Antiviral dry cleaning process

Abstract

Provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to a vapor, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or vaporizing a dry cleaning solvent, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 171,362, filed April 6, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,788, filed May 8, 2020. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0003] Viruses are submicroscopic infectious agents that replicate only within the living cells of an organism. Many viruses evade the immune response of animals and humans, leading to chronic infections. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is different from coronaviruses that typically spread in humans and cause mild illness, such as the common cold. Although it is not yet known how long SARS-CoV-2 can survive on clothing, experts recommend being cautious when washing clothing and other materials to help control the spread of the virus.

[0004] There remains a need to properly dispose of clothing, household fabric items, and personal protective equipment to safely remove the virus. SUMMARY

[0005] Provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to steam, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the steam is produced by heating and / or vaporizing a dry cleaning solvent, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0006] In one embodiment of the method, the material is exposed to heat, steam, and a dry cleaning solvent during a wash cycle of a dry cleaning process, a drying cycle of a dry cleaning process, or a combination of both. In another embodiment of the method, the material and dry cleaning solvent are added to a chamber of a dry cleaning machine.

[0007] In one embodiment of the method, the steam is produced during a vaporization process, wherein a liquid is converted to a gas. In one embodiment of the method, a vaporization process occurs, wherein the application of heat converts a liquid to a gas. In one embodiment of the method, a vaporization process occurs, wherein the application of pressure converts a liquid to a gas.

[0008] In one embodiment of the method, the steam is produced as part of a dry cleaning process. The steam can be produced during a drying cycle of a dry cleaning process or a wash cycle of a dry cleaning process. In one embodiment of the method, the steam reaches a temperature of at least 70 °C. In another embodiment of the method, a chamber of a dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C to 85 °C.

[0009] In another embodiment of the method, the method comprises the steps of:

[0010] a) exposing the material to a dry cleaning solvent, followed by

[0011] b) heating the dry cleaning solvent to form a vapor.

[0012] In one embodiment of the method, the dry cleaning solvent further comprises water, and the vapor is generated by heating the dry cleaning solvent and water.

[0013] In one embodiment of the method, the material is exposed to the vapor for 3-75 minutes.

[0014] In one embodiment of the method, the material is a fabric. In a further embodiment, the fabric is a clothing article or a household fabric item. In a further embodiment, the material comprises polypropylene fibers.

[0015] In one embodiment of the method, the vapor is generated as part of a dry cleaning process. In a further embodiment, the vapor is generated during a drying cycle of the dry cleaning process. In a further embodiment, the vapor is generated during a washing cycle of the dry cleaning process. In one embodiment, the vapor reaches a temperature of at least 70°C. In another embodiment of the method, the chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C.

[0016] In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent has a flash point of at least 60°C. In one embodiment, the material is exposed to the vapor for 3-75 minutes. In one embodiment, the vapor is generated by heating and / or vaporizing the dry cleaning solvent and water.

[0017] In one embodiment, the virus has a lipid-containing coat, and the method disrupts the lipid-containing coat. In one embodiment, the vapor comprises sub-micron liquid particles of the solvent that penetrate the lipid-containing coat of the virus. In one embodiment, the virus has a lipid-containing coat or envelope, and the method disrupts or destroys the lipid-containing coat. In one embodiment, the vapor comprises sub-micron liquid particles of the solvent that penetrate the lipid-containing coat of the virus.

[0018] In one embodiment of the method, the vapor is generated by heating and / or vaporizing the dry cleaning solvent and water. In a further embodiment, the vapor comprises sub-micron liquid particles of the solvent that penetrate the lipid-containing coat of the virus.

[0019] In one embodiment of the method, the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent. In a further embodiment of the method, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane. In yet another embodiment of the method, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0020] In another embodiment of the method, the vapor is generated in a rotating drum, wherein the drum tumbles the material, thereby contacting the material with the vapor. In yet another embodiment of the method, the vapor is injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi - 1000 psi.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the method, the fabric is a clothing article or a fabric home good. In another embodiment of the method, the material comprises wool, polyester, and / or polyester-blended fibers. In a further embodiment of the method, the material comprises cotton, hemp, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or a blend thereof.

[0022] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to a dry cleaning solvent followed by a drying step at 45°C - 85°C in which the solvent is removed, wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method is part of a dry cleaning process.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method, the drying cycle is performed for 3 - 75 minutes.

[0025] In one embodiment of the method, the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent. In a further embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane. In a preferred embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0026] In another embodiment of the method, the material is a fabric. In another embodiment of the method, the fabric is a clothing article or a fabric home good. In another embodiment of the method, the material comprises wool, polyester, and / or polyester-blended fibers. In a further embodiment of the method, the material comprises cotton, hemp, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or a blend thereof. In another embodiment, the material can also comprise polypropylene fibers. In yet another embodiment, the material comprises natural skin.

[0027] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to a vapor, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or vaporizing a dry cleaning solvent, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0028] In yet another aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to heat and a dry cleaning solvent, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0029] In another embodiment, the vapor is produced in a rotating drum, wherein the drum tumbles the material, thereby contacting the material with the vapor. In one embodiment, the material is a material that has been identified as being contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or potentially contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. In yet another embodiment, the vapor is injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi - 1000 psi. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A diagram showing a test system is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A log reduction percent for each simulated dry cleaning process and overall process inactivating SARS-CoV-2 infected wool blend fabric material is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus. The material can be a fabric, such as an article of clothing or an article of household fabric, such as a blanket, towel, or tablecloth. The material can also be a garment, a linen article, a sheet, a blanket, a rug, a carpet, a drape, a wrap, and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the material is any article made from fabric. In other embodiments, the material is any article made from natural skin.

[0034] In one embodiment, the material is a material that has been identified as being contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or potentially contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.

[0035] In embodiments, the method relies on a vapor introduced to the material for inactivating the virus. If necessary, the vapor is generated at a particular temperature and / or pressure. The vapor can be exposed to the material as part of a dry cleaning process. The source of the vapor can be a solvent, such as a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5. The vapor can be generated during one or more cycles of a dry cleaning process, such as a wash cycle or a dry cycle of a dry cleaning process. The source of the vapor can also be water that generates steam vapor, either alone or in combination with a dry cleaning solvent.

[0036] Thus, in one aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to a vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent. In one embodiment, the virus is SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof. The vapor can be generated by heating and / or vaporizing a dry cleaning solvent. The vapor, heat, and dry cleaning solvent can be exposed to the material as part of a dry cleaning process. In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent is D5. The source of the vapor can be a solvent, such as a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5. The vapor can be generated during one or more cycles of a dry cleaning process, such as a wash cycle or a dry cycle of a dry cleaning process. The source of the vapor can also be water that generates steam vapor, either alone or in combination with a dry cleaning solvent.

[0037] Thus, in one aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to heat and a dry cleaning solvent. In one embodiment, the virus is SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof. The heat and dry cleaning solvent can be exposed to the material as part of a dry cleaning process. In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent is D5. The material can be exposed to heat during one or more cycles of a dry cleaning process, such as a wash cycle or a dry cycle of a dry cleaning process.

[0038] The material can be a fabric, such as an article of clothing or a household fabric item, such as a garment, a linen article, a bed sheet, a blanket, a throw, a carpet, a drape, a cover, and mixtures thereof. The material can also comprise polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment, such as n95 masks. The material can also comprise wool, polyester, and / or polyester blend fibers.

[0039] The material can be cotton, hemp, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or a blend thereof.

[0040] In other embodiments, the material is any article made with a fabric composed of wool. In other embodiments, the material is any article made with a fabric composed of polyester. In other embodiments, the material is any article made with a fabric composed of polyester and wool. In other embodiments, the material is any article made with a fabric composed of a polyester blend. In yet another embodiment, the fabric is composed of a combination of wool, polyester, and / or a polyester blend.

[0041] As used herein, “COVID-19” refers to the contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. It is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from no symptoms to life-threatening illness. Severe cases typically involve respiratory impairment and / or cardiovascular collapse, which can lead to multi-system organ failure and / or death.

[0042] As used herein, “inactivating a virus” refers to reducing the ability of a virus to infect a host cell and / or to propagate within a host cell. In some embodiments, “inactivating a virus” means reducing the ability of a virus to cause disease in a subject. In some embodiments, “inactivating a virus” means reducing the ability of a virus to cause severe disease in a subject, wherein severe disease is characterized by respiratory insufficiency or failure and / or cardiovascular insufficiency or failure. For example, but not by way of limitation, disruption or destruction of the lipid-containing coating or envelope of a virus results in inactivation of the virus. SARS-COV-2 is an enveloped virus surrounded by a lipid bilayer.

[0043] A virus, such as SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof, can be inactivated by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%.

[0044] As used herein, “host cell” refers to any cell that is capable of being infected by a virus. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a naturally occurring mammalian cell. In certain embodiments, the host cell is part of a cell line. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a mammalian cell that has been modified to be capable of being infected by a virus. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a cell of a subject.

[0045] As used herein, “subject” is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the subject is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a rat, a bat, a guinea pig, a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a sheep, a goat, a pig, a horse, a cow, a non-human primate, and a human. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0046] In one embodiment, a virus such as a coronavirus is inactivated using a solvent with or without water during a standard dry cleaning process, wherein a vapor comprising the solvent and / or water is introduced into the system at the temperatures and / or pressures described herein. In another embodiment, a virus such as a coronavirus is inactivated with a vapor produced from a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5, during a wash cycle or a dry cycle. In embodiments, the dry cleaning solvent vapor does not include steam from water. In another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent vapor includes D5 and steam from water. In yet another embodiment, the vapor is steam from water, wherein the vapor does not include any dry cleaning solvent. In another embodiment, a virus such as a coronavirus is inactivated with a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5, during a wash cycle or a dry cycle. In another embodiment, a virus such as a coronavirus is inactivated with heat and a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5, during a wash cycle or a dry cycle.

[0047] Accordingly, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to a vapor, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or vaporizing a dry cleaning solvent, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus. The material can be a fabric, such as an article of clothing or a household fabric item, such as a garment, a linen article, a bed sheet, a blanket, a throw, a carpet, a drape, a cover, and mixtures thereof. The material can also comprise polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment, such as n95 masks. The material can also comprise wool, polyester, and / or polyester blend fibers.

[0048] In one embodiment, the material is a material that has been identified as contaminated or likely to be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.

[0049] In one embodiment, a virus such as a coronavirus is inactivated using heat and a dry cleaning solvent in a standard dry cleaning process, wherein a material is exposed to the dry cleaning solvent at the temperatures and / or pressures described herein. In another embodiment, a virus such as a coronavirus is inactivated with a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5, during a wash cycle or a dry cycle. In another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent includes D5 and water.

[0050] Accordingly, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to heat and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus. The material can be a fabric, such as a clothing article or a household fabric item, such as a garment, a linen article, a sheet, a blanket, a comforter, a carpet, a drape, a cover, and mixtures thereof. The material can also comprise polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment, such as n95 masks. The material can also include cotton, hemp, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof.

[0051] In one embodiment, a virus, such as a coronavirus, is inactivated using steam, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent in a standard dry cleaning process, wherein the material is exposed to the dry cleaning solvent at a temperature and / or pressure described herein. In another embodiment, steam is introduced into the system at a temperature and / or pressure described herein. In another embodiment, a virus, such as a coronavirus, is inactivated with a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5, during a wash cycle or a dry cycle. In another embodiment, a dry cleaning solvent comprises D5 and water. In another embodiment, a virus, such as a coronavirus, is inactivated with steam generated from a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5, during a wash cycle or a dry cycle. In an embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent steam does not comprise steam from water. In another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent steam comprises D5 and steam from water. In yet another embodiment, the steam is steam from water, wherein the steam does not comprise any dry cleaning solvent.

[0052] Accordingly, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to steam, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus. The material can be a fabric, such as a clothing article or a household fabric item, such as a garment, a linen article, a sheet, a blanket, a comforter, a carpet, a drape, a cover, and mixtures thereof. The material can also comprise polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment, such as n95 masks. The material can also include cotton, hemp, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof.

[0053] The methods provided herein can be used to treat any number of viruses. Viruses that can be treated by the methods disclosed herein include, for example, adenovirus, coxsackievirus, echovirus, enterovirus, hepatitis virus, and poliovirus. In one embodiment, the virus is a coronavirus. In another embodiment, the virus has a lipid-containing coat, and the method disrupts or destroys the lipid-containing coat.

[0054] In non-limiting embodiments, fabrics, such as clothing articles or household fabric articles, are placed in a wash or extraction chamber (referred to as a "basket" or "drum") that forms the core of the machine. The wash chamber contains a perforated drum that rotates within a housing. The housing contains the solvent, while the rotating drum contains the clothing load.

[0055] In one aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with a SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to a vapor, heat, and D5, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or vaporizing D5, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0056] Dry cleaning process

[0057] In one embodiment, the dry cleaning process contains the elements of a normal dry cleaning process and an additional step to inactivate a virus. In one embodiment, the virus is SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof. The dry cleaning process is performed within a two-cycle (wash cycle and dry cycle) process. Inactivation of the virus can be performed in the wash cycle, the dry cycle, or both cycles. Each cycle is performed by combining multiple steps. Each step can be customized to create the desired result. The dry cleaning machine can run various processes depending on the type of clothing or fabric to be cleaned.

[0058] The first cycle is the wash cycle. During the wash cycle, the chamber is partially filled with solvent that soaks the clothing and the chamber begins to rotate. The rotation agitates the clothing or other fabric to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the solvent temperature can be ambient temperature. In another embodiment, the solvent temperature can be controlled by raising or lowering the temperature as needed. During the wash step, the solvent in the chamber is cycled out of the chamber and then back into the chamber, thereby soaking the clothing or other fabric. In another embodiment, the solvent passes through a filter before returning to the chamber. In another embodiment, the filter is bypassed for a given period of time before the solvent filter is used. This process is referred to as the wash step and is performed for a wash duration. In another embodiment, the solvent is then removed and sent to a distillation unit consisting of a distillation chamber and a condenser. The condensed solvent is fed into a separator unit where the water in the solvent is separated from the solvent. The remaining solvent is then fed into a "cleaning solvent" tank. In another embodiment, the solvent is then removed and returned to the storage tank.

[0059] A typical wash step lasts for the number of minutes described herein. In addition to the dry cleaning solvent, a dry cleaning surfactant soap or other cleaning aid can be added.

[0060] In one embodiment, the inactivation of the virus is incorporated into the wash cycle. The inactivation of the virus consists of a vapor introduced into the chamber as the laundry tumbles. The vapor consists of a silicone fluid. The vapor can be generated externally and introduced into the chamber. The vapor can also be generated from a fluid already present in the chamber.

[0061] In one embodiment, the laundry is soaked with a silicone fluid and then heated. The fluid vaporizes and the laundry tumbles in its presence. This is called the vapor step. The vapor step lasts for a predetermined amount of time. The vapor step can precede the wash step, during the wash step, or after the wash step. In another embodiment, the vapor step replaces the wash step.

[0062] At the end of the wash step, the machine can initiate a rinse step in which the fabric is rinsed with fresh distilled or filtered solvent dispensed from one of the solvent tanks. This process is referred to as a “second bath” or “rinse step”. In one embodiment, the vapor step occurs during the rinse step. In another embodiment, the vapor step occurs after the rinse step.

[0063] After the rinse step, the machine initiates an extraction step which extracts a portion of the solvent remaining in the laundry or other fabric via centrifugal force. Modern machines can recover a large portion of the solvent used. The extraction step begins with the solvent first being drained from the wash chamber and the basket being accelerated from 40 rpm to 1000 rpm, thereby spinning a large portion of the solvent from the fabric. In one embodiment, the extraction is performed at a single speed. In another embodiment, the extraction is performed at a plurality of speeds in a series of steps. After extraction, the machine initiates a drying cycle.

[0064] The drying cycle consists of two steps. The first step is the drying step. During the drying step, the laundry tumbles in a warm air stream that is circulated through the basket. The temperature of the air is controlled to the desired temperature. The solvent remaining within the laundry or textile evaporates in the warm air. The hot air exhaust is then drawn over a cooled evaporator that is cooler than the air stream and the solvent condenses. The condensed solvent is then fed into a separator unit where the water in the solvent is separated from the solvent. The remaining solvent is then fed into a storage tank for reuse. Modern dry cleaning machines employ a closed loop system in which the cooled air is reheated and recirculated. This results in high solvent recovery and reduced air emissions.

[0065] After the drying step is complete, the cooling step begins. In this step, the heat is turned off and the air continues to pass through the basket and then over the cooler evaporator. The cool air is then returned to the basket and further cools the basket and the clothes within the basket. This has the effect of reducing the temperature of the air within the basket until the desired temperature is reached. The lower temperature will reduce wrinkling and allow the worker to safely handle the finished clothes.

[0066] In one embodiment, a steaming step is incorporated into the drying cycle. The steaming step can occur before the drying step, during the drying step, or after the drying step. The steaming step can also occur before the cooling step, during the cooling step, or after the cooling step. In one embodiment, the clothes are gently extracted after the washing cycle. This light extract can be performed using a slow extraction speed or a short period of high extraction speed. The drying step begins and the clothes are heated. When the clothes have reached a sufficient temperature, the air flow within the basket is temporarily stopped, allowing the steam to remain in contact with the clothes for a longer period of time. The clothes tumble in the steam to promote high contact with the steam. After a sufficient period of time, the drying step returns to full air circulation. In one embodiment, the clothes are extracted again before the drying step is resumed. There can be multiple steaming steps within the drying cycle.

[0067] After the cooling step, the drying cycle is now complete, and thus the dry cleaning process is complete. After the dry cleaning process, the clothes are clean and can be ironed and finished.

[0068] While the inactivation of viruses is typically incorporated into a standard dry cleaning process, in one embodiment, the inactivation of viruses can be performed in the absence of a dry cleaning process. For example, the clothes can be steamed and then dried in a continuous process. In one embodiment, materials contaminated with viruses are treated by the system and method of dry cleaning an article using a dry cleaning solvent.

[0069] In one embodiment, the material and dry cleaning solvent are added to the chamber. The material is washed for a given period of time with or without filtration or in a stepwise combination. In one embodiment, a portion of the dry cleaning solvent is extracted by accelerating the chamber at a given rate for a given amount of time. In one embodiment, the chamber is accelerated at a slower given rate and heated until a given temperature is reached. In one embodiment, the heating is stopped and steam is formed around and through the material. In a further embodiment, this step is continued for a given period of time, after which the chamber is accelerated to a given rate, removing the remaining solvent from the material.

[0070] Accordingly, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, the method comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent. In one embodiment, the material is exposed to a dry cleaning solvent, such as D5. This step can be referred to as a “wash cycle” and can also be performed in the chamber of a dry cleaning machine. The exposure can be performed for any duration of time described herein. Then, a portion of the dry cleaning solvent can be removed, for example, by extraction. The material and the dry cleaning solvent are then heated to any temperature described herein, and then dry cleaning solvent vapor forms around and through the material. This step can be referred to as a “dry cycle”. The step can also be performed in the chamber of a dry cleaning machine. The material is exposed to the vapor for any duration of time described herein. Then the solvent and vapor can be removed. This process inactivates SARS-CoV-2. In one embodiment of this method, the chamber of the dry cleaning machine is at a temperature of 0 °C to 85 °C. In another embodiment of this method, the chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C to 85 °C. In yet another embodiment of this method, the chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C to 85 °C. In yet another embodiment of this method, the chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C. These temperatures can occur during the wash cycle, the dry cycle, or both.

[0071] The dry cleaning process can be performed in any number of dry cleaning machines. Such machines are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,613,804 and 8,123,819, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0072] Dry cleaning solvents useful herein include any hydrocarbons and hydrocarbons blended with other chemicals. Further, the solvents used in the methods of the present invention can include organosilicones, i.e., organic / inorganic hybrid solvents. Organosilicones useful herein include cyclic and linear siloxanes. The chemical properties of these cyclic and linear siloxanes allow the dry cleaning system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention to operate without reliance on distillation.

[0073] Any suitable cyclic or linear siloxane can be used with the present invention, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,042,618, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Of these siloxanes, presently preferred is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, i.e., the pentamer commonly referred to as D5.

[0074] In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent. In one embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane. In yet another embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0075] In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent has a flash point of at least 43°C, 49°C, 54°C, 60°C, 66°C, 71 °C, or 77°C. In another embodiment, the flash point is 54°C to 66°C. In another embodiment, the flash point is 57°C to 63°C. In another embodiment, the flash point is at least 60°C. In another embodiment, the flash point is 77°C.

[0076] In embodiments, the material is exposed to the vapor for 3-75 minutes, 10-70 minutes, 15-65 minutes, 20-60 minutes, 25-55 minutes, 30-50 minutes, or 35-45 minutes. In other embodiments, the material is exposed to the vapor for 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 minutes. In the method, the vapor reaches a temperature of at least 50°C, at least 55°C, at least 60°C, at least 65°C, at least 70°C, at least 75°C, at least 80°C, at least 85°C, or at least 90°C. The vapor can reach a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, 55°C to 85°C, 60°C to 80°C, 65°C to 75°C, or 68°C to 72°C.

[0077] In embodiments, the material is exposed to the dry cleaning solvent for 3-75 minutes, 5-75 minutes, 10-70 minutes, 15-65 minutes, 20-60 minutes, 25-55 minutes, 30-50 minutes, or 35-45 minutes. In other embodiments, the material is exposed to the dry cleaning solvent for 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 minutes.

[0078] In the method, the dry cleaning solvent reaches a temperature of at least 50°C, at least 55°C, at least 60°C, at least 65°C, at least 70°C. The dry solvent can reach a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, 55°C to 85°C, 60°C to 80°C, 65°C to 75°C, or 68°C to 72°C. In embodiments of the methods provided herein, wherein a vapor is generated as part of a dry cleaning process. In embodiments of the method, the vapor is generated during a drying cycle of the dry cleaning process. In other embodiments, the vapor is generated during a washing cycle of the dry cleaning process.

[0079] The vapor can be generated in a rotating drum, where the drum tumbles the material, thereby contacting the material with the vapor. The vapor can be introduced into the rotating drum at a suitable pressure, such as 0.5 psi - 1000 psi, such as 70 psi, 80 psi, 90 psi, 100 psi, 110 psi, 120 psi, 130 psi, 140 psi, 150 psi, 160 psi, 170 psi, 180 psi, 190 psi, 200 psi, 210 psi, or 220 psi.

[0080] In one embodiment of the method, the rotating drum or chamber of the dry cleaning machine is at a temperature of 0 °C to 85 °C. In another embodiment of the method, the rotating drum or chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C to 85 °C. In yet another embodiment of the method, the rotating drum or chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C to 85 °C. In yet another embodiment of the method, the rotating drum or chamber of the dry cleaning machine is heated to a temperature of 70 °C. These temperatures can occur during a wash cycle, a dry cycle, or both.

[0081] In one embodiment of the methods provided herein, 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91%, 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61%, 60% of the virus is inactivated.

[0082] In one embodiment, the methods provided herein reduce the amount of virus on the material. In another embodiment, 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91%, 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61%, 60% of the virus is reduced.

[0083] The term "vaporization" refers to the transition or conversion to a vapor.

[0084] Experiment

[0085] I. OBJECT

[0086] The urgent threat of COVID-19 infection from SARS-CoV-2 and the high incidence of severe and fatal cases associated with transmission has prompted a response that required the rapid development and evaluation of effective countermeasures. In simulated testing of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated fabrics, a modified dry cleaning process was tested and evaluated. In independent testing, the dry cleaning fluid, dry cleaning heat, wash and spin cycles, and enhanced vapor effects during the simulated wash and dry cycles in the drying process were evaluated to measure the efficacy of destroying SARS-CoV-2.

[0087] II. Equipment

[0088] 1. Heating cabinet equipped with heat source, recirculating fan, drying rack, and vapor exposure manifold

[0089] 2. Omega digital temperature monitor with K-type thermocouple

[0090] 3. SKC vapor diffusion cell with temperature-regulated heating block

[0091] 4. Omega digital flow meter and flow controller

[0092] 5. Beckman centrifuge and vortex

[0093] 6. Electric tumbler

[0094] III. Method - Test Description

[0095] The cleaning solution tested was used as an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and extremely mild petrochemical product replacement based on silicone. The silicone-based solution was used as a medium in a dry cleaning process. The silicone medium provides a sustainable alternative to traditional washing and reduces the amount of water required and the amount of energy required. The test evaluated the efficacy of the silicone-based solution for SARS-CoV-2 decontamination on clothing materials in a simulated dry cleaning trial.

[0096] The test fabric consisted of 71% wool, 25% polyester, and 4% polyester blend in the form of a tight material weave. The silicone consisted of pure decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (100% D5). The solution (100% D5) has a high flash point (77°C) and low surface tension (17.42 dynes / cm 2 ), which vaporizes in a dry cleaning process and penetrates fabric materials.

[0097] Tests were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of individual dry cleaning process steps and specific dry cleaning solutions (100% D5) in the overall dry cleaning process to destroy SARS-CoV-2 contaminated fabrics.

[0098] The log reduction effectiveness of the dry cleaning process was tested against the Envelope Virus (SARS-CoV-2) strain USA-WA1 / 2020. The complete genome of USA-WA1 / 2020 has been sequenced. Isolate GenBank: MN985325, after one passage in Vero cells GenBank: MT020880. In collaboration with the Reference Microorganism Sequence Database (FDA-ARGOS; GenBank: MT246667), the complete genome of SARS-CoV 2 strain USA-WA1 / 2020 was sequenced after four passages. Each vial used in the study contained approximately 0.5 mL of cell lysate and supernatant from African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) kidney cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 isolate USA-WA1 / 2020.

[0099] The dry cleaning process was modified and used in a temperature and humidity controlled biological grade 3 laboratory environment. The test evaluated SARS-CoV-2 inoculated wool blend fabric swatches, fabric swatches without wash additives, dry cleaning heat, and silicone media vapor added wash media of 100% D5 solution during the dry process to inactivate viable virus.

[0100] Additional tests were conducted to evaluate wash and rinse removal / inactivation of virus from wool swatches. For test result evaluation, positive control swatches were prepared similarly to the test swatches and held under standard room environmental conditions within the same time process as the swatches being tested without being subjected to any dry cleaning process. The positive control swatches were used as virus concentration standards to define the efficacy of various dry cleaning process conditions in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 virus from the test swatches. Table 1 gives the test matrix showing the relevant tests, test date in the table heading, swatch test processing, exposure conditions, and samples.

[0101] Table 1. Dry cleaning process tests against SARS-CoV-2

[0102]

[0103] Prior to the start of the study, the wool-blend textile material test samples were autoclaved to eliminate potential biological contamination of the test fabrics or contamination interference in the sample analysis. The tests were conducted over three time variables of 15, 30, or 45 minutes. The test and positive viral control samples used for all tests were used in a Class 2 biological safety cabinet with known titers (range 1 x 10 6 to 1 x 10 7A standard viral stock solution (pfu / mL) was prepared. Individual fabric test specimens, pre-wetted with solution additives, dried, or washed / rinsed (depending on the test), were placed in sterile culture dishes labeled with the specimen and test identifier. The specimens were inoculated with a standard stock viral suspension containing 200 mL of SARS-CoV-2 virus using a calibrated micropipette. The viral suspension was then uniformly spread onto the test specimens using a sterile cell spreader. Prior to testing, the coated test specimens and positive control specimens were air-dried in a biosafety cabinet at the same time process under standard laboratory conditions (30–50 min). Tests were performed to evaluate the following (1) heat, (2) heat and silicone liquid, and (3) heat, silicone liquid, and vapor generation during the dry cleaning cycle, characteristics characterized in independent test experiments. Tests were performed using an environmental chamber equipped to simulate each of the three (3) dry cleaning processes used for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. The chamber was housed in a sterile Class 2 biosafety cabinet and equipped with an internal heater, temperature regulator, monitor, and controller. For all specimen exposure tests simulating the heat level of the drying phase of the dry cleaning process, the internal temperature of the test chamber was maintained at 70°C. A fan was used at a low flow rate to provide heat recirculation and temperature uniformity within the chamber, and measurements were taken using a K-type thermocouple probe located at the center of the chamber, equipped with a calibrated digital temperature monitor. For the vapor testing phase of this study, a temperature-controlled diffusion cell with a heated block was housed in the test chamber and regulated to 80°C to diffuse the (D5) solution vapor into a 70°C flow. The diffusion cell was filled with 10 mL of (D5) solution prior to each fabric specimen vapor exposure test. The diffusion cell was attached to a three-branch test manifold designed to simultaneously house three (3) test specimens in one of three specimen holding tubes to simulate the (D5) fabric wash solution vapor generated during the drying cycle of a dry cleaning process. The flow manifold consists of a 1.5-inch inner diameter tube for vapor transport through the test specimens. An airflow (70°C) is directed from the test chamber through a diffusion cell to provide a vapor attack to each of the three specimen holding positions. A total flow rate of 1.5 L / min is maintained to simultaneously provide a low-flow-rate (500 cc / min) delivery of diluted silicone vapor through each of the three test specimens. The approximate vaporization rate of the (D5) solution from the diffusion cell is 3.6 mL over a 45-minute test period. This vapor diffusion rate corresponds to a volumetric generation rate of 80 μL / min and 56 μL / L air. The vapor manifold delivery flow is provided by a valve-controlled Gast rotary vane vacuum pump and a digital flow meter for monitoring the flow rate during testing. Test specimens not exposed to silicone vapor (exposed only to heat) are placed on a perforated steel frame in the ambient test chamber. A diagram of the test system is shown in [link to diagram]. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0104] Additional testing was performed to evaluate the wash and rinse process. The evaluated wash and rinse cycles removal / inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 was performed on the same type of laundry (wool blend) used in all testing. For these tests, individual SARS-CoV-2 inoculated test fabric swatches were agitated in an 8 ounce displacement mason jar using a spin tumbler. The jar was filled with 3 ounces or 89 milliliters (100% D5) solution to simulate the wash solution volume discharge of the actual wash apparatus used in the dry cleaning process. The test swatches were secured to a silk frame in such a way that it prevented the fabric from sticking to the jar walls and allowed for actual fabric agitation and rinsing action to closely simulate the actual wash process. The test swatches (3) were spin tumbled in a single jar at approximately 35 RPM for 16 minutes. Following the wash cycle simulation, the swatches were aseptically transferred to individually labeled 50 mL filter separation conical tubes and spun in a lab centrifuge at 500 rpm for 4 minutes. These tests were performed to evaluate the wash cycle portion of the individual dry cleaning process, as well as the overall combined process in the inactivation / destruction of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated fabric.

[0105] IV. Method - Preparation of Virus Samples

[0106] A calibrated pipette was used to inoculate 200 μl of pure virus inoculum to square wool blend fabric swatches sized 2 inches by 2 inches from the virus stock solution (range 1 x 10 6 to 1 x 10 7 pfu / mL). The virus inoculum was then spread evenly over a central area of ~ 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches on each test swatch. Three (3) swatches were designated as positive control concentration baseline swatches. The virus baseline swatches and test process swatches were air dried in a level 2 biological safety cabinet (BL2) for approximately 30 to 50 minutes. During the dry cleaning process testing, the three (3) positive control virus concentration baseline swatches were stored at room temperature inside the BL2 cabinet. After the dry cleaning process testing at the same time point as the test process swatches, the positive control baseline concentration swatches were extracted and plated for virus titer. The test swatches and positive control baseline swatches were placed in individually labeled 50 mL conical tubes containing 2 mL of DMEM media. The samples were then vortexed at 50% speed for 1 minute for virus extraction and the samples were assayed for virus count and virus inactivation efficiency calculations.

[0107] V. Sample Analysis and Results

[0108] Concentration titration was performed on the stock virus (SARS-CoV-2, strain USA-WA1 / 2020) used to inoculate test and control samples by serial dilution to obtain a 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID 50 ) of virus. This was done to ensure that there was a sufficient amount of virus available for testing. The untreated virus control concentration was assessed to ensure that the titer remained consistent. For cell and virus culture, sterile DMEM (Mediatech) supplemented with 7% fetal bovine serum (HyClone), GlutaMax (Gibco), and a penicillin-streptomycin-neomycin antibiotic mix (Gibco) was used. Vero E6 cells (monkey kidney cells) originally obtained from ATCC (CRL-1586) were used for the assays with ASFV. All cells were maintained in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 at 36-38 °C and cells were seeded into flasks for propagation and expanded into 96-well plates for titration of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cells were infected with 70% confluent virus test sample extract and observed for the presence of cytopathic effect (CPE) four (4) to five (5) days post-infection. Ten-fold serial dilutions of the test sample virus extract were applied to cell assay plates up to an 8-log dilution factor to confirm the presence or absence of viral growth into the plate host cells. The plates were seeded with 5 replicates at each dilution level, with each row of replicates being 10-fold more dilute than the previous row of samples used for viral cell infectivity testing. Viral propagation plate readings were obtained at high magnification power of each plate cell to detect viral host cell infectivity and recorded on a positive (+) or negative (-) viral propagation sample test log. Data was entered into a Reed & Muench calculation for sample concentration measurement and determination of TCID 50 (50% tissue culture infective dose of virus).

[0109] VI. Test Results

[0110] Sample preparation, including SARS-CoV-2 inoculation, drying, exposure testing, extraction, and cell assay plating, was performed in a sterile Class 2 biological safety cabinet. After the 4-day plate assay viral incubation period, the plates were read for viral infectivity and the data recorded in a TCID 50 test log. The results were entered into a Reed Muench data analysis program to obtain results and comparison of positive test control sample virus titer concentrations to results of test samples exposed to the dry cleaning process. Tabulated data from the TCID 50 test results (with a single dry cycle simulation, a single wash cycle simulation, and a complete dry cleaning process) measured the efficacy of inactivating SARS-CoV-2. The average viral TCID50 Inactivation is given in Table 2. Individual test sample TCID 50 Results are tabulated in Table 3.

[0111] Table 2. Individual dry cleaning process and total dry cleaning process test results

[0112]

[0113] Table 3. TCID 50 Individual sample ID and results

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] The data shown in Table 2 represents the individual dry cleaning process log percent reduction for each test set compared to the control sample at each process time, as well as the average percent reduction in virus inactivation for each process. The silicone wash and spin rinse test was combined with the heat, silicone liquid, and vapor exposure process results to define the overall percent reduction in virus for the complete dry cleaning process. Figure 2 Graphs showing the log reduction percent efficacy of each simulated dry cleaning process as well as the overall process in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 infected wool blend fabric material are shown.

[0117] VII. DISCUSSION

[0118] The test results show that the (100% D5) solution dry cleaning process has a high level of efficacy in reducing SARS-CoV-2 contaminated garments. This test was performed to provide an accurate simulation of the patented dry cleaning process in a laboratory environment. The simulation of the dry cycle in the process combining heat and dry cleaning solvent (D5) provided a reduction of about 75.4% of viable virus. The process combining heat, vapor, and dry cleaning solvent (D5) with the dry cycle performed even better, providing a reduction of about 96.7% of viable virus. The combination of the wash cycle, which includes dry cleaning solvent (D5), with the dry cycle, which includes the combination of heat, vapor, and dry cleaning solvent (D5), performed best, reducing about 98.6% of viable virus.

[0119] It should be noted that in one simulation of the drying cycle, the combination of heat, vapor, and liquid conditions resulted in a 98.00% log reduction percentage compared to the viral control. If this test result is combined with the average wash cycle simulation test results, a sequential combination of a 56.18% wash cycle reduction and a 98.00% drying cycle reduction would result in an optimized calculation of a 99.12% log reduction compared to the average viral control.

Claims

1. A method for treating material contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the vapor is generated by vaporizing the dry cleaning solvent; The virus is inactivated by heat, the dry cleaning solvent, and the steam at least 80%; and The dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent and is used at a temperature of 60°C-80°C.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the material is exposed to heat, vapor and dry cleaning solvent during a washing cycle of a dry cleaning process, a drying cycle of a dry cleaning process, or a combination of both.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the material and dry cleaning solvent are added to the chamber of the dry cleaning machine.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Expose the material to a dry cleaning solvent, and then b) Heat the dry cleaning solvent to form vapor.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the dry cleaning solvent further comprises water, and the vapor is generated by heating the dry cleaning solvent and water.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the material is exposed to the vapor for 3-75 minutes.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the material is a fabric.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fabric is a clothing article or a household textile article.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the material comprises polypropylene fibers.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the vapor is generated as part of a dry cleaning process.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the vapor is generated during the drying cycle of a dry cleaning process.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the steam is generated during a washing cycle of a dry cleaning process.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the vapor reaches a temperature of at least 70°C.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the dry cleaning solvent has a flash point of at least 60°C.

15. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the virus has a lipid-containing coating, and the method destroys the lipid-containing coating.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the vapor comprises submicron liquid particles of a solvent, the submicron liquid particles penetrating the lipid-containing coating of the virus.

17. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or dodecylcyclohexasiloxane.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

19. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the vapor is generated in a rotating drum, wherein the drum tumbles the material so that the material comes into contact with the vapor.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the vapor is injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi.

21. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the material comprises wool, polyester and / or polyester blends.

22. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the material comprises cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic resin, silk or nylon, or blends thereof.

23. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method inactivates at least 90% of the virus.

24. A method for treating material contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to a dry cleaning solvent, followed by a drying step at 45°C-85°C, wherein the solvent is removed during the drying step; The virus is inactivated by heat, the dry cleaning solvent, and steam at least 80% of its composition. The dry cleaning solvent mentioned above is a siloxane-based solvent; The vapor is generated by vaporizing the dry cleaning solvent and water, and the vapor reaches a temperature of 60°C-80°C; and The vapor is generated in a rotating drum or injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi, wherein the drum tumbles the material, thereby bringing the material into contact with the vapor.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the material is a fabric.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the fabric is a garment or a fabric home furnishing.

27. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the method is part of a dry cleaning process.

28. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or dodecylcyclohexasiloxane.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

30. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the drying step is performed for 3-75 minutes.

31. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the material comprises wool, polyester and / or polyester blends.

32. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the material comprises cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic resin, silk or nylon, or blends thereof.

33. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the method inactivates at least 90% of the virus.

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