Reversibly protected colorants and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention provides a reversibly protected colorant or composition thereof that imparts color to a disinfectant solution when mixed with the disinfectant solution to allow temporary visualization of the disinfectant, and a method for use in disinfecting, decontaminating, and / or cleaning surfaces and objects. The reversibly protected colorant or composition thereof is added to a disinfectant solution or a disinfectant article (e.g., disinfectant wipes, microfibers, rugs, towels, fabrics, spun woven wipes, nonwoven wipes, etc.), and the reversibly protected colorant or composition thereof imparts color to the disinfectant solution until such protection is removed, thereby releasing the colorant and exposing the colorant to agents and / or oxidizing conditions that cause the colorant to permanently lose its color, resulting in a colored disinfectant solution. The present invention also provides a method of using the colored disinfectant solution to visually indicate surface disinfection and a method of visually indicating surface disinfection.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 180,262, filed April 27, 2021, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Surface disinfection is essential to prevent infectious diseases and depends on proper technique and thorough application to effectively eliminate the transmission of infection.

[0003] Current methods for surface disinfection are prone to human error. The majority of disinfectants and soaps are clear or only slightly colored, making it difficult for users to visualize coverage to ensure complete disinfection. Furthermore, current disinfectants and sanitizers do not provide a real-time feedback system to ensure adequate time for application, often resulting in inadequate compliance with surface disinfectant contact time requirements of up to 10 minutes and inadequate hand washing times (cdc.gov / mmwr / PDF / rr / rr5116.pdf).

[0004] As a result, proper cleaning rates for hospital surfaces are less than 50% (doi:10.1086 / 524329) and hospital staff hand-washing compliance rates average less than 40% (cdc.gov / mmwr / PDF / rr / rr5116.pdf). Inadequate cleaning and hand-washing techniques have serious consequences, with one in 31 patients in the United States alone suffering from a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), more than 99,000 patient deaths each year, and $45 billion in direct costs to the healthcare system. Thus, improved methods and compositions for surface disinfectants and hand soaps and sanitizers are needed to ensure proper use and reduce infection.

[0005] Commercially available products attempt to improve cleaning and hand-washing compliance but do not fully address the core problem of human error. For example, Glo Germ™ and 3M Clean Trace™ can be used to check for missed spots or residual bioburden after cleaning, but are retrospective interventions and do not provide real-time feedback. Monitoring systems from Biovigil or Hygreen are physical devices that remind healthcare workers to wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient room, but are cumbersome to implement and may not address the problem of poor hand-washing technique.

[0006] The addition of dyes that impart color to the solution to which they are added is a potential method for improving the visibility of disinfectants. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,308,625 to Kitko and U.S. Patent No. 4,229,410 to Kosti both teach the use of dyes in combination with disinfectants to temporarily color the water in the toilet bowl after each flush. U.S. Patent No. 5,110,492 to Casey and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0057987 both disclose the combination of a pH dye with a cleaning solution that changes color in response to being dispensed from an airtight container. U.S. Patent No. 10,052,398 to Kang teaches the addition of an oxidizable dye that colors the disinfectant and fades to clear over time in reaction with an oxidizing agent (e.g., sodium hypochlorite).

[0007] Methods for the composition of color-changing hand soaps and sanitizers have been previously disclosed. Cleansing compositions containing colorants that undergo color changes or fades upon chemical reaction are well described. U.S. Patent No. 7,858,568 to MacDonald describes color-changing compositions that are stable in a single phase and produce observable color changes to indicate the thoroughness of hand washing. This patent discloses liquid cleaning formulations incorporating redox dyes or pH-sensitive dyes that react with reducing agents or react from pH changes caused by a catalyst. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0257439 to Sabnis, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0223413 to Radford, and U.S. Patent No. 8,236,744 to Boyke all describe soap and cleansing compositions containing pH-sensitive indicator dyes that undergo color changes upon hand washing. The color changes observed with pH-sensitive indicators are reversible, making these solutions inadequate for the problems described.

[0008] Methods of encapsulating colorants have also been disclosed, generally intended to provide a permanent color to a surface. U.S. Patent No. 5,484,475 to Breton teaches a method of preparing an ink composition using micelles containing ethoxylated alcohols. U.S. Patent No. 6,841,591 to Vincent describes a method of stabilizing dyes in a transparent polymer matrix to form encapsulated particles, allowing the use of hydrophobic colorants in a hydrophilic vehicle. U.S. Patent No. 9,555,147 to Song describes an ink that can change from colorless to colored via an encapsulation matrix that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. U.S. Patent No. 8,846,404 to Odom and U.S. Patent No. 9,245,202 to Boday both teach a visual indicator of mechanical damage where capsule rupture allows a reaction to induce a color change. Other examples of colorants contained within microcapsules are taught by US Pat. No. 9,675,533 to Zhu and European Patent No. 2293761 to Kvitnitsky.

[0009] Compositions containing colorants that change or fade with mechanical force or temperature change are also disclosed. Both U.S. Patent No. 8,067,350 by Wenzel and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 60287215 by McDonald describe cleaning compositions prepared with single or multiple thermochromic dyes that change color in response to friction or temperature change from warm water during hand washing. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0040835 by Newkirk discloses cleansing compositions incorporating colorant particles suspended in a surfactant solution that change color in response to shear force. U.S. Patent No. 8,680,032 by Lachmann describes microencapsulated colorant granules in which shell encapsulation breaks down and releases the colorant during hand scrubbing to induce a color change in the foam. In these techniques, the residual colorant does not lose its color, but must be physically removed from the local environment of the residual dye, typically by running water. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for compositions and methods for improving surface disinfection.In addition, there is still a need for real-time indication of appropriate friction and sufficient elapsed time.Conventional color-changing technology is designed to impart color to soap suds during the hand washing process, but this visible color must be rinsed off with water and cannot be used in no-rinse sanitizers or lotions.Currently, there is a need for colorants that can be used for cleansing or surface disinfection, which provide visible color during use, but fade effectively and permanently without the need for rinsing with water.

[0011] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views, and in which the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows gelatin-chitosan microcapsules loaded with colorants. Specifically, gelatin B (3.09 g) and chitosan (0.02 g) were dissolved in 1 wt % acetic acid. Thymolphthalein (0.2 gm) was dispersed in Tween 80 (5 gm) and then mixed into chitosan (20 mL) with stirring at 50° C. for 30 min. Gelatin solution (20 mL) was then added to the dye-chitosan mixture at 1 mL / min using a syringe and stirred for 30 min. The pH of the resulting colloid was adjusted to 5.50 by slowly adding 1 M NaOH dropwise and stirred for 4 h to induce coacervation. The liquid coacervate was gradually cooled to room temperature and then incubated in an ice bath with constant stirring for 1 h. Formaldehyde (2.5 vol %) was added dropwise to the mixture and stirred for 30 min to induce crosslinking. The crude coacervate mixture was washed and centrifuged (1000 rpm, 5 min, 10° C.) three times with ethanol and once with cold water. The washed microcapsules were freeze-dried overnight. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 shows samples of encapsulated stain in water before and after the addition of KOH, and samples of the same stain in its native state: specifically, unencapsulated and encapsulated thymolphthalein (25 mg) in 5 mL deionized water before (left) and 1 hour (right) after the addition of 500 μL of 40 mM KOH (final pH=11.2). [Diagram 3]Figure 3 shows the colorant microcapsules after synthesis and purification. Specifically, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 30-70 KMW) was added dropwise to deionized water (100 mL) at 85 °C for 3 h under mechanical stirring to prepare a 5% PVA solution. The monomer solution was prepared by dissolving benzoyl peroxide (0.5 wt%, 0.141 g) in 30 mL of methyl methacrylate, and the dye-monomer solution was prepared by adding 3 mL of rhodamine B stock (50 mM in ethanol) under mechanical stirring. After cooling to room temperature, the PVA solution was stirred at 700 RPM, the dye-monomer mixture was added dropwise to the PVA over 10 min, and the mixture was heated to 70 °C for 3 h under mechanical stirring. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature. The crude mixture was washed and centrifuged (1000 rpm, 3 min) with cold distilled water. The washed microcapsules were refrigerated. The size range of the microcapsules is 0.2-1.0 μm. [Figure 4A] 4A shows the decrease in light absorption of an encapsulated colorant, e.g., Rhodamine B encapsulated with methyl methacrylate, and its response to mechanical stress and subsequent exposure to a bleaching agent. Figure 4B shows microcapsules of Rhodamine deposited and dried on a surface. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows the decrease in light absorption of an encapsulated colorant, e.g., Rhodamine B encapsulated with methyl methacrylate, and its response to mechanical stress and subsequent exposure to a bleaching agent. The microcapsules are shown after being deposited on a surface and rubbed. [Figure 4C] 4C shows the decrease in light absorption of an encapsulated colorant, e.g., Rhodamine B encapsulated with methyl methacrylate, and its response to mechanical stress and subsequent exposure to a bleaching agent. The figure shows Rhodamine microcapsules after they have been deposited on a surface and rubbed in the presence of a bleaching agent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention provides a reversibly protected species. The reversibly protected species is a reversibly protected colorant and / or a reversibly protected bleaching agent as described herein. The present invention also provides a composition. The composition can include a reversibly protected colorant. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant does not include a surfactant, a hydrotrope, a thickener, or an alkaline builder. In some embodiments, the composition consists of the reversibly protected colorant.

[0015] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a reversibly protected color fading agent. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected color fading agent does not include a surfactant, a hydrotrope, a thickener, and / or an alkaline builder. In some embodiments, the composition consists of the reversibly protected color fading agent.

[0016] The present invention provides reversibly protected colorants and compositions thereof, and methods for use in disinfecting, decontaminating, and / or cleaning surfaces and objects. The reversibly protected colorants or compositions thereof are added to a disinfectant solution or disinfectant article (e.g., disinfectant wipes, microfibers, rugs, towels, fabrics, spun woven wipes, nonwoven wipes, etc.), and the reversibly protected colorants or compositions thereof impart color to the disinfectant solution until such protection is removed, thereby releasing the colorant and exposing the colorant to an agent or oxidizing condition that causes the colorant to permanently lose its color, resulting in a colored disinfectant solution. The present invention also provides methods of using the colored disinfectant solution to visually indicate surface disinfection and methods of visually indicating surface disinfection.

[0017] The reversibly protected colorant or composition of the present invention may be in a solid form. In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention may be compressed into a pill or tablet to facilitate dissolution at a controlled (e.g., slower) rate, making it easier to transport, store, and / or administer, or to make it suitable for a particular application.

[0018] The reversibly protected staining agent or composition thereof of the present invention may be an aqueous composition that can be added to a disinfectant.

[0019] The reversibly protected stain or composition thereof is used to enhance the applicability of conventional disinfectants, including but not limited to bleach, chlorine and chlorine compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, acids, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, iodophors, orthophthalaldehyde, peracetic acid, phenolics, or combinations of disinfectants, by ensuring complete and accurate application. The reversibly protected stain or composition thereof is readily available on-site and can be added to disinfectants at the point of use or at the point of manufacture for a variety of use cases and industries, including but not limited to medical, dental, shipping, transportation, food service, industrial, laboratory, commercial, consumer, hospitality, entertainment, real estate, etc.

[0020] The present invention is primarily intended for use in surface disinfection. In some embodiments, the colored disinfectant solution comprises a reversibly protected colorant as defined herein and a disinfectant solution. In other embodiments, the colored disinfectant solution further comprises a bleaching agent as defined herein. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is a reversibly protected bleaching agent.

[0021] The reversibly protected colorant can be combined with a disinfectant solution or disinfectant article and stored prior to use. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a solid composition and can be diluted with an aqueous solution, such as water. In some embodiments, the aqueous solution is a disinfectant solution. In some embodiments, both the reversibly protected colorant and the disinfectant are solid compositions and can be diluted with a solvent, often water, and mixed together. In some embodiments, the colorant is a solid or liquid composition and can be diluted with a solvent, including but not limited to water, alcohol, and other solutions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected coloring agent can be mixed with the disinfectant solution immediately prior to use. As used herein, "immediately prior to use" refers to a period of time from 1 second to several hours prior to application to the surface or object to be disinfected. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected coloring agent is combined with the disinfectant at the time of use, e.g., when applied to the surface or object to be disinfected.

[0023] In some embodiments, the disinfectant is a disinfectant article and the reversibly protected colorant is applied to the wipe before using the wipe to clean a surface or object. The disinfectant article can include, but is not limited to, wipes, microfibers, rags, towels, fabrics, spun woven wipes, nonwoven wipes. In some embodiments, a color fader is also applied to the disinfectant article. In some embodiments, the color fader is a reversibly protected color fader.

[0024] In some embodiments, the disinfectant and reversibly protected stain are applied to the wipe prior to using the wipe to clean a surface or object.

[0025] In any of the embodiments described herein, the colored disinfectant solution can be applied as a spray or film to the surface or object to be disinfected.

[0026] In one embodiment, the reversibly protected coloring agent is stable in a solution containing a disinfectant and is sufficient to color the disinfectant solution. When applied to a surface or object to be disinfected, the color of the disinfectant solution clearly indicates where the disinfectant solution has been applied or not. The reversibly protected coloring agent is configured to release the coloring agent from its protection after exposure to a chemical or mechanical action on the colored disinfectant solution. For example, application of a mechanical action (e.g., wiping or rubbing the surface or object with the colored disinfectant solution) reduces the protection provided, allowing exposure of the coloring agent, and the color is removed from the surface or object after a certain time.

[0027] In some embodiments, mechanical action such as rubbing can spread the colored disinfectant solution and promote the release of the colorant from protection as shear forces resulting from mechanical agitation of the solution on a surface or object can remove the protection or release the colorant from protection, or cause sufficient wear of the colorant particles, resulting in the colorant being exposed and the colorant of the disinfectant solution fading to transparent over a period of time. Once the protection is removed and the colorant is released, the colorant is exposed to the disinfectant solution, which may itself cause the colorant to lose its color, or the colorant is exposed to external factors, such as exposure to air, light, solvents, oxidizing agents, catalysts, or pH conditions. In some embodiments, once the protection is removed and the colorant is released, the colorant is exposed to the disinfectant solution, which may itself cause the colorant to lose its color. This loss of color by the disinfectant solution is observable to the user. In some embodiments, the color may change to a different color or series of colors before permanently fading to transparent.

[0028] In one embodiment, a reversibly protected coloring agent and a color fade agent are added to a solution containing a disinfectant and are stable in the solution, and the reversibly protected coloring agent is sufficient to color the disinfectant solution. The reversibly protected coloring agent is configured to release the coloring agent from its protection after exposure to a chemical or mechanical action on the disinfectant solution. For example, application of a mechanical action reduces the protection provided for the release of the coloring agent, exposing the coloring agent to the color fade agent, which decomposes the coloring agent and fades the color of the disinfectant solution after a certain time.

[0029] In another embodiment, the reversibly protected coloring agent and the reversibly protected bleaching agent are added to a solution containing a disinfectant and are stable in the solution, and the reversibly protected coloring agent is sufficient to color the disinfectant solution. The reversibly protected coloring agent and the reversibly protected bleaching agent are configured to release the coloring agent and the bleaching agent from their protection after exposure to a chemical or mechanical action on the colored disinfectant solution. For example, application of a mechanical action reduces the protection provided to the release of both the coloring agent and the bleaching agent, exposing the coloring agent to the bleaching agent, which decomposes the coloring agent and causes the color of the disinfectant solution to fade after a certain time.

[0030] In another embodiment, the reversibly protected bleaching agent and coloring agent are added to a solution containing a disinfectant and are stable in the solution, with the coloring agent imparting color to the disinfectant solution. The reversibly protected bleaching agent is configured to release the bleaching agent from its protection after exposure to chemical or mechanical action on the colored disinfectant solution. For example, application of mechanical action reduces the protection imparted to the bleaching agent and releases the bleaching agent into the solution. The disinfectant solution remains colored for a period of time, allowing the user to visualize the surface coating before the bleaching agent breaks down the coloring agent and fades the color of the disinfectant solution.

[0031] In one embodiment, a reversibly protected coloring agent is added to a solution containing a disinfectant and is stable in the solution, such that the disinfectant solution remains uncolored. The reversibly protected coloring agent is configured to release the coloring agent from its protection after exposure to a chemical or mechanical action on the disinfectant solution. For example, application of a mechanical action reduces the protection conferred on the release of the coloring agent, and the coloring agent is released, imparting color to the disinfectant solution, which disappears after a period of time.

[0032] In one embodiment, the reversibly protected coloring agent and the color fading agent are added to a solution containing a disinfectant and are stable in the solution, so that the disinfectant solution remains uncolored. The reversibly protected coloring agent is configured to release the coloring agent from its protection after exposure to a chemical or mechanical action on the disinfectant solution. For example, application of a mechanical action reduces the protection provided for the release of the coloring agent, which is released and imparts color to the disinfectant solution, and the coloring agent is exposed to a color fading agent, which decomposes the coloring agent and causes the disinfectant solution to fade in color after a certain time.

[0033] In another embodiment, the reversibly protected coloring agent and the reversibly protected bleaching agent are added to a solution containing a disinfectant and are stable in the solution, so that the disinfectant solution remains uncolored. The reversibly protected coloring agent and the reversibly protected bleaching agent are configured to release the coloring agent and the bleaching agent from their protection after exposure to a chemical or mechanical action on the colored disinfectant solution. For example, application of a mechanical action reduces the protection provided to release both the coloring agent and the bleaching agent, imparting color to the disinfectant solution, and the coloring agent is exposed to the bleaching agent, which breaks down the coloring agent and causes the disinfectant solution to fade in color after a certain time.

[0034] As used herein, the term "mechanical action" to remove protection refers to any method of applying force to remove the protection imparted by a protective material or structural modification, such as wiping, scrubbing, grinding, or shaking, to remove the protection from a protected species to release it from protection. For example, release of a colorant from protection involves exposing the colorant to a bleaching agent and / or conditions that cause the colorant to permanently lose its color over a period of time.

[0035] As used herein, "chemical action" to remove protection refers to the use of a reactive agent to degrade or destroy the protection, thereby releasing the reversibly protected colorant or the reversibly protected bleaching agent (if present), or both, into the disinfectant solution. The reactive agent is activated by solvation, enzymatic cleavage, exposure to air, exposure to radiation (including light or heat), interaction with a magnetic field, interaction with an electric field, interaction with the disinfectant solution itself, or a change in the pH or temperature of the solution, and any combination thereof, and can degrade or destroy the protection over a period of seconds to hours. In some embodiments, the reactive agent is stable in the disinfectant solution and degrades or ruptures the protectant, exposing the previously reversibly protected species upon activation.

[0036] In other embodiments, the reactive agent is stabilized as a delivery and release system, such as a core-shell particle. For example, the core can contain a reactive agent separated from a protective shell using a phase change material that changes upon reaching certain chemical conditions to release the reactive agent from the core and facilitate in-out degradation of the protection. In some embodiments, a reversibly protected colorant is included in the core along with the reactive agent.

[0037] In some embodiments, the color is lost when the stain is exposed to a disinfectant solution. In some embodiments, release of the stain from protection exposes the stain to external conditions such as air, light, or changes in pH, causing the stain to lose color. In some embodiments, the color is lost when the stain is exposed to a bleaching agent. In some embodiments, the stain loses color due to oxidation.

[0038] For purposes of the present invention, oxidation of the colorant to remove its optical properties (i.e., color) is irreversible. In other words, after a colored disinfectant solution is applied to a surface or object and the colored disinfectant solution loses its color over a period of time, the color of the colorant cannot be reconstituted by changing the conditions on / around the surface or object. Permanently removing the color prevents contamination of the surface or object.

[0039] Furthermore, color removal from the colored disinfectant solution is not by rinsing the disinfectant solution with large amounts of water, as occurs, for example, during hand washing or the use of laundry detergents to wash clothes.

[0040] The reversibly protected colorants and compositions thereof described herein, when mixed with an aqueous disinfectant solution, are sufficient to color the disinfectant solution to provide a colored disinfectant solution. The reversibly protected colorants and compositions thereof are adapted to provide a colored disinfectant solution with a duration of color over a period of time to achieve a major fade. As used herein, a "period of time" may be any suitable period of time ranging from about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes after applying the staining solution to a surface or object and removing the protectant. In some embodiments, the period of time is selected from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, preferably from about 30 seconds to 3 minutes, 30 seconds to 5 minutes, 5 minutes to 10 minutes, or 10 minutes to 15 minutes. In some embodiments, the period of time is selected from 60 seconds to 30 minutes, preferably from about 60 seconds to 3 minutes, or 60 seconds to 5 minutes. In some embodiments, the period of time is about 30 seconds, or about 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, or 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the duration is the time required to completely cover and disinfect the surface. The actual time of color duration can be adjusted by adding dye stabilizers or destabilizers to the composition.

[0041] In this manner, the present invention allows a user to clearly see where the disinfectant has been applied without permanently staining or staining the surface or object to which it has been applied.

[0042] As used herein, a "disinfectant" generally refers to any solid or liquid agent that destroys, inactivates, or significantly reduces the concentration of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, or viruses, unless the disinfectant is a soap, such as a hand or body wash, or a laundry detergent.

[0043] In some embodiments, the disinfectant includes, but is not limited to, chlorine and chlorine-based compounds, alcohol, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, peroxide compounds, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenols, ammonia compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the disinfectant is a liquid (e.g., an aqueous solution) used to disinfect hard surfaces, such as chlorine and chlorine-based compounds, alcohol, peroxide compounds, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the disinfectant is selected from quaternary ammonium salts, bleach, alcohol, peroxide, oxidizing agents, natural agents, soaps, and surfactants. In some embodiments, disinfectants include, but are not limited to, hypochlorite-based disinfectants, hypochlorite-based disinfectants, dichloroisocyanurate-based disinfectants such as sodium dichloroisocyanurate, quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants, quaternary ammonium / alcohol-based disinfectants, alcohol-based disinfectants, acid / alkali-based disinfectants, heavy metal-based disinfectants, aldehyde-based disinfectants, peroxide-based disinfectants, e.g., hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants, or peracetic acid-based disinfectants.

[0044] In some embodiments, the disinfectant composition is an aqueous solution comprising a disinfectant selected from, but not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, potassium dichloroisocyanurate, hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, ethyl alcohol, a quaternary ammonium compound, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohol, alcohol, peracetic acid, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, calcium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine gluconate, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, phenol, an acid such as citric acid, and a vegetable oil and / or an essential oil, such as thymol. In some embodiments, the disinfectant composition may comprise an aldehyde (e.g., formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and orthophthalaldehyde), a hydrogen peroxide-peracetic acid combination, an iodophor, and a phenol or phenolics.

[0045] In some embodiments, the disinfectant composition is an aqueous solution containing a disinfectant selected from sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, potassium dichloroisocyanurate, hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, ethyl alcohol, a quaternary ammonium compound, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohol, alcohol, peracetic acid, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, calcium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine gluconate, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, and phenol. In some embodiments, the disinfectant composition may include an aldehyde (e.g., formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and orthophthalaldehyde), a hydrogen peroxide-peracetic acid combination, an iodophor, and a phenol or phenolics. Exemplary disinfectant solutions compatible with the compositions described herein include aqueous solutions of common disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium chloride, and alcohol.

[0046] "Bleaching agent" as defined herein refers to any chemical agent or condition that, when combined with a colorant, permanently changes the colorant from colored to colorless. Bleaching agents include, but are not limited to, pH adjusters (e.g., acids or bases), oxidizing agents, thermal radical initiators, UV radical indicators, light, bleaches, peroxides, solvents, compounds that promote or break down supramolecular association or aggregation, and combinations thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is a water-soluble oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, the water-soluble oxidizing agent includes, but is not limited to, acids, organic peroxides, inorganic peroxides, persulfate compounds, hypochlorite compounds, chlorite compounds, chlorate compounds, perchlorate compounds, iodate compounds, dichromate compounds, lead dioxide, and permanganate compounds. In some embodiments, the acids include, but are not limited to, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, peroxodisulfate, peroxymonosulfate, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the oxidizing agent is a compound that decomposes into peroxy, chloroperoxy, hydroxy, perchlorate, chlorate, or persulfate radicals. Such oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxymonosulfate, sodium persulfate, sodium perborate, sodium chlorite, sodium chlorate, and analogs or derivatives thereof.

[0048] The present invention provides colorants that are protected to maintain their optical properties until the application of mechanical or chemical action releases the colorant from its protection. The term "colorant" as defined herein includes any dye, chromophore, or pigment that imparts light absorption in the visible spectrum (300-700 nm) to a solution to which it is added. A colorant may be an organic compound that imparts a visible color to an aqueous solution. Colorants may include any acid dye, reactive dye, basic dye, FD&C dye, solvent dye, pigment, chromophore, or luminescent chromophore. Colorants may also include organic or organometallic molecules or compounds, including indicators that are sensitive to, for example, pH, temperature, solvent system, exposure to gas, exposure to light, and that provide light absorption between 300 nm and 700 nm in some media but not in others.

[0049] In some embodiments, the colorant is an oxidizable colorant. As used herein, an oxidizable colorant is a colorant that loses color when oxidized. In some embodiments, the color loss due to oxidation is permanent.

[0050] In one embodiment, the colorant is an organic colorant. In some embodiments, the organic colorant includes, but is not limited to, dyes derived from natural sources or synthetic molecules. In some embodiments, the natural dyes include, but are not limited to, anthocyanin dyes, anthraquinone dyes, azo dyes, azulene dyes, cyanine dyes, dioxazine dyes, xanthene dyes, indole dyes, indophenol dyes, indigoid dyes, naphthol dyes, naphthoxazine dyes, oxoindoline dyes, phenoxazine dyes, phthalein dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, nitrosulfonate dyes, pyrene dyes, thiazine dyes, thiophene dyes, triarylmethane dyes, quinoline dyes, and their derivatives, lakes, or mixtures thereof.

[0051] In some embodiments, the colorant is an anthocyanin dye. In some embodiments, the anthocyanin dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the anthocyanin dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the anthocyanin dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the anthocyanin dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the anthocyanin dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated anthocyanin dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0052] In some embodiments, the colorant is an anthraquinone dye. In some embodiments, the anthraquinone dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the anthraquinone dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the anthraquinone dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the anthraquinone dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the anthraquinone dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated anthraquinone dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0053] In some embodiments, the colorant is an azo dye. In some embodiments, the azo dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the azo dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the azo dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the azo dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the azo dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated azo dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0054] In some embodiments, the colorant is an azulene dye. In some embodiments, the azulene dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the azulene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the azulene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the azulene dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the azulene dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated azulene dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0055] In some embodiments, the colorant is a cyanine dye. In some embodiments, the cyanine dyes include solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cyanine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cyanine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the cyanine dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the cyanine dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated cyanine dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0056] In some embodiments, the colorant is a dioxazine dye. In some embodiments, the dioxazine dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the dioxazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the dioxazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the dioxazine dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the dioxazine dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated dioxazine dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0057] In some embodiments, the colorant is a xanthene dye. In some embodiments, the xanthene dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the xanthene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the xanthene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the xanthene dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the xanthene dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated xanthene dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0058] In some embodiments, the colorant is an indole dye. In some embodiments, the indole dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the indole dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the indole dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the indole dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the indole dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated indole dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0059] In some embodiments, the colorant is an indophenol dye. In some embodiments, the indophenol dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the indophenol dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the indophenol dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the indophenol dye is functionalized with a sulfonate. In some embodiments, the indophenol dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated indophenol dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0060] In some embodiments, the colorant is an indigoid dye. In some embodiments, the indigoid dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the indigoid dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the indigoid dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the indigoid dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the indigoid dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated indigoid dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0061] In some embodiments, the colorant is a naphthol dye. In some embodiments, naphthol dyes include solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the naphthol dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the naphthol dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the naphthol dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the naphthol dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated naphthol dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0062] In some embodiments, the colorant is a naphthoxazine dye. In some embodiments, naphthoxazine dyes include solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the naphthoxazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the naphthoxazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the naphthoxazine dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the naphthoxazine dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated naphthoxazine dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0063] In some embodiments, the colorant is an oxoindoline dye. In some embodiments, the oxoindoline dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the oxoindoline dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the oxoindoline dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the oxoindoline dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the oxoindoline dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated oxoindoline dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0064] In some embodiments, the colorant is a phenoxazine dye. In some embodiments, the phenoxazine dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phenoxazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phenoxazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the phenoxazine dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the phenoxazine dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated phenoxazine dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0065] In some embodiments, the colorant is a phthalein dye. In some embodiments, the phthalein dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phthalein dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phthalein dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the phthalein dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the phthalein dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated phthalein dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0066] In some embodiments, the colorant is a phthalocyanine dye. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated phthalocyanine dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0067] In some embodiments, the colorant is a nitrosulfonate dye. In some embodiments, the nitrosulfonate dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the nitrosulfonate dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the nitrosulfonate dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the nitrosulfonate dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the nitrosulfonate dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated nitrosulfonate dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0068] In some embodiments, the colorant is a pyrene dye. In some embodiments, the pyrene dyes include solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pyrene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pyrene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the pyrene dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the pyrene dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated pyrene dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0069] In some embodiments, the colorant is a thiazine dye. In some embodiments, the thiazine dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thiazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thiazine dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the thiazine dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the thiazine dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated thiazine dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0070] In some embodiments, the colorant is a thiophene dye. In some embodiments, the thiophene dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thiophene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thiophene dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the thiophene dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the thiophene dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated thiophene dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0071] In some embodiments, the colorant is a quinoline dye. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated quinoline dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0072] In some embodiments, the colorant is a triarylmethane dye. In some embodiments, the triarylmethane dye includes solvent dyes, reactive dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, and acid dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, neutral, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or amphiphilic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is functionalized with one or more halogens, sulfonates, sulfates, amines, alkyl chains, alcohols, alkoxylates, phosphates, nitrates, carboxylates, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is functionalized with one or more halogens or sulfonates. In some embodiments, the quinoline dye is functionalized with sulfonates. In some embodiments, the triarylmethane dye is halogenated. In some embodiments, the colorant is a halogenated triarylmethane dye, which is functionalized with at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the halogen is chlorine.

[0073] In some embodiments, the colorant is selected from Mordant Blue 1, Basic Blue 1, Acid Green 9, CI Pigment Blue 9, Alkaline Fast Green 10GA, ethanaminium N-[4-[(2-chlorophenyl)[4-[(2-cyanoethyl)ethylamino]phenyl]methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-ylidene]-2-cyano-N-ethyl-, chloride (1:1), hydrogen[4-[2-chlorophenyl)[4-[ethyl(sulfonatobenzyl)amino]phenyl]methylene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene](ethyl)(sulfonatobenzyl)ammonium, and alkoxylated, substituted, sulfonated, and polymeric derivatives thereof.

[0074] The terms "FD&C" and "D&C" dyes are recognized in the art. In the United States, food, drug, and cosmetic colorants are considered "color additives." The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act of 1938 required certification of food color additives. Since then, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been responsible for regulating all color additives used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Each batch sold in the United States must be certified by the FDA. To ensure that color additives used in foods are not confused with color additives manufactured for other uses, three categories of certifiable color additives were established: 1) FD&C (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic) color additives that apply to foods, drugs, and cosmetics; 2) D&C (Drug & Cosmetic) color additives that apply to drugs and cosmetics; and 3) external D&C (External Drug & Cosmetic) color additives that apply to external drugs and external cosmetics. The uses of all food colorants approved for use in the United States are listed in 21 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Parts 70-82, which deal with color additives.

[0075] Representative examples of basic dyes useful in the present compositions include, but are not limited to, Basic Black 2, Basic Blue 1, Basic Blue 3, Basic Blue 6, Basic Blue 7, Basic Blue 9, Basic Blue 11, Basic Blue 12, Basic Blue 16, Basic Blue 17, Basic Blue 24, Basic Blue 26, Basic Blue 41, Basic Blue 66, Basic Blue 140, Basic Brown 1, Basic Brown 4, Basic Fuchsine, Basic Green 1, Basic Green 4, Basic Green 5, Basic Orange 2, Basic Orange 14, Basic Orange 21, Basic Red 1, Basic Red 2, Basic Red 5, Basic Red 9, Basic Red 29, Basic Violet 1, Basic Violet 2, Basic Violet 3, Basic Violet 4, Basic Violet 10, Basic Yellow 1, Basic Yellow 2, and mixtures thereof.

[0076] Representative examples of FD&C dyes useful in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Blue 2, FD&C Green 3, FD&C Red 3, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6, Fast Emerald Green, and mixtures thereof.

[0077] As used herein, the term "reversibly protected" refers to any colorant and / or bleach that is modified, coated, encapsulated, and / or combined with other compounds to create a composite molecule or material that maintains the optical properties of the colorant or limits the activity of the bleach until application of a chemical or mechanical action that degrades the protection. The protection mediates an interaction between the colorant and the bleach to maintain the optical properties of the colorant until mechanical action alters or removes the protection. Once released, the colorant is exposed to a disinfectant solution and / or bleaching agent, if present, and / or conditions*** that permanently lose visible color from the colorant.

[0078] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected species is a fully or partially encapsulated, fully or partially coated, fully or partially masked, or structurally modified colorant or bleaching agent. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a fully or partially encapsulated, fully or partially coated, fully or partially masked, or structurally modified colorant. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is a fully or partially encapsulated, fully or partially coated, fully or partially masked, or structurally modified bleaching agent.

[0079] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorants of the present invention are encapsulated colorants or colorants within a core-shell structure that protects the optical properties of the colorant until mechanical action exposes the colorant, e.g., by releasing the colorant from the encapsulation or core-shell structure.

[0080] In some embodiments where protection is provided by encapsulation or coating, this can be achieved by partially or completely encapsulating or coating the colorant or bleach with a separate material, including but not limited to waxes, sugars, polymers, lipids, and inorganic shells such as metals, semi-metals, non-metals, and metal oxides.

[0081] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is an encapsulated colorant. In some embodiments, the colorant is partially encapsulated. In some embodiments, the colorant is fully encapsulated. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a colorant encapsulated in one or more polymers, polyelectrolytes, resins, animal proteins, vegetable proteins, inorganic shells, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more polymers are selected from poly(vinyl alcohol) or crosslinked polymers. In some embodiments, the one or more polymers include, but are not limited to, polymers selected from methacrylate polymers, amine methacrylate polymers, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, copolymers of polyacrylic acid, copolymers of polymethacrylic acid, styrene (meth)acrylate, maleic acid, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acrylic copolymers, vinyl methacrylic copolymers, silicone polymers, polyurethane polymers, melamine formaldehyde systems, coacervates of polyelectrolytes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more polyelectrolytes are selected from poly(acrylic acid) or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). In some embodiments, the one or more resins are selected from melamine, urea formaldehyde, or polyurethane. In some embodiments, the one or more animal proteins are selected from whey, gelatin, albumin, or silk fibroin. In some embodiments, the one or more vegetable proteins are selected from chitosan, alginate, gum arabic, pectin, carrageenan, cellulose, agar, wax, or silane coupling agents. In some embodiments, the one or more inorganic shells are selected from mica, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and silicate.

[0082] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a fully coated or partially coated colorant, hi some embodiments, the coating is selected from waxes, sugars, polymers, lipids, and inorganic shells such as metals, semi-metals, non-metals, and metal oxides.

[0083] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is an encapsulated bleaching agent. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is partially encapsulated. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is fully encapsulated. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is an encapsulated bleaching agent in one or more polymers, polyelectrolytes, resins, animal proteins, plant proteins, inorganic shells, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more polymers are selected from poly(vinyl alcohol) or crosslinked polymers. In some embodiments, the one or more polymers include, but are not limited to, polymers selected from methacrylate polymers, amine methacrylate polymers, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, copolymers of polyacrylic acid, copolymers of polymethacrylic acid, styrene (meth)acrylate, maleic acid, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acrylic copolymers, vinyl methacrylic copolymers, silicone polymers, polyurethane polymers, melamine formaldehyde systems, coacervates of polyelectrolytes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more polyelectrolytes are selected from poly(acrylic acid) or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). In some embodiments, the one or more resins are selected from melamine, urea formaldehyde, or polyurethane. In some embodiments, the one or more animal proteins are selected from whey, gelatin, albumin, or silk fibroin. In some embodiments, the one or more vegetable proteins are selected from chitosan, alginate, gum arabic, pectin, carrageenan, cellulose, agar, wax, or silane coupling agents. In some embodiments, the one or more inorganic shells are selected from mica, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and silicate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is a fully coated or partially coated bleaching agent, in some embodiments, the coating is selected from waxes, sugars, polymers, lipids, and inorganic shells such as metals, semi-metals, non-metals, and metal oxides.

[0085] In some embodiments, the coloring or bleaching agents are structurally modified, including but not limited to, intrinsic or extrinsic spacers or steric protection.

[0086] Other modes of protection, such as shielding the electronic system from which the light absorption or bleaching activity originates, can also be applied. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a fully shielded or partially shielded colorant. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a fully shielded colorant. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected colorant is a partially shielded colorant. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is a fully or partially shielded bleaching agent. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is a fully shielded bleaching agent. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected bleaching agent is a partially shielded bleaching agent. Such shielding includes, but is not limited to, the formation of discrete micelles, or modification of the solvent / solvation to induce aggregation or aggregation.

[0087] The composite materials are produced by any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, coacervation, in situ polymerization, interfacial polymerization, matrix polymerization, crosslinking, spray drying, solvent evaporation, SAS (supercritical anti-solvent techniques), emulsion, and extrusion techniques.

[0088] In another aspect, the invention generally relates to a container comprising a reversibly protected species or composition thereof disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the container comprises a reversibly protected colorant or composition thereof. In some embodiments, the container comprises a reversibly protected bleaching agent or composition thereof. The container may be any suitable container in which materials are held or transported, such as a packet, vial, carton, can, or jar. In some embodiments, the container is a packet.

[0089] In yet another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a kit for coloring a disinfectant solution, comprising one or more containers. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a kit for coloring a disinfectant solution, comprising one or more containers comprising a reversibly protected coloring agent, optionally one or more containers comprising a color fader, and instructions for combining the reversibly protected coloring agent with a disinfectant solution, either alone or in combination with the color fader, where the reversibly protected coloring agent, when combined, is sufficient to color the disinfectant solution. In some embodiments, the color fader is a reversibly protected color fader. In some embodiments, the components of the kit are adapted to be combined immediately prior to use. In some embodiments, the reversibly protected coloring agent is adapted to be combined with the disinfectant solution at the time of manufacture of the disinfectant solution and stored in an integrated package.

[0090] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for disinfecting a surface or object. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a disinfectant solution and a composition comprising (i) a reversibly protected coloring agent, (ii) a coloring agent and a reversibly protected fading agent, or (iii) a reversibly protected coloring agent and a reversibly protected fading agent, combining an amount of the composition (i), (ii), or (iii) with the disinfectant solution at or before the time of use, where the composition is sufficient to color the disinfectant solution, and applying the colored disinfectant solution to the surface or object, where upon application, the color of the disinfectant solution clearly indicates where the spray or film was or was not applied to the surface or object, and the colored disinfectant solution is subjected to chemical and / or mechanical action that releases the protected species (i.e., the reversibly protected coloring agent, the reversibly protected fading agent, or both) from protection, causing the color of the disinfectant solution to fade to clear within a period of time.

[0091] In some embodiments, the disinfectant solution and composition are combined immediately prior to use, hi some embodiments, the disinfectant solution and composition are combined when applied to a surface or object to be disinfected.

[0092] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for disinfecting a surface or object. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a colored disinfectant solution to the surface or object, the colored disinfectant solution including a disinfectant and a reversibly protected colorant, the reversibly protected colorant being sufficient to color the disinfectant solution, and upon application, the color of the disinfectant solution clearly indicates where the spray or film was or was not applied to the surface or object, and the disinfectant solution is subjected to a chemical and / or mechanical action that releases the colorant from protection, causing the color of the disinfectant solution to fade to clear within a period of time. In some embodiments, the colored disinfectant further includes a color fader. In some embodiments, the color fader is a reversibly protected color fader.

[0093] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for disinfecting a surface or object, the method comprising applying a colored disinfectant solution to said surface or object, the coloring agent comprising a disinfectant, a colorant, and a reversibly protected bleaching agent, the colorant being sufficient to color the disinfectant solution, such that upon application, the color of the disinfectant solution clearly indicates where the spray or film has or has not been applied to the surface or object, and the disinfectant solution is subjected to chemical and / or mechanical action that releases the bleaching agent from protection, causing the color of the disinfectant solution to fade to clear within a period of time.

[0094] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the surface or object is not a body part such as a hand, arm, or skin.

[0095] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the disinfectant solution can be any disinfectant solution disclosed herein.

[0096] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the colored disinfectant solution is applied to a surface as a spray or film.

[0097] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the disinfectant solution is retained within a wipe and the reversibly protected stain or composition thereof is applied to the wipe. In some embodiments, the stained disinfectant solution is applied to or in the form of a wipe and the surface or object is wiped with the wipe.

[0098] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the concentration of the coloring agent, excluding the protective agent, in the colored disinfectant solution is 0.03 mMol to 150 mMol. In any of the methods disclosed herein, the concentration of the coloring agent in the colored disinfectant solution is 0.3 mMol to 15 mMol. As used herein, the concentration of the coloring agent in the colored disinfectant solution refers to the concentration of the coloring agent after it is mixed with the disinfectant solution.

[0099] example Methods and Data Complex coacervation microencapsulation of thymolphthalein. In some embodiments, components are encapsulated by the techniques listed above. One such embodiment involves the process of complex coacervation microencapsulation. Complex coacervation microencapsulation involves phase separation of two immiscible liquid phases, resulting in a dilute (equilibrium) phase and a dense (coacervate) phase characterized by a relatively high concentration of macromolecules. Coacervate macromolecules generally take the form of core-shell particles, where shell formation or deposition around the core material is driven primarily by electrostatic interactions between two oppositely charged polymers (e.g., proteins or polysaccharides).

[0100] In one embodiment, the core suspension is prepared by first dispersing a water-soluble colorant (thymolphthalein, 0.107 g) in a polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant (Tween 80, 5 g), then dispersing in a chitosan solution (1 wt % acetic acid) under mechanical stirring at 50° C. until completely homogenized. Gelatin solution (1 wt % acetic acid) is added to the dye / chitosan mixture at a rate of 1 mL / min for another 30 min at 50° C. or until completely homogenized under mechanical stirring. Coacervation can be induced by adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture. The pH is adjusted to 5.5 by dropwise addition of 1 M sodium hydroxide solution, stirred at 50° C. for 4 h to homogenize, and then gradually returned to room temperature under constant stirring. Finally, the liquid coacervate solution can be isolated and dried after stirring under ice for 1 h. The thymolphthalein-loaded microcapsules can be isolated by centrifugation, washing with cold ethanol and deionized water, and then freeze-drying in vacuum. Thymolphthalein-loaded gelatin-chitosan microcapsules are shown in FIG.

[0101] In some embodiments, microcapsules can be prepared using a coacervation process that results in a complex structure in which there is a large central core of the encapsulated material.

[0102] Complex microcapsules can be prepared according to the following general process: In a beaker that serves as the main reaction vessel, gelatin is dissolved in deionized water. Gum arabic is dissolved in deionized water. A conventional colorant composition is emulsified in a laboratory mixer to form a fine emulsion. The same colorant is then emulsified into the previously formed fine emulsion at a lower rotation speed, and after about 10 minutes a new second size distribution of emulsified "particles" (coarse emulsion) is produced with an average size of about 100 microns. The fine emulsion is still present. The pH is selected by observing the pH at which coacervates start to form. The solution / emulsion is cooled to room temperature and allowed to stand for about 30 minutes. The coacervates are then crosslinked with a 25% solution of glutaraldehyde.

[0103] Chitosan microcapsules can be prepared from a water-in-oil emulsion: chitosan (>85% deacetylated, Aldrich 417963), MilliO water, glacial acetic acid, FD&C Blue #1 food coloring dye, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), mineral oil (white, heavy oil), and sorbitan monooleate (Span-80) surfactant. A chitosan solution is prepared by mixing chitosan with a water / 1% (volume) acetic acid solution. Chitosan is dissolved in 600 mL of water / 1% (volume) acetic acid solution by stirring and heating the mixture to about 60° C. for about 1 day. 3.3 mL of an aqueous solution containing colorant (pre-dissolved) is then added to 200 mL of the chitosan solution. A mixture is then prepared by adding an emulsifier (IKA RE162 / P) along with 800 mL of mineral oil and 8 mL of Span-80 and mixed by stirring at 100 rpm for 5 minutes. The mixture is allowed to stand for 20 minutes to allow the air bubbles to rise and burst. The chitosan solution is then added to the mixture over approximately 20 minutes via two 60 mL syringes equipped with 16 gauge needles. The resulting emulsion is then stirred for an additional 30 minutes after the addition of the 10 final chitosan solution. The emulsion is then transferred to a 2 L Pyrex beaker on a magnetic stir plate. The emulsion is heated to approximately 70°C with stirring and left overnight (approximately 14-16 hours) to allow the acetic acid and most of the water of the 15 to evaporate. The emulsion is then heated to approximately 95°C-100°C with continued stirring until the next day (approximately 24 hours). The emulsion is then collected in 50 mL centrifuge tubes and spun at 3,500 rpm for 10 minutes each. Most of the particles will settle after centrifugation, but most of the smallest particles (having a size of a few microns or less) may remain suspended. The solution is decanted to waste. In half of the centrifuge tubes, use a glass pipette to resuspend the particles in the remaining mineral oil. Transfer all of the remaining particle-oil slurry from these tubes to a glass vial (total volume approximately 15 mL) and centrifuge again at 3,500 rpm for 1 hour. Decant the solution again to waste and remove as much of the residual oil as possible with a pipette. In the remaining half of the tubes, resuspend the particles in approximately 10 mL of hexane in each tube by vortexing. Collect the liquid from all tubes into two tubes and then centrifuge at 3,500 rpm for 10 minutes.Decant the solution to waste and resuspend the particles in approximately 10 mL of hexane in each tube. Finally, filter the solution through qualitative filter paper by gravity filtration and allow to dry in a fume hood.

[0104] In some embodiments, microcapsules can be prepared that contain an organic liquid fill encapsulated by an impermeable shell of urea-formaldehyde polymer. These microcapsules are made by dispersing and maintaining the fill material as finely divided particles in an aqueous, water-soluble urea-formaldehyde condensation precursor solution.

[0105] A prepolymer solution is formed by heating a mixture of 488.5 grams (6.0 moles) of 37% aqueous formaldehyde solution and 240 grams (4.0 moles) of urea adjusted to pH 8.0 with triethanolamine at 70°C for 1 hour. The prepolymer is diluted with 1,000 grams of water to obtain a relatively stable solution for forming microcapsules. Microcapsules containing dye solution are prepared by first adjusting the pH of 1 / 10 volume of the above prepolymer solution with 10% aqueous citric acid while stirring, adding the colorant at room temperature, further adjusting the pH with 10% citric acid, and maintaining sufficient stirring to disperse the phases. The stirred mixture is heated and maintained at 40-45°C. After about 30 minutes, shell formation becomes evident microscopically. As the mixture thickens at this elevated temperature over 40 minutes, 50 mL of warm water is added. After 3 hours of reaction time, cold water is added to bring the total volume to 600 mL, and half of the resulting slurry is filtered by gravity to obtain microcapsules after air drying. The remaining suspension is allowed to stand for 17 hours, then gravity filtered and air dried to yield additional microcapsules, which are free flowing.

[0106] In some embodiments, the present invention provides substantially non-eluting sol-gel micro- and nanoparticles that encapsulate one or more agents (e.g., colorants) that are characterized by their stability against leaching or migration of the agents therein.

[0107] A water-soluble dye, for example FD&C Blue No. 1 (0.002-0.2 grams) and Polysorbate 80 (0.01-1 grams) are dissolved in a 30-70% aqueous solution of acetic acid (10-40 grams). Then 10-40 grams of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) are added and the resulting solution is stirred at room temperature. The solution is emulsified in a stirred, cooled oil phase containing 5-15 grams of sorbitan oleate and 100-300 grams of castor oil. The resulting emulsion is poured into 100-800 grams of decanol and the resulting mixture is stirred using a mechanical stirrer. A fine powder is thus obtained and is recovered by sedimentation in a centrifuge. The precipitate is washed successively with hexane, ethanol and hexane and dried in an oven. Then 1-10 grams of the resulting dry powder is suspended in 40 grams of TEOS and the mixture is stirred at room temperature. Then, 0.01-5N HCl (50-500 μl) is added to the stirred dispersion. The resulting powder is isolated and the precipitate is washed successively with hexane, ethanol, NaOH in ethanol, sodium lauryl sulfate solution (SLS), water, and ethanol. The resulting particles are then dried in an oven.

[0108] The reversibly protected species are further illustrated as compositions including water-in-oil and oil-in-water microcapsules. The microcapsules are obtained by either oil-in-water (O / W) or water-in-oil (W / O) emulsification. In one embodiment, the microcapsules are obtained by dispersing an oil-soluble amine-modified multifunctional polyvinyl monomer (or oligomer) and an oil-soluble di- or multifunctional vinyl monomer or oligomer together with a free radical initiator, such as an azo or peroxy initiator and an organic acid, in an internal phase oil, which is a non-solvent for the aqueous phase. The excess phase is water with an O / W emulsification. In a W / O emulsion, the excess phase and the continuous phase is oil. The term internal phase oil is used for convenience and simplification and refers to the oil phase and to the type of oil that is conventionally used as the internal phase or content of the microcapsule in conventional microencapsulation. However, in a W / O emulsification, the oil ends up as the continuous phase. The aqueous phase forms the content inside the capsule.

[0109] The term "oil phase" is intended to refer to the oil phase oil. The oil phase dispersion is heated for a time and temperature sufficient to oligomerize the amine-modified multifunctional polyvinyl monomer or oligomer and the oil-soluble difunctional or multifunctional vinyl monomer or oligomer to form a prepolymer. An aqueous phase containing an aqueous dispersion of an emulsifier and an optional second initiator, which may be the same or different, such as an azo or peroxy initiator, is then added to the oil phase. This aqueous phase is emulsified in the oil phase (W / O) and subsequently heated for a time and temperature sufficient to decompose at least one of the free radical initiators that may be located in either or both of the oil and / or aqueous phases, thereby forming a microcapsule wall material at the interface between the aqueous and oil phases. A third heating step is used to polymerize the formed wall material, preferably decomposing any remaining initiator in the process. The results are shown in Figure 3 and Figures 4A and 4B.

[0110] Although the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A colored disinfectant composition comprising a reversibly protected bleaching agent, a coloring agent, and a disinfectant solution, wherein the coloring agent is sufficient to color the composition and allow temporary visualization of the disinfectant.

2. The colored disinfectant composition of claim 1, wherein the reversibly protected fading agent is selected from the group consisting of oxidizing agents, pH adjusters, compounds that promote or degrade supramolecular association or aggregation, and combinations thereof.

3. A colored disinfectant composition as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the reversibly protected color fading agent is completely or partially encapsulated.

4. A colored disinfectant composition as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the reversibly protected color fading agent is completely or partially coated.

5. A colored disinfectant composition as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the reversibly protected color fading agent is completely or partially masked.

6. The colored disinfectant composition of claim 5, wherein the shielding is selected from discrete micelles or solvent / solvation modifications to induce aggregation or aggregation.

7. The colored disinfectant composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the colorant in the colored disinfectant is from 0.03 mMol to 150 mMol.

8. The colored disinfectant composition of claim 7, wherein the concentration of the colorant in the colored disinfectant is from 0.3 mMol to 15 mMol.

9. A reversibly protected colorant which, when mixed with a disinfectant solution, imparts a color to the disinfectant solution that enables temporary visualization of the disinfectant, wherein the colorant is reversibly protected by being completely or partially masked.

10. The reversibly protected colorant of claim 9, wherein the shielding is selected from discrete micelles or solvent / solvation modifications to induce aggregation or aggregation.

11. A reversibly protected colorant described in claim 9 or 10, further comprising a color fading agent.

12. The reversibly protected colorant of claim 11, wherein the color fading agent is a reversibly protected color fading agent.

13. 1. A method for disinfecting a surface or object, comprising: applying the colored disinfectant composition of claim 1 or 2 to said surface or object, Upon application, the color of the disinfectant composition clearly indicates where the colored disinfectant composition has or has not been applied to the surface or object, and the colored disinfectant composition is subjected to chemical and / or mechanical action that releases protected species from said protection, causing the color of the disinfectant composition to fade to transparent within a period of time.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the colored disinfectant composition is applied to the surface as a spray or a film.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the colored disinfectant composition is applied to or is in the form of a disinfectant article and the surface or object is wiped with the disinfectant article.

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