Sulphated Chelating Agents for Membrane Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chelating agents lack the ability to act as standalone antibacterial agents and effectively influence simple cell membranes, with a need for non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternatives that can enhance their applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of sulphate chelating agents that enlarge membrane porosity by reacting with hydroxyl or amino groups in protein or peptidoglycan structures, specifically compounds like Tetra Hydroxy Ethyl Di Sulphate and Tetra Hydroxy Butyl Tetra Sulphate, which are low in toxicity and easily degradable, allowing for biocidal properties and membrane modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) are used, then they can control metallic ion concentration and perform sequestration, but they lack the ability to act as standalone antibacterial agents and cannot effectively influence simple cell membranes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite chelating agents by combining traditional chelating agent structures (EDTA, gluconic acid derivatives) with sulphate groups. This composite structure enables the molecule to simultaneously perform chelation (binding metal ions) and interact with cell membranes (through sulphate group reactions with hydroxyl and amino groups), thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining chelating function and gaining membrane interaction/antibacterial capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces sulphate groups at specific positions on the chelating agent molecule (as indicated by the general formula with variable substitution positions). These localized sulphate groups provide the specific functionality to react with membrane components (hydroxyl and amino groups in peptidoglycan and proteins), while the rest of the molecule retains its chelating capability. This local modification approach allows the molecule to have different functional regions with specialized roles
2Reliability
If chelating agents with enhanced antibacterial activity are developed, then they can enlarge membrane porosity and kill microorganisms, but they may increase toxicity and environmental persistence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular parameters of the chelating agents, specifically the number and position of sulphate groups (indicated by variables in the general formula). By controlling these parameters, the invention achieves effective membrane interaction and biocidal activity while maintaining low toxicity. The sulphate groups provide the necessary reactivity with membrane components without causing excessive damage to mammalian cells, thus balancing efficacy and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The chelating agents described in the patent are designed to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Unlike persistent conventional chelating agents that accumulate in the environment, these sulphate-containing compounds break down into harmless substances (sulphate ions and organic acid fragments) after performing their biocidal function. This disposable nature reduces long-term environmental toxicity while maintaining effective antimicrobial activity during use
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
These sulphate chelating agents demonstrate antibacterial activity by making cell membranes permeable, leading to microorganism death or dormancy, with proven effectiveness against bacteria, algae, and fungi, and potential applicability across various microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism for membrane porosity enlargement occurs due to the reaction of the sulphate groups of some sulphate chelating agent with the hydroxyl group (OH-)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
This invention refers to a series of substances according to formula (I): and its synthesis process. The subtances according to formula I above, known as sulphated chelating agents have the ability to enlarge/loosen simple cell membranes or common organic membranes. Furthermore, these subtances have the potential as biocides raw material, with very low toxicity to mammals. These features make the substances of this invention become very useful on many applications.