Silver-Zinc Antimicrobial Compositions in Ceramic Matrices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antimicrobial additives, particularly organic chemical ones, face issues such as leaching, health concerns, and resistance development, while natural silver-based additives offer stability and efficacy but require enhanced properties for broader applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of antimicrobial compositions comprising a matrix material with silver and zinc distributed throughout, using SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, or Zeolite as the matrix, which exhibit antibacterial, acaricidal, antifungal, and antiviral properties, providing a non-toxic and long-lasting solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If organic chemical additives are used as antimicrobial agents, then antimicrobial efficacy is achieved, but health concerns and resistance development occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidhealth concerns and resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from organic chemicals to natural silver-based compounds, fundamentally altering the antimicrobial mechanism while eliminating health concerns and resistance issues associated with organic additives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining silver-based compounds with polymer matrices, achieving both antimicrobial efficacy and safety by integrating natural silver properties into durable composite structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If chemical additives are used to provide antimicrobial properties, then bactericidal activity is achieved, but leaching occurs leading to reduced effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebactericidal activityVSAvoidleaching resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material stability parameter by using natural silver-based compounds that are inherently resistant to leaching, maintaining constant antimicrobial effectiveness throughout the product lifecycle without degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention eliminates the need for replenishing antimicrobial additives by using stable silver-based compounds that maintain effectiveness throughout the entire product life, replacing the need for periodic replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If natural silver-based additives are used, then stability and lack of leaching are achieved, but enhanced properties are needed for broader applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and non-leachingVSAvoidapplication breadth

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops composite materials combining silver-based compounds with various polymer matrices and functional coatings, enabling the stable silver core to be adapted for diverse applications including medical devices, packaging, textiles, and consumer goods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal antimicrobial platform where silver-based compounds can be integrated into multiple product types and applications, providing both stability and versatility through a single core technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 compositions demonstrate enhanced antimicrobial activity, stability, and safety, effectively inhibiting a wide range of microorganisms without leaching, thus addressing the limitations of existing additives.

Implementation Method 1

Nanomaterials by definition have at least one dimension in the nanometer scale. Currently being added to polymers, nanomaterials aim at stimulating changes in the physical, chemical and mechanical polymeric behaviors, or to confer entirely new properties to polymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNanoparticle contact inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

The invention is generally directed to antimicrobial composition comprising a matrix material and both of silver and zinc distributed there through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS9686997B2Antimicrobial compositions and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 NANOX TECH LLC

AI summary

The invention is generally directed to antimicrobial composition comprising a matrix material and both of silver and zinc distributed there through, wherein the matrix material comprises at least one of Si02, Ti02, Zr02, AI203, or Zeolite, and the uses of such compositions as antibacterial and acaricidal. The invention is also generally directed to antimicrobial composition comprising a matrix material arid both of silver and a metal selected from the group of noble or transition metals distributed there through, wherein the matrix material comprises at least one of Si02, Ti02, Zr02, AI203, or Zeolite, and the uses of such compositions as antibacterial and acaricidal.