carboxylic group (-COONa) in water and then exchanging the sodium carboxylic group of the polyacrylate polymer to silver carboxylic group(-COOAg) using silver salt in aqueous solution. Ultrafiltration membrane is used to remove the sodium salt generated from the metal ion exchanging procedure. An aqueous solution of water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt with very few impurity is obtained. The water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt is then obtain- ned from the aqueous solution. The molar ratio of -COOAg to -COONa of thus obtained water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt can be as high as 66/34.