Synergistic Biocidal Composition for Long-Lasting Microbial Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biocides used to control microbial growth in industrial water systems are ineffective due to rapid loss of biocidal activity and require high quantities, leading to environmental and economic concerns.

Innovation Solution

A biocidal composition comprising an aqueous mixture of a phosphonium compound and a polymeric ammonium compound, with specific ratios and formulations, effectively inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and algae, demonstrating synergistic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known biocides are used to control microbial growth, then microbial growth is inhibited, but the biocidal effect is rapidly reduced due to negative influences requiring continuous or frequent addition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocidal effect durationVSAvoidbiocidal activity duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using a polymeric ammonium compound instead of conventional biocides, and optimizes the concentration ratio between the phosphonium compound and polymeric ammonium compound to achieve enhanced and prolonged biocidal activity that is not rapidly reduced by negative influences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite biocidal system by combining a phosphonium compound with a polymeric ammonium compound in specific ratios, where the synergistic interaction between the two components provides extended biocidal effect duration and resistance to deactivation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high quantities of biocides are used for effective control, then microbial growth is suppressed, but environmental regulations limit the amount that can be discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial growth controlVSAvoidbiocide quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters by using a polymeric ammonium compound at lower concentrations compared to conventional biocides, while achieving effective microbial control through the synergistic combination with phosphonium compound, thereby reducing the total biocide quantity required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a polymeric structure that provides sustained release and prolonged activity, effectively 'copying' and extending the biocidal action over time, which reduces the need for high quantities and frequent reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If known biocides are applied at multiple sites or zones, then microbial growth is controlled throughout the system, but labour costs and treatment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem-wide microbial controlVSAvoidtreatment application complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal biocidal composition comprising phosphonium compound and polymeric ammonium compound that can be effectively applied at single injection points and provides system-wide microbial control through the enhanced persistence and effectiveness of the composite formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides long-lasting biocidal activity with reduced quantities, effectively controlling Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Chlorella vulgaris, reducing environmental impact and treatment costs.

Implementation Method 1

demonstrating synergistic effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSynergistic effect:

Implementation Method 2

the biocidal composition comprises an aqueous mixture of (a) a phosphonium compound and (b) a polymeric ammonium compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiocidal activity:

Data Source

PatentUS20260103840A1Biocidal compositions

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 ITALMATCH CHEM GB LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a biocidal composition comprising an aqueous mixture of (a) a phosphonium compound and (b) a polymeric ammonium compound, wherein the weight ratio of compound (a) to compound (b) is from 0.2:1 to 20:1, and whereinthe phosphonium compound (a) has formula:wherein each R is independently a C1-C6 alkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by a cyano, hydroxyl, esterified hydroxyl or aryl group;R1 represents a C8-C18 alkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; andX represents either chlorine or bromine; and whereinthe polymeric ammonium compound (b) comprises the repeat unit:wherein each R2 is independently a C1-C2 alkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted;R3 represents a C2-C18 alkyl or alkenyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; andR4 represents a C2-C18 alkyl or alkenyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted, a diethyl ether group, an isopropanol group, a N,N-dipropylurea group, or a 2-butene group.In some embodiments, the biocidal composition has a synergy index (SI) of less than 1 in relation to the effect of the composition on the inhibition of growth of biological organisms.