Self-sterilized collagen via antimicrobial agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization methods for collagen products, such as gamma and beta irradiation or ethylene oxide fumigation, damage the triple-helical conformation of collagen, are costly, time-consuming, and leave toxic residues, making them ineffective and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of antimicrobially active agents like chlorhexidine or polyhexamethylene biguanide to aqueous collagen solutions or suspensions to create self-sterilized, antiseptic collagen preparations that can be processed into various products without impairing their efficacy or compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (gamma/beta irradiation or ethylene oxide fumigation) are used, then sterility is achieved, but the triple-helical conformation of collagen is damaged and toxic residues remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding antimicrobial agents to the collagen preparation during the manufacturing process, before the product is finished. This pre-sterilization approach ensures that the collagen is already protected against microorganisms, eliminating the need for subsequent harsh sterilization treatments that would damage the collagen structure or leave toxic residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses antimicrobial agents as intermediaries to achieve sterility without directly exposing the collagen to damaging sterilization methods. These agents act as mediators that kill or inhibit microorganisms while being compatible with the collagen structure, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving sterility and preserving collagen integrity.
2Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then sterility is achieved, but manufacturing costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating antimicrobial agents during the manufacturing process itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate, time-consuming sterilization steps. This preliminary action integrates the sterilization function into the production workflow, reducing both manufacturing time and costs while ensuring sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The antimicrobial agents serve multiple functions: they provide sterilization, prevent recontamination during storage and handling, and maintain product stability. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity, time, and cost.
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
Ensures the sterility of collagen preparations, allows for long-term preservation, maintains product compatibility and quality, and reduces manufacturing costs by using small amounts of antimicrobial agents, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional sterilization methods.
Implementation Method 1
adding thereto an antimicrobially active agent (i.e., an antiseptic) in such an amount that microorganisms are killed or their growth is inhibited
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for sterilizing a collagen preparation and for production of self-sterilized, antiseptic collagen preparations. The preparations may be used for producing collagen products, such as sponges, films or gels, especially for medical and/or cosmetic purposes.