Powder Metal Ion Disinfectant Composition for Long-Lasting Surface Sterility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a light stable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive powder disinfectant composition that effectively eliminates pathogens such as bacteria, mold, and viruses on various articles, including personal protective equipment (PPE), to prevent their spread and maintain pathogenic sterility for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A powder disinfectant composition comprising 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % of a metal salt, 40.0 wt % to 94.9 wt % of a chelating agent, and 5.0 wt % to 50 wt % of a hydrophilic polymer, with less than 0.1 wt % residual water, which disrupts pathogen cell walls and maintains contact through the polymer, achieving a greater than 99% kill rate in 5 minutes or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powder disinfectant composition is formulated to achieve greater than 99% pathogen kill rate in 5 minutes or less, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the formulation complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration ranges of metal salts (0.1-10.0 wt%), chelating agents (40.0-94.9 wt%), and hydrophilic polymers (5.0-50.0 wt%). By optimizing these compositional parameters within specific ranges, the formulation achieves rapid pathogen elimination while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The precise parameter control ensures consistent disinfection performance without excessive formulation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining three distinct functional components: metal salts (for antimicrobial activity), chelating agents (for stability and metal ion management), and hydrophilic polymers (for adhesion and contact maintenance). This composite approach synergistically enhances disinfection effectiveness while distributing functional requirements across multiple components, thereby reducing the complexity burden on any single ingredient.
2Reliability
If the powder disinfectant composition uses metal ions for pathogen elimination, then the antimicrobial activity is improved, but the risk of oxidation and corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chelating agents as intermediary substances that bind to metal ions, forming stable complexes. This intermediary role of the chelating agent prevents direct oxidation reactions between metal ions and pathogens while maintaining the antimicrobial activity. The chelating agent acts as a mediator that controls metal ion reactivity, reducing harmful oxidation and corrosion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic polymer component creates a protective environment around the metal ions, effectively isolating them from oxygen and moisture that would cause oxidation. This polymer matrix acts as an inert protective layer, allowing the metal ions to maintain their antimicrobial function without undergoing unwanted oxidation reactions that would lead to corrosion.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the powder disinfectant composition maintains pathogenic sterility for extended periods (up to 60 days), then the duration of action is improved, but the stability requirements and storage conditions become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates water from the composition by maintaining residual water content below 0.1 wt%. This extraction of water, which is a primary medium for oxidation and degradation reactions, dramatically enhances the stability of the powder formulation. By removing this destabilizing element, the composition can maintain pathogenic sterility for extended periods without requiring stringent storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic polymer performs preliminary action by establishing strong adhesion to surfaces during the application phase. This initial bonding action ensures the disinfectant remains in contact with the surface throughout the 60-day period, preventing premature detachment or degradation. The preliminary adhesion action secures the formulation's position and integrity for long-term durability.
4Reliability
If the hydrophilic polymer is used to maintain contact with surfaces and prevent oxidation, then the adhesion and protection are improved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic polymer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adhesion to surfaces, prevents oxidation of metal ions, maintains formulation stability, and extends the duration of action. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single polymer component, the patent reduces overall formulation complexity compared to using separate additives for each function. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the formulation while enhancing reliability.
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 composition exhibits antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, maintaining pathogenic sterility for up to 60 days on treated articles without causing corrosion or toxicity, and is easily prepared and stable under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a chelating agent... The hydrophilic polymer prevents oxidation of the at least one metal ion
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophilic polymer prevents oxidation of the at least one metal ion and maintains contact with a variety of surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides powder metal ion disinfectant compositions, methods for preparing powder metal ion disinfectant compositions, and methods of disinfecting an article and/or maintaining the pathogenic sterility of the article using the solid powder metal ion disinfectant composition. These solid powder disinfectant compositions are light stable heat stable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, achieve a greater than 99% kill rate of a variety of pathogens for up to 60 days on a variety of surfaces, and do not contain nanoparticles.