Antimicrobial composition

Abstract

This invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, and more particularly to liquid compositions that are not caustic on the surface being cleaned. The invention is particularly effective in killing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, both of which can cause health problems. This is achieved by combining an amino acid surfactant with an alkane diol and a chelating agent, none of which possesses any significant antimicrobial activity on its own.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, and more particularly to liquid compositions that are not caustic on surfaces being cleaned and disinfected, such as fabrics or tableware, especially those washed by hand, and also for the hygienic treatment of hands and other body surfaces. This invention is particularly effective in killing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, both of which can cause health problems. Background Technology

[0002] Disinfecting cleaning compositions are highly beneficial to individuals because proper use can generally reduce the number of germs and pathogens an individual comes into contact with. Such compositions can play a significant role, for example, in reducing the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases. Disinfecting compositions containing chlorine-based bleach are known. These compositions are sometimes considered quite caustic because they can exhibit undesirable side effects, such as corrosiveness, foul odor (like chlorine smell), and skin irritation or sensitization, when they come into contact with human skin or mucous membranes. Furthermore, combinations of surfactants such as soaps and other relatively caustic surfactants with other compounds such as organic acids are known to provide relatively good antimicrobial activity. However, there are specific situations where such cleaning and disinfection are required when the composition is applied to a substrate by hand or when the substrate is the hand itself. In such cases, consumers expect the disinfecting composition to be mild on the hands while still delivering a high level of antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Such substrates include tableware, clothing, and other fabrics, particularly those washed by hand.

[0003] During the development of various antimicrobial compositions, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that combinations of amino acid-based surfactants with specific pKa values ​​and specific alkane diols, combined with chelating agents, could achieve high antimicrobial activity within a narrow pH range of 2.5 to 4.5. This was indeed unexpected, as none of these components are known on their own to possess any significant antimicrobial activity. To the inventors' knowledge, such combinations of active substances have not yet been used to deliver high antimicrobial activity.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition that is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mild antimicrobial composition for use on the skin. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising: (i) 0.01 to 2.5% by weight of an amino acid-based surfactant having a pKa value in the range of 1 to 5; (ii) 0.01 to 2% by weight of C3 to C9 alkane diols; and (iii) 0.0001 to 2% by weight of a biodegradable chelating agent selected from one or more of the following: trisodium methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), tetrasodium L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetate (GLDA), sodium gluconate, and capryloyl hydroxamic acid (CHA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, gluconolactone, and piroctone ethanolamine salt.

[0007] The composition has a pH in the range of 2.5 to 4.5.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for delivering antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the method comprising the steps of: contacting a composition of the first aspect, preferably a composition diluted with water, onto a desired surface, followed by rinsing the surface with water. Detailed Implementation

[0009] To avoid doubt, any feature of one aspect of the invention may be used in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including”, but not necessarily “consisting of” or “made up of”. Thus, the term “comprising” does not mean limited to any element subsequently stated, but optionally includes unspecified elements of primary or secondary functional importance. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words “comprising” or “having” are used, these terms mean equivalent to “comprising” as defined above. It should be noted that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit the invention to these examples alone. Except where explicitly stated in the embodiments or otherwise, all numerical values ​​representing the amount of material or the conditions of reaction, the physical properties of the material, and / or its use in this specification should be understood to be modified by the word “about”. Unless otherwise stated, numerical ranges expressed in the format “x to y” should be understood to include both x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the format “x to y” for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints should also be considered. Unless otherwise stated, the amounts used herein are expressed as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the composition and are abbreviated as "weight%".

[0010] Throughout this specification, the term "disinfection" refers to reducing the number of surviving microorganisms in a given medium or on a given surface. Disinfection typically involves the destruction or inactivation of microorganisms. Both living and non-living media and surfaces are considered.

[0011] The term "antimicrobial agent" refers to a compound capable of killing, inhibiting, or controlling the growth of microorganisms at a site; antimicrobial agents include bactericides, fungicides, and algicides, although the present invention is more applicable to bacteria. A particularly preferred aspect of the invention relates to compositions delivering antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

[0012] The compositions of the present invention are preferably used for non-therapeutic purposes, and more particularly preferably for cleaning surfaces such as those on tableware, clothing and other fabrics, and body surfaces such as hands.

[0013] The composition comprises an amino acid-based surfactant having a pKa value in the range of 1 to 5. The amino acid surfactant is preferably selected from one or more of C10-C18 alkyl sarcosine, C10-C18 alkyl glutamate, C10-C18 alkyl glycine, C10-C18 alkyl taurine, and C10-C18 alkyl aminopropionate. They are preferably selected from one or more of the following: disodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, disodium oleoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosine, sodium cocoyl sarcosine, sodium oleoyl sarcosine, sodium myristoyl sarcosine, sodium cocoyl aminopropionate, sodium lauroyl aminopropionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and sodium methyl lauroyl taurate.

[0014] Among them, sarcosinate surfactants are preferred over glutamate surfactants, and glutamate surfactants are preferred over glycine surfactants. Therefore, the most preferred amino acid surfactant used in this invention is selected from one or both of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium oleoyl sarcosinate.

[0015] The content of the amino acid surfactant is 0.01 to 2% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 1% by weight, based on the composition.

[0016] The compositions of the present invention comprise C3 to C9 alkanediols. Preferred alkanediols are selected from one or more of propylene glycol, hexanediol, and octanediol. According to the present invention, preferred alkanediols are substituted along a linear alkyl chain. Preferably, the two alcohol groups are substituted at the 1,2 or 1,3 or 2,3 positions. The alkanediol is preferably contained in an amount of 0.02 to 2% by weight of the composition, more preferably in an amount of 0.05 to 2% by weight.

[0017] The compositions of the present invention comprise a biodegradable chelating agent. It is preferably selected from one or more of the following: trisodium methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), tetrasodium L-glutamate N,N-diacetate (GLDA), sodium gluconate, capryloyl hydroxamic acid (CHA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, gluconolactone, and pyrrolidone ethanolamine salt. Preferred chelating agents are one or more of MGDA, GLDA, CHA, and sodium gluconate. The composition comprises 0.0001 to 2.0% by weight, preferably 0.001 to 1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 1.5% by weight of the chelating agent based on the weight of the composition.

[0018] Not seeking to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the selected chelating agent is an excellent outer membrane permeater, which works synergistically with the diol to ensure enhanced entry of the amino acid surfactant through the bacterial cell wall, penetrating both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, thus leading to greater damage to the cells and ensuring high broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy. The composition is effective at a pH in the range of 2.5 to 4.5, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5.

[0019] The composition preferably comprises an organic acid. Preferred organic acids used in this invention are one or more selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. The most preferred acid is citric acid. The organic acid may also be present in salt form. Alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts are preferred, more preferably alkali metal salts, with sodium salts being the most preferred. The composition preferably contains 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight, and even more preferably 1 to 2.5% by weight of an organic acid or its salt.

[0020] The composition is typically in liquid form. It contains a significant amount of water. The water is typically present in an amount of 80 to 97% by weight, preferably 90 to 94% by weight, based on the composition. A preferred aspect of the invention relates to a liquid cleaning composition that additionally comprises a secondary surfactant. The secondary surfactant is a surfactant other than the amino acid surfactant. The secondary surfactant is preferably an anionic surfactant. Its content can be from 1 to 80% by weight, based on the composition.

[0021] Liquid laundry detergent composition The composition can be provided as a laundry detergent composition, and in addition to the essential components of the present invention, it may also contain secondary surfactants.

[0022] The laundry detergent composition of the present invention is preferably in liquid form. The term "liquid" can encompass emulsions, suspensions, and compositions having a flowable but relatively stiff consistency, known as gels or pastes. The pourable liquid detergent composition preferably has a viscosity of 200 to 2,500 mPa·s, more preferably 200 to 1,000 mPa·s. Such compositions typically have an aqueous continuous phase. Preferably, the composition contains at least 50% by weight of water, more preferably at least 70% by weight of water. Water is typically present in an amount of 20 to 99.9% by weight, preferably 40 to 80% by weight, based on the composition.

[0023] One aspect of the invention relates to a liquid laundry detergent composition wherein the secondary surfactant is an anionic surfactant, said anionic surfactant being present in an amount of 1 to 30% by weight. The liquid laundry detergent composition of the invention may contain 1 to 30%, preferably 2 to 15% by weight, one or more secondary surfactants. The surfactant is typically anionic. Amino acid-based surfactants, which are an essential characteristic of the claimed composition, are also anionic surfactants. However, it should be understood that throughout this specification, the term "anionic surfactant" is intended to refer to anionic surfactants other than amino acid-based surfactants. Preferred anionic surfactants are organic sulfates and sulfonates having an alkyl group containing about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" used for the alkyl moiety including a higher acyl group. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfate may contain 1 to 10 ethylene oxide units or propylene oxide units per molecule, preferably 1 to 3 ethylene oxide units per molecule. Counterions used in anionic surfactants are typically alkali metals, such as sodium or potassium; or ammoniacal counterions, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), or triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of these counterions may also be used. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0024] The most preferred surfactants are of the alkylbenzene sulfonate type, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) having an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Some alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS) can also be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulfates having an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18.

[0025] Preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the composition for laundry applications may additionally contain 5 to 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant. A preferred class of nonionic surfactants used in this invention includes aliphatic C8 to C96 surfactants. 18 Primary linear alcohol ethoxylates, more preferably C 12 To C 15 Primary linear alcohol ethoxylates, wherein each mole of alcohol contains an average of 3 to 20, more preferably 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide. Preferred nonionic surfactants are C16 / 18 alcohol ethoxylates.

[0026] In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, liquid laundry detergent compositions typically also contain agents such as soil-release polymers, water-soluble solvents, surfactants, builders, polymer thickeners, and opaque dyes. Soil-release polymers (SRPs) help improve the removal of dirt from fabrics by modifying the fabric surface during washing.

[0027] The SRP structure may also include end-capping groups to control molecular weight or modify polymer properties such as surface activity. Preferred SRPs used in this invention comprise copolyesters formed by the condensation of terephthalate and glycol and further comprising end-capping groups formed from repeating units of alkyl-terminated epoxides. When included, the SRP may be in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, ideally 0.3 to 7% by weight, and more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the weight of the composition.

[0028] The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated with non-aqueous carriers, such as co-solvents, co-solvents, and phase stabilizers. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids, such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (e.g., ethanol and n-propanol or isopropanol); C2 to C6 diols (e.g., monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 triols (e.g., glycerol); having a weight-average molecular weight (M) in the range of about 200 to 600. w The composition includes polyethylene glycol (C1 to C3 alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine); and alkyl aryl sulfonates (e.g., sodium and potassium xylenesulfonate, sodium and potassium toluenesulfonate, sodium and potassium ethylbenzenesulfonate, and sodium and potassium isopropylbenzene(cumene)sulfonate) having up to three carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group. When included, a non-aqueous carrier may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 1% by weight, based on the weight of the composition. Preferred co-aqueous solvents are monopropylene glycol and glycerol.

[0029] In addition to the aforementioned non-soap anionic and / or nonionic detergency surfactants, the liquid laundry detergent compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more co-surfactants (e.g., amphoteric (amphoionic) surfactants and / or cationic surfactants). When included, such co-surfactants may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0030] The liquid laundry detergent composition may optionally contain relatively low levels of organic detergent builders or chelating agents. Examples include alkali metal citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates, aminocarboxylates, and polyacetylated carboxylates. If used, the organic builder material may be contained in about 0.5 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight, based on the composition.

[0031] When the composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, it can be diluted with water in a ratio ranging from 1:5 to 1:300, such as 1:50, 1:100, or 1:200, to form a washing liquid.

[0032] Liquid dishwashing composition The compositions of this invention can be used for the care of kitchen items, such as utensils and tableware that can be cleaned using the liquid dishwashing composition. Various components other than the essential ingredients claimed in this invention are summarized below. Among the various components, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and water-soluble solvents, as detailed in liquid laundry detergent compositions, can be used in liquid dishwashing compositions. Furthermore, other components that may be included are detailed below: Preferably, the composition further comprises an amphoteric surfactant. Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkylamine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkylaminopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sulfobetaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoteric acetates, alkyl amphoteric propionates, alkyl amphoteric glycinates, alkylaminopropyl hydroxysulfobetaines, acyl taurate, and acyl glutamate, having an alkyl group containing about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" used for alkyl moieties including higher acyl groups. More preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkylaminopropyl betaines, and even more preferably cocoylaminopropyl betaines. When included, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in an amount preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, and even more preferably from 1 to 3% by weight. Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used. A good combination of secondary surfactants used in the present invention in the form of dishwashing compositions is a combination of 1 to 30% by weight of anionic surfactant and 0.1 to 5% by weight of amphoteric surfactant.

[0033] The liquid dishwashing composition may preferably contain an organic acid or its salt as disclosed above. It is preferably citric acid or its salt, such as trisodium citrate.

[0034] Preferably, the liquid dishwashing composition further comprises water in an amount of 5 to 99% by weight, more preferably 10 to 90% by weight, even more preferably 15 to 80% by weight, even more preferably 20 to 70% by weight, still more preferably 30 to 65% by weight, still more preferably 35 to 60% by weight, and even more preferably 40 to 55% by weight.

[0035] Preferably, the liquid dishwashing composition further comprises one or more chelating agents. Preferably, the composition comprises a chelating agent, which may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 4% by weight, or even more preferably 0.5 to 2.5% by weight.

[0036] Preferred chelating agents are phosphonic acids or their salts. The phosphonic acid (or its salt) chelating agent is preferably selected from 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP; commercially available as Dequest® 2010), diethylenetriaminepenta (DTPMP; commercially available as Dequest® 2066), hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (HDTMP), aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP), tetramethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (TDTMP); and phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (PBTC). The most preferred chelating agent is 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP). Preferably, the chelating agent is added to the formulation in acid form.

[0037] Optionally, the liquid dishwashing composition further comprises an enzyme, with or without a suitable enzyme stabilizer. Preferably, the composition further comprises an effective amount of at least one enzyme, with or without a suitable enzyme stabilizer. Examples of suitable enzymes include pectinase, protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, mannanase; with or without a suitable stabilizer.

[0038] Preferably, the viscosity of the composition is within 21 seconds at 25°C. -1 The shear rate can suitably be in the range of about 200 mPa·s to about 10,000 mPa·s. This shear rate is the shear rate typically applied to the liquid when it is poured from the bottle. Pourable liquid home care compositions typically have a viscosity of 200 to 2,500 mPa·s, preferably 1,000 to 2,000 mPa·s.

[0039] The liquid dishwashing composition may further comprise one or more polymers. Preferably, the polymers may be cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or nonionic types having a molecular weight greater than 100,000 Daltons. They are known to increase the viscosity and stability of the liquid composition to enhance the skin feel during and after use, and to enhance the lather creaminess and foam stability. Examples of polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, silanes, siloxanes, and mixtures thereof. If present, the polymer may preferably be present in the composition in an amount of 0.001 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 6% by weight, and even more preferably 1 to 3% by weight.

[0040] Preferably, the composition can be used as is, i.e., in net form, or it can be diluted before use. The degree of dilution typically depends on market preference. In some markets, a more concentrated product is required, while in others a more diluted product is preferred. When the composition is a liquid dishwashing composition, it is typically diluted with water at a weight ratio in the range of 1:1 to 1:30, preferably in the range of 1:1 to 1:10.

[0041] Liquid dishwashing compositions may optionally contain ingredients such as fragrances, colorants, foam promoters, and odor-absorbing materials.

[0042] Multipurpose liquid spray composition The compositions of the present invention can be used as multipurpose liquid spray compositions comprising a nonionic secondary surfactant and 50 to 99% water. This is typically dispensed from a bottle using a spray pump. These types of multipurpose liquid spray compositions can be used to clean and disinfect either inanimate or living surfaces. Inanimate surfaces include hard surfaces such as floors, walls, windows, doors, furniture, and table tops in various indoor and outdoor locations. Other types of hard surfaces cleaned by such compositions include articles found in homes, offices, and other public places. These products can also be used to disinfect topical surfaces of the human or animal body. They can be used as bath water, as water for shaving, for washing babies between diaper changes, for disinfecting pets and hands in homes, hospitals, and medical clinics; and a wide range of other personal disinfection applications.

[0043] The multipurpose liquid spray composition may include a stability enhancer as a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant used in this invention is preferably selected from fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, or polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters. The content of the nonionic surfactant in the multipurpose liquid spray composition of this invention is preferably 0.01 to 10% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.1 to 5%.

[0044] Disinfectant composition: The compositions of the present invention can be provided as disinfectant compositions, comprising, in addition to the essential components of the composition, 20 to 50% C2 to C3 alcohols and 45 to 75% water. When the alcohol content is above 60% by weight in the composition, alcohols together with water are among the most effective antimicrobial compositions. They kill bacteria and viruses almost instantly. However, such compositions with high alcohol content are caustic on the skin because they dry out moisture present on the surface and to some extent beneath the skin. Therefore, many people prefer hand sanitizers with low alcohol content. However, 20 to 50% by weight of alcohol in the composition does not provide complete antimicrobial protection. In these cases, the present invention, comprising amino acid surfactants and alkane diols, can supplement the antimicrobial activity of the alcohol to provide complete protection. Such hand sanitizers can be packaged in small bottles for use when people are traveling and do not have the opportunity to use soap and water to clean their hands. Such sanitizers can also be placed at the entrances of buildings such as apartments, houses, offices, restaurants, and public places such as airports, train stations, and bus stations. They are particularly useful in hospitals and clinics to minimize the spread of germs through hand contact.

[0045] Suitable alcohols for inclusions in the disinfectant compositions of the present invention are ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and combinations thereof. Ethanol is the most preferred alcohol. The composition preferably comprises a combination of ethanol and isopropanol. When ethanol is present, its content is preferably 25 to 45% by weight based on the composition. When isopropanol is present, its content is preferably 1 to 10% by weight based on the composition, preferably 1 to 5% by weight.

[0046] The disinfectant composition may optionally contain a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant described above for use in multipurpose liquid spray compositions may be used in the disinfectant composition.

[0047] The disinfectant composition may optionally contain 0.01 to 1% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 0.8% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of a thickener.

[0048] The thickener in the disinfectant composition according to the invention is preferably selected from homopolymers, copolymers, and combinations thereof, wherein the homopolymers and copolymers comprise monomers selected from acrylic acid, acrylates, compounds comprising acrylate groups, and combinations thereof. The most preferred thickeners for use in the disinfectant composition are those of carbomer compounds. In a preferred embodiment, the disinfectant composition may contain 0 to 15% by weight of optionally present ingredients, such as chelating agents, colorants, fragrances, skin conditioning agents, vitamins such as vitamin B3, and combinations thereof. The disinfectant composition preferably contains skin conditioning agents, and these skin conditioning agents are preferably selected from silicones, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. The composition preferably contains vitamins other than vitamin B3, and these vitamins are preferably selected from vitamin A, vitamin E, or combinations thereof. Even more preferably, the composition contains vitamin E acetate.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for delivering antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the method comprising the steps of: contacting a composition of the invention, preferably a composition diluted with water, onto a desired surface, followed by rinsing the surface with water. The method is preferably non-therapeutic.

[0050] The invention will now be illustrated by way of the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0051] Example Examples AL, 1-6: Combinations of active substances according to the present invention against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria Effect of the decrease in the number of sex bacteria The compositions shown in Table 1 below were prepared, and their antimicrobial efficacy was measured using the procedure given below. Each of the compositions had a pH of 3.5.

[0052] In these embodiments, the compositions according to the invention are compared with comparative compositions by a suspension test. The suspension test in this embodiment is performed according to the common test protocol of EN1276.

[0053] With 10 per ml 8 Bacterial counts were performed using bacterial cultures. In this experiment, 8 ml of the formulation was used with 1 ml of bacteria and 1 ml of BSA solution. The BSA solution was at a concentration of 0.03% to simulate "clean" surface conditions. Therefore, after mixing 1 ml of culture with 8 ml of the formulation and 1 ml of BSA solution, the bacterial count was diluted 10-fold, resulting in an initial bacterial count of 10 per ml at the start of the experiment. 7 One bacterium.

[0054] The formulation was contacted with bacteria for an appropriate time (5 minutes) and then neutralized (to quench the efficacy of the active substance and stop its antibacterial action). The amount of bacterial reduction achieved by the formulation relative to the water control was calculated and marked in the corresponding table in the examples below. Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy was performed either as is or after dilution specified in the dataset. The examples were performed at room temperature of 23°C.

[0055] Target organism: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 ( Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 ( Escherichia coli ATCC 10536) Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium, while Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium.

[0056] Table 1:

[0057] It should be understood that the concentrations used in the above embodiments are representative of the actual concentrations at the cell wall, which are concentrations obtained by appropriately diluting the composition with water (which are typically 1 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than the concentrations defined in the compositions of the present invention).

[0058] The data in Table 1 show that, compared to the corresponding subset combinations, the compositions according to the invention (Examples 1 to 6) deliver superior antimicrobial benefits against Gram-negative bacteria (in all cases) and against Gram-positive bacteria (in most possible cases).

Claims

1. An antimicrobial composition comprising: (i) 0.01 to 2.5% by weight of an amino acid-based surfactant having a pKa value in the range of 1 to 5; (ii) 0.01 to 2% by weight of C3 to C9 alkane diols; and (iii) 0.0001 to 2% by weight of a biodegradable chelating agent, said biodegradable chelating agent being selected from one or more of the following: trisodium methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), tetrasodium L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetate (GLDA), sodium gluconate, capryloyl hydroxamic acid (CHA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, gluconolactone, and piroctone olamine salt. The composition has a pH in the range of 2.5 to 4.

5.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the amino acid surfactant is selected from one or more of C10-C18 alkylsarcosine salt, C10-C18 alkylglutamate salt, C10-C18 alkylglycine salt, C10-C18 alkyltaurate and C10-C18 alkylaminopropionate.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the amino acid surfactant is selected from one or more of the following: disodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, disodium oleoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl aminopropionate, sodium lauroyl aminopropionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and sodium methyl lauroyl taurate.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alkane diol is selected from one or more of propylene glycol, hexanediol, and octanediol.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.02 to 1% by weight of an amino acid-based surfactant.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises an organic acid.

7. The composition according to claim 6, wherein the organic acid is selected from one or more of lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid.

8. The composition according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the content of said organic acid is 0.1 to 5% by weight of said composition.

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is a liquid cleaning composition, and the liquid cleaning composition further comprises a secondary surfactant.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, and wherein the secondary surfactant is an anionic surfactant, and the content of the anionic surfactant is 1 to 30 by weight.

11. The composition of claim 9, wherein the composition is a liquid dishwashing composition, and wherein the additional surfactant is a combination of 1 to 30% by weight of an anionic surfactant and 0.1 to 5% by weight of an amphoteric surfactant.

12. The composition of claim 9, wherein the composition is a multipurpose liquid spray composition comprising 50 to 99% by weight of water, and wherein the secondary surfactant is a nonionic surfactant.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition is a disinfectant composition, and the disinfectant composition further comprises 20 to 50% of C2 to C3 alcohol and 45 to 75% of water.

14. A method for delivering antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the method comprising the steps of: contacting a desired surface with a composition according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably diluted with water, followed by rinsing the surface with water.

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