Melanin-based chemical protective materials
Inventors
Wang, Zheng • White, Brandy J. • Vora, Gaurav J. • Moore, Martin H.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11162212-B2
Publication Date
2021-11-02
Expiration Date
2039-06-19
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Abstract
The application of melanin to fabric improves resistance to chemical pass-through, with possible application in protective garments, shelters, and filtration materials.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to the application of melanin to fabric to improve resistance to chemical permeation, achieved via a microwave initiated process that chemically bonds melanin to the fabric. This method involves growing modified Vibrio natriegens bacteria expressing tyrosinase to biosynthesize melanin, which is then immobilized onto fabric using microwave treatment and chemical bonding agents such as 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide.
The problem being addressed arises from limitations in current melanin production methods and protective materials. Melanin extracted from animals is limited by resource availability and cumbersome extraction, while chemically synthesized melanin suffers from poorly defined chemical and structural compositions and insoluble, heterogeneous products. Existing protective garments often rely on carbon materials that rely on non-specific adsorption, lack catalytic activity, and impede water vapor transport, causing discomfort. There is a need for new techniques enabling large scale production of quality melanin for use as adsorbents and barrier materials with improved chemical resistance and water vapor permeability.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims describing both a material and a method involving melanin-modified fabric using microwave treatment and chemical bonding.
Material comprising microwave treated fabric chemically bonded to melanin
A material where fabric is modified via microwave treatment and melanin is chemically bonded to the fabric, enhancing chemical resistance and barrier properties.
Method of bonding melanin to fabric using chemical treatment and microwave radiation
A method comprising chemically treating fabric to enable melanin binding, exposing the fabric to microwave radiation, and chemically bonding melanin to the irradiated fabric to produce modified fabric.
The independent claims cover a melanin-functionalized fabric material produced by microwave treatment and chemical bonding, and a corresponding method that includes fabric chemical treatment, microwave irradiation, and melanin bonding, collectively enabling chemically resistant textiles.
Stated Advantages
Melanin-based materials offer potential for new protective and decontaminating applications including fabrics, air filtration, and adsorbents.
Melanin can be biologically produced at scale using engineered bacteria, presenting significant cost advantages over synthetic materials.
The melanin-modified fabrics provide improved chemical barrier properties while maintaining water vapor transport, enhancing comfort and usability.
These materials may overcome shortcomings of traditional carbon-based protective garments, such as lack of catalytic activity and poor water vapor permeability.
Documented Applications
Protective garments with enhanced chemical resistance.
Shelters incorporating melanin-modified fabrics for chemical protection.
Filtration materials applicable in air filtration and environmental decontamination.
Dispersible adsorbents for decontamination of skin, clothing, solid surfaces, or water.
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