Pyridinium Ester Cleaning Compositions for Safe Streak-Free Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for antibacterial compositions that are environmentally friendly, safe for human use, effective against tough greasy soils, and provide shine without streaks, particularly for food contact surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The use of pyridinium esters in an antimicrobial composition, combined with surfactants and solvents, to create a cleaning solution that is effective against bacteria and fungi on hard surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antimicrobial compositions are used, then antibacterial efficacy is achieved, but environmental safety and human safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental and human safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the antimicrobial agent by using pyridinium esters with specific molecular weights (200-500 g/mol) and defined functional groups, replacing conventional quaternary ammonium compounds to achieve both efficacy and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite antimicrobial system combining pyridinium ester with surfactant and solvent components, where each component contributes specific properties: pyridinium ester provides antimicrobial activity, surfactant enables cleaning and dispersion, and solvent ensures proper formulation and application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If strong antimicrobial actives are used, then antibacterial efficacy is improved, but biodegradability and environmental friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial efficacyVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes molecular weight parameters (200-500 g/mol) and structural complexity of pyridinium esters to balance antimicrobial potency with biodegradability, ensuring the compound is effective yet environmentally friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs biodegradable pyridinium esters that break down after use, replacing persistent conventional antimicrobials with environmentally benign alternatives that fulfill their function temporarily then degrade naturally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If cleaning strength is increased to handle tough greasy soils, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but streaking and residue on surfaces worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidsurface finish quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates a composite cleaning system where pyridinium ester combines with surfactant components to achieve synergistic effects: the antimicrobial agent contributes to soil removal while the surfactant system ensures streak-free drying and uniform surface finish

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the local chemical properties of the formulation by selecting specific surfactant and solvent combinations that provide targeted cleaning action on greasy soils while leaving uniform, streak-free surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are added to achieve broad functionality, then cleaning and antimicrobial performance is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroad functionalityVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pyridinium ester as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides antimicrobial activity, cleaning enhancement, and surface protection, reducing the need for separate additives and simplifying the overall formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4374698B1Pyridinium esters

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A pyridinium ester according to Formula I wherein 1/n Xn- is a counterion; wherein n is 1 or 2; wherein one of R2 and R3 is H and the other is selected from the group consisting of Formula II, Formula III and Formula IV, wherein ∗ represents the point of attachment to the heteroaryl ring, wherein Formula III is selected from the group consisting of a Z- configuration, an E-configuration, and mixtures thereof, preferably an E-configuration, wherein when R2 is H, R1 is a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, C4-C12 hydrocarbyl group; when R3 is H, R1 is a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, C1-C12 hydrocarbyl group, and wherein each R4 is independently selected from hydrogen and a C1-C4 hydrocarbyl group and wherein R5 is a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, C4-C12 hydrocarbyl group, preferably R5 is a branched or unbranched C6-C8 saturated hydrocarbyl group.