Silver Ion Cluster Composition Stabilized by Propylene Glycol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biocides and antibiotics have limited action spectra and continuous use has led to resistant bacterial strains, necessitating an effective alternative for treating bacterial and fungal infections across various fields.
Innovation Solution
A composition of silver ion clusters (Ag+) with an average particle size between 100 nm and 1500 nm, stabilized by weak interactions with propylene glycol and polar molecules, and hydrogen peroxide, which maintains stability at room temperature and under light, offering broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If silver ion clusters are stabilized with propylene glycol and polar molecules, then stability under light and at room temperature is improved, but solution viscosity and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Propylene glycol and polar molecules serve as intermediary stabilizing agents that bind to silver ion clusters through weak interactions, preventing aggregation and maintaining stability under light and room temperature conditions without requiring complex stabilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of silver ions to stabilizing molecules and controls particle size parameters to achieve maximum stability with minimal complexity, balancing the amount of propylene glycol and polar molecules used
2Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is added to prevent reduction to metallic silver, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but solution stability and handling difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the concentration of hydrogen peroxide within specific ranges to maintain antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing instability and handling difficulties, optimizing the balance between therapeutic effect and practical usability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the potential harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide instability by using it to maintain silver in the beneficial ionized state, converting the potential harm of peroxide decomposition into the benefit of sustained antimicrobial activity through prevented metallic silver formation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If silver ion clusters are used instead of metallic silver, then toxicity is reduced, but antimicrobial activity and shelf life may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle size parameters of silver ion clusters and their concentration to achieve maximum antimicrobial activity at reduced toxicity levels, maintaining long shelf life through stable cluster formation with propylene glycol and polar molecules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system where silver ion clusters are stabilized by propylene glycol and polar molecules, combining the low toxicity of ionic silver with the enhanced stability and activity of clustered structures, achieving both reduced harm and sustained effectiveness
4Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is achieved, then resistance development is reduced, but selectivity and potential side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables selective antimicrobial action where silver ion clusters preferentially target and interact with microbial cells while minimizing effects on host cells, achieving broad-spectrum activity against different pathogens while reducing side effects through localized interaction at the microbial surface
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 silver ion clusters demonstrate strong antibacterial and antifungal activity against resistant strains, with extended shelf life and reduced toxicity, suitable for use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, agricultural, and cosmetic applications, effectively preventing microbial infections.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen peroxide which, in an acid environment with pH values comprised between 2 and 5, prevents the reduction to metallic silver of the ionized silver present in the cluster
Implementation Method 2
bound together by weak interactions (weak interactions means, in particular, interactions with similar energy to that of hydrogen bonds or external sphere coordination) with the hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol and/or of other molecules or other polymers with polar groups
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising silver ion clusters, stable when exposed to light and at room temperature, soluble in water, having antibacterial and antimycotic properties. Furthermore, the invention relates to the preparation of a supramolecular structure consisting of a composition comprising clusters of silver ions bound together with propylene glycol bridges. The invention further relates to the use of such composition comprising clusters as antimicrobial agents for producing formulations for treating or preventing bacterial and fungal infections. The presence of hydrogen peroxide allows the silver ion Ag+ clusters in an oxidation state of +1 to be stabilized and to extend the shelf life thereof. The Ag+ clusters of the present invention constitute a valid alternative to antibiotics known in the prior art.