Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles via Formic Acid Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective antiviral agents that can prevent and control viral infections, particularly those caused by the Orthomyxoviridae family such as the influenza virus, which rapidly develop resistance to existing medicines and vaccines, and existing methods for preparing zero-valent iron nanoparticles are costly and hazardous due to high reducing agent consumption and hydrogen gas release.
Innovation Solution
The development of zero-valent iron nanoparticles prepared through a reduction reaction of an iron salt with sodium tetraborohydride, where the molar ratio of iron(II) salt to NaBH4 is 1:2, under an inert gas atmosphere, followed by filtration and freeze-drying, resulting in a more economical and safer process with potent antiviral activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to prepare zero-valent iron nanoparticles, then antiviral activity can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and hazardous due to high reducing agent consumption and hydrogen gas release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reduction system by using formic acid instead of conventional reducing agents like sodium borohydride. This parameter change reduces hydrogen gas release and lowering agent consumption while maintaining the formation of zero-valent iron nanoparticles with antiviral activity. The specific parameter modification is the use of formic acid as the reducing agent in an acidic medium, which fundamentally alters the reduction mechanism and eliminates the harmful effects associated with conventional methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If zero-valent iron nanoparticles are prepared with high reducing agent consumption, then complete reduction is achieved, but the process becomes economically unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service reduction system where formic acid serves dual functions: it acts as the reducing agent to convert iron salts to zero-valent iron nanoparticles, and simultaneously serves as the solvent medium for the reaction. This eliminates the need for separate reducing agents and solvents, significantly reducing material consumption and costs while maintaining complete reduction of the iron salt to the desired nanoparticle form.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional reduction methods are used, then zero-valent iron nanoparticles can be synthesized, but the process is hazardous due to hydrogen gas release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful hydrogen gas release of conventional reduction methods into a beneficial process by using formic acid decomposition as the reduction mechanism. Instead of generating hazardous hydrogen gas, formic acid decomposes to release carbon dioxide and water, which are much safer substances. This transforms the harmful hydrogen evolution problem into a safe decomposition process while maintaining effective reduction of iron salts to zero-valent iron nanoparticles.
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 resulting zero-valent iron nanoparticles demonstrate significant antiviral activity, reducing the influenza virus titer by up to 99.99% at optimal concentrations, with aging enhancing their efficacy, providing a cost-effective and safer antiviral solution.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is directed to a method for the preparation of zero-valent iron obtained in a reduction reaction of an iron salt with sodium tetraborohydride
Implementation Method 2
The nanoparticles have the ability to peroxidize lipids of the viral envelope, which in turn results in the inactivation of the influenza type A virus
Implementation Method 3
The said zero-valent iron is preferably subjected to aging
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the zero-valent iron for use as an antiviral agent, in particular for the prevention and/or control of viral infection, especially caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family, such as the influenza virus, in particular influenza type A virus, as well as for use as a disinfectant. The invention provides also a method for the preparation of the zero-valent iron obtained in a reduction reaction of an iron salt with sodium tetraborohydride and the zero-valent iron prepared using this method for use as an antiviral agent, in particular in the prevention and/or control of viral infection, especially caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family, such as the influenza virus, in particular influenza type A virus.