Article comprising an antioxidizing agent and a bacteriostatic agent and a production process thereof

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for conferring bacteriostatic properties to materials often require complex processes, are not durable, and may use toxic substances, failing to effectively limit bacterial growth and proliferation, especially on surfaces where oxidative processes contribute to bacterial proliferation.

Innovation Solution

A combination of a zinc compound and an antioxidizing agent, such as selenium oxide or flavonoids, is applied to the surface of or embedded within materials to enhance bacteriostatic properties without using common biocidal substances, ensuring long-lasting effects even under abrasion and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If common biocidal substances are used to confer bacteriostatic properties, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but toxic effects and environmental harm occur

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing traditional biocidal substances with zinc oxide nanoparticles and antioxidants, transforming the mechanism from direct biocidal action to oxidative stress induction and material protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines zinc oxide nanoparticles with antioxidants to create a composite system that provides both bacteriostatic and antioxidizing effects, enhancing overall performance while reducing toxicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If bacteriostatic treatments are applied to surfaces, then bacterial proliferation is limited, but durability under abrasion and wear deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies antioxidants beforehand to protect the material from oxidative degradation that would otherwise compromise the bacteriostatic effect under wear and abrasion conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of zinc oxide nanoparticles with antioxidants creates a more durable composite system where the antioxidants protect the structural integrity during mechanical stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If oxidative processes are allowed to proceed, then material degradation occurs, but bacterial growth is inadvertently promoted

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs antioxidants that simultaneously protect material stability and enhance bacteriostatic effect, creating a multi-functional system where one component addresses multiple problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful oxidative processes into a beneficial mechanism by using zinc oxide nanoparticles that generate oxidative stress on bacteria while antioxidants protect the material from oxidation

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

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 combination significantly improves bacteriostatic effects, reducing bacterial growth and proliferation by inhibiting oxidative processes, maintaining effectiveness through significant wear and use without the need for frequent re-treatment or toxic substances.

Implementation Method 1

Oxidative processes that materials undergo due to the action of atmospheric oxygen, in many cases favour bacterial growth, and are sometimes solely responsible for bacterial proliferation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

It is known that phenolic organic components or inorganic components (for example, carbon nanotubes or fullerenes) have antioxidizing properties if inserted in a polymeric matrix.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidizing:

Data Source

PatentEP3436507B1Article comprising an antioxidizing agent and a bacteriostatic agent and a production process thereof
Publication Date: 2021.03.17
  • EP3436507B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B

AI summary

The present invention relates to an article comprising a material, preferably macromolecular, metallic or mineral, having a surface containing at least one zinc oxide and/or salt and at least one antioxidizing agent. The invention also relates to a process for the production of said article.