US 11,708,424 B1
the substance
It claims a substance: Z-Chitosan, an inclusion complex of chitosan bearing hydrophobic groups and at least one herbal extract, formed in the presence of a catalyst.
A dependent claim lists the possible herbal extracts, including thyme, oregano, cinnamon, clove and rosemary.
According to the description, the starting point is that plastics in medical devices and personal protective equipment are rarely antimicrobial, because existing antimicrobial additives are costly and not sustainable. For the final product, the description states temperature stability from −100 °C to 300 °C and an almost neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.
US 12,071,490 B2
the process
It claims a three-step production process: chitosan and herbal extract are prepared separately, each with a catalyst, and then combined using a third catalyst.
Dependent claims cover drying to a powder, incorporation into plastics, polymers or fabrics, and lists of suitable polymers.
According to the description, the steps take place in aqueous solution at room conditions. The dried powder is compounded into a polymer to make a masterbatch, which is blended at 1 to 10 percent into a batch of plastic, polymer or fabric. Moulding and extrusion are named, as well as fibre spinning methods such as melt spinning and electrospinning.
