Water-Based Sanitizing Composition With Cationic Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitizing compositions with high ethanol content can dry the skin and weaken the epidermis barrier, while those with lower ethanol content often lack effective antimicrobial and antiviral benefits, and there is a need for a composition that is safe, mild, and suitable for frequent use on skin and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing composition comprising at least 80% water and a cationic surfactant, such as cetrimonium chloride, providing superior antimicrobial and antiviral benefits with a bacteria log kill of at least 2 and viral log inactivation of at least 2 in less than 3 minutes, even with little to no ethanol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high ethanol content (at least 60% by weight) is used in sanitizing compositions, then good antibacterial benefits are achieved, but skin drying and epidermis barrier weakening occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing high ethanol content (60% or more) with an aqueous-based formulation containing cationic surfactants at 0.01-5% by weight. This parameter change maintains sanitizing efficacy while eliminating the skin-drying effects of high ethanol content, directly resolving the technical contradiction between antibacterial reliability and skin harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cationic surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between the need for antimicrobial efficacy and skin safety. These surfactants act as active sanitizing agents that can kill bacteria and viruses without the harsh drying effects of ethanol, serving as a middle ground that satisfies both requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lower ethanol content is used in sanitizing compositions, then skin mildness is improved, but antimicrobial and antiviral benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the active ingredient parameter from ethanol-based to cationic surfactant-based formulation. By using cationic surfactants at optimized concentrations (0.01-5% by weight) in an aqueous base, the composition achieves both skin mildness and effective antimicrobial/viral activity, resolving the contradiction between mildness and efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite sanitizing formulation combining cationic surfactants with aqueous base and optional co-surfactants. This composite material approach allows the composition to exhibit both gentle properties (from the aqueous base) and effective antimicrobial activity (from the cationic surfactants), simultaneously achieving skin mildness and reliable pathogen elimination.
3Ease of operation
If frequent use of sanitizing compositions is desired, then skin safety must be maintained, but traditional formulations cause cumulative skin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation parameters to use an aqueous base with low concentrations of cationic surfactants (0.01-5% by weight), eliminating high ethanol content. This parameter change makes the composition safe for frequent, unlimited use throughout the day without cumulative skin damage, while maintaining effective sanitizing benefits with each application.
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 achieves rapid and effective antimicrobial and antiviral action on skin and surfaces, maintaining skin health and safety with minimal skin drying, suitable for frequent use.
Implementation Method 1
comprise at least 80% by weight water, and a cationic surfactant... provides superior antimicrobial benefits while simultaneously delivering excellent antiviral activity... results in a bacteria log kill of at least 2 and a viral log inactivation of at least 2 in less than 3 minutes after topical application
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a sanitizing composition that comprises at least 80% by weight water, and a cationic surfactant. The composition provides superior antimicrobial benefits while simultaneously delivering excellent antiviral activity after being topically applied and even when formulated with little to no ethanol.