Sprayable Antimicrobial Teat Film Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing film-forming teat dip compositions for mastitis control are not suitable for spray application, often causing nozzle failure and inadequate protection due to excessive foam formation, which compromises their barrier properties.
Innovation Solution
A sprayable aqueous antimicrobial film-forming composition comprising a film-forming polymer, an antimicrobial agent, a hydrophobically-modified ethoxylated urethane as a rheology modifier, and optionally an anti-foaming agent, which provides good spray properties, wetting, and sticking properties on skin while forming a protective barrier against mastitis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing film-forming teat dip compositions are used, then antimicrobial barrier properties are achieved, but spray application is not possible due to nozzle failure and excessive foam formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the teat dip composition by incorporating specific surfactants (reducing surface tension), rheology modifiers (adjusting viscosity to 1-50 cP), and anti-foaming agents. These parameter changes enable the composition to be sprayable through standard agricultural spray equipment while maintaining film-forming and antimicrobial properties, resolving the contradiction between spray applicability and nozzle reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation combining film-forming polymers, antimicrobial agents, surfactants, rheology modifiers, and anti-foaming agents. This composite material achieves multiple functions simultaneously: sprayability, foam control, film formation, and antimicrobial activity, eliminating the need to choose between barrier properties and spray application capability
2Ease of operation
If existing film-forming compositions are sprayed, then application is attempted, but excessive foam formation compromises barrier properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anti-foaming agents and surfactants as intermediary substances that control foam formation during spray application. These intermediaries allow the composition to be sprayed effectively while preventing excessive foam that would compromise the barrier film integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of spray application and composition stability
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the viscosity parameter to 1-50 cP using rheology modifiers and incorporating anti-foaming agents, the patent changes the physical parameters of the composition to enable spray application without excessive foaming. These parameter modifications ensure the barrier film forms correctly while maintaining sprayability
3Reliability
If teat dips form thick barrier films, then mastitis protection is improved, but spray application becomes difficult and nozzle failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter to a low range (1-50 cP) using rheology modifiers, enabling the composition to flow easily through spray nozzles. Despite the low viscosity, the formulation maintains film-forming capability to provide mastitis protection, resolving the contradiction between spray applicability and protective barrier formation
Solution Approach 2:
The composite formulation combines low-viscosity rheology modifiers with film-forming polymers and antimicrobial agents. This composite approach allows the composition to spray easily through standard equipment while still forming effective protective barriers on the teat, eliminating the need to choose between sprayability and protection efficacy
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 composition effectively reduces the incidence of both contagious and environmental mastitis in dairy herds by forming a removable antimicrobial barrier that resists environmental exposure and can be easily reapplied, ensuring uninterrupted milking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobically-modified ethoxylated urethane as rheology modifier
Implementation Method 2
excessive foam formation, which compromises their barrier properties
Implementation Method 3
aqueous antimicrobial film-forming composition comprising a film-forming polymer
Implementation Method 4
an antimicrobial agent, which provides good spray properties, wetting, and sticking properties on skin while forming a protective barrier against mastitis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a sprayable aqueous antimicrobial film-forming composition comprising in an aqueous base:(a) a film-forming polymer;(b) an antimicrobial agent;(c) a hydrophobically-modified ethoxylated urethane as rheology modifier;(d) optionally, an anti-foaming agent.Further, the present invention refers to the use of the composition for controlling mastitis in milk producing animals and a method for controlling mastitis in milk producing animals comprising applying by spraying the composition to a teat.