Enhanced Antimicrobial Compositions with Modified Clay and Nonionic Triblock Copolymers
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses improved antimicrobial compositions featuring modified clay particles with enhanced surface area and attachment of antimicrobial compounds, providing superior antimicrobial efficacy and efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed antimicrobial compositions comprising modified clay particles and nonionic triblock copolymers. However, these compositions had limitations, such as limited surface area for antimicrobial activity and potential impurities affecting efficacy. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel methods for enhancing the antimicrobial properties of modified clay particles, improving the attachment of antimicrobial compounds, and providing more efficient systems for preparing antimicrobial particles.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a modified clay particle with an antimicrobial compound attached to both tetrahedral and octahedral surface planes, providing improved antimicrobial efficacy. The composition further includes a nonionic triblock copolymer with a molecular weight of about 5000 to 6000. The method for enhancing the antimicrobial properties of modified clay particles involves treating the particles with a secondary antimicrobial compound to increase the surface area available for antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the inventive concept includes a system for preparing antimicrobial particles, comprising a reactor for selectively attaching an antimicrobial compound to the exterior surface plane of a modified clay particle, and a purification unit for removing impurities from the resulting particles.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel methods for enhancing the antimicrobial properties of modified clay particles, improving the attachment of antimicrobial compounds, and providing more efficient systems for preparing antimicrobial particles. The inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of modified clay particles with enhanced surface area, improved attachment of antimicrobial compounds, and the introduction of a purification unit to remove impurities.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the molecular weight of the nonionic triblock copolymer, using different types of antimicrobial compounds, or incorporating additional components to enhance the composition's efficacy. Variations of the system for preparing antimicrobial particles could include using different reactors or purification units, or modifying the process conditions to optimize the attachment of antimicrobial compounds.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced antimicrobial compositions and systems disclosed in the present inventive concept have significant commercial potential in the personal care industry, particularly in the development of more effective and efficient antimicrobial products. The inventive concept's improved antimicrobial efficacy and efficiency could also expand into other industries, such as healthcare, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K8/25 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/416 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/86 |
| A | A61 | A61Q11/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Personal care and antimicrobial compositions, specifically focusing on modified clay particles with antimicrobial properties. Requires expertise in materials science, surface chemistry, and pharmaceutical formulation with knowledge of clay modification techniques and antimicrobial compound interactions
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or chemical engineer with advanced degree, experienced in clay particle modification, surface chemistry, and antimicrobial composition design. Familiar with nonionic triblock copolymers, clay structure, and pharmaceutical/personal care product development
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the PTD's variations as straightforward extensions of the source patent's core teachings. The modifications represent predictable variations in clay particle antimicrobial composition that involve routine optimization of surface area, antimicrobial compound attachment, and molecular weight adjustments. The technical solutions proposed are logical progressions of existing knowledge in clay-based antimicrobial systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,655 |
|---|---|
| Title | Antimicrobial compositions comprising modified clay and nonionic triblock copolymers |
| Assignee(s) | Conopco, Inc. |