Polycationic Polymer with Guanidine Groups for Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial polymers are limited in their ability to counteract a wide spectrum of microbes and can lead to microbial mutations, with leaching polymers facing stricter regulations and quaternary ammonium compounds being less effective against gram-negative bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A polycationic polymer with a cationic repeating unit containing a positively-charged protonated guanidine group and a balancing negatively-charged counterion, having a dispersity of 1.5 or higher, which effectively attracts and destroys microbial cell membranes without leaching or causing mutations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium group polymers are used for antimicrobial activity, then microbial cell membrane interaction is achieved, but the spectrum of counteracted microbes is limited and microbial mutations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from quaternary ammonium groups to protonated guanidine groups, which fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with microbial membranes. This parameter change enables broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while preventing microbial mutations, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the cationic polymer backbone with specifically designed guanidine functional groups. This composite approach integrates the structural stability of the polymer with the selective membrane-disrupting capability of guanidine, achieving both broad-spectrum efficacy and mutation prevention
2Reliability
If quaternary ammonium group polymers are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but microbial mutations are caused reducing long-term efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from quaternary ammonium groups to protonated guanidine groups, which fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with microbial membranes. This parameter change enables broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while preventing microbial mutations, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a polymer that prevents microbial adaptation before resistance can develop. The protonated guanidine groups create an irreversible membrane disruption mechanism that eliminates microbes before they can mutate, ensuring long-term efficacy without the development of resistant strains
3Reliability
If biocide-releasing polymers are used, then antimicrobial substance delivery is achieved, but leaching occurs requiring stricter compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for separate biocide substances by integrating antimicrobial activity directly into the polymer structure itself. The cationic polymer with protonated guanidine groups provides inherent antimicrobial activity without requiring additional leachable biocides, thereby eliminating leaching issues while maintaining reliable antimicrobial delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by designing a polymer that is self-active against microbes. The cationic polymer structure with protonated guanidine groups provides intrinsic antimicrobial activity, eliminating the need for separate biocide carriers and their associated leaching problems, thereby achieving both reliable delivery and substance retention
4Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used, then effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria is achieved, but effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from quaternary ammonium groups to protonated guanidine groups, which fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with microbial membranes. This parameter change enables broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while preventing microbial mutations, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
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 polycationic polymer demonstrates high efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, reducing the risk of microbial mutations and avoiding leaching issues, thus providing a broad-spectrum antimicrobial solution.
Implementation Method 1
This group is able to interact with the negatively-charged cytoplasmic membrane of the microbe. As a consequence, the intracellular components will leak out of the cell, causing cell death.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polycationic polymer, comprising a cationic repeating unit C, comprising a positively-charged protonated guanidine group, and a negatively-charged counterion, balancing the positive charge of this guanidine group, wherein the dispersity (Mw/Mn) of the polymer is 1,5 or higher, wherein the polycationic polymer comprises one or more than one further repeating unit, formed from a comonomer comprising a polymerizable group, wherein said at least one comonomer is a crosslinkable monomer, wherein the crosslinkable monomer is selected from benzophenone methacrylate (BPMA), benzophenone acrylate (BPA), a bifunctional acrylate or methacrylate, a trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate and a glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate. The invention further relates to a composition, comprising the polymer dissolved in a solvent, which solvent preferably is selected from an alcohol, water and/or a mixture thereof. The invention further relates to a product, comprising a functionalized surface, comprising a layer of the polycationic polymer and/or the composition, on the functionalized surface.