Selective Polymer Surface Modification via Photochemical Radical Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for modifying polymer molded bodies, such as corona discharge and chemical treatments using heavy metal oxidizing agents, are inefficient in selectively binding target molecules and pose environmental and toxicity concerns, with limited ability to selectively modify desired regions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving light irradiation of a compound radical in the presence of a polymer molded body to selectively modify its surface, allowing for the subsequent binding of target molecules through a linker molecule, using radicals containing Group 15, 16, and 17 elements like chlorine dioxide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If physical modifying treatments (corona discharge, plasma discharge) are used to modify polymer surfaces, then adhesion and water repellency are improved, but the ability to selectively modify desired regions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselectivity of modificationVSAvoidefficiency of binding
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using light irradiation with masks to modify only specific regions of the polymer molded body surface. The mask covers areas where modification is not desired, allowing selective chemical modification only at exposed regions through photochemical reactions with compound radicals, thereby achieving both selectivity and efficient binding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If chemical treatment using heavy metal oxidizing agents is used to modify polymer surfaces, then chemical modification is achieved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical modification capabilityVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing heavy metal oxidizing agents with compound radicals generated through light irradiation. This substitution maintains chemical modification capability while eliminating toxicity, as the compound radicals (containing groups 15, 16, or 17 elements) decompose into harmless products after the photochemical reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical system of heavy metal oxidizing agents with a photochemical system using light irradiation and compound radicals. This substitution eliminates the harmful toxicity associated with heavy metals while achieving the same chemical modification function through optical energy activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional chemical treatments are used to bind target molecules, then binding is achieved, but selectivity for desired regions is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding efficiencyVSAvoidselectivity of binding
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first performing light irradiation with masks to create reactive sites only in desired regions before introducing the target molecule. This pre-modification step ensures that subsequent binding occurs selectively at activated regions, achieving both high binding efficiency and precise spatial selectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables selective and efficient modification of polymer surfaces, allowing for targeted binding of molecules like toluidine blue, NBD-PZ, and proteins, improving reactivity and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating a compound radical with light in a reaction system including a polymer molded body and the compound radical to modify a selected surface of the polymer molded body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochemical reaction: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a method using a heavy metal oxidizing agent is known... irradiating a compound radical with light... to modify a selected surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3733748B1Method for selectively binding target molecule to polymer molded body and method for producing target molecule-bound polymer molded body using same
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 EARTH CORP
  • EP3733748B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3733748B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3733748B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention provides a new method for modifying a polymer molded body and binding a target molecule. The method for selectively binding a target molecule to a polymer molded body of the present invention includes: a pretreatment step of irradiating a selected surface of a polymer molded body with light in the presence of a compound radical; and a binding step of reacting a target molecule with the polymer molded body after the pretreatments to bind the target molecule to the selected surface of the polymer molded body, wherein the compound radical is a radical containing one element selected from the group consisting of Group 15 elements and Group 16 elements, and a Group 17 element.