Sub-micron Silver Antimicrobial Base Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial solutions, particularly those using silver nanoparticles, face challenges such as skin toxicity, inhalation risks, and environmental concerns due to impurities and the need for low-dosage alternatives that are safe and effective against a wide range of microbial species.
Innovation Solution
A method for synthesizing sub-micron size silver particles in an aqueous phase using a Silver salt, monosaccharides, modified polysaccharides, and stabilizing agents, which forms a stable colloidal dispersion, reducing toxicity and environmental impact while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy at low concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silver nanoparticles are used to increase surface area for microbial inhibition, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but skin toxicity and inhalation risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of silver particles from nanoscale (1-100 nm) to sub-micron scale (100 nm - 10 μm), specifically targeting particles larger than 100 nm. This parameter change reduces skin penetration and inhalation risks while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy through increased surface area-to-volume ratio compared to larger particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface properties to silver particles by coating them with biocompatible materials such as silica, aluminum oxide, or polymer layers. This creates a dual-layer structure where the inner silver core provides antimicrobial activity while the outer coating layer provides biocompatibility and reduces toxicity
2Reliability
If ionisable silver salts are used to formulate antimicrobial compositions, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but severe skin problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of silver from soluble ionic salts (Ag+) to insoluble metallic silver particles. This parameter change from ionic to metallic state eliminates the severe skin irritation caused by silver ions while retaining antimicrobial activity through contact with microbial cell walls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces biocompatible coating materials as intermediary layers between silver and biological tissues. These coatings act as mediators that prevent direct contact between silver ions and skin cells, reducing toxicity while allowing controlled release of silver ions for antimicrobial action
3Reliability
If silver nanoparticles are used to provide large surface area, then microbial growth inhibition is enhanced, but impurities from synthesis chemicals cause newer toxicity concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful synthesis impurities by employing purification techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, and dialysis to separate silver particles from residual chemicals used in synthesis. This extraction of impurities eliminates toxicity concerns while preserving the antimicrobial properties of silver particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synthesis method from conventional chemical reduction to green synthesis approaches using plant extracts or biological agents. This parameter change in synthesis chemistry eliminates the need for toxic reducing agents and stabilizers, producing purer silver particles with reduced toxicity
4Reliability
If sub-micron size silver particles are synthesized to balance surface area and safety, then antimicrobial efficacy at low concentrations is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-assembly processes where silver ions naturally reduce and assemble into sub-micron particles under controlled pH and temperature conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external assembly equipment and reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining precise particle size control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal synthesis protocol that can produce sub-micron silver particles with consistent properties using a single set of reagents and conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the same synthesis system to produce particles for different applications, reducing overall manufacturing complexity across product lines
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 synthesized antimicrobial base effectively inhibits microbial growth on surfaces at low concentrations, is stable over time, and is safer for human use and the environment, addressing the limitations of traditional silver antimicrobials.
Implementation Method 1
The Silver salt may be treated with one or more reactants like a plurality of monosaccharides in an aqueous reaction mixture. The sub-micron size Silver particles getting formed by reduction of the Silver salt
Implementation Method 2
The sub-micron size Silver particles getting formed by reduction of the Silver salt may be stabilized with another cellulosic agent, which may lead to build-up of viscosity of the reaction mix, as also at least one ligand may be used to stabilise the sub-micron particles of Silver getting formed in the reaction
Implementation Method 3
The latter form finally a stable colloidal dispersion in aqueous phase
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for synthesizing an antimicrobial base. The method comprises treating a Silver salt in a reaction mixture. The method further comprises adding one or more reactants to the reaction mixture in a pre-defined ratio. Further, the method comprises heating the reaction mixture at a first temperature between 45° C. to 90° C. for a first period of 5 to 8 hours. Furthermore, the method comprises stabilizing the conversion by adding a ligand and a stabilizing agent. Subsequently, the method comprises digesting the reaction mixture at a second temperature between 45° C. to 65° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours to form an end product. Finally, the method comprises filtering the reaction mixture. The sub-micron particle forms a dispersion containing the colloidal silver particles (Ag0), thereby forming the antimicrobial base.