Topical Antimicrobial Composition Using Cosmetic Dye for Hoof Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating hoof diseases in bovine livestock are ineffective and environmentally harmful, as they rely on heavy metal compounds that are costly, toxic, and persist in the environment, failing to provide long-lasting control over a broad spectrum of microbes.

Innovation Solution

A topical aqueous composition comprising a cosmetic dye (such as Gentian Violet, Brilliant Green, or Toluidine Blue) combined with an enhancing ingredient, which interacts with keratinous materials to inhibit microbial growth and leaching, offering a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect without the use of heavy metals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heavy metal compounds (copper sulfate, zinc sulfate) are used for antimicrobial treatment, then broad-spectrum antimicrobial effectiveness is achieved, but environmental harm and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing heavy metal compounds with organic acid derivatives (formic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid) and their salts, achieving effective antimicrobial action without the environmental toxicity associated with copper and zinc sulfate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable organic acid-based compounds that break down naturally in the environment, replacing persistent heavy metals with short-lived, environmentally benign alternatives that maintain effectiveness during treatment but degrade afterward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If heavy metal compounds are used at high concentrations (5-10%), then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidconcentration required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the high antimicrobial potency of organic acid derivatives to achieve effective treatment at lower concentrations compared to heavy metals, reducing both the quantity of substance applied and associated costs while maintaining or improving effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If traditional hoof bath solutions are used, then treatment is provided, but long-lasting control over microbes is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of antimicrobial controlVSAvoidcontrol effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs organic acid derivatives that provide sustained antimicrobial activity through continuous action, maintaining effective concentrations and persistent control over the treatment period, preventing microbial regrowth through residual activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses combinations of multiple organic acid derivatives (formic, propionic, butyric acids) to achieve synergistic effects, where the combined action of multiple agents provides enhanced and prolonged control compared to single agents alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 kills a wide range of bacteria and viruses, including anaerobic bacteria, while being environmentally friendly and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent application and minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the cosmetic dye interacts with keratinous material thereby i) substantially staining the target site and ii) inhibiting the active ingredients from significantly leaching from the target site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The compositions are particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria, for example, Arcanobacterium pyogenes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Data Source

PatentUS9918991B2Topical antimicrobial compositions and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 HYDROMER INC

AI summary

The invention includes a method of treating a mammal comprising topically applying an aqueous composition to a target site on the mammal, wherein the aqueous composition comprises: active ingredients comprising i) a cosmetic dye selected from a violet, blue or green dye, or combinations thereof, and ii) an enhancing ingredient, wherein the relative weight percentage of the cosmetic dye to the enhancing ingredient is about 1:2 to about 40:1, wherein the cosmetic dye interacts with keratinous material thereby i) substantially staining the target site and ii) inhibiting the active ingredients from significantly leaching from the target site.