Biofilm deterrence in water supply systems
AssigneeOplon B.V.
InventorsShmuel Bukshpan, Gleb Zilberstein
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Means and methods for deterring biofilm in water supply systems, comprising at least one insoluble proton sink or source (PSS). The means and methods for deterring biofilm is provided useful for killing living target cells (LTCs), or otherwise disrupting vital intracellular processes and/or intercellular interactions of the LTC upon contact. The PSS comprises, inter alia, (i) proton source or sink providing a buffering capacity; and (ii) means providing proton conductivity and/or electrical potential. The PSS is effectively disrupting the pH homeostasis and/or electrical balance within the confined volume of the LTC and/or disrupting vital intercellular interactions of the LTCs while efficiently preserving the pH of the LTCs' environment.
Claims32
1-35. (canceled)
A means for deterring biofilm in water supply systems, said means for deterring biofilm adapted for killing cells contained within a given volume, said means for deterring biofilm comprising at least one charged polymer, said at least one charged polymer characterized, when in contact with a water-containing environment, as:
- a. carrying strongly acid and/or strongly basic functional groups;
- b. having a pH of less than about 4.5 or greater than about 8.0;
- c. capable of generating an electrical potential within the confined volume of said cell sufficient to disrupt effectively the pH homeostasis and/or electrical balance within said confined volume of said cell;
- and,
- d. being in a form chosen from the group consisting of (i) H+ and (ii) OH−;
- wherein said charged polymer is adapted to preserve the pH of said cell's environment.
A method for increasing the rate of death of living cells and/or decreasing the rate of reproduction of living cells within a water containing-environment, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a means for deterring biofilm comprising at least one charged polymer, said at least one charged polymer characterized, when in contact with said water-containing environment, as:
- i. carrying strongly acid and/or strongly basic functional groups;
- ii. having a pH of less than about 4.5 or greater than about 8.0;
- iii. capable of generating an electrical potential within the confined volume of said cell sufficient to disrupt effectively the pH homeostasis and/or electrical balance within said confined volume of said cell;
- and,
- iv. being in a form chosen from the group consisting of (i) H+ and (ii) OH−;
- and,
- b. placing said means for deterring biofilm in contact with said water-containing environment.
A method of production of a means for deterring biofilm, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing at least one charged polymer, said at least one charged polymer characterized, when in contact with said water-containing environment, as:
- i. carrying strongly acid and/or strongly basic functional groups;
- ii. having a pH of less than about 4.5 or greater than about 8.0;
- iii. capable of generating an electrical potential within the confined volume of said cell sufficient to disrupt effectively the pH homeostasis and/or electrical balance within said confined volume of said cell;
- and,
- iv. being in a form chosen from the group consisting of (i) H+ and (ii) OH−;
- and,
- b. adapting said charged polymer to a form chosen from the group consisting of (a) powder;
- (b) gel;
- (c) suspension;
- (d) spray;
- (e) resin;
- (f) coating;
- (g) film;
- (h) sheet;
- (i) bead;
- (j) particle;
- (k) microparticle;
- (l) nanoparticle;
- (m) fiber;
- (n) thread;
- (o) shape;
- (p) membrane;
- (q) coated film;
- (r) hollow fiber;
- (s) particle linked to a fiber;
- and (t) particle adsorbed on a fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.