Silver dihydrogen citrate compositions comprising a second antimicrobial agent

Abstract

Compositions comprising silver dihydrogen citrate in combination with a second antimicrobial compound are provided. The second antimicrobial compound may be quaternary ammonia, an oxidizer or a halogen species, such as chlorine, bromine or iodine. Methods of using the antimicrobial composition provide superior antimicrobial effects.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 498,347, filed Aug. 28, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to antimicrobial compositions and their methods of use. In particular, the invention relates to silver dihydrogen citrate compositions comprising quaternary amines, an oxidizing agent or a halogen compound, and methods of using the compositions to confer an antimicrobial effect on various substrates. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A large number of antimicrobial compounds are known. Compounds that kill or prevent the spread of microbes have been used for a variety of purposes and in numerous products to prolong product shelf-life, and to confer antimicrobial benefits to end-users, their possessions and their environments. Some antimicrobial compounds that may be mentioned include quaternary ammonium compounds, oxidizing agents and halogen compounds. [0004] Qu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0063] As can be seen from the foregoing examples, the present invention provides significant advantages in the field of antimicrobial methods. The invention provides antimicrobial compositions and methods that possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. In addition, the invention provides compositions and methods that possess synergistic antimicrobial properties. Further, the invention provides antimicrobial compositions that possess extended antimicrobial properties when applied to a substrate.

Problems solved by technology

However, benzalkonium chlorides are not effective against some Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas.

While such compounds are beneficial at relatively low concentrations, at higher concentrations they can be irritating or even toxic.

Also, quaternary compounds tend to dissipate in the environment quickly, and thus tend not to provide extended antimicrobial effects when applied to solid surfaces and other substrates.

While oxidizing agents are very effective disinfectants, they tend to degrade quickly in the environment, and thus are not suitable for providing antimicrobial effects over an extended period of time.

While not as irritating as tinctures, when used on skin iodophors can act as desiccants and can result in dermatitis.

All the halogens are potentially irritating, especially to the eyes, mucus membranes and open wounds.

Additionally, the halogens are also potentially toxic when ingested.

Additionally, silver ion solutions have been prepared for the treatment of wounds, however the silver ions used in the proposed methods are unstable and must be generated near the wound in order to deliver a therapeutic dose to the wound site.

However, these dusting agents must be kept dry and are generally not convenient for imparting preservative value to consumer products or for delivering antimicrobial effects to an end user or to the environment of the end user.

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