Solid Antimicrobial Compositions with Water-Soluble Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quaternary ammonium-based antimicrobial compositions face challenges with slow solubility in water, leading to increased transportation costs, storage issues, and environmental impact due to their concentrated and heavy nature, as well as the need for extensive handling and packaging.
Innovation Solution
The development of antimicrobial compositions that include a quaternary ammonium compound combined with a water-soluble spacer compound, which enhances solubility and can be encapsulated in water-soluble packaging, allowing for more efficient dissolution and reduced packaging needs, thereby addressing the solubility and handling issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as concentrated liquid solutions, then solubility in water is improved, but weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid solution to solid powder form. The quaternary ammonium compound is converted into a dry powder composition that can be stored and transported in solid form, then dissolved in water at the point of use to achieve the desired liquid concentration for antimicrobial activity.
2Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as concentrated liquid solutions, then solubility in water is improved, but storage space and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid solution to solid powder form. The quaternary ammonium compound is converted into a dry powder composition that can be stored and transported in solid form, then dissolved in water at the point of use to achieve the desired liquid concentration for antimicrobial activity.
3Weight of moving object
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as solid powder, then weight and storage space are reduced, but solubility in water decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium. The solid powder composition is designed to be mixed with water at the point of use, creating a liquid solution that achieves the desired solubility and antimicrobial effectiveness. This intermediary step allows the product to benefit from both the storage advantages of solid form and the functional advantages of liquid form.
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 enhanced solubility of the antimicrobial compositions results in reduced transportation and storage costs, safer handling, and a smaller environmental footprint, enabling more efficient distribution and use while maintaining effective antimicrobial properties.
Implementation Method 1
a water-soluble spacer compound interspersed therewith
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally provides for antimicrobial compositions having enhanced solubility and methods of using the same. The antimicrobial compositions are suitable for reducing or preventing microorganism growth, viability, or survival. The antimicrobial compositions generally include at least one antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound and a water-soluble spacer compound or spacer interspersed therewith.