Tuned Charged Polymer Antimicrobial Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for antimicrobial/antiviral/antifungal formulations, solutions, films, and coatings that are relatively non-toxic and effective.
Innovation Solution
The development of antimicrobial/antiviral/antifungal formulations, solutions, films, and coatings using tuned charged polymers and counterions, which are applied through a method involving pH adjustment, salt introduction, and removal, to achieve effective pathogen inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antimicrobial formulations are used, then pathogen inactivation efficacy is achieved, but toxicity to humans and environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of antimicrobial agents by using tuned charged polymers with controlled charge density and pH levels. The polymer formulations adjust their charge characteristics and ionization states to achieve effective pathogen inactivation while reducing toxicity. Specific parameter adjustments include controlling the charge density of polymers, adjusting pH to optimize polymer charge states, and modulating salt concentrations to enhance or suppress polymer activity as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining charged polymers with specific counterions and salts to create multifunctional antimicrobial formulations. These composite systems integrate polymer chains with varying charge densities, paired with complementary ions (such as chloride, sulfate, or phosphate counterions) and optional salt additives, to achieve synergistic effects that enhance pathogen inactivation while maintaining safety profiles.
2Reliability
If salt concentration is increased in polymer formulation, then polymer charge and antimicrobial activity are enhanced, but solution stability and polymer solubility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying salt concentration levels and observing the impact on polymer charge states and solution properties. By controlling salt addition, the formulation optimizes the balance between enhanced polymer charge (which improves antimicrobial activity) and maintained solubility/stability. The patent identifies specific salt concentration ranges that achieve desired activity while preventing precipitation or aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses counterions as intermediary substances that mediate between the polymer charges and the solution environment. These counterions (such as chloride, sulfate, or phosphate) interact with the charged polymer chains to stabilize the solution structure, allowing higher salt concentrations to be tolerated while maintaining polymer solubility and solution stability. The counterions act as buffers that prevent excessive charge interactions that would lead to aggregation.
3Reliability
If pH is adjusted to enhance polymer charge, then antimicrobial activity increases, but polymer protonation state and counterion composition change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting pH levels to control the protonation state of polymer functional groups. By varying pH, the formulation optimizes the charge density on polymer chains, which directly influences antimicrobial activity. The patent establishes specific pH ranges that achieve desired activity levels while maintaining controlled and predictable changes in polymer protonation and counterion composition, avoiding excessive or uncontrolled chemical transformations.
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 tuned polymer-based formulations demonstrate high efficacy in inactivating at least 50% of pathogens within 30 minutes, with persistent antimicrobial action, passing rigorous durability tests such as EPA 01-1A and PAS2424.
Implementation Method 1
charged polymer comprising charged monomers and counterions to the charged monomers
Implementation Method 2
increasing a pH of the solution with a base, the step of increasing the pH further comprising the step of: introducing salt ions into the solution
Implementation Method 3
introducing salt ions into the solution; removing at least ten percent of the salt ions from the solution; a conductivity of the solution is in a range of 0.1 to 10 mS/cm
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inactivating a pathogen is described, comprising the steps of: providing, in a solution: (1) a charged polymer comprising charged monomers and counterions to the charged monomers; increasing a pH of the solution with a base, the step of increasing the pH further comprising the step of: introducing salt ions into the solution; (2) removing at least ten percent of the salt ions from the solution; (3) decreasing the pH of the solution; (4) contacting the pathogen with the charged polymer; and (5) inactivating at least fifty percent of the pathogens within thirty minutes of the step of contacting, where a conductivity of the solution is in a range of 0.1 to 10 mS/cm and/or a total cationic charge of the solution is in a range of 0.4 to 15 C/cm3.