Zinc Compound and Glycerine Monoalkyl Ether Antimicrobial Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antimicrobial compositions using zinc compounds have limited broad-spectrum activity, often require high concentrations, contain toxicologically questionable substances, and are restricted by the need for aqueous or alcoholic mediums, making them unsuitable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, especially for sensitive skin or infants.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a zinc compound, a glycerine monoalkyl ether, an antioxidant, and an alkanediol, which exhibits synergistic antimicrobial action at low concentrations, ensuring broad-spectrum activity while being toxicologically safe and suitable for various applications, including sensitive skin and infant use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional zinc compound formulations are used, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the activity is limited to few defined microorganisms and lacks broad-spectrum action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines zinc compound with glycerine monoalkyl ether and antioxidant to create a composite formulation that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against multiple microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, overcoming the limitation of conventional single-component formulations
2Reliability
If high concentrations of zinc compounds are used to achieve sufficient antimicrobial activity, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but toxicological safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of zinc compound (0.01-10% wt.), glycerine monoalkyl ether (0.1-50% wt.), and antioxidant (0.01-5% wt.) to achieve effective preservation while maintaining skin compatibility and toxicological safety, including suitability for sensitive skin and infant use
3Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial compositions are used, then antimicrobial action is achieved, but the formulations require aqueous or alcoholic mediums which limit their use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal composition that can be formulated in various vehicle types including anhydrous, aqueous, alcoholic, and emulsion systems, making it adaptable to different cosmetic and pharmaceutical product types such as creams, lotions, serums, and ointments
4Reliability
If additional antimicrobially active compounds are added to enhance activity, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but skin tolerability deteriorates due to irritation and allergenic potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glycerine monoalkyl ether as a mediator that enhances the antimicrobial effectiveness of zinc compound while maintaining skin tolerability, avoiding the need for additional harsh antimicrobial agents that would cause irritation or allergic reactions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to antimicrobial compositions which contain (i) at least one zinc compound selected from zinc salt and zinc oxide, (ii) at least one glycerine monoalkyl ether of the general formula R-O-CH2-CHOH-CH2OH, wherein R is a branched or unbranched C1-C24 alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group can be substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or C1-C4 alkoxy group(s) and/or the alkyl chain can be interrupted by up to four oxygen atoms, (iii) at least one antioxidant and optionally (iv) one or more alkanediols, wherein the weight ratio (w/w) of component (ii) to component (iii) is at least 10:1. The compositions are used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products and already have broad antimicrobial activity, in particular against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, at active substance contents of only about 3 wt.%.