Synergistic Microbicidal Composition Using Nonionic Surfactant and Glutaraldehyde
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microbicidal compositions lack synergistic activity against various strains of microorganisms, requiring higher levels of individual microbicides, which is economically and environmentally inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A synergistic microbicidal composition comprising a nonionic surfactant with specific structures and glutaraldehyde in weight ratios from 8:1 to 1:4, effectively inhibiting microorganism growth in aqueous media, preferably targeting anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher levels of individual microbicides are used to achieve effective control of microorganisms, then microbial control effectiveness is improved, but economic cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines glutaraldehyde with a nonionic surfactant having specific polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide structure to create a synergistic microbicidal composition. This merging of two different types of compounds (aldehyde and surfactant) produces enhanced microbial control effectiveness while allowing lower concentrations of each individual component compared to using glutaraldehyde alone.
2Reliability
If combinations of microbicides with synergistic activity are developed, then microbial control effectiveness is improved and individual microbicide concentrations are reduced, but composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the nonionic surfactant including the ratio of polyethylene oxide to polypropylene oxide units (0.2 to 2.0), molecular weight ranges, and concentration ranges in the composition. By controlling these parameters within defined ranges, the patent achieves synergistic microbial control while maintaining composition simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A synergistic microbicidal composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant and glutaraldehyde and a method for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous medium.