Protocatechuic Acid Residual Coating for Sustained SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective treatments and preventive measures against the highly contagious COVID-19 virus SARS CoV-2, which has unique clinical manifestations and is resistant to existing therapeutic methods, with no known prophylactic or therapeutic drugs available, and current containment measures are limited to chemical disinfectants that are ineffective on dry surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising protocatechuic acid (PCA) in both dry and liquid forms are used to inactivate SARS CoV-2 by physically disrupting its viral structure, applied through various methods such as sanitizing skin, disinfecting personal protective equipment, and fogging in public spaces, as well as oral, intravenous, and intraperitoneal treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used to contain SARS CoV-2, then virus inactivation is achieved, but the disinfectants are ineffective on dry surfaces and require continuous application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a residual coating of protocatechuic acid crystals on surfaces before viral exposure. The crystals are deposited in advance and remain active on the surface, providing continuous antiviral protection without requiring continuous application of the disinfectant solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action through the residual coating mechanism. The protocatechuic acid crystals form a persistent layer that maintains virucidal activity over time, ensuring continuous virus inactivation capability on surfaces without interruption or reapplication.
2Reliability
If physical disruption of viral structure is used to inactivate SARS CoV-2, then effective treatment is achieved, but the method requires development of new therapeutic formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the physical state transformation of protocatechuic acid between crystalline and amorphous forms. The crystal structure provides mechanical disruption of the viral envelope, while the amorphous form enhances solubility and bioavailability for therapeutic formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical therapeutic systems with a simpler physical mechanism - the crystal structure of protocatechuic acid providing mechanical disruption to the viral envelope. This substitution simplifies the therapeutic approach while maintaining effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive testing and tracking measures are implemented to manage COVID-19, then transmission monitoring is improved, but the measures are costly and do not provide therapeutic benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by providing a therapeutic agent that actively inactivates the virus without requiring external monitoring or intervention systems. The protocatechuic acid composition performs the therapeutic function autonomously, eliminating the need for costly testing and tracking infrastructure while providing direct treatment benefit.
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
PCA effectively inactivates SARS CoV-2 by providing a residual antiviral coating that maintains virucidal activity for an extended period, reducing transmission and treating infected individuals, with its safety and low cost facilitating widespread clinical application.
Implementation Method 1
The virus is physically disrupted when it comes in physical contact with protocatechuic acid crystals and therefore renders the virus pathologically inactivated.
Implementation Method 2
PCA effectively inactivates SARS CoV-2 by providing a residual antiviral coating that maintains virucidal activity for an extended period
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to methods of using compositions comprising protocatechuic acid (PCA) to kill virus including a Covid-19 virus. The compositions generally comprise protocatechuic acid, a liquid vehicle, and a stabilizer. In embodiments, the liquid vehicle comprises an alcohol and/or water. In preferred embodiments, the oil is an essential oil. In embodiments, the compositions may comprise principally protocatechuic acid, liquid vehicle, and stabilizer as the main ingredients. The compositions may be sprayed onto various products and articles of manufacture, and mammalian and human skin, to kill virus including a Covid-19 virus and to further protect the product or human skin for a period of time up to 24 hours or more. In preferred embodiments, an alcohol component kills virus on contact, and after drying, the residual surface PCA coating provides a continuing anti-viral function.