Zinc and Copper Gluconate Supplements for MRSA Control

Solution Overview

Problem

The administration of zinc to mammals is inefficient, with low uptake in the digestive system, leading to increased excretion and higher occurrences of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pig pens, particularly in the farming industry.

Innovation Solution

The use of zinc and copper gluconate in dietary supplements, administered orally as powders or feed additives, with specific dosage ranges (50-80 mg zinc/kg and 5-25 mg copper/kg) for extended periods (at least 4 weeks), to enhance zinc uptake and combat MRSA infections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zinc oxide is administered orally to prevent diarrhea in piglets, then diarrhea prevention is achieved, but zinc uptake is low (only 20%) and MRSA occurrence increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical form of zinc from zinc oxide to zinc gluconate, which improves zinc uptake in the digestive system from 20% to a significantly higher percentage, thereby reducing zinc excretion while maintaining diarrhea prevention efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines zinc gluconate with copper gluconate in a specific formulation, creating a composite dietary supplement that not only improves zinc absorption but also actively combats MRSA infections, addressing multiple problems simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If zinc oxide is administered to prevent diarrhea, then diarrhea prevention is achieved, but MRSA infestations increase in pig pens

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical form of zinc from zinc oxide to zinc gluconate, which not only improves absorption but also reduces MRSA occurrence, thereby eliminating the harmful side effect while maintaining the beneficial diarrhea prevention effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copper gluconate, which has antimicrobial properties, to convert the harmful MRSA infestations into a controlled situation, actively reducing MRSA levels while the zinc gluconate component continues to prevent diarrhea

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10645953B2Use of zinc and copper gluconate in the treatment of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>
Publication Date: 2020.05.12

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of zinc and copper gluconate in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and dietary supplements for mammals comprising zinc and copper gluconate and their use in treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.