Synergistic biocide composition with polyglycerol esters

Abstract

Provided herein are disinfecting compositions of biocides with synergistic effects with polyglycerol esters that allow for a reduction in the amount of biocide required to be effective disinfecting compositions.

Description

Invention Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to biocidal compositions that have enhanced biocidal properties compared to compositions containing a single biocide. Background of the Invention

[0003] Disinfectants are any chemical agents / compositions that can kill, destroy, or inhibit the growth of organisms (especially microorganisms). Disinfectant products include hard surface cleaners, hand and skin sanitizers, hand and skin cleansers, pre-disinfecting cleaners for instruments, sterilization and high-level disinfectant compositions, and soft surface disinfectants, such as laundry detergents, upholstery cleaners, and disinfectants.

[0004] Ideally, the disinfectant composition should exhibit broad-spectrum activity against all types of microorganisms at various pH levels. The disinfectant composition should also be highly effective, allowing for the use of minimal amounts of biocide to save costs and avoid or reduce any potential adverse effects caused by biocides. Furthermore, it is desirable that the disinfectant composition be stable to any temperature variations encountered during manufacturing, packaging, transportation, and storage. Additionally, the disinfectant composition is ideally physically and chemically compatible with the components of different application systems and with the diverse components present in end-use products, allowing for appropriate incorporation into a variety of end-use products.

[0005] Recent developments in the field of disinfectants have focused on finding compounds that synergistically interact with biocides in disinfectant compositions to enhance biocide efficacy and / or effectively reduce the amount of biocide required in the disinfectant composition to achieve the desired disinfection properties while using minimal amounts of biocide in the disinfectant product. This disclosure responds to this need by providing a synergistic mixture of a biocide present in a detergent composition and a polyglycerol ester. Invention Overview

[0007] In a first embodiment, a disinfectant composition is provided comprising (i) a biocide; and (ii) a polyglycerol ester. The polyglycerol ester is present in an amount sufficient to increase the efficacy of the biocide compared to the biocide alone, and this increase is greater than the additive effect of the biocide's and the polyglycerol ester's biocide activity when used alone.

[0008] In another embodiment, a disinfection composition according to the first embodiment is provided, wherein the weight ratio of polyglycerol ester to biocide is in the range of 0.00001 to 10.0, particularly in the range of 0.0001 to 2.0, more specifically in the range of 0.001 to 1.5, and even more specifically in the range of 0.01 to 1.0.

[0009] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises a biocide, said biocide being a quaternary ammonium compound, a tertiary amine, a guanidine, a biguanide, an alcohol, a phenolic compound, an organic acid, a peroxide, a peracid, an iron chelating agent, a pyridine compound, an iodine compound, or a mixture thereof.

[0010] In another embodiment, the biocide in the disinfectant composition is a tertiary amine, which is a (C8-C16) alkyl tertiary amine, such as N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)dodecyl-1,3propylamine.

[0011] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises a biocide, which is a quaternary ammonium compound. Quaternary ammonium compounds include, for example, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds and benzyl quaternary ammonium compounds. Examples of alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds include diC8-18 alkyldimethylammonium compounds or benzylC8-18 alkyldimethylammonium compounds. Quaternary ammonium compounds typically have a salt anion, which is a halide, carbonate, bicarbonate / carbonate, carboxylate, sulfonate, or phosphate ion.

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, the biocide in the disinfectant composition is a guanidine. Guanidines include biguanides, such as polyhexamethylene monoguanidine or polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, the biocide can be an acid.

[0014] In another aspect, the disinfectant composition contains a biocide, such as p-chloro-meta-xylenol, hydroxypyridine-1-oxide (HPNO), ostinidine, or povidone-iodine.

[0015] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises a polyglycerol ester derived from (a) a polyglycerol component based on an average of 2 to 12 glycerol molecules, and (b) a fatty acid comprising caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, tetracosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid, oleic acid, or decaoleic acid. Specific polyglycerol fatty esters include polyglycerol-10 laurate; polyglycerol-10 decaoleate; polyglycerol-3 monostearate; polyglycerol-6 distearate; polyglycerol-10 stearate; polyglycerol-10 oleate; polyglycerol-10 dipalmitate; or one or more of polyglycerol-10 caprylate / capric acid.

[0016] In another embodiment, a method for increasing the efficacy of a biocide in a disinfectant solution is provided. The method includes providing a biocide and adding an effective amount of polyglycerol ester to the biocide to increase the efficacy of the biocide compared to an equivalent amount of biocide without polyglycerol ester.

[0017] In another embodiment, a method for increasing the efficacy of a hard surface disinfection composition is provided. The method includes providing a hard surface disinfection composition and adding an effective amount of polyglycerol ester to the hard surface disinfection composition. The addition of polyglycerol ester increases the efficacy of the hard surface disinfection composition compared to a hard surface disinfection composition without polyglycerol ester.

[0018] In another embodiment, a method for increasing the efficacy of a soft surface disinfection composition is provided. The method includes providing a soft surface disinfection composition and adding an effective amount of polyglycerol ester to the soft surface disinfection composition. The addition of polyglycerol ester increases the efficacy of the soft surface disinfection composition compared to a soft surface disinfection composition without polyglycerol ester.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for reducing the minimum amount of biocide required for effective biocide activity. The method includes providing a biocide and adding a certain amount of polyglycerol ester to the biocide to form a disinfectant composition. The disinfectant composition containing polyglycerol ester has a lower minimum amount of biocide required for effective biocide activity compared to compositions in which a biocide is used alone.

[0020] These and other aspects will become apparent when you read the invention details.

[0021] Detailed description

[0022] Those skilled in the art will understand that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Generally, this invention relates to disinfectant compositions. As used herein, the term "disinfectant" refers to a biocidal composition intended to be applied to a surface to destroy microorganisms living on the surface. The disinfectant compositions disclosed herein have numerous uses and applications. Disinfectants can be used in any suitable industry or sector where the surface needs to be substantially free of microorganisms. For example, disinfectants can comprise public goods, household products, or healthcare products. Disinfectants can, for example, comprise disinfectant components in hard surface disinfectants, hand sanitizers, sterilizing or high-level disinfectant compositions, pre-disinfecting cleaners for instruments, soft surface disinfectants such as laundry detergents, furniture coverings, and fabric cleaners / disinfectants. In a particular application, they can be used in the food and beverage sector for cleaning food contact surfaces such as countertops, tables, food containers, etc. Typically, food contact approved disinfectants contain relatively low amounts of biocides.

[0024] It has now been surprisingly discovered that incorporating a certain amount of polyglycerol ester into a biocide used in a disinfectant composition can provide an effective disinfectant composition with a synergistic interaction between the biocide and the polyglycerol ester. As used herein, "synergistic interaction" refers to the fact that when combined with polyglycerol ester, the biocide has a greater overall effect than the biocide properties of either the biocide alone or the polyglycerol ester alone. In other words, the biocide of this disclosure synergistically interacts with polyglycerol ester, thereby exhibiting higher antimicrobial activity against certain microorganisms in their respective presence than the antimicrobial activity of either the biocide alone or the polyglycerol ester alone at the same concentration. Due to the synergistic effect, the amount of biocide present in the disinfectant composition can be reduced while still producing the desired efficacy. This effect is also referred to as biocide enhancement in the disinfectant composition. This enhancement of the biocide is also referred to herein as the "synergistic effect" between the biocide and the polyglycerol ester, used to enhance the efficacy of the biocide.

[0025] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise a quaternary ammonium compound. The quaternary ammonium compound may comprise, for example, an alkyl quaternary ammonium compound or a benzyl ammonium compound. Quaternary ammonium compounds, also referred to as "quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)," typically comprise at least one quaternary ammonium cation having a suitable anion. Quaternary ammonium compounds generally have Formula I:

[0026]

[0027] Group R 1 R 2 R 3 and R 4 Examples of quaternary ammonium compounds that can vary over a wide range and possess antimicrobial properties are well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, R... 1 R 2 R 3and R 4 The two in this group are lower alkyl groups, meaning they have 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl. Additionally, R... 1 R 2 R 3 and R 4 The two alkyl groups in M ​​are long-chain alkyl groups with 6 to 24 carbon atoms, which can be straight-chain or branched, or benzyl. - It is a monovalent anion or a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. M - Suitable anions are primarily all inorganic or organic anions, especially halide ions (e.g., chloride or bromide ions), carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, carbonates, bicarbonates / carbonates, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R group: R 1 benzyl or C 6-18 -alkyl, R 2 C 1-18 -alkyl or -[(CH2)2-O] n R5, where n = 1-20, and R3 and R4 are independent of each other and are C. 1-4 -alkyl, R5 is hydrogen or an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and M - It is a monovalent anion of inorganic or organic acids or a polyvalent anion of one equivalent.

[0028] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a dialkylammonium compound, such as a dimethyl dialkylammonium compound. In one embodiment, the dimethyl dialkylammonium compound may have about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, for example, about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms, in each alkyl group.

[0029] Examples of dimethyl dialkylammonium compounds that can be used as primary biocides include dimethyl dioctylammonium compounds such as dimethyl dioctylammonium chloride, and dimethyl didecylammonium compounds such as dimethyl didecylammonium chloride. Mixtures of dimethyl dialkylammonium compounds can also be used, and other anions, such as those mentioned above, can also be used. Commercially available dimethyl dialkylammonium compounds include, for example, those produced by Lonza America, Inc. under the brand name BARDAC. TM Compositions sold and distributed under the trade name.

[0030] In one alternative embodiment, the first biocide may comprise a benzylammonium compound, such as an alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium compound. Typically, the alkyl group may comprise about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, for example, about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms.

[0031] Examples of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds that can be used as primary biocides include C12 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, C14 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and C16 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. Furthermore, mixtures of these alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds can be used. Commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds include, for example, those marketed under the trade name LonzaAmerica, Inc. Compositions for sale and distribution. These commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds are blends of C12, C14, and C16 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. Typically, it is preferred that, when in blend form, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound contains a higher concentration of C12 and C14 alkyl components than the C16 alkyl component. It should be noted that other anions, including those described above, may also be used.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the quaternary ammonium may comprise a quaternary ammonium propionate. The quaternary ammonium propionate may, for example, comprise poly(oxyalkyl)propionate ammonium. In one specific embodiment, for example, the first biocide may comprise N,N-decyl-N-methyl-poly(oxyethyl)propionate ammonium.

[0033] Specific quaternary ammonium compounds include carbonates / bicarbonates of quaternary ammonium cations. Quaternary ammonium carbonates can be represented by the following formula:

[0034]

[0035] Where R 1 For C1-C 20 Alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, and R 2 C8-C 20 Alkyl group, and preferably R 1 With R 2 Same, and R 1 C8-C 12 Alkyl groups, and the composition further comprises the corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate.

[0036]

[0037] Where R 1 Is it the same as or different from the above C1-C? 20 Alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, and R 2 Is it the same as or different from the above C8-C? 20 Alkyl, but preferably R 1 With R 2 Same, and R 1 C8-C 12 alkyl.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first biocide contained in the composition comprises two C8-C12 Alkyl ammonium carbonate / diC8-C 12 Alkyl ammonium bicarbonate. For example, in one specific embodiment, the antimicrobial or preservative composition comprises dialcyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate and dialcyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate.

[0039] However, in other embodiments, the carbonate / bicarbonate of the quaternary ammonium cation may be selected from dioctyldimethylammonium carbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium carbonate, benzalkonium carbonate, benzethonium carbonate, stearalkonium carbonate, cetrimonium carbonate, behenyltrimethylammonium carbonate, dioctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, benzalkonium bicarbonate, benzethonium bicarbonate, stearalkonium bicarbonate, cetrimonium bicarbonate, behenyltrimethylammonium bicarbonate, and mixtures of one or more of these carbonates.

[0040] In addition to the quaternary ammonium compounds listed above, other compounds, oligomers, and polymers having one or more quaternary ammonium groups can also be used as biocides. One such example is a "gemini" quaternary ammonium compound, also known as a diquaternary ammonium compound, which has two quaternary ammonium groups linked together by a linker. Examples of gemini quaternary ammonium compounds include, for example, quaternary ammonium compounds with the following formula:

[0041]

[0042] Among them, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 can vary over a wide range, and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds with antimicrobial properties are well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, two of R1, R3, and R5 and two of R2, R4, and R6 are lower alkyl groups, i.e., having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl. Furthermore, at least one of R1, R3, and R5, and at least one of R2, R4, and R6, are long-chain alkyl or benzyl groups with 6 to 24 carbon atoms. - It is a monovalent anion or a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. X - Or M - Suitable anions are primarily all inorganic or organic anions, especially halide ions (e.g., chloride or bromide ions), carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, carbonates, bicarbonates / carbonates, or mixtures thereof. An exemplary quaternary ammonium compound is bis(2-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylammonium ethyl ether) dichloride.

[0043] In another embodiment, the biocide may comprise an amine. For example, amines have been found to have a synergistic interaction with quaternary ammonium carbonates when controlling the growth of bacteria, particularly Gram-negative bacteria. Suitable amines include, but are not limited to, tertiary amines, such as (C8-C14)alkylamines. The term "(C8-C14)alkylamine" covers all amines containing (C1-C14) alkyl groups. One (C8-C14)alkylamine is N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)dodecylamine, which can be used as... The 12.30 and 12.100 were purchased from Lonza, Inc.

[0044] Other exemplary tertiary amines include, for example, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecyl-1,3-propanediamine, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-decyl-1,3-propanediamine, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-tetradecyl-1,3-propanediamine, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-octyl-1,3-propanediamine, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-hexadecyl-1,3-propanediamine; and their acid addition compounds. Other similar tertiary amines may be used.

[0045] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise guanidine, particularly biguanide and / or its substituted products, salts, analogs, derivatives and / or combinations thereof. Biguanides are generally represented by the following formula, but are known to exist in other forms.

[0046]

[0047] Where R 1 R 2 R 3 and R 4 Each is independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl groups, optionally substituted phenyl groups, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol or R. 1 R 2 R 3 and R 4 One of them can be

[0048]

[0049] Where R 5 R 6 and R 7 Each component is independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl groups, optionally substituted phenyl groups, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. Substituents for alkyl and phenyl groups include, but are not limited to, halogens such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine, hydroxyl groups, and amino groups. Alkyl groups may have 1 to 6 carbons and may be saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched.

[0050] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise a polymeric biguanide, also known as a polybiguanide, or a salt, analogue, or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the polybiguanide may be a copolymer or a heteropolymer. The polybiguanide may be linear, branched, cyclic, and / or dendritic. The number of polymer repeating units may vary between 2 and 1,000, for example 5 to 750, for example 10 to 500, for example 25 to 250, for example 50 to 100 repeating units. In a specific embodiment, the polybiguanide may include polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polyhexamethylene monoguanide (PHMG), polyvinyl biguanide (PEB), polytetramethylene biguanide (PTMB), polyvinyl hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polymethylene biguanide (PMB), poly(allyl biguanide-co-allylamine), poly(N-vinyl-biguanide), polyallyl biguanide, etc.

[0051] For example, in one specific embodiment, the biocide may comprise polyalkylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide. In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide (PABP). PHMB is typically represented by the following formula; however, it is known to exist as a complex mixture of polymeric biguanides having various end groups including guanidine (not shown).

[0052]

[0053] The value n represents the number of repeating units in the biguanide polymer.

[0054] More specifically, PHMB can be a mixture of different biguanide polymers, which can include different combinations of end groups, such as amine, cyanoguanidin, and guanidine. Based on these three end groups alone, at least six possible biguanide polymers can exist. There can be a biguanide polymer with two terminal amine groups, called PHMB-AA; a biguanide polymer with two terminal cyanoguanidin groups, called PHMB-CGCG; and a biguanide polymer with two terminal guanidine groups, called PHMB-GG (see below). There are also three possible biguanide polymers with two different combinations of end groups. Furthermore, based on the aforementioned end groups, they include amine-cyanoguanidin (PHMB-ACG), amine-guanidin (PHMB-AG), and guanidine-cyanoguanidin (GCG). Therefore, a sample of PHMB can contain a mixture of polymeric biguanides with the three of these end groups. Additionally, some compositions can include intrachain polymeric guanidine (not shown). The subscript "n" indicates the average number of repeating groups, and there is a distribution of polymer lengths for each polymer shown below.

[0055]

[0056] Where n can be from about 1 to about 50, for example, from about 1 to about 20.

[0057] Polyhexamethylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and is fast-acting. Furthermore, the antimicrobial agent is stable over a wide pH range.

[0058] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise biguanide. Biguanide is typically represented by the following formula; however, it is known to exist in other forms.

[0059]

[0060] Among them A and A 1 Each represents (1) a phenyl group, optionally substituted with an alkyl or alkoxy, nitro, or halogen atom comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms; (2) an alkyl group comprising 1 to 12 carbon atoms; or (3) an alicyclic group comprising 4 to 12 carbon atoms; wherein X and X 1 Each represents an alkylene group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; where Z and Z 1 Each can be 0 or 1; where R and R 1 Each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; wherein n is an integer from 2 to 12, inclusive; and wherein the chain is (CH2). n It can be optionally broken by oxygen or sulfur atoms, aromatic nuclei, etc., or substituted by halogens, hydroxyl groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, acetyl groups, aromatic nuclei, etc. In one embodiment, the chain (CH2) n Optionally, it can be replaced by a divalent bridging group, wherein the divalent bridging group can be selected from, but is not limited to, alkylene groups, alicyclic groups, cyclic nuclei, aromatic nuclei, etc., and can be substituted or interrupted by oxygen or sulfur atoms, aromatic nuclei, etc. Exemplary bis-biguanide compounds include, but are not limited to, chlorhexidine, alexiidine, trifluoromethylphenyl bis-biguanide, its analogs, derivatives and / or salts.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, the biocide may comprise chlorhexidine or its derivatives or salts. Chlorhexidine is generally represented by the following formula.

[0062]

[0063] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise a chlorhexidine salt. For example, the biocide may comprise chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, or chlorhexidine acetate.

[0064] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise a biguanide salt. For example, in one embodiment, the biocide may comprise an inorganic or organic salt of biguanide, polybiguanide, bis-biguanide, its derivatives, and / or the like. In a specific embodiment, the biocide may comprise biguanide, polybiguanide, and / or bis-biguanide halides; including chlorides, bromides, and iodides; hydrochlorides; sulfates; gluconates; acetates; oxalates; succinates; tartrates; phosphites; phosphates; phosphonates; nitrites; nitrates; carbonates; sulfates; sulfonates; alkyl sulfonates; phenyl sulfonates; aminocarboxylates; carboxylates; hydroxycarboxylates; organophosphates; organophosphonates; organosulfonates; organosulfates, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0065] In another embodiment, the biocide may comprise a metal complex of biguanide. In one embodiment, for example, the biocide may be selected from, but is not limited to, biguanides, their derivatives, and / or similar compounds that are complexed with iron, zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium, ruthenium, iridium, menthium, silver, osmium, silicon, platinum, manganese, cobalt, copper, boron, technetium, rhenium, palladium, vanadyl, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment, the biocide may comprise biguanide selected from dimethoxyphenyl biguanide, aryl biguanide, N-arylized biguanide, N-alkylated biguanide, N,N-disubstituted biguanide, dimethyl biguanide (methanil), N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(isopropyl)-iminodicarboximine diamide (chloroguanide), 1-[amino-(3,4-dichloroanilino)methylene]-2-propyl-2-ylguanide (chloro-chloroguanide), 1-butyl biguanide (butyl biguanide), phenethyl biguanide (phenethyl biguanide), pyrimethamine, phenanthridine biguanide, arylmethyl biguanide, and chlorophenyl biguanide, etc.

[0067] Another biocide that can be used in this disclosure includes phenolic compounds. One specific phenolic compound is p-chloro-m-xylenol (“PCMX”). PCMX is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. PCMX is sometimes referred to by its other names, including: chloroxylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol; 2-chloro-m-xylenol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene; 4-chloro-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzene; and 3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol. Typical amounts are up to about 3% by weight of the disinfectant composition.

[0068] Another biocide that can be used in this disclosure includes alcohol compounds. Alcohols are typically selected from monofunctional low-molecular-weight alcohols, preferably alkanols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or butanol, or combinations thereof. Particularly suitable alcohols include ethanol and isopropanol.

[0069] Biocides can also be organic acid compounds. The organic acid can be at least one monocarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid. This can be any monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid that is soluble in water, whether saturated or unsaturated. The organic acid component can be a compound having the following formula: R-COOH, where R is hydrogen, a lower alkyl group; a substituted lower alkyl group; a hydroxy lower alkyl group; a carboxyl lower alkyl group; a carboxyl and hydroxy lower alkyl group; a carboxyl and haloalkyl group; a carboxyl and dihydroxy lower alkyl group; a dicarboxyl and hydroxy lower alkyl group; a carboxyl lower alkenyl group; a dicarboxyl lower alkenyl group; a phenyl group; a substituted phenyl group, wherein the substituted lower alkyl group is replaced by one or more groups consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, amino, thiol, nitro, and cyano groups. Representative examples of such acids are monocarboxylic acids, such as formic acid, acetic acid, chloroacetic acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, and salicylic acid; dicarboxylic acids, such as fumaric acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, itaconic acid, and tartaric acid; and tricarboxylic acids, such as citric acid. These acids may be used alone or as mixtures thereof.

[0070] Another biocide that can be used in this disclosure includes peroxide compounds. Exemplary peroxides include, for example, hydrogen peroxide sources used in this invention, including but not limited to aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, potassium percarbonate, sodium perborate and potassium perborate, hydrogen peroxide urea, and their hydrated forms, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide source is an aqueous solution containing about 0.5% to about 50% by weight of hydrogen peroxide dissolved in water. In another embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide source may be a solid product of sodium percarbonate.

[0071] In addition to hydrogen peroxide disinfectants, peracid disinfectants can also be used. As used herein, the term "peracid" or "peroxyacid" refers to an acid in which the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group is replaced by the hydroxyl group itself. Oxidized peracids are referred to herein as peroxycarboxylic acids. Conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are formed via an acid-catalyzed equilibrium reaction. However, acid-catalyzed equilibrium reactions are commonly used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids. Peroxycarboxylic acids (or percarboxylic acids) typically have the formula R(CO3H)n, where R is, for example, an alkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, aromatic, or heterocyclic group, and n is 1, 2, or 3, and is named by prefixing the parent acid with a peroxy group. The R group can be saturated or unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0072] Other examples of disinfectants include iron chelators, bipyridine compounds, and iodine compounds. Exemplary iron chelators include compounds such as pyridinethiones and compounds such as pyrrolizone ethanolamine or hydroxypyridine compounds and their salts. Pyridinethiones are known by several names, including 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide; 2-mercaptopyridine-1-oxide (CAS Registry No. 1121-31-9). Other iron chelators include, for example, 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thione and 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethione (CAS Registry No. 1121-30-8); 2-hydroxypyridine-1-oxide (HPNO) and N-hydroxy-6-octyloxypyridine-2(1H)-one and 2-hydroxy-6-octyloxypyridine-2(1H)-one ethanolamine salts (pyridinethione salts are commercially available from Lonza, Inc., e.g., Sodium). or Zinc Hydroxypyridine compounds, such as 2-hydroxypyridine-1-oxide (HPNO). Bipyridine compounds include compounds such as ostinidine. Iodine compounds include compounds such as povidone-iodine.

[0073] In addition, biocides can be a single biocide, a mixture of one or more biocides of a single type, or a mixture of two or more different types of biocides. For example, a biocide can be a mixture of different quaternary ammonium compounds, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds and amines, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds and biguanides, and other similar mixtures.

[0074] In one embodiment, the polyglycerol esters used in this disclosure may be formed from saturated, unsaturated, natural, or synthetic fatty acids. For example, saturated fatty acids include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, docosanoic acid, tetracosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid, combinations thereof, and derivatives thereof. Furthermore, the polyglycerol esters are derived from (a) a polyglycerol component based on an average of 2 to 12 glycerol molecules, and (b) fatty acids selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, docosanoic acid, tetracosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid, oleic acid, decaoleic acid, mixtures thereof, etc.

[0075] Examples of polyglycerol esters that may be used in this disclosure include, but are not limited to: polyglycerol monodecyl oleate, such as polyglycerol-10 decaoleate; polyglycerol monooleate, such as polyglycerol-2-monooleate, polyglycerol-3-monooleate, polyglycerol-4-monooleate, polyglycerol-6-monooleate, or polyglycerol-10-monooleate; polyglycerol dioleate, such as polyglycerol-2-dioleate, polyglycerol-3-dioleate, polyglycerol-5-dioleate, polyglycerol-6-dioleate, or polyglycerol-10-dioleate; polyglycerol trioleate, such as polyglycerol-5-trioleate or polyglycerol-10-trioleate; and polyglycerol tetraoleate, such as polyglycerol-2-tetraoleate, polyglycerol-6-tetraoleate, or polyglycerol-10-tetraoleate. Polyglycerol pentaoleate, such as polyglycerol-4 pentaoleate, polyglycerol-6 pentaoleate, or polyglycerol-10 pentaoleate; polyglycerol heptaoleate, such as polyglycerol-6 heptaoleate or polyglycerol-10 heptaoleate; polyglycerol monostearate, such as polyglycerol-2 monostearate, polyglycerol-3 monostearate, polyglycerol-4 monostearate, polyglycerol-5 monostearate, polyglycerol-6 monostearate, or polyglycerol-10 monostearate; polyglycerol distearate, such as polyglycerol-2 distearate, polyglycerol-3 distearate, polyglycerol-4 distearate, polyglycerol-6 distearate, or polyglycerol-10 distearate; polyglycerol tristearate, such as polyglycerol-4 tristearate, Polyglycerol-5-tristearate, polyglycerol-6-tristearate, or polyglycerol-10-tristearate; polyglycerol tetrastearate, such as polyglycerol-2-tetrastearate; polyglycerol pentastearate, such as polyglycerol-4-pentastearate, polyglycerol-6-pentastearate, or polyglycerol-10-pentastearate; polyglycerol heptastearate, such as polyglycerol-10 heptastearate; polyglycerol isostearates, such as polyglycerol-2-isostearate, polyglycerol-3-isostearate, polyglycerol-4-isostearate, polyglycerol-6-isostearate, or polyglycerol-10-isostearate; polyglycerol diisostearate, such as polyglycerol-2-diisostearate, polyglycerol-3-diisostearate, polyglycerol-4-diisostearate, etc. Polyglycerol-6 diisostearate, polyglycerol-10 diisostearate, or polyglycerol-15 diisostearate; polyglycerol triisostearate, such as polyglycerol-2 triisostearate, polyglycerol-3 triisostearate, polyglycerol-5 triisostearate, or polyglycerol-10 triisostearate; polyglycerol tetraisostearate, such as polyglycerol-2 tetraisostearate; polyglycerol octanoate, such as polyglycerol-2 octanoate, polyglycerol-3 octanoate, polyglycerol-4 octanoate, polyglycerol-6 octanoate, or polyglycerol-10 octanoate; polyglycerol dioctanoate, such as polyglycerol-5 dioctanoate; polyglycerol sesquioctanoate, such as polyglycerol-2 sesquioctanoate; polyglycerol octacaprate, such as polyglycerol-6 octacaprate;Polyglycerol decanoates, such as polyglycerol-2-decanoate, polyglycerol-3-decanoate, polyglycerol-4-decanoate, polyglycerol-5-decanoate, polyglycerol-6-decanoate, and polyglycerol-10-decanoate; polyglycerol didecanoates, such as polyglycerol-3-didecanoate or polyglycerol-6-didecanoate; polyglycerol octanoate / decanoate, such as polyglycerol-4-octanoate / decanoate, polyglycerol-6-octanoate / decanoate, or polyglycerol-10-octanoate / decanoate; polyglycerol palmitate, such as polyglycerol-2-palmitate, polyglycerol... -3 palmitate, polyglycerol-6 palmitate or polyglycerol-10 palmitate; polyglycerol dipalmitate, such as polyglycerol-6 dispalmitate or polyglycerol-10 dispalmitate; polyglycerol tetrabenzyl ester, such as polyglycerol-6 tetrabenzyl ester; polyglycerol myristate, such as polyglycerol-6 myristate or polyglycerol-10 myristate; polyglycerol ricinoleate, such as polyglycerol-6 polyricinoleate or polyglycerol-10 ricinoleate; or mixtures thereof, other complexes or derivatives thereof, etc.

[0076] Suitably, the polyglycerol ester may be one or more of polyglycerol-10 decaoleate, polyglycerol-3 monostearate, polyglycerol-6 distearate, polyglycerol-10 stearate, polyglycerol-10 oleate, polyglycerol-10 dispalmitate, and polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate; and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the polyglycerol ester is polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate.

[0077] In this disclosure, the weight ratio of polyglycerol ester (PGE) to biocide (BA) is typically in the range of about 0.00001 to about 10.0 (PGE / BA). As used herein, "weight ratio" is calculated by dividing the amount of polyglycerol ester by the amount of biocide (e.g., a weight ratio of 10 is the same as 10 PGE:1 BA). More typically, the weight ratio of polyglycerol ester (PGE) to biocide (BA) is typically in the range of about 0.0001 to about 2.0, more typically from 0.001 to 1.5, and in any more specific case from 0.01 to 1.0. The weight ratio of PGE to BA can be any amount between a maximum and a minimum value. For example, the ratio can be 0.00001 to 2.0; 0.0001 to 1.5; 0.00001 to 1; 0.00001 to 0.5; 0.0001 to 10; 0.0001 to 1.5; 0.0001 to 1; 0.0001 to 0.5; 0.001 to 10; 0.001 to 1.5; 0.001 to 1; 0.001 to 0.5; 0.01 to 10; 0.01 to 1.5; 0.01 to 1; 0.01 to 0.5.

[0078] The amount of biocide used in the disinfectant compositions of this disclosure varies depending on the biocide used. For example, quaternary ammonium compounds, biguanides, and amines are typically used in end-use articles in amounts less than 5% by weight. "End-use article" refers to an article used as a disinfectant. Other biocides, such as alcohols, may be present in end-use articles in amounts of up to 50% by weight or more, depending on the intended end-use article. The maximum amount of a particular agent varies between countries and regions, depending on the specific biocide used.

[0079] When the biocide is a quaternary ammonium compound, an amine, a biguanide, or a mixture thereof, the end-use article typically contains the biocide in a total amount of about 10 ppm (parts per million) to about 10,000 ppm. For example, the biocide is typically present in the end-use article in amounts of about 50 ppm to 5,000 ppm, and more typically in amounts of 100 ppm to 3,000 ppm.

[0080] In one alternative implementation, the disinfectant may be in the form of a disinfectant concentrate. A "disinfectant concentrate" refers to a composition that can be diluted with a solvent before use. In a disinfectant concentrate, the amount of biocide will be higher than the typical final dosage. To save space and transportation costs, disinfectants are typically supplied as disinfectant concentrates. Dilution of the disinfectant concentrate is typically performed with an aqueous solvent before use. One particular aqueous solvent that can be used is water. Dilution can be any amount of solvent required to dilute the concentrate to the desired level of active ingredient for its intended use. Typically, a set amount of concentrate is added to a specified amount of solvent. For example, one ounce of concentrate can be added to one pint of solvent to obtain a 1:16 dilution; one ounce of concentrate can be added to one quart of solvent to obtain a 1:32 dilution; one ounce of concentrate can be added to 1 / 2 gallon of solvent to obtain a 1:64 dilution; one ounce of concentrate can be added to one gallon of water to obtain a dilution of 1:128, etc. Similarly, metric dilution rates can be used, such as 10 ml / L for a 1:100 dilution, etc.

[0081] When included in disinfectant products, biocides and polyglycerol esters can be combined with a variety of different components. For example, in one embodiment, a solvent may be present in the product. Typically, the solvent is a polar solvent, such as water, or a water-miscible solvent, such as alcohols and / or glycol ethers. In addition to water, antimicrobial compositions may also include water-miscible organic solvents. Examples of water-miscible solvents include ethanol, propanol, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monon-butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, and combinations thereof.

[0082] In addition to solvents, disinfectant products may contain surfactants. Typically, the surfactants are nonionic or cationic surfactants. The surfactants are present in an amount from 1% to approximately 20% by weight of the disinfectant concentrate. Typically, the surfactants comprise 2% to 15% by weight of the concentrate.

[0083] Particularly suitable surfactants are alkoxylated alcohol surfactants, which typically have about 2 to about 8 moles of alkoxylation. Typically, there are 3 to 6 moles of alkoxylation. A specific example is about 4.5 moles of alkoxylation. In addition to having the degree of alkoxylation, the alcohol as the alkoxylated product is a C4-C12 alkyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the alkyl alcohol is a C8-C10 alkyl alcohol. Alkoxylation can be ethoxylation. Generally, an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) in the range of 8 to 14 is desired, more typically between 10 and 12, for example, about 11.

[0084] Nonionic surfactants that can be used in this invention include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers, glucoside alkyl ethers, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ether, polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ether, glyceryl alkyl esters, glyceryl laurate, polyoxyethylene glycol dehydrated sorbitol alkyl esters, dehydrated sorbitol alkyl esters, dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamer and polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), and mixtures thereof. The amount of nonionic surfactant in the concentrate is about 1 to about 8% w / w of the product. Typically, the concentrate contains 2 to 5 w / w of nonionic surfactant. The amount of nonionic surfactant in ready-to-use products is about 0.05 to about 3 w / w of the solution. In another embodiment, the nonionic surfactant in the product is about 0.05 to about 1.5 w / w% of the solution. Typically, disinfectant products contain 0.06 to 1 w / w% of nonionic surfactant.

[0085] In addition, disinfectant products may contain optional chelating agents. Chelating agents include, for example, acetic acid derivatives selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrotriacetic acid (NTA), and tetrasodium EDTA. The ability of NTA and EDTA to remove metal ions promotes dissolution by preventing hardness (calcium) precipitation. Chelating agents can also be used to bind other metal ions that may adversely affect the effectiveness of the disinfectant components in the composition. Furthermore, multivalent chelating agents can also help remove dirt and / or prevent redeposition of dirt into the disinfectant composition during use. When present in concentrates, chelating agents are typically present in amounts up to about 20% by weight, and typically in amounts from about 2% to about 8% by weight.

[0086] Disinfectant products may also contain pH adjusters. Suitable pH adjusters include sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, and other similar compounds. In this invention, the concentrate and the final disinfectant composition have a pH in the range of about 6 to about 13. Generally, if the pH is in the range of about 6 to about 8, the disinfectant composition will be considered a neutral disinfectant composition. When the pH is in the range of about 8 to about 12, the disinfectant composition will be considered an alkaline disinfectant composition.

[0087] The disinfectant composition may optionally further comprise corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, auxiliaries, preservatives, fragrances, colorants, etc. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors include, for example, organophosphorus compounds and blends of organophosphorus compounds with polymer components. Exemplary auxiliaries include, for example, polyethylene glycol or other similar compounds. Colorants and fragrances may be added, provided they do not interfere with the function of the composition and can be used to identify the composition. Typically, optional other components will constitute less than about 20% by weight of the composition.

[0088] The disinfectant composition may also contain at least one acid or a salt thereof. The acid may be an inorganic acid or an organic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the acid is a C1-C8 carboxylic acid. In one specific embodiment, the acid is a monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, tricarboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. In another embodiment, the acid is a hydroxy acid, an aromatic acid, or a mixture thereof. In yet another embodiment, the acid is methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, hydroxyethyl phosphate, phytic acid, phosphorylated acetic acid, N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylphosphonic acid), S,S-ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid, their basic salts, or any mixture thereof.

[0089] In some embodiments, the acid is citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), dipicolinic acid (DPA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA), their basic salts, or any mixture thereof.

[0090] In one embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids. In some embodiments, the acid comprises one or more of the following organic acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid. In another embodiment, the acid comprises one or more of the following acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid, in combination with another acid. For example, citric acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or a basic salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, succinic acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or a basic salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, phosphoric acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or a basic salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, lactic acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or a basic salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0091] The disinfectant composition may include about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with another acid. In another aspect, the composition may include about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with about 0.05% by weight to about 5% by weight of another acid. In yet another embodiment, the composition may include about 2% by weight to about 4% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with about 0.1% by weight to about 4% by weight of another acid, such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or a basic salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0092] Application of disinfectants

[0093] Various disinfectant compositions can be prepared according to the present invention. The disinfectant products can be used, for example, for cleaning hard surfaces, pre-cleaning sterilization or high-level disinfection of instruments, and / or as hand sanitizers. Generally, biocides can be incorporated into any suitable disinfectant product.

[0094] When used as a hard surface cleaner, the disinfectant composition can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned, hygienicated, or disinfected by conventional methods, such as pouring the composition onto the surface; sprays; those applied to the surface by spraying devices, including but not limited to pump sprayers, pressurized sprayers, etc.; soaked wipes; rags and buckets; mops and buckets; sponges and hanging buckets; or applied to the surface by automated cleaning equipment and other similar and conventional methods for the purpose of disinfecting or sterilizing the surface.

[0095] To use the disinfectant composition disclosed herein, the antimicrobial composition is applied to a surface by spraying, pouring, wiping, or otherwise treating the surface with a substrate. Once applied to the surface, the antimicrobial composition is left on the surface for a period of time. The antimicrobial composition can be applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or alternatively, dried by wiping the surface with a dry wiping material or wiping device.

[0096] Surfaces that can be disinfected using this composition include, but are not limited to, those found in dairy plants, homes, healthcare facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing plants, restaurants, hospitals, institutions, and industries (including secondary oil recovery). Hard surfaces, such as glass and polished aluminum, are particularly suitable for this application. Specific areas for target applications include hard surfaces in homes, such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, utensils, waste bins, laundry areas, garbage cans, bathroom fixtures, toilets, tanks, faucets, mirrors, sinks, bathtubs, and showers. The composition can also be used to disinfect floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, toilet fixtures, windows, and wooden surfaces such as fence railings, porch railings, decks, roofs, siding, window frames, and door frames. This composition, the quaternary ammonium chloride compound, and the disinfecting active ingredient are particularly well suited for indirect food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, cookware, containers, tableware, sinks, appliances, and countertops. This composition or the quaternary ammonium chloride compound can be used to disinfect dairy plant equipment, milking machines, milk buckets, tank trucks, etc. Areas in a hospital may include beds, wheelchairs, tables, cans, toilets, waste containers, shelves, cabinets, shower rooms, floors, walls, or any other non-porous surfaces.

[0097] One particularly useful method of application involves impregnating a disinfectant composition into a wiping swab substrate. In this embodiment, the swab is a disposable swab impregnated with the disinfectant composition and stored in a container for dispensing the swab to the user. The container with the swab can contain a single swab or several swabs. Suitable containers include pouches containing a single swab, such as a damp towel torn open by the user, or pouches with resealable openings that contain several swabs in a stacked, rolled-up, or other suitable form that allows for removal of a single swab from the opening at once. The pouches are typically made of a fluid-impermeable material, such as a film, laminated paper, or foil, or other similar fluid-impermeable materials. Another way to dispense the swabs of the present invention involves placing the swab into a fluid-impermeable container having an opening to access the swab within. The container can be a molded plastic container with a fluid-impermeable lid. Typically, the lid will have an opening to access the swab within the container. The wipes in the container can be staggered, such that when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is positioned in the container's opening, ready for the user to retrieve it. Alternatively, the wipes can be a continuous material with perforations between the individual wipes. The perforated continuous wipe material can be folded or rolled up. Typically, in a roll form, the wipe material is fed from the center of the roll. Similar to staggered stacking, when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is positioned in the opening so that the next wipe can be retrieved when needed.

[0098] Disposable wipes offer advantages over other application carriers such as reusable sponges and cloths. Unlike reusable sponges and cloths, soaked wipes are used once and discarded. As mentioned above, reusable sponges or cloths present problems because they may carry microorganisms that are difficult to kill with the disinfectant composition. Furthermore, disinfectant compositions are formulated to treat hard surfaces, rather than the porous, soft surfaces present in sponges or cloths.

[0099] The disinfectant composition can be impregnated into the wiping material, pre-wetting it, and then expressed or released onto the surface when the wiping material is applied to it. Typically, the disinfectant composition is impregnated into the wiping material so that the wiping material releases the disinfectant composition onto the surface through the wiping action.

[0100] Depending on the substrate used for wiping, saturation is typically achieved using approximately 3 parts by weight of the disinfectant composition per 10,000 parts of the substrate to be saturated. Generally, the amount of disinfectant composition used is approximately 4 to 6 parts by weight per part of the substrate. Complete saturation of the substrate can be achieved within these ranges. It should be noted that the amount of disinfectant solution can be increased or decreased to achieve complete saturation of the substrate, depending on the specific substrate.

[0101] Suitable wiping substrates include woven and nonwoven materials. Essentially any nonwoven fiber web material can be used. Exemplary nonwoven materials may include, but are not limited to, meltblown nonwoven materials, co-formed nonwoven materials, spunbond nonwoven materials, air-laid nonwoven materials, spunlace nonwoven materials, bonded carded fiber webs, and laminates thereof. Optionally, the nonwoven material may also be laminated with a membrane material. The fibers used to prepare the wiping substrate can be cellulose fibers, thermoplastic fibers, and mixtures thereof. The fibers can also be continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, short fibers, and mixtures thereof. The basis weight of the nonwoven fiber web can vary from about 12 g / m² to 200 g / m² or more.

[0102] In one embodiment, the swab is impregnated with a liquid component containing both active and inert ingredients at permissible levels, and the disinfectant composition extruded from the swab contains active ingredients at permissible levels. Once applied to a surface, the antimicrobial disinfectant composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The antimicrobial composition can be applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or alternatively, dried by wiping the surface with a preferably unused, dry swab or wiping device.

[0103] When the wipes or disinfectant compositions of the present invention are used to wipe surfaces, disinfection is completed in less than 4 minutes, typically 3 minutes or less, particularly 90 seconds or less. Those skilled in the art will understand that sufficient time is required for the antimicrobial disinfectant composition to remain in contact with the surface to be disinfected to cause disinfection to occur. The compositions of the present invention have been found to be effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, including but not limited to microorganisms.

[0104] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used as a hand sanitizer. When used as a hand sanitizer, the biocide of this disclosure can be combined with any of the above-described ingredients. In one embodiment, for example, the biocide can be combined with solvents such as water and / or alcohol. In a particular application, a foaming agent can be added, which causes the composition to foam when pumped from a dispenser. The foaming agent can contain any suitable foaming agent compatible with the biocide. In one embodiment, for example, the foaming agent can contain polydimethylsiloxane or other similar agents that can foam the hand sanitizer.

[0105] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used for the sterilization of instruments, such as for pre-cleaning and sterilization or terminal, high-level sterilization of devices, medical instruments, or endoscopes. In one embodiment, when handling instruments manually, the disinfectant composition can be applied by immersing the instruments in a disinfectant composition of appropriate concentration. For example, plastic or metal containers, stainless steel sinks, or any other suitable containers can be used as vessels for holding the disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, complete immersion of the instrument or device or endoscope (including cavities, lumens, and hollow portions) may be necessary. When used for the sterilization of instruments such as endoscopes, the passageways of the endoscope and other instruments may need to be flushed. Typically, after sterilization, the instruments must be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned with water, preferably with large amounts of water.

[0106] In applications involving medical devices, suitable concentrations of the disinfectant composition can be from about 500 mg / L to about 25,000 mg / L, for example from about 1,000 mg / L to about 23,000 mg / L. For pre-cleaning, preferred concentrations of the disinfectant composition can be from about 500 mg / L to about 10,000 mg / L, for example from about 1,000 mg / L to about 9,000 mg / L, for example from about 2,000 mg / L to about 8,000 mg / L, for example from about 3,000 mg / L to about 7,000 mg / L, for example from about 4,000 mg / L to about 6,000 mg / L. For high-level disinfection, preferred concentrations of the disinfectant composition can be from about 5,000 mg / L to about 25,000 mg / L, for example from about 8,000 mg / L to about 23,000 mg / L, for example from about 10,000 mg / L to about 20,000 mg / L. In embodiments where instruments are immersed in the disinfectant composition, the necessary contact time can be from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes, preferably from about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes. The necessary contact time can be adjusted based on the target disinfection level. In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used to disinfect instruments in an automated washer-sterilizer.

[0107] According to the present invention, various microorganisms can be killed or controlled. For example, the disinfectant composition disclosed herein can control Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, etc. In addition to bacteria, the disinfectant composition disclosed herein can also kill and control the growth of various other microorganisms (e.g., viruses, spores, mycobacteria, etc.). Examples of specific microorganisms that can be killed or controlled according to this disclosure include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacter gergoviae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Burholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, and Kocuria... rhizophila, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium funiculosum, Eupenicillium levitum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium avium, poliovirus, adenovirus, norovirus, and vaccinia virus.The viruses include influenza virus, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, or mixtures thereof. Example

[0108] To demonstrate the synergistic effect, the following examples are presented.

[0109] Test organism preparation

[0110] The target organism, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* ATCC 15442, was taken from frozen storage and grown on tryptone soybean agar (TSA) at 37°C for 24 hours. A second subculture was generated from the first subculture and grown under the same conditions. The cell concentration was then adjusted to 1 x 10⁻⁶ cells / mL by adding a loop-sized amount of the organism to tryptone-buffered saline and using an internally established calibration spectrophotometer at 600 nm. 8 and 5x10 8 The test suspension was prepared using CFU / mL. To establish an accurate CFU / mL concentration, a 1 mL aliquot was then taken from the test suspension and serially diluted to 10⁻⁶. -6 and 10 -7 Then, using the pour plate method, two 1 ml portions of each diluent were spread onto a TSA plate. The plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and the results were counted.

[0111] Test sample preparation

[0112] For each biocide tested, a series of three samples were prepared in sterile distilled water;

[0113] Test Sample 1 - A single biocide (used to determine the basic efficacy of the biocide)

[0114] Test Sample 2 - Biocide combined with polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate (used to determine the efficacy of the biocide and polyglycerol ester combination)

[0115] Control - A control sample of polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate was prepared using deionized water to determine the efficacy of the polyglycerol esters alone.

[0116] Each test sample was prepared at a concentration 10% higher than the target concentration to illustrate the dilution effect of adding the test organism suspension during the test.

[0117] Test methods

[0118] To prepare a test mixture, add 0.1 ml of an aliquot of the test organism suspension to a test tube, followed by 0.9 ml of the test sample (prepared as described above). Mix the mixture and immediately start the timer. Allow each test mixture to stand for the specified contact time shown in Table 1.

[0119] Table 1 (Contact Time)

[0120] biocides Contact time Dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride 5 minutes N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylprop-1,3-diamine 5 minutes Chlorhexidine 5 minutes bis(2-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylammonium ethyl ether) dichloride 5 minutes Isopropanol 5 minutes

[0121] After the specified contact time has been reached, the test mixture is deactivated by adding a 0.1 ml aliquot of the test mixture to 0.9 ml of neutralizing broth and mixing the entire solution. The solution is then left to stand for 5 minutes to ensure that the biocide's effect has been effectively neutralized.

[0122] To quantify the number of surviving organisms in the neutralized test mixture, four 0.025 ml aliquots were taken and spotted onto a dry TSA surface. The plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours.

[0123] Counting and calculating log reduction

[0124] Limit of Detection (LOD)

[0125] Depending on the dilution parameters used for cell counting, specific detection limits must be set to ensure reliable counting.

[0126] To count the colonies from the incubation plate, a lower count limit of <10 and an upper count limit of >330 are used. For example, if the plate has 7 countable visible colonies, <10 can be recorded, and 10 can be used for the count. For the upper limit, if 407 colonies are counted on the plate, >330 can be recorded, and 330 can be used for the count.

[0127] For spot plate inoculation, colonies from the incubation plate are counted using a lower limit of <1 and an upper limit of >150. For example, if the plate has 0 visible colonies, <1 can be recorded and 1 can be used for the count. For the upper limit, if 156 colonies are counted on the plate, >150 can be recorded and 150 can be used for the count.

[0128] When reporting the final log decrease value, if the lower detection limit is used for calculation, a ">" value will be reported, such as ">5.02 log decrease", while if the upper detection limit is used for calculation, a "<" value will be reported, such as "<2.92 log decrease".

[0129] Counting and calculation of N (test biological suspension) and N0

[0130]

[0131] in

[0132] C is the sum of viable cell counts.

[0133] n1 is the sum of viable cell counts at lower dilutions, i.e., 10-1 -6

[0134] n2 represents the viable cell count at a higher dilution, i.e., 102 -7

[0135] 10 -6 The dilution factor is equivalent to a lower dilution.

[0136] For example:

[0137]

[0138] N0 is the number of cells per ml of the test mixture at the start of the contact time. Since the test product is diluted 10-fold, it is one-tenth of the weighted average of N. Therefore, in this embodiment, N0 is 1.9 x 10⁻⁶. 7 cfu / ml.

[0139] Counting and calculating T (for test mixtures)

[0140] First, the average CFU per 0.025 ml spot was established using the following calculations;

[0141] in

[0142] d1 is the sum of the viable bacterial counts from the four spots.

[0143] Example:

[0144]

[0145] Then multiply it by 40 to establish cfu / ml;

[0146] Example;

[0147] T = 29.5 × 40 = 1180 cfu / ml

[0148] During the neutralization step, the test mixture undergoes a tenfold dilution. To address this, the final tenfold multiplication is applied;

[0149] T=1180×10=11800=118×10 4 cfu / ml

[0150] Log reduces computation (N0-T)

[0151] Before calculating the log reduction, convert both N0 and T to base-10 logarithmic values.

[0152] For example;

[0153] N0 = 1.9 × 10 7 =7.28log10

[0154] T = 1.18 × 10 4 =4.07log10

[0155] To calculate the final log reduction, use the following calculation;

[0156] N0-T = log decrease

[0157] For example;

[0158] 7.28 - 4.07 = 3.21

[0159] The final log in this embodiment is reduced to 3.21.

[0160] Example 1

[0161] The synergistic effect between polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate (PG10CC) and the various biocides listed in Table 1 was tested using the above-described test methods. Polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate showed little or no activity at 100 ppm, as reported in Table 2 below. Different concentrations were prepared and the presence of *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* was tested at 5 min. Table 2 below shows the amounts of biocidal components and PG10CC, which provide an initial indication of the synergistic effect between the biocides and PG10CC. Table 2 shows the calculated Log reduction in *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* for the various mixtures.

[0162] Table 2

[0163]

[0164]

[0165] Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that many changes, modifications, and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disinfectant composition comprising: (i) biocides; and (ii) Polyglycerol esters, The polyglycerol ester is present in an amount sufficient to increase the efficacy of the biocide compared to the biocide alone, and the increase is greater than the additive effect of the biocide's biocide activity when used alone and the polyglycerol ester. The weight ratio of the polyglycerol ester to the biocide is in the range of 0.01 to 10. The biocide described herein is selected from dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylprop-1,3-diamine, and bis(2-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylammonium diethyl ether) dichloride, and The polyglycerol ester is selected from one or more of polyglycerol-10 lauryl ester, polyglycerol-10 stearate, polyglycerol-10 oleate, or polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate.

2. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the polyglycerol ester to the biocide is in the range of 0.01 to 1.

0.

3. A method for increasing the efficacy of a biocide in a disinfectant solution, the method comprising providing a biocide, adding an effective amount of polyglycerol ester to the biocide to increase the efficacy of the biocide compared to an equal amount of biocide without the polyglycerol ester, wherein the increase is greater than the additive effect of the biocide and the polyglycerol ester used alone. The weight ratio of the polyglycerol ester to the biocide is in the range of 0.01 to 10, and The biocide described herein is selected from dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylprop-1,3-diamine, and bis(2-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylammonium diethyl ether) dichloride, and The polyglycerol ester is selected from one or more of polyglycerol-10 lauryl ester, polyglycerol-10 stearate, polyglycerol-10 oleate, or polyglycerol-10 octanoate / decanoate.

4. An article of final use comprising the disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1-2, selected from hard surface cleaners, hand and skin cleansers, hand and skin cleansers, pre-disinfecting cleaners for instruments, sterilizing and high-level disinfectant compositions, or soft surface disinfectants.

5. The end-use article of claim 4, wherein the soft surface disinfectant is selected from laundry detergents or fabric and furniture cover cleaners.

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