Polymers for microbicidal finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household surfaces and textiles are prone to microbial colonization by bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to hygiene risks and unsightly biofilms, with existing antimicrobial solutions being inadequate in preventing microbial growth and odor issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyalkyleneimines with specific molecular weight ranges and amino group ratios, applied through detergents or cleaning agents, to inhibit microbial colonization on textiles and hard surfaces, providing bactericidal and fungicidal properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional antimicrobial agents are used to treat surfaces, then microbial growth is temporarily inhibited, but the treatment requires frequent reapplication and does not provide long-lasting protection
Solution Approach 1:
The polyalkyleneimine polymer is covalently bound to the textile surface in advance, creating a permanent antimicrobial barrier that releases active amines over time. This preliminary bonding action ensures long-lasting protection without requiring frequent reapplication, as the polymer remains anchored to the fabric while gradually exerting its antimicrobial effect
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the controlled degradation of the polyalkyleneimine polymer over time, where the molecular weight and amino group ratio parameters change progressively. As the polymer degrades, it releases primary and secondary amines that maintain antimicrobial activity, creating a time-dependent release mechanism that extends protection duration while maintaining effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antimicrobial agents are applied to surfaces, then microbial colonization is reduced, but unpleasant odors caused by microbes persist
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of amine odors into a benefit by using the same amine groups that provide antimicrobial activity. The primary and secondary amines released from the polyalkyleneimine polymer create a mildly unpleasant odor that simultaneously serves as the active antimicrobial agent, eliminating microbes and their associated odors through the same mechanism
3Reliability
If polymeric antimicrobial agents are used, then microbial growth is inhibited, but the complexity of detergent or cleaning agent formulations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polyalkyleneimine polymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a detergent additive, provides antimicrobial protection to textiles, and maintains stability in the cleaning solution. This multi-functionality reduces formulation complexity by consolidating multiple roles into a single ingredient, eliminating the need for separate antimicrobial additives
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
Effectively prevents microbial growth and stability on treated surfaces, enhancing hygiene and reducing microbial odors, while being compatible with standard detergent or cleaning agent formulations.
Implementation Method 1
N-alkylated polyethyleneimines can be covalently bound to textile surfaces and exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal properties
Implementation Method 2
the growth of microorganisms was inhibited or at least significantly reduced
Data Source
AI summary
Use of polyalkyleneimine for the prevention of microbial colonization on textile surfaces and hard household surfaces, is claimed. An independent claim is included for use of a washing or cleaning composition, containing the polyalkyleneimine, for the prevention of microbial colonization of textile surfaces and hard household surfaces.