Antimicrobial Composition Using Thymol and Peptides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antimicrobial compositions either provide short-lasting antimicrobial benefits or require high concentrations of active agents, which can be unpleasant and potentially harmful by killing beneficial microorganisms for skin health, and there is a need for compositions that provide prolonged antimicrobial action while minimizing known antimicrobial agents.

Innovation Solution

An antimicrobial composition comprising thymol, terpineol, Niacinamide, and an Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) at low concentrations, combined with a cosmetically acceptable base, which synergistically provides prolonged antimicrobial benefits without compromising sensorial aspects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high concentrations of antimicrobial agents are used, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but sensorial aspects deteriorate and beneficial microorganisms are killed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidunpleasant sensorial aspects and harm to beneficial microorganisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antimicrobial agents (thymol, terpineol, and antimicrobial peptides) in a composite formulation. This synergistic combination allows each component to work together to achieve enhanced antimicrobial efficacy at lower overall concentrations, reducing the harmful effects while maintaining effectiveness against disease-causing microbes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the concentration parameters of individual antimicrobial components, using low concentrations of thymol and terpineol in combination with antimicrobial peptides. This parameter optimization achieves the desired antimicrobial effect while minimizing unpleasant sensorial aspects and protection of beneficial microorganisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low concentrations of antimicrobial agents are used, then sensorial aspects and beneficial microorganism preservation are improved, but antimicrobial action duration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensorial aspects and harm to beneficial microorganismsVSAvoidantimicrobial action duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite formulation combines thymol, terpineol, and antimicrobial peptides in a synergistic arrangement. This combination creates a prolonged antimicrobial effect that persists at low concentrations, addressing the duration issue while maintaining low concentrations to preserve sensorial quality and beneficial microorganisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention ensures continuous antimicrobial protection through the synergistic interaction of multiple agents. The combination creates a sustained release effect where the antimicrobial action continues over an extended period, maintaining efficacy without requiring high initial concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If known antimicrobial agents are minimized, then harm to beneficial microorganisms is reduced, but antimicrobial efficacy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharm to beneficial microorganismsVSAvoidantimicrobial efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite of multiple antimicrobial agents (thymol, terpineol, and antimicrobial peptides) that work synergistically. This allows the formulation to maintain high antimicrobial efficacy against disease-causing microbes while using minimized concentrations of individual known antimicrobial agents, thereby protecting beneficial microorganisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces antimicrobial peptides as intermediary agents that bridge the gap between minimal known antimicrobial usage and effective disease control. These peptides provide the necessary antimicrobial punch against pathogens while being selective enough to spare beneficial microorganisms when used in combination with thymol and terpineol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces disease-causing microbes such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli, while maintaining skin health by providing long-lasting antimicrobial action at low concentrations of thymol and terpineol, enhancing innate immunity, and boosting antimicrobial properties with the inclusion of AMP.

Implementation Method 1

leave a minimal amount of antimicrobial active on the surface so that any invading microorganism is killed or inactivated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Implementation Method 2

improving the innate immunity of the desired surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmune enhancement:

Data Source

PatentEP3389694B1An antimicrobial composition

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 UNILEVER GLOBAL IP LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition comprising a) Thymol; b) Terpineol; c) Niacinamide or its derivatives thereof; and d) a cosmetically acceptable base.