Soap Bar Silver Ion Solubility Antibacterial Activity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High pH soap bars have limited biocidal activity against Gram positive bacteria, such as S. aureus, within the short contact times typical of bar use, which is problematic for effective skin cleansing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating selected silver(I) compounds with specific silver ion solubility values into soap bars, even at low concentrations, enhances the biocidal activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria by modifying the microbial environment to enable soap molecules to act as biocides, while providing cost and sensory benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pH soap bars are used for skin cleansing, then effective removal of organisms from skin is achieved, but biocidal activity against Gram positive bacteria is considerably limited within typical contact times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates silver(I) compounds with specific solubility parameters into the soap bar formulation. By selecting silver compounds with appropriate solubility values (as specified in the patent), the system achieves enhanced biocidal activity against Gram positive bacteria within short contact times while maintaining the high pH characteristics of the soap bar
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite soap bar formulation that combines traditional high pH soap components with silver(I) compounds. This composite material integrates the cleansing properties of high pH soap with the biocidal properties of silver, achieving both effective organism removal and enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria within typical usage contact times
2Reliability
If silver(I) compounds are incorporated into soap bars to enhance biocidal activity, then antibacterial effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies incorporating silver(I) compounds at particular localized concentrations within the soap bar matrix. By controlling the distribution and concentration of silver compounds in specific regions of the formulation, the patent achieves enhanced antibacterial effectiveness while managing manufacturing complexity through targeted rather than uniform distribution
3Quantity of substance
If silver(I) compounds with specific solubility values are used at low concentrations, then cost and sensory benefits are achieved, but biocidal activity may be insufficient without the soap matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges silver(I) compounds with the soap bar matrix to create a synergistic system. By combining the biocidal properties of silver with the cleansing and delivery mechanism of the soap, the patent achieves effective biocidal activity at low silver concentrations that would be insufficient when silver is used alone in water at comparable pH levels
Solution Approach 2:
The soap bar matrix acts as an intermediary that delivers and activates the silver(I) compounds. The soap matrix facilitates the release and effectiveness of low concentrations of silver compounds, enabling them to achieve biocidal activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria within short contact times
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 soap bars achieve significant Log10 Reduction against S. aureus, demonstrating enhanced antibacterial activity at contact times of 30 seconds or less, with improved effectiveness against both Gram positive and negative bacteria, and when combined with essential oils like thymol and terpineol, exhibit excellent antibacterial effects.
Implementation Method 1
such compositions commonly have biocidal action against many Gram negative bacteria
Implementation Method 2
enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
the removal of organisms from the skin through the cleansing/detergency action of such products
Data Source
AI summary
A soap bar comprising: (a) 25 to 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the bar, of fatty acid soap; (b) 0.1 to 100 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the bar, of at least one silver (I) compound having a selected silver ion solubility, wherein at 25° C., a 1 wt % solution of the bar in water has a pH of from 9 to 11.