Eutectic Thymol Menthol Powder for Rapid Antimicrobial Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning compositions often require long contact times to effectively remove infectious agents like E. coli and S. aureus, and may use harsh chemicals or surfactants, which consumers prefer to avoid.
Innovation Solution
A eutectic mixture of thymol and menthol is impregnated into inorganic porous particles, creating a powder composition with an effervescent base that provides rapid antimicrobial action with reduced amounts of thymol and menthol, eliminating the need for surfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning compositions use chlorine-based antimicrobial ingredients like triclosan, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but harsh chemicals are used which consumers prefer to avoid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing chlorine-based compounds with a eutectic mixture of thymol and menthol, achieving antimicrobial effectiveness through natural ingredients. The eutectic composition at specific ratios (2:1 to 1:2 weight ratios) provides enhanced solubility and antimicrobial activity without using harsh chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite eutectic mixture combining thymol and menthol in specific proportions, creating a material with properties superior to individual components. This composite natural ingredient system provides both antimicrobial effectiveness and consumer-desired natural composition
2Reliability
If cleaning compositions require long contact time with surface, then antimicrobial action is improved, but consumer cleaning time increases which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The eutectic mixture changes the kinetic parameters of antimicrobial action, enabling rapid bactericidal effect within 30 seconds compared to traditional compositions requiring minutes. The specific eutectic composition enhances the reactivity and speed of antimicrobial mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The effervescent base provides preliminary action by generating bubbles that rapidly deliver the thymol-menthol active ingredients to the surface and microorganisms, pre-concentrating the antimicrobial agents at the target site for immediate effect
3Adaptability or versatility
If antimicrobial ingredients do not dissolve readily in water, then natural ingredients can be used, but more ingredient is required which may result in unwanted properties like oil blobs and excessive smell
Solution Approach 1:
The eutectic mixture fundamentally changes the solubility parameter of thymol and menthol, transforming poorly water-soluble natural ingredients into a form that dissolves readily. The eutectic composition creates a liquid mixture with enhanced aqueous solubility, eliminating oil blob formation and excessive smell while maintaining natural ingredient status
Solution Approach 2:
The eutectic mixture acts as an intermediary between the natural antimicrobial ingredients and water, facilitating dissolution and distribution. The specific ratio of thymol to menthol in the eutectic system serves as a mediator that enables water solubility without requiring synthetic surfactants
4Quantity of substance
If surfactants are used to dissolve antimicrobial ingredients, then solubility is improved, but consumers prefer products with none or limited amounts of surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The eutectic mixture changes the physical-chemical parameters of the active ingredients, achieving water solubility through molecular arrangement in the eutectic system rather than through surfactant action. This eliminates the need for surfactants while maintaining dissolution effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The thymol-menthol eutectic mixture is self-solubilizing, requiring no external surfactant assistance. The mixture itself possesses the property of dissolving in water, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional surfactant components that consumers wish to avoid
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 impregnated particles achieve greater than 4 log reduction of bacterial populations in less than 30 seconds, offering effective antimicrobial action while using natural ingredients and minimizing chemical usage.
Implementation Method 1
The impregnated particles achieve greater than 4 log reduction of bacterial populations in less than 30 seconds, offering effective antimicrobial action
Implementation Method 2
compositions comprising an effervescent base and impregnated inorganic particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to impregnated inorganic porous particles comprising a eutectic mixture of thymol and menthol. The invention also relates to powder compositions comprising said particles. The invention further relates to methods of cleaning surfaces using said particles and compositions.