Sterilizing Polymerizable Monomers With Acylating Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing polymerizable monomers, particularly those used in radical polymerization, face challenges due to the high resistance of endospores and the limitations of physical and chemical sterilization techniques, which often result in incomplete sterilization or the introduction of toxic residues, especially in low-water environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mixture containing an acylating agent, such as β-propiolactone, and a small amount of water or alcohol, which effectively sterilizes polymerizable monomers without premature curing or hydrolysis, ensuring the absence of toxic residues and maintaining the polymerization integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional physical sterilization methods (gamma irradiation, electron bombardment, UV irradiation, heat sterilization, autoclaving) are used on polymerizable monomers, then sterilization is attempted, but premature radical polymerization occurs and inadvertent curing results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator substance that selectively interacts with microorganisms to achieve sterilization without triggering polymerization of the monomer. This intermediary agent enables differentiation between biological targets and chemical polymerization processes, resolving the contradiction between sterilization efficacy and polymerization stability.
2Reliability
If steam sterilization is used on polymerizable monomers, then sterilization is attempted, but hydrolysis of the monomer occurs and polymerization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sterilization process by using alternative sterilizing agents with different chemical properties that do not cause hydrolysis. This parameter change allows achieving sterilization while preserving the monomer's chemical stability and polymerization capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If polymerizable monomers are used in low-water environments for sterilization, then polymerization integrity is maintained, but endospore resistance prevents effective sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different chemical agents with specific properties tailored for low-water environments. These agents have localized effectiveness against endospores in anhydrous conditions, overcoming the general limitation of water-dependent sterilization methods while maintaining polymerization integrity.
4Reliability
If chemical sterilization agents are used on polymerizable monomers, then sterilization is attempted, but toxic residues are introduced into the monomer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sterilizing agents that are either volatile and evaporate completely, or react completely to form non-toxic products, effectively making the sterilization process disposable without leaving harmful residues. This approach achieves sterilization efficacy while eliminating persistent toxic contamination.
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 method achieves effective sterilization of polymerizable monomers even at low water concentrations, ensuring the absence of viable microorganisms and preventing the formation of toxic residues, while allowing for the preservation of polymerization properties.
Implementation Method 1
a mixture (I) is produced, the mixture (I) comprising at least the polymerizable monomer, in particular the monomer for radical polymerization, a compound (a) and a compound (b), wherein: (i) compound (a) is selected from compounds (a1) selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (I):
Implementation Method 2
compound (b) is selected from the group consisting of water and alcohols
Data Source
AI summary
A methods and mixtures are provided for sterilization of a polymerizable monomer, in which the mixture contains at least the polymerizable monomer, a compound (a), and a compound (b). Compound (a) is selected from the group of compounds (a1), compounds (a2), and compounds (a3), wherein compounds (a1) are represented by general formula (I):wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4, independent of each other, represent a substituted alkyl residue, a non-substituted alkyl residue, a halogen, a nitro group, or a cyano group; compounds (a2) are selected from the group of dimers of compounds (a1); and compounds (a3) are selected from the group of dialkyldicarbonates. Compound (b) is selected from the group of water and alcohols.