DISINFECTANTS AND THEIR USE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a disinfectant and its use. Background of the invention

[0002] The global virus pandemic has shown that means of reducing bacterial and viral loads are of great importance. Therefore, there is a growing demand for disinfectants that are particularly effective as hand sanitizers, food disinfectants, and surface disinfectants.

[0003] Disinfectants are typically chemical compositions or compounds used for surface, instrument, food, or skin disinfection, as well as for water disinfection. Depending on the pathogens primarily targeted, particularly bacteria, viruses, fungi, and the like, the disinfectants exhibit bactericidal, virucidal or virus-inactivating, and leuvoricidal (fungicidal) effects. Disinfection in this context means a reduction in germs, which is verified using a defined test procedure, in which viable germs, i.e., so-called colony-forming units per gram (CFU / g), are examined, and a reduction in germs is observed.

[0004] Disinfectants have a wide range of applications: They can be used in clinical settings, such as hospitals or doctor's offices; in public settings, such as swimming pools; or in private settings, such as cosmetics or households. These have been subject to an approval process for several years. The use of individual products may be restricted to specific groups of people, such as specially qualified individuals.

[0005] The disadvantage of many highly effective disinfectants is that they not only destroy harmful germs, but can also damage the skin or surfaces on which they are used. Strong disinfectants, for example, generally contain strong oxidizing agents, which can irritate and damage mucous membranes. In contrast, weak disinfectants do not harm the skin or the surface being disinfected, but do not sufficiently kill germs. Therefore, it is always important to develop disinfectants that destroy germs quickly and sustainably, but when used for hand disinfection, do not significantly impair the skin flora in the long term.

[0006] Furthermore, strong disinfectants in particular can have adverse effects on the environment. For example, phenols contained in many disinfectants have an ecotoxic effect on water bodies and also destroy bacteria species that are important for the cleaning effect in water bodies. Many disinfectants are caustic, irritate the skin and / or mucous membranes, are flammable or even explosive, or can release toxic chlorine gas when mixed with other household cleaners. Furthermore, toxic and carcinogenic disinfectants are also known, which can also trigger allergies. Therefore, there is great interest in skin-friendly disinfectants that can be used safely not only for surface disinfection, but also for hand and food disinfection, while simultaneously significantly reducing the bacterial colonization on the skin of the hands.It is desirable that these kill or deactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi, for example. This can also prevent the transmission of germs from one person to another.

[0007] Numerous disinfectants have become known from the state of the art. A few will be selected here and briefly explained in detail: For example, disinfectants containing citric acid for pH regulation, as a chelating agent, or for descaling are known: DE 37 02 546 A1 describes a disinfectant for the medical field, particularly for use in doctor's offices or hospitals, wherein the active ingredient is isothiazoline-3-oxy and / or a derivative(s) thereof. A weak organic acid, such as acetic acid, citric acid, uric acid, gluconic acid, aminosulfonic acid, isothionic acid, or sulfophthalic acid, is added to regulate the pH in the range between approximately pH 4.5 and approximately pH 10.5.

[0008] EP 2 677 867 B1 from Salveco describes a concentrated biocidal formulation of plant origin, comprising compounds of plant and renewable origin, which are fully biodegradable. It contains: between 0.01% and 20% chelating agents selected from citric acid from lemon juice, sorbic acid from the rowan tree, oxalic acid from the roots or rhizomes of plants, chicory extracts; between 0.03% and 25% non-ionic surfactants of the glycoside, polyglycerol ester or sorbitan ester type; between 0.03% and 25% anionic surfactants selected from the carboxylate salts of polyethoxylated / propoxylated alkyl and / or polyols of the polyglycoside and / or polyglycerol type, alkali or alkaline earth metals, and those linked to acidic chemical structures to form surfactants of the alkyl carboxylate and / or alkyl sulfate type, the anionic surfactants having a carbon chain comprising between 6 and 20 carbon atoms; between 0.1% and 75% of at least one organic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid and succinic acid;Between 0.001% and 8% natural fragrance, selected from essential oils, plant essences, and plant extracts, such as A-mint, N-mint, or G-eucalyptus. However, benzoate or benzoic acid is not mentioned here.

[0009] Furthermore, JP-A-2002-253188 discloses a disinfectant for disinfecting hands and surfaces in the food processing industry, which contains an organic acid derived from citrates and lactates and alcohol, such as ethanol. These disinfectants have microbicidal activity.

[0010] Furthermore, EP 2 135 507 A1 describes a disinfectant for hand and skin disinfection which, based on the total disinfectant, contains the following components (a), (b), (c) and (d), but no other disinfectant active ingredients for microbicidal disinfection: (a) 40 to 90 wt.% ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof; (b) 0.1 to 2 wt.% lactic acid; (c) 0.01 to 2 wt.% citric acid; and (d) 0.001 to 0.1 wt.% of a zinc-containing compound that releases zinc ions in solution. However, zinc ions can be detrimental for application to the skin, as they can dry out the skin and leave deposits that are difficult to remove. Zinc-containing compounds, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol are preferably not present in the disinfectant according to the invention.

[0011] DE 102 23 934 A1 describes a water-based disinfectant that a) at least one alkylamine and / or at least one quaternary ammonium compound and b) at least one fatty acid RCOOH and / or its salt, where R is a group with at least 7 carbon atoms, and the use of the disinfectant to inactivate the hepatitis B virus. In addition to these components, the disinfectant optionally comprises short-chain organic acids, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, or their salts, to adjust the amine formulation to the preferred pH of 9.0 to 9.5.

[0012] Furthermore, DE 10 2007 045 210 A1 relates to a mixture for descaling, cleaning and / or disinfecting, comprising at least 25% by weight, based on the total amount of the mixture, of citric acid and 0.1-75% by weight, based on the total amount of the mixture, of an additive mixture comprising malic acid and / or tartaric acid.

[0013] Furthermore, disinfectants containing citric acid are also used against viruses and bacteria: For example, DE 42 00 066 A1 refers to the use of an aqueous disinfectant, optionally in concentrate form, containing citric acid as a virucidal, bactericidal, and sporicidal agent for inactivating hepatitis B viruses, bacterial spores, and Legionella pneumophila in the disinfection of thermolabile medical instruments and devices, as well as parts thereof, dialysis machines, and surfaces. Malic acid and / or lactic acid can optionally be added.

[0014] Furthermore, WO 96 / 09761 A1 (EP 0 783 245 B1 by Unilever NV) describes a disinfectant that is suitable for consumption and is therefore preferably used in the production of food and beverages. The disinfectant composition comprises: (a) an anionic surfactant selected from an alkali salt of a C 10 -C 18 alkyl sulfate and an alkali salt of di-(C 6 -C 10 alkyl) sulfosuccinate; (b) an acid selected from citric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid; and (c) a nonionic surfactant comprising a polyethoxylated sorbitan ester that is readily soluble in water. Benzoic acid or sodium benzoate may also optionally be added. Unlike WO 96 / 097761 A1, the disinfectant according to the invention is intended for external use only. The use of benzoic acid / sodium benzoate is only optional and therefore deviates from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, an anionic surfactant is not present in the disinfectant according to the invention.The use of alcohols such as isopropanol or ethanol as solvents, as described in WO 96 / 097761 A1, is also not desired in the disinfectant according to the invention.

[0015] Compositions containing benzoates as preservatives have also become known: DE 10 2006 010 809 A1, for example, describes a solubilizate of a preservative to better protect food, primarily beverages, against microbial contamination. The anhydrous solubilizate of a preservative comprises sorbic acid and / or benzoic acid as well as one or more emulsifiers with an HLB value between 9 and 16, particularly a polysorbate. It is stated that only the undissociated acid is said to develop the bactericidal effect.

[0016] The following publications describe antimicrobially active compositions that may contain citric acid and benzoate: MEDOFFICE: Med-Cover Lemon Glycerin Swab Stick 6, Material Safety Data Sheet, Izmir, Turkey, 2018, provides a skin care product in the form of a stick or as an aqueous solution. The composition includes, among other ingredients, sodium benzoate, citric acid, polysorbate 80, lemon flavor, and chlorhexidine digluconate. The composition has an antimicrobial effect, particularly due to the chlorhexidine digluconate. However, the disinfectant according to the invention does not contain chlorhexidine digluconate.

[0017] US 2020 / 0 120 928 A1 discloses wet wipes having a cleaning composition comprising: a preservative-enhancing agent comprising between about 0.12% and about 1.0% by weight of sorbitan caprylate; a preservative comprising benzoic acid or a salt thereof; and a citrate-citric acid buffer system or citric acid; wherein the cleaning composition comprises at least 97.1% by weight of water; the preservative and the preservative-enhancing agent comprise from about 0.24% to about 1.12% by weight of the cleaning composition; the cleaning composition has a pH of less than 5; and the preservative to the preservative-enhancing agent in the cleaning composition has a weight ratio of from about 1:0.5 to about 1:5. The cleaning composition may comprise nonionic and amphoteric surfactants as an additional ingredient. However, sorbitan caprylate is not present in the disinfectant of the invention.

[0018] Furthermore, WO 2018 / 022 016 A1 describes a liquid cleaning composition comprising: a cleansing component; and an antibacterial system, wherein the antibacterial system comprises: an antibacterial agent; and an antibacterial enhancer, in particular selected from an organic acid, such as citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, carbonic acid, taurine, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight ratio of the antibacterial agent to the antibacterial enhancer is greater than or equal to about 0.30:1 and less than or equal to 0.65:1. The antibacterial agent is phenoxyethanol, which, according to the examples, is considered an essential component for antimicrobial efficacy. Nonionic surfactants are also described as possible components. Sodium benzoate is mentioned as an exemplary preservative, among others. However, no phenoxyethanol is present in the disinfectant according to the invention.

[0019] Furthermore, WO 2020 / 165 566 A1 relates to an aqueous liquid composition having a topical antimicrobial effect, the composition comprising: a) 0.001 wt.% to 1 wt.% surfactant, b) at least one carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, such as citric or lactic acid, and The aqueous liquid compositions have a pH of about 4.7 or less. Benzoates, especially sodium benzoate, are described as preservatives. The preservative should preferably be present in amounts of up to about 1.5% by weight, although in the examples, only up to 0.2% by weight of sodium benzoate is used.

[0020] US 2014 / 275264 A1 discloses an aqueous composition comprising: (a) at least one first organic acid and (b) at least one second organic acid, wherein the first organic acid is different from the second organic acid. In one embodiment, the organic acid is citric acid, and the ratio of citric acid to the second organic acid can be from 32:1 to 1:32, or from 8:1 to 1:32, or from 8:1 to 1:16. The second acid is selected, for example, from propionic acid, benzoic acid, or their salts. No nonionic or amphoteric surfactants are present.

[0021] WO 99 / 44444 A1 describes a method for reducing the number of bacteria on a fresh foodstuff suspected of being contaminated with at least one foodborne pathogen, the method comprising the step of contacting the fresh foodstuff with a decontaminating solution comprising a first active ingredient, the first active ingredient being an acid in a concentration of about 0.3 to about 5 percent (v / v) selected from the group consisting of lactic, acetic, malic, propionic, tartaric, mandelic, and phosphoric acid, and a second active ingredient selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of about 0.1% to 5%, glycerol monolaurate in a concentration of about 0.0001% to about 0.1% (v / v).) and sodium benzoate at a concentration of about 0.005% to about 0.5%, wherein the fresh food is in contact with the decontaminating solution for a time and at a temperature sufficient to reduce the number of at least one foodborne pathogen by at least 1000-fold. It does not contain nonionic or amphoteric surfactants.

[0022] DE 39 33 964 C1 relates to a process for sanitary cleaning using a sanitary cleaner in liquid or solid form containing germ-inhibiting acidic organic substances or their salts, common lime-dissolving water-soluble acids and optionally further additives, wherein germ-promoting organic acids or salts resistant to the lime-dissolving water-soluble acid are used in the form of amino acids, 4-aminobenzoic acid and / or orotic acid and / or vitamins in a concentration of 10 to 1000 mg / kg sanitary cleaner (dry substance) and as germ-inhibiting acidic organic substances benzoic acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid and / or formic acid or their salts are used in such a quantity that the germ-inhibiting substances act in a concentration which, during the effective phase in the sanitary facility to be treated, is at least twice and at most 200 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). amounts.It does not contain any non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants.

[0023] WO 91 / 000089 A1 relates to medicaments for humans and animals and to other uses of various acids and salts for treating diseases caused, for example, by viruses, fungi, and bacteria. For example, herpes labialis is said to be cured by applying a solution of benzoic acid E 210 or sodium benzoate E 211 and citric acid E 330. To combat non-enveloped viruses, the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate is also added. No non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants are described.

[0024] WO 2012 / 139995 A1 relates to a method for preventing bacterial growth in a beverage dispensing system. A bacteriostatic agent comprising one or more of potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citric acid, tartaric acid, hydrophilic silicon dioxide, 1,2-dihydroxypropane, and glycerin is used for this purpose. However, no nonionic or amphoteric surfactants are included.

[0025] According to US 2002 / 168464 A1, a storage-stable coating for pans and a non-toxic cleaner for cooking surfaces are provided, comprising a) water; b) mono- and diglycerides; c) polysorbate; d) an antimicrobially effective amount of citric acid; e) an antimicrobially effective amount of acetic acid; f) an antimicrobially effective amount of sodium benzoate. The surfactants of the invention are not disclosed.

[0026] DE 10 2015 113 641 A1 discloses disinfectant for disinfecting inanimate surfaces, which in particular consists of (a) 0.1-10 wt.% of at least one organic acid selected from acetic acid, propionic acid or a combination thereof, (b) optionally 0.01-1 wt.% lactic acid, (c) 0.01-10 wt.% sodium benzoate, (d) 0-2 wt.% solubilizer selected from hexyl carbitol, propylene glycol, methyl carbitol, butyl carbitol, monoethylene glycol or a combination thereof, preferably hexyl carbitol and / or propylene glycol, and (e) water, where the components add up to 100 wt.% and where the sum of (a) + (b) is ≤ 1 wt.% if (b) ≠ 0 or the sum of (a) + (b) is > 0.1 wt.%. The nonionic surfactants used in Examples 4 and 5 are 0.4 wt.% Marlipal ® 1618 / 25 (a linear alcohol ethoxylate) and in Examples 8 and 12 4.0 wt.% Dehydol ® 04 DEO (C8 fatty alcohol with approximately 4 mol EO) is described. According to the invention, other nonionic surfactants are used in different amounts.

[0027] WO 2014 / 062892 A1 relates to an antiviral composition containing eucalyptol, menthol, and elderberry extract. The composition also contains at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of poloxamer 407, xylitol, saccharin, sorbitol, glycerin, sodium benzoate, octoxynol-9, citric acid, sodium chloride, thymol, ethanol, and methyl salicylate. The compositions contain ethanol, which is excluded according to the invention.

[0028] ES 1 258 594 U refers to an alkaline aqueous cleaning formulation comprising, for example: 0.75 - 2 wt% of at least one surfactant, < 4 wt% of at least one masking agent, 0.1 - 0.3 wt% of at least one preservative, 0.05 - 0.15 wt% citric acid, 0.1 - 0.3 wt% of at least one perfume, 0.0005 - 0.001 wt% of at least one dye and a sufficient amount of osmotic water, The sum of all components is less than or equal to 100% and has a pH between 7 and 11.50. The surfactant can be a nonionic surfactant. Sodium benzoate is mentioned as a preservative, among others. According to the invention, an acidic disinfectant is used in which the surfactants used are present in other quantities.

[0029] Blagojevic SM et al.: "Synergism and Physicochemical Properties of Anionic / Amphoteric Surfactant Mixtures with Nonionic Surfactant of Amine Oxide Type", Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Chemical Society, London, UK, Vol. 91, No. 13, 2017, pp. 2690-2695, "Amphiphilic Molecules: An introductory overview", June 6 2005, pp. 1-19, Internet: URL:https: / / www.tuchemnitz.de / physik / OSMP / Soft / V 09.pdf and "Euroxide D40 performance enhancer in hard surface cleaners", 2016, pp. 1-2; Internet: URL: https: / / eocqroup.com / sites / default / files / E-OC%20Surfactants%20Product%20Leaflet%20Euroxide%20D40%20July%20216.pdf deals with the technological background according to which amine oxides can also be classified as nonionic surfactants. In contrast, the amine oxides are considered amphoteric surfactants for the purposes of the present invention.

[0030] WO 2020 / 027797 A1 describes a composition comprising: a carrier constituting at least 90% of the total weight of the composition; an antimicrobial agent; and an antimicrobial enhancer comprising an amphocarboxylate, wherein the antimicrobial enhancer constitutes 1.0% or less of the total weight of the composition; wherein the composition is substantially free of a short-chain alcohol. Specific compositions containing an organic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, and succinic acid are not described.

[0031] WO 2019 / 194780 A2 deals with a cosmetic composition containing, for example, 5-35 wt.% antimicrobial plant extract, 0.1-5 wt.% panthenol, >0-1 wt.% urea, and >0-1 wt.% lactic acid. Other amphoteric or nonionic surfactants are disclosed in amounts different from those of the invention.

[0032] CN 110 755 289 A is directed to a mouthwash for children consisting of a humectant, sodium benzoate, azepam chloride, alkyl glycosides, sodium citrate, citric acid, a sweetener, edible flavoring, and deionized water. The following are present: 7-25 parts by weight of humectant, 1-3 parts by weight of sodium benzoate, 3-9 parts by weight of azepam chloride, 1-3 parts by weight of alkyl glycoside, 1-3 parts by weight of sodium citrate, 0.5-2 parts by weight of citric acid, 0.2-0.6 parts by weight of sweetener, 0.1-0.4 parts by weight of edible flavoring, and 25-45 parts by weight of deionized water. The amount of humectant is outside the range of the invention.

[0033] WO 2019 / 209223 A2 describes a cleansing and caring cosmetic composition comprising the juice of the flower of Chamomilla recutita and the extract of Malva sylvestris. Additives described include nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. Different surfactants are used than those used in the present invention.

[0034] WO 2012 / 076409 A1 discloses topical vaginal compositions in gel form. The disinfectant contains, for example, lactic acid, sodium benzoate, and polysorbate 60, as well as phenoxyethanol, which is excluded according to the invention.

[0035] WO 2019 / 175864 A1 relates to a delivery device for mechanically dilating the anatomical pelvic canal, in particular vaginal area, of a human subject, the device comprising a gel composition comprising: (a) a naturally occurring polysaccharide; (b) water in an amount of about 60% to about 88% by weight of the composition; (c) a surfactant in an amount ranging from 0% to about 5% by weight of the composition; (d) oil in an amount ranging from 0% to about 40% by weight of the composition; (e) a cross-linking agent; and (f) a hydrophilic agent and / or a hydrophobic agent, each having a beneficial or therapeutic effect in the anatomical pelvic canal. The gel is not suitable as a disinfectant for external use.

[0036] US 2020 / 022905 A1 describes a composition intended for the buccal absorption of nicotine into the bloodstream and distribution to the central nervous system for the purpose of smoking cessation or nicotine substitution under conditions unfavorable for smoking. It contains a nicotine solution in the form of a base and / or its salt with an organic acid in a concentration of 0.01 to 8.00 wt.%, as well as substances with expectorant activity. The surfactants according to the invention are not described.

[0037] Steward Lissa: "Acidity Index of Common Mouthwashes," January 2, 2016. URL: https: / / www.hygienesuperstar.com / wp-content / uploads / 2019 / 05 / acidity.pdf describes acidic mouthwashes with pH values ​​between approximately 3.3 and 6.5. Compositions containing citric acid, lactic acid, and / or succinic acid, as well as certain surfactants, are not described.

[0038] BIRNIE C. R. ET AL: "Antimicrobial evaluation of N-alkyl betaines and N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxides with variations in chain length", Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, American Society for Microbiology, US, Bd. 44, Nr. 9, 1. September 2000, Seiten 2514-2517, Doi: 10.1128 / Aac.44.9.2514-2517.2000; Matsumura S. et al: "Surface Activity, Antimicrobial Properties and Biodegradability of n-Alkyl Xylosides, Xylobiosides, and Xylotriosides", Nihon Yukagaku Kaishi Journal of Japan Oil Chemists' Society, Nihon Yukagakkai, Tokyo, JP, Bd. 47, Nr. 3, 1. Januar 1998, Seiten 247-255, und Glover Richard E. et al: "An EPR Investigation of Surfactant Action On Bacterial Membranes", Fems Microbiology Letters, Bd. 177, Nr. 1, 1. August 1999, Seiten 57-62, Doi: 10.1111 / L1574-6968.1999.Tb13713.X describe that certain surfactants, such as C 12 -C 14 amine oxides or alkyl glycosides, have an antimicrobial effect, but this effect is not fast enough to be used as disinfectants.

[0039] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved disinfectant that significantly reduces the microbial load caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and the like, and is suitable for hand disinfection, food disinfection, and surface disinfection. Furthermore, the disinfectant should be as skin-friendly as possible, contain environmentally friendly components, and avoid strong oxidizing agents such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or C 1 -C 3 (iso)alcohols. Furthermore, it should have a rapid disinfecting effect while simultaneously exhibiting a broad bactericidal spectrum. Description of the invention

[0040] The above-described object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. The subclaims represent preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0041] In particular, a disinfectant is provided, comprising an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and succinic acid, or a mixture thereof; a benzoate selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate or calcium benzoate, or mixtures thereof; one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of non-ionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants which are soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible in water, the disinfectant is in an aqueous liquid composition or solid composition, wherein an aqueous liquid composition of the disinfectant contains the one or more non-ionic surfactants in an amount in the range of 1.1 to 3% by weight and / or the one or more amphoteric surfactants in an amount in the range of 1.1 to 24% by weight.-%, the solid composition is a concentrate and the aqueous liquid composition is the concentrate in diluted form, in which the one or more non-ionic surfactants are contained in an amount of 1.1 to 3 wt.% and / or the one or more amphoteric surfactants are contained in an amount of 1.1 to 24 wt.%, and the disinfectant is intended for external use only, wherein the one or more non-ionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), in each case alone or mixtures thereof, wherein the one or more amphoteric surfactants are selected from the group consisting of amine oxides and, in the presence of one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more moisture regulating agents are present at the same time, which are present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt.-% are present, with the proviso that no other surfactants apart from the non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactants are present, no C 1 -C 3 (iso)alcohols are present, where C 1 -C 3 (iso)alcohols are methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and isopropanol, and the compounds chlorhexidine digluconate, sorbitan caprylate and phenoxyethanol are not included.

[0042] Surprisingly, it was found that a combination of citric acid, lactic acid and / or succinic acid, benzoate(s), and water-soluble or water-dispersible, non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s) leads to a significantly increased disinfectant effect, which is particularly advantageous for use in hand disinfectants, food disinfectants, and surface disinfectants. Tests have shown that not only is a particularly high level of disinfectant effectiveness achieved when this combination is present, but the effect also occurs in an unexpectedly short time. This is of great importance for preventing the risk of high bacterial and, where appropriate, viral loads as quickly as possible.In this way, germ reductions to a germ content below the detection limit are achieved within 30 s, which can be demonstrated in common laboratory tests EN 1650 / EN13624, EN 1275, EN 1276 / EN 13727 and EN 14476 as well as in the usage test according to EN 1500 / EN 1499.

[0043] The disinfectant can be in the form of an aqueous liquid composition or a solid composition, particularly in the form of a concentrate. For example, the disinfectant can be a solution, emulsion, lotion, spray, gel, foam, or a solid. The term "solid" should be understood as broadly as possible and includes, for example, a powder, granules, and the like, but also solid-liquid mixtures with a high solid content, for example, more than 60% by weight, more than 70% by weight, or more than 75% by weight, i.e., solid-liquid mixtures that are not flowable, such as a paste. A concentrate that is water-soluble or emulsifiable or dispersible in water is preferably used as the solid composition. The water used is not further restricted and can be, for example, distilled water, demineralized water, drinking water, or tap water.

[0044] Typically, the disinfectant in solid form as a concentrate is diluted with water for the respective application to obtain an aqueous liquid composition. According to the invention, the aqueous liquid composition contains one or more nonionic surfactants in an amount of 1.1 to 3 wt.% and / or one or more amphoteric surfactants in an amount of 1.1 to 24 wt.%. These ranges have proven particularly advantageous for the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

[0045] The individual components of the disinfectant according to the invention are explained in detail below: The disinfectant of the present invention uses an organic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, and / or succinic acid. Citric acid, for example, is used as an organic acid in the disinfectant according to the invention. Citric acid is a colorless, odorless solid that is very easily soluble in water. It is a tricarboxylic acid that carries a hydroxy group at position 3 of the carbon skeleton and is therefore also a hydroxycarboxylic acid and belongs to the so-called fruit acids. Citric acid and its salts are used, for example, for preserving and as an acidifier or acidity regulator in foods. It is also frequently used in limescale-removing cleaning agents.

[0046] Lactic acid can be used as an additional or alternative organic acid in the disinfectant according to the invention. Lactic acid is a hydroxycarboxylic acid that is completely miscible with water. It is optically active and, depending on the production method, can be D- or L-lactic acid or a mixture of both isomers, for example, a racemate (a 1:1 mixture of both isomers). Lactic acid is used, for example, in cosmetics in skin creams and other products for the treatment of acne.

[0047] An additional or alternative organic acid that can be used in the disinfectant according to the invention is succinic acid. Succinic acid is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid that exists in the form of a colorless, odorless crystalline solid. It is soluble in water and is used, for example, as a food additive.

[0048] A mixture of two or all three organic acids, selected from citric, lactic and succinic acid, can also be used.

[0049] If the disinfectant is in the form of a solid composition, in particular as a concentrate, the one or more organic acids are preferably present in an amount selected from 5-85% by weight, 10-85% by weight, 15-80% by weight, 20-85% by weight, 25-85% by weight, preferably 30-85% by weight, depending on the application.

[0050] If the disinfectant is in the form of an aqueous liquid composition, the one or more organic acids are preferably present in an amount selected from 0.1 to 15% by weight or 0.15 to 14% by weight or 0.2 to 13% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12% by weight, depending on the application.

[0051] Another necessary component of the disinfectant according to the invention is a benzoate selected from sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate or calcium benzoate or a mixture thereof.

[0052] Benzoic acid is a well-known aromatic carboxylic acid composed of a phenyl residue with a carboxyl group. Benzoic acid salts are called benzoates. Benzoic acid is a colorless solid with a characteristic odor that is sparingly soluble in water (3.4 g / L at 20°C). In contrast, the salts are readily soluble in water. The salts sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212), or calcium benzoate (E 213) are used as preservatives. Due to their preservative properties, they are used in the food industry and cosmetics, for example.

[0053] It has been shown that the disinfectant effect of benzoic acid is particularly effective when it is completely dissolved. For this reason, benzoic acid salts, which are readily soluble in water, are used. They act significantly more slowly as preservatives and have therefore not yet been used as a disinfectant in hand sanitizers.

[0054] In the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition, the amount of benzoate(s) is preferably selected from 1.5 - 30 wt.%, 2.0 - 29 wt.%, 3.0 - 28 wt.% or 4.0 - 27 wt.%, preferably 5.0 - 26.0 wt.%, depending on the application.

[0055] In the disinfectant in the form of an aqueous liquid composition, the amount of benzoate(s) is preferably selected from 0.1 to 5.0 wt%, 0.15 to 5.0 wt% or 0.2 to 4.5 wt%, preferably 0.25 to 3.5 wt%, depending on the application.

[0056] The third necessary component of the disinfectant according to the invention is one or more surfactants consisting of one or more nonionic surfactants and / or one or more amphoteric surfactants, also comprising a mixture of nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, each of which is soluble, emulsifiable, or dispersible in water. The one or more nonionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides, or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), each alone or mixtures thereof. The one or more amphoteric surfactants are selected from the group consisting of amine oxides. According to the invention, therefore, one or more nonionic surfactants can be present and no other surfactants. Alternatively, one or more amphoteric surfactants can be present and no other surfactants.There may also be a combination of one or more non-ionic surfactants and one or more amphoteric surfactants and no other surfactants, such as anionic surfactants or cationic surfactants, may be present.

[0057] "Nonionic surfactants" are surface-active substances that do not have dissociable functional groups and therefore do not form ions in aqueous solution. These have a polar and a non-polar molecular moiety, but no charge and are therefore neutral. The non-ionic surfactants used in the present invention are water-soluble. "Water-soluble" here means that the non-ionic surfactants are soluble in water to such an extent that a clear solution is formed. However, an emulsion can also be formed in which the non-ionic surfactant is emulsified or dispersed in water in a stable form, i.e., the non-ionic surfactant is miscible with water. The solubility of a non-ionic surfactant in water can be determined using the HLB value ( H hydrophilic L ipophil- Balance). The HLB value indicates the mass ratio between the polar and non-polar parts in a non-ionic surfactant using the following formula: HLB = 20 * M hydrophil / M gesamt where M hydrophilic is the molar mass of the hydrophilic portion of the nonionic surfactant, and M the molar mass of the entire molecule. The factor 20 is a scaling factor. An HLB value of 1 corresponds to a lipophilic compound; a chemical compound with an HLB value of 20 has a high hydrophilic portion. The HLB value of the nonionic surfactant used according to the invention is preferably ≥ 7 and includes not only clear solutions but also (stable) emulsions. The HLB value of the nonionic surfactant used according to the invention can also be ≥ 12 or ≥ 13.

[0058] Non-ionic surfactants that are soluble, emulsifiable, or dispersible in water have a high HLB value and therefore have the advantage of providing good wetting of hydrophilic surfaces. This can be expected to improve disinfection efficacy.

[0059] As an alternative to the HLB value, the cloud point of the non-ionic surfactant can also be used. Above a certain temperature, non-ionic surfactants are no longer soluble in water and then form a surfactant-rich phase, which is indicated by a turbidity of the solution. This temperature is also referred to as the "cloud point" and can therefore be used to characterize water-soluble non-ionic surfactants. The higher the HLB value, the higher the cloud point. The non-ionic surfactants used according to the invention therefore preferably have a cloud point of 40°C or higher in water.

[0060] The nonionic surfactants are selected from fatty alcohol alkoxylates, such as polyalkylene glycol ethers (fatty alcohol ethoxylates), nonylphenol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol propoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polyglycosides, preferably C 8 -C 10 alkyl polyglucoside or glycosides, each alone or mixtures thereof.

[0061] Preferred fatty alcohol alkoxylates according to the invention are polyalkylene glycol ethers, also referred to as fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers or fatty alcohol ethoxylates. These are nonionic surfactants whose lipophilic moiety consists of fatty alcohols, in particular alcohols derived from lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, or oleic acid, and whose hydrophilic moiety is composed of short-chain polyethylene glycols or polyoxyethylenes. Examples of well-known trade names for polyalkylene glycol ethers include: Brij®, Genapol®, and Lutensol®. Polyalkylene glycol ethers are widely used as nonionic surfactants in personal care products.

[0062] Preferred polyalkylene glycol ethers are polyoxyethylene ethers of lauryl alcohol, such as Laureth-4, Laureth-6, Laureth-9 or Laureth-23; polyoxyethylene ethers of cetyl alcohol, such as Ceteth-10 or Ceteth-20; polyoxyethylene ethers of cetylstearyl alcohol, such as Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-25; polyoxyethylene ethers of stearyl alcohol, such as Steareth-10 or Steareth-20; or polyoxyethylene ethers of oleyl alcohol, such as Oleth-10 or Oleth-20), or C9-11 Pareth 8 (a fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 8 EO (ethylene oxide units), such as Genapol ® < UD 88).

[0063] Particularly preferred polyalkylene glycol ethers are polyoxyethylene ethers of lauryl alcohol, such as Laureth-4 (fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 4EO), Laureth-6 (fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 6EO), Laureth-9 (fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 9EO) or Laureth-23 (fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 23EO) and / or the non-ionic surfactants of the Genapol product range (polyalkylene glycol ethers).

[0064] Preferred alkylpolyglucosides or alkylpolyglycosides are C 8 -C 10 (octyl to decyl) polyglucosides or glycosides as well as cocopolyglucosides or glycosides with a C chain up to C 16 / C 18 .

[0065] Preferred surfactants used in the disinfectant according to the invention are alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), which always have an HLB value of >10, such as Plantacare®< (e.g., Plantacare®< 810 UP: based on C 8 -C 10 alkyl polyglucosides or glycosides), or sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan monolaurate, which has an HLB value of 8.6. These are used in the cosmetics industry, for example, as ingredients in shampoos, hair conditioners, bath additives, or skin cleansers.

[0066] Particularly preferred sugar surfactants are alkyl glucosides, such as polysorbate, alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), for example caprylyl / capryl glucosides or glycosides, such as Plantacare ®< , or sorbitan esters, in particular sorbitan monolaurate, each alone or mixtures thereof.

[0067] It may be advantageous if no polysorbate, especially no polysorbate 80, is used as a non-ionic surfactant

[0068] Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants according to the invention are therefore polyalkylene glycol ethers selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene ethers of lauryl alcohols, such as Laureth-4, Laureth-6, Laureth-9 or Laureth-23, polyoxyethylene ethers of cetyl alcohols, such as Ceteth-10 or Ceteth-20, polyoxyethylene ethers of cetylstearyl alcohols, such as Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-25, polyoxyethylene ethers of stearyl alcohols, such as Steareth-10 or Steareth-20, or polyoxyethylene ethers of oleyl alcohols, such as Oleth-10 or Oleth-20, alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), in particular C 8 -C 10 alkyl polyglucosides or glycosides, for example caprylyl / capryl glucosides or glycosides, such as Plantacare ®< (e.g. Plantacare ®< 810 UP: based on the following: C 8 -C 10 -alkylpolyglucosides or-glycosides) or C9-11 Pareth 8 (a polyalkylene glycol ether, in particular a fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 8EO; "Pareth-" refers to a PEG ether of an alkanol (alkyl alcohol); the leading numbers "C xy" indicate the length of the alkyl (carbon) chains; the number after "Pareth-" indicates the average number of molecular units -CH 2 -CH 2 -O-), such as Genapol ®< UD 88, or sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan monolaurate, each alone or mixtures thereof.

[0069] Very particularly preferred non-ionic surfactants are the particularly clearly water-soluble polyoxyethylene ethers of lauryl alcohols, C 9 -C 11 pareth-8, alkyl polyglucosides or glycosides, in particular C 8 -C 10 alkyl polyglucosides or glycosides or sorbitan esters.

[0070] The advantage of non-ionic surfactants is that they are generally well tolerated by humans and non-irritating.

[0071] For clarification, it should be noted that "glucosides" are actually organic compounds in which an alcohol is bound to glucose via a glycosidic bond. "Glycosides" are organic compounds in which an alcohol is bound to a sugar via a glycosidic bond. Glucosides therefore represent a subgroup of glycosides. However, the terms are not used consistently in the prior art, as glucosides are often also used to refer to glycosides. In the present invention, the terms should therefore be used interchangeably, so that a glucoside also includes a glycoside, and vice versa.

[0072] In the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition, the amount of the one or more non-ionic surfactants is preferably selected from 1.5 - 25 wt.%, 2.0 - 24 wt.%, 5 - 23 wt.% or 7.5 - 22 wt.%, depending on the application.

[0073] If the disinfectant is in the form of an aqueous liquid composition, the one or more non-ionic surfactants are, depending on the application, preferably selected from 1.1 - 3.0 wt.% or 1.1 - 2.9 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.8 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.7 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.6 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.5 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.4 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.3 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.2 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.1 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.0 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.9 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.8 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.7 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.6 or 1.1 to 1.5 wt.%, whereby the lower limit in the stated ranges may also be 1.15 wt.- or 1.2 wt% or 1.25 wt% or 1.3 wt% or 1.35 wt% or 1.4 wt%.

[0074] Instead of or in addition to nonionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants can also be used. "Amphoteric" or zwitterionic surfactants are surface-active substances that contain both a negatively and a positively charged functional group. They are polar compounds, often solids, and highly soluble in water. They can be added to nonionic surfactants as co-surfactants or used alone. Amphoteric surfactants are used, for example, in hand dishwashing detergents, shampoos, and other cosmetic products.

[0075] According to the invention, the one or more amphoteric surfactants are selected from the group consisting of amine oxides, in particular C 12 -C 14 amine oxides. C 12 -C 14 amine oxides, such as the commercial product Ammonyx LO, are particularly preferred.

[0076] Some amphoteric surfactants exhibit a charge shift depending on the pH value. For example, at an acidic pH value, they exhibit a charge shift into the positive range. The surfactants then behave similarly to cationic surfactants. At an alkaline pH value, a charge shift into the negative range occurs, so that the surfactants then behave similarly to anionic surfactants. For clarification, it should be noted that anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants, which should generally not be present in the disinfectant according to the invention, refer to those surfactants that are not amphoteric surfactants, i.e., do not exhibit a charge shift at different pH values.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the disinfectant may therefore contain only non-ionic surfactants and no other surfactants, in particular no amphoteric, cationic or anionic surfactants.

[0078] According to a further embodiment, the disinfectant may contain non-ionic surfactants and / or amine oxide and no further surfactant, in particular no further amphoteric surfactant and also no cationic or anionic surfactant.

[0079] According to a further embodiment, only one amine oxide and no further amphoteric surfactant and in particular no non-ionic, cationic or anionic surfactant is contained in the disinfectant.

[0080] In the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition, the amount of one or more amphoteric surfactants is preferably in the range of 1.5 - 25 wt.%, 2.0 - 24 wt.%, 5 - 23 wt.% or 7.5 - 22 wt.%, depending on the application.

[0081] If the disinfectant is in the form of an aqueous liquid composition, the amount of one or more amphoteric surfactants is preferably 1.1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2.0 - 24 wt%, 5 - 23 wt% or 7.5 - 22 wt%, depending on the application.

[0082] It has now been established that the combination of the selected organic acid(s) / benzoate(s) / nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s) offers a broad antibacterial spectrum of activity. In particular, high efficacy is observed against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria for microscopic examination. Depending on the structure of their cell wall, bacteria can be divided into two groups: Gram-positive bacteria stain blue in a corresponding staining reaction under the microscope and include, for example, bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and aerobic spore-forming bacteria such as Bacillus. Gram-negative bacteria stain red under the microscope and include, for example, bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, Enterobacter gergoviae, and Spirillium volutans.

[0083] The disinfectant has been shown to be particularly effective against typical environmental bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and / or Pluralibacter gergoviae was observed.

[0084] Application trials confirm that, in addition to its bactericidal and virucidal properties, the disinfectant also acts against fungi and yeasts. One example of a yeast is Candida albicans, and well-known molds include Aspergillus braseliensis.

[0085] The disinfectant composition according to the invention is characterized in particular by its bactericidal, fungicidal (levuricidal) and virucidal action.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present invention, a synergistic effect of the combination of citric acid, lactic acid and / or succinic acid / benzoate(s) / non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s) is assumed. A combination of components has a synergistic effect if the combined effect is not exhausted by the sum of the individual effects, but the overall effect with regard to disinfection exceeds the effect of the individual components. This can be achieved and proven by comparing and contrasting the effects of the components. For example, the effect is considered synergistic if the overall effect of three components is superior to the effect that can be achieved with one component alone.

[0087] Tests have now shown that the organic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, and / or succinic acid, together with one or more benzoates and one or more non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactants, exhibits a synergistic disinfecting effect. This is all the more surprising given that, from a microbiologic perspective, benzoates (preservatives) and surfactants have a slow activity at pH values ​​< 5. The disinfectant composition according to the invention results in a significantly faster disinfecting effect, which is reflected in the disinfectant's exceptionally rapid exposure time. The tests conducted demonstrate that an exposure time of just 30 seconds is sufficient for the disinfectant to fully develop its disinfecting effect. This represents an unexpectedly rapid exposure time.At the same time, this very short exposure time drastically reduces the bacterial load, so that the bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and possibly even viruses present are almost completely killed. Furthermore, long-lasting effectiveness is maintained. The methods for determining the quantitative bacterial load and exposure times for the disinfectant according to the invention are described in detail in the tests.

[0088] Furthermore, it has proven to be expedient and particularly advantageous if, apart from the nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactants, no other surfactants are present. In particular, the disinfectant of the invention contains no anionic or cationic surfactants.

[0089] Water is used as the solvent for the disinfectant. If the disinfectant is used in the cosmetic sector, for example, for hand disinfection, purified, sterilized water is preferred for the production of the cosmetic product. This can be distilled water or water demineralized by ion exchange or reverse osmosis, thus making it germ-free. Drinking water can also be used, or for certain applications, tap water.

[0090] The disinfectant of the present invention can—as already explained—be in the form of a solution, emulsion, spray, lotion, gel, or foam, or in the form of a solid. For example, the disinfectant of the invention is present as a water-containing, liquid formulation. Alcohol or alcohol mixtures are preferably not used as solvents in the disinfectant of the invention. Therefore, preferably, no alcohol, in particular none of the following solvents: ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol, is used in the disinfectant. The disinfectant of the invention preferably contains only water as a solvent.

[0091] The disinfectant according to the invention can also be present as a concentrate in solid form and dissolved in water only when needed. The concentrate is then diluted in water, and a suitable dilution is prepared for the application. Exemplary dilutions are 3.68% to 50% solutions. Other dilutions are also possible. Generally, the dilution is selected such that the disinfectant in the aqueous liquid composition has a non-ionic surfactant content in the range of 1.1 to 3.0 wt.% and / or a amphoteric surfactant content in the range of 1.1 to 24 wt.%. The effectiveness of the liquid disinfectant is therefore particularly high.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, the disinfectant of the invention can additionally contain a ginger macerate, which can lead to a further increase in disinfection performance. Ginger macerates are water extracts, especially cold water extracts, of ginger to dissolve its constituents. The macerate is preferably used in an amount of 0-2 wt.%, particularly preferably 0-0.5 wt.%, in the disinfectant according to the invention. The amount depends on the intended application. In particular, the constituents 6-gingerols and shogaols of ginger exhibit antimicrobial efficacy, which has been described, for example, by Ruchi Badoni Semwal, Deepak Kumar Semwal, Sandra Combrinck, and Alvaro M. Viljoen in Phytochemistry, Vol. 117, September 2015, pp. 554-568.

[0093] Instead of a ginger macerate, the ingredients of ginger in the form of gingerols and shogaols, preferably 6-gingerol, could also be added to the disinfectant in appropriate quantities.

[0094] According to a further aspect of the invention, the disinfectant according to the invention can contain conventional additives known to those skilled in the art. Examples include, but are not limited to, fragrances, such as one or more essential oils, preferably selected from the group consisting of lavender oil and / or peppermint oils, and / or one or more solubilizing agents, for example, for solubilizing the essential oil(s), such as polyglyceryl-10 laurate. These additives can contribute to a greater effectiveness of the disinfectant.

[0095] The additives listed above as examples can be selected by the skilled person, taking into account the combination of the constituents of the disinfectant (organic acid(s) / benzoate(s) / non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s), with a view to complete compatibility with these additives, and can be added in appropriate, sufficient amounts, if desired. For example, the one or more essential oils are used in an amount of 0-2 wt.%, preferably an amount of 0-0.1 wt.%. If one or more solubilizing agents are used, they are used, for example, in an amount of 0-10 wt.%.

[0096] Furthermore, when one or more non-ionic surfactants are present, one or more agents for regulating the moisture content of the skin, also known as "moisturizers," are also used. These include, for example, glycols with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol (1,2-octanediol) (trade name Dermosoft®< Octiol), capric glycol, or 1,2-hexanediol (trade name Hydrolite 6), as well as glycine or glycerin. The one or more moisture regulating agents are used in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt.%. Glycols with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol (1,2-octanediol) (trade name Dermosoft®< Octiol), capric glycol, or 1,2-hexanediol (trade name Hydrolite 6), are particularly preferred. According to one embodiment, it may be preferred if the amount of each glycol used in the liquid composition is in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 wt.-%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%. If, for example, hexylene glycol and caprylyl glycol are present in the liquid disinfectant as moisture regulating agents, it may be preferred if the hexylene glycol is present in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%, and the caprylyl glycol is also present in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%.

[0097] It has been found that agents for regulating skin moisture can also significantly enhance the disinfectant effect. Particularly when fungicidal germs such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis are present, it has been found that the effectiveness of the disinfectant according to the invention can be significantly improved by the presence of one or more moisture-regulating agents.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, the disinfectant according to the invention, when one or more non-ionic surfactants are present, simultaneously contains one or more moisture-regulating agents. This leads to an advantageous increase in the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

[0099] If only one or more amphoteric surfactants are included as surfactants in the disinfectant, the moisture regulating agents can also be omitted.

[0100] Preferably, apart from the active substances organic acid(s), benzoate(s) and non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s), no further active substance is present, but only auxiliaries or additives, preferably comprising or consisting of one or more fragrances, one or more solubilizing agents, one or more monovalent salts and one or more agents for regulating the moisture content of the skin.

[0101] The disinfectant according to the invention, which is in solid composition, preferably comprises or consists of: 5-85% by weight, 10-85% by weight, 15-85% by weight, 20-85% by weight, 25-85% by weight or 30-85% by weight organic acid(s); 1.5-30% by weight, 2.0-29% by weight, 3.0-28% by weight, 4.0-27% by weight or 5.0-26.0% by weight benzoate(s); 1.5-25% by weight, 2.0-24% by weight, 5-23% by weight or 7.5-22% by weight nonionic surfactant(s) and / or 1.5-25% by weight, 2.0-24% by weight, 5-23% by weight or 7.5-22% by weight amphoteric surfactant(s); 0 to 2.0% by weight of ginger macerate or 6-gingerol; 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of one or more moisturizing agents; 0 to 2.0% by weight of one or more fragrances; 0 to 25.0% by weight of one or more monovalent salts, in particular selected from NaCl, KCl and / or LiCl and 0 to 10% by weight of solubilizing agent.

[0102] According to one embodiment, a liquid disinfectant is provided, comprising or consisting of: 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12% by weight of organic acid(s); 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, 0.15 to 5.0% by weight or 0.2 to 4.5% by weight, preferably 0.25 to 3.5% by weight of benzoate(s); 1.1 - 3.0 wt.% or 1.1 - 2.9 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.8 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.7 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.6 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.5 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.4 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.3 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.2 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.1 wt.% or 1.1 to 2.0 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.9 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.8 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.7 wt.% or 1.1 to 1.6 or 1.1 to 1.5 wt.%, the lower limit in the stated ranges also being 1.15 wt.% or 1.2 wt.% or 1.25 wt.% or 1.3 wt.% or 1.35 wt.% or 1.4 wt.%, non-ionic surfactant(s) and / or 1.1 - 24 wt.% or 1.1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, 2.0 - 24 wt.%, 5 - 23 wt.% or 7.5 - 22 wt.% amphoteric surfactant(s); 0.1 to 5.0 wt.-% one or more moisture regulating agents, in particular selected from glycols having 2 to 10 carbons, such as butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, capric glycol, 1,2-hexanediol and glycine or glycerin, and mixtures thereof; 0 to 2.0 wt.% one or more fragrances, in particular selected from lavender oil and / or peppermint oil; 0 to 25.0 wt.%, preferably 0.5 - 5 wt.% one or more monovalent salts, in particular selected from NaCl, KCl and / or LiCl; 0 to 10 wt.% solubilizing agent; and 67.0 to 98.7 wt.% water.

[0103] Of course, the amounts of the components in the disinfectant are chosen so that a total of 100 wt.% results.

[0104] The disinfectant according to the invention has an acidic pH in the range of 1.5 - 4.2, with a particularly preferred pH range of 2.0 - 3.5. Thus, the benzoate is predominantly present as dissolved benzoic acid (pKa 4.2), which is the actual active component.

[0105] The invention further relates to the use of the disinfectant in the disinfection of hands, food and surfaces, ie the disinfectant of the present invention is suitable as a hand, food and surface disinfectant, wherein in particular a contact time of the disinfectant of 30 s is sufficient to show its complete disinfecting effect. In particular, the use of the disinfectant against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and / or Pluralibacter gergoviae, After a contact time of 30 seconds, the germ load is reduced below the detection limit. Therapeutic use is generally excluded.

[0106] In addition to its traditional use as a disinfectant in public and / or private areas, it can also be used in in-situ production disinfection processes. This is the application in manufacturing processes involving raw materials that must be disinfected for processing or further processing. This plays a role wherever it is important to ensure that work is carried out in a germ-free or as germ-free a manner as possible.

[0107] The disinfectant is therefore particularly interesting for use in cosmetic production, where the use of low-germ raw materials is particularly important. By using the disinfectant according to the invention, in addition to the existing disinfecting effect on hands and surfaces, problematic, contaminated raw materials can also be disinfected in-situ. These can be, for example, rubbing agents or abrasives in the form of natural, untreated germ flours, such as olive kernel flour, apricot kernel flour, walnut shell flour, corn flour, and the like. The raw materials can be disinfected directly during the production process without the need for complex irradiation processes (gamma radiation) or heat treatment (at > 70°C). Complex upstream disinfection processes for raw materials can therefore be eliminated.The disinfectant according to the invention also has the great advantage of achieving almost complete disinfection very quickly, for example, within 30 seconds. This represents extraordinary economic and ecological advantages for an in-situ production disinfection process.

[0108] The advantages of the disinfectant according to the invention are extremely diverse: For example, components used in the disinfectant are already used individually in the food sector or the cosmetics industry and are therefore non-toxic. Some of the components are known for their skin-friendly properties. They are also characterized by their skin and environmental compatibility.

[0109] Although no strong oxidizing agents are used, the disinfectant provides superior bactericidal efficacy, particularly against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses, killing them to a high degree. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of the three components: organic acid / benzoate / nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant.

[0110] This results in an extraordinarily rapid disinfecting effect, which has been proven in tests and is reflected in a maximum contact time of 30 seconds. What is particularly surprising is that the germ killing speed can be increased by the use of benzoate(s) and can be increased to an unexpectedly high degree by the addition of non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s). This allows the amount of organic acid(s) used to be significantly reduced. At the same time, the germ load is significantly reduced in this very short contact time. Tests confirm that the disinfectant according to the invention is effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and / or Pluralibacter gergoviaeshows outstanding effectiveness, with the bacterial load or germ count being reduced below the detection limit after a disinfectant exposure time of only 30 seconds. Further tests confirm that the disinfectant according to the invention also shows outstanding effectiveness against fungi, particularly Candida albicans and / or Aspergillus brasiliensis, with the bacterial load or germ count being reduced below the detection limit after a disinfectant exposure time of only 30 seconds. Furthermore, long-lasting effectiveness is also observed.

[0111] The disinfectant of the present invention can be provided in various forms, for example, as a solution, emulsion, spray, lotion, gel, or foam, or even as a solid, water-soluble concentrate. Water serves as the solvent; C1-C3 (iso)alcohols are not used as solvents.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the invention, the disinfectant may additionally contain a ginger macerate, which may lead to a further increase in the disinfection performance.

[0113] The disinfectant can be in the form of an aqueous liquid composition or a solid composition, particularly in the form of a concentrate. The concentrate can be diluted with water for the respective application to obtain an aqueous liquid composition.

[0114] The optional use of additives, especially fragrances such as essential oil(s), preferably selected from lavender oil and / or peppermint oil, solubilizing agents, or moisture regulating agents, can increase the effectiveness of the disinfectant. In particular, the use of moisture regulating agents can demonstrate a significant improvement in effectiveness. The preferred use of nonionic surfactant(s) and one or more moisture regulating agents has been shown to be particularly advantageous.

[0115] In addition to its traditional use in public and / or private areas, the disinfectant can also be used in in-situ production disinfection processes to disinfect raw materials prior to processing. This plays a particularly important role in the cosmetics industry. The raw materials can then be disinfected in a pre-processing step directly during the manufacturing process, without the need for a complex irradiation process (gamma radiation) or a heat treatment (at > 70°C). The short exposure time of 30 seconds of the disinfectant according to the invention has a very advantageous effect. This represents extraordinary economic and ecological advantages.

[0116] The disinfectant of the present invention can be used multiple times a day. Any commonly used method of disinfection according to EN 1275, EN 1276 / EN 1650, or the application tests according to EN 1500 / 1499 can be used.

[0117] The disinfectant of the present invention is therefore characterized by a high bactericidal, fungicidal (levuricidal), and virucidal activity. The disinfectant represents a very fast-acting hand, food, and surface disinfectant.

[0118] The present invention is explained in more detail below using experiments, without being limited thereto. Tests on disinfection in cosmetic formulations

[0119] The following equipment was used in the experiments described below: Test equipment:

[0120] A BF 720 incubator is used.

[0121] A spiral plater is used as the plating device, with which a predefined volume of the suspension to be tested for microorganisms is applied to the culture medium. For example, an EddyJet 2W spiral plater is used.

[0122] A manual colony counter is used to determine the microbial count. Materials:

[0123] Sabouraud agar plates Caso agar plates Eddy-Jet disposable syringes Eddy-Jet sample cups

[0124] The germ count is carried out in screening using the Envirocheck ®< system for confirmation according to Ph Eur.6.8 Chapter 2.6.12. General procedure: Vaccination:

[0125] Inoculation is performed using a spiral plater with an appropriate program, depending on requirements (e.g., one program may allow higher bacterial counts to be more effectively broken down due to the gradient of the applied product, or another program may allow a larger amount to be applied, thereby lowering the lower limit of quantification). For each sample, one fungal and one bacterial culture medium (two for duplicate samples) are taken. Standard total bacterial count tests are performed without duplicate determinations. Neutralization:

[0126] If neutralization is necessary, this is done with 50% NaOH. Incubation:

[0127] Bacteria: 2-3 days at 30 + / - 2°C in appropriate incubators; Yeast / fungi: 3-5 days at room temperature, protected from light. Evaluation:

[0128] Based on the determined germ count. Measurement uncertainty:

[0129] The main uncertainty in quantitative microbial count determination is the sample application rate (approximately 5% RSD, relative standard deviation). The evaluation is linear between 10 and 1000 CFU / plate and has a measurement uncertainty (MU) of < 0.1 log. The total measurement uncertainty is therefore approximately 0.15 log. A count of 100 CFU on a plate corresponds to 1000 CFU / mL and thus a maximum of between 790 and 1260 CFU / mL. 1. Determination of a germ base

[0130] In several preliminary tests, a substance was identified as a germ base that is particularly well suited to investigating microbial contamination. Abrasives in the form of natural, untreated germ flours, such as olive kernel flour, apricot kernel flour, walnut shell flour, and corn flour, are particularly suitable for this purpose. Walnut shell flour and corn flour have proven particularly suitable as germ bases, and will therefore be used in the following experiments. 2. Determination of the initial contamination of walnut shell flour and maize flour

[0131] In experiments, the initial microbial count of walnut shell flour and corn flour was investigated as a solid or as an aqueous slurry. The test method from the European Pharmacopoeia (Pharmacopoea Europaea or European Pharmacopoeia, Ph.Eur.) 6.8 - Microbial Count, Chapter 2.6.12, was used to determine the microbial count. In the experiment, five samples from different batches were taken and analyzed. The results for the microbial count determinations in untreated walnut shell flour as a solid or as an aqueous slurry of walnut shell flour are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 below: Table 1: Germ content determination of untreated walnut shell flour as a solid Designation VF bacteria Yeasts Mushrooms GKZ P268-001 1 540 - nz 540 + nz P268-002 1 380 - nz 380 + nz P268-003 1 345 - nz 345 + nz P268-004 1 500 - nz 500 + nz P268-005 1 285 - nz 285 + nz VF.......Dilution factor nz......not countable GKZ.....Total bacterial count -......... for yeasts < 7 CFU / g or mL

[0132] The bacterial counts correspond to CFU / g or ml (colony forming units), based on the undiluted original product, i.e. depending on the dilution, it must be multiplied by the dilution factor. Table 2: Germ content determinations of an aqueous slurry of untreated walnut shell flour (dilution factor 1:10) Designation VF bacteria Yeasts Mushrooms GKZ P268-001 10 12500 - 5000 17500 P268-002 10 16000 - 1300 17300 P268-003 10 10000 - 1700 11700 P268-004 10 11000 - 2100 13100 P268-005 10 8800 - 980 9780 VF ....... Dilution factor GKZ.....Total bacterial count -......... for yeasts < 7 CFU / g or mL

[0133] Additional growth of bacteria occurred here on the yeast / fungi nutrient medium.

[0134] The results for the determination of the germ content of an aqueous slurry of untreated maize flour are summarized in Table 3 below: Table 3: Germ content determinations of an aqueous slurry of untreated maize flour Designation VF bacteria Yeasts Mushrooms GKZ P346-001 10 7900 1)< - 3400 11300 P346-002 10 5000 2)< - 4300 9300 P346-003 10 180000 3)< - 3000 183000 P346-004 10 68000 - 1800 69800 P346-005 10 20000 4)< - 1600 21600 VF ....... Dilution factor GKZ.....Total bacterial count -......... for yeasts < 7 CFU / g or mL 1)< ......... of which 1500 CFU / mL aerobic spore formers 2)< ....... of which 2800 CFU / mL aerobic spore formers 3)< ....... of which 8400 CFU / mL aerobic spore formers 4)< ....... of which 1100 CFU / mL aerobic spore formers

[0135] The values ​​were determined from dilution, as this is also how it is used in practice.

[0136] The microbiological limit values ​​required by DIN ISO 17516 regarding the total bacterial count (bacteria / yeasts / fungi) are met if they are less than 2000 CFU / g. In the special case of products intended for use on small children or near mucous membranes, the limit is less than 200 CFU / g.

[0137] As expected, the bacterial count of dry flour as a solid (see Tables 1 and 3: without dilution, where VF = 1) is very low. Only with the addition of water (VF = 10) does the total bacterial count increase, which can reach up to 10 6< CFU / g. The acceptable total bacterial count of 2000 CFU / g according to DIN ISO 17516 is thus far exceeded. Therefore, bacterial reduction is necessary. 3. Disinfection with organic acid 3.1. Disinfection with citric acid

[0138] In experiments, citric acid was added to a walnut shell flour slurry in water, which had a microbial load of up to 10 6< CFU / g, and adjusted to pH 2.9. For this purpose, 1.6 wt.% citric acid monohydrate was used. This amount was maintained at pH 2.9 in subsequent experiments. After a specified time period T in minutes, a sample was taken and incubated for 48 hours in an incubator to subsequently determine its microbial load. The time period T therefore corresponds to the exposure time of the disinfectant, in this case only citric acid.

[0139] To ensure that the disinfectant effect in the sample does not progress further after sampling and falsify the values, the disinfectant effect was stopped by adjusting the sample to a pH value of 7.0 by adding 50% sodium hydroxide solution immediately after sampling.

[0140] The exposure time or sampling time was T = 5 min, T = 15 min, T = 30 min, T = 45 min or T = 60 min.

[0141] After incubation, the bacterial count is performed immediately using Environcheck® test strips or at an external laboratory. For external testing, the product is refrigerated at 8°C for at least one day and transferred to a Styrofoam container.

[0142] The details of the samples taken are given in Table 4: Table 4: Walnut shell flour slurry in water with and without addition of citric acid Designation Addition Sampling / Exposure time T P366-001 - 0 min P366-002 citric acid 15 minutes P366-003 citric acid 30 minutes P366-004 citric acid 45 minutes P366-005 citric acid 60 minutes

[0143] The results of the quantitative determination of the microbial count were as follows: The determination of the microbial count is based on Ph. Eur.6.8 - Microbial count, Chapter 2.6.12. Table 5: Germ content determinations of an aqueous slurry of untreated walnut shell flour with and without the addition of citric acid Designation bacteria Yeasts Mushrooms GKZ P366-001 425 150 75 650 P366-002 60 140 50 250 P366-003 100 140 55 295 P366-004 200 - 35 235 P366-005 170 35 20 225 Total bacterial count -......... < 7 CFU / g or mL

[0144] The bacteria here are aerobic spore formers.

[0145] Nutrient agar for bacteria: Additional growth of yeasts and fungi has been observed.

[0146] Nutrient agar for yeasts and fungi: Additional growth of aerobic spore formers was observed.

[0147] The bacterial counts correspond to CFU / g or ml (colony forming units), based on the original product.

[0148] The initial total viable count (TVC) of the aqueous walnut shell flour slurry at T = 0 min (P366-001) is very low at 650 CFU / g. However, the addition of citric acid with a pH of 2.9 reduced the viable count to 250 CFU / g after 15 min. This number changed only minimally after prolonged acid treatment of the slurry. 3.2. Disinfection with lactic acid

[0149] The experiments described in 3.1. with and without the addition of citric acid to an aqueous slurry of walnut shell flour were carried out in an identical manner as described above, except that lactic acid was used instead of citric acid.

[0150] The effect of lactic acid was somewhat stronger, so that a significant reduction in the bacterial load was already evident after T = 5 min. 3.3. Disinfection with different pH values

[0151] The experiments with citric acid (experiments under 3.1) and with lactic acid (experiments under 3.2) were each repeated, but instead of a pH value of 2.9, a pH value of 2.5, 2.0, or 1.5 was adjusted by adding citric acid or lactic acid to the aqueous walnut shell flour slurry. After a period of T = 5 min, T = 15 min, T = 30 min, T = 45 min, or T = 60 min, a sample was taken to determine the exposure time. To ensure that the disinfecting effect of the acid in the sample was complete after sampling and did not progress further, thus distorting the values, the pH was again adjusted to 7.0 with 50% sodium hydroxide solution. The samples were then incubated for 48 hours.

[0152] It was found that lowering the pH had only a very small effect. A germ-free environment was only achieved after 60 minutes. If the incubation time had been reduced to 24 hours, a germ-free environment would have been visible after just 30 minutes. 4. Disinfection with citric acid and sodium benzoate 4.1. Preliminary tests

[0153] The aim was to investigate to what extent the killing rate can be increased by the addition of benzoate, represented by sodium benzoate.

[0154] Sodium benzoate is not a microbiologically active component, meaning that, as a well-known preservative, it is to be expected to have only a very low disinfectant effect. When the pH is lowered, sodium benzoate dissociates into active benzoic acid (pKa of 4.2); that is, at 4.2, sodium benzoate is 50% dissociated. While sodium benzoate is highly soluble in water at 556 g / L at 20°C, benzoic acid is very poorly soluble at 3.4 g / L at 20°C. Therefore, a maximum of only 0.34% of the benzoic acid dissolves in water. Accordingly, when using 0.68% sodium benzoate at a pH of 4.2, 0.34% of the benzoic acid is present in dissolved, active form. Precipitated benzoic acid is no longer microbiologically active. Therefore, it is important to determine the solubility product so that the benzoic acid is not present in crystalline form after the pH value has been lowered.

[0155] For this purpose, the solubility product of the active benzoic acid is determined in a preliminary test at pH values ​​of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. To intensify the solubility situation, cold water typical for production (approx. 10°C) is also used.

[0156] Therefore, it is first clarified how much sodium benzoate can be dissolved in the neutral range at pH 7 without the benzoic acid precipitating at previously determined, lower pH values.

[0157] As a variable, the pH value is adjusted to 1-5 with citric acid, and the solubility in water is tested. After 24 hours, the solution is checked for crystals. In contrast, citric acid, with a pKa of 3.13, is very readily soluble in water at 1450 g / L at 20°C across the entire pH range.

[0158] Result: The preliminary test showed that the use of 0.25 wt.% sodium benzoate remains in solution without difficulty at a pH of 1. Increasing the pH also increases the solubility of the benzoic acid / sodium benzoate equilibrium. Therefore, the subsequent tests will be conducted with 0.25 wt.% sodium benzoate. 4.2. Experiments with citric acid and sodium benzoate

[0159] The determined amount of sodium benzoate was added to a slurry of walnut shell flour in water, which had a total bacterial count of up to 10 6< CFU / g, and dissolved. The pH was lowered to 2.9 with citric acid, and a sample was taken after a time T (T corresponds to the exposure time of citric acid and sodium benzoate to the contaminated walnut shell flour slurry). The sample was then adjusted to pH 7 with sodium hydroxide solution and incubated for 48 hours in an incubator. Subsequently, the individual samples were counted again using the Envirocheck ®< system, either internally or with an external institute, using a previously refrigerated sample for 1 day.

[0160] The exposure time T was T = 5 min, T = 15 min, T = 30 min, T = 45 min, T = 60 min. Neutralization was carried out using 50% sodium hydroxide solution.

[0161] The details of the samples are given in Table 6: Table 6: Walnut shell flour slurry in water with and without addition of citric acid and sodium benzoate Designation Addition Sampling / Exposure time T P375-001 - 0 min P375-002 1.60 wt% citric acid + 0.25 wt% sodium benzoate 15 minutes P375-003 1.60 wt% citric acid + 0.25 wt% sodium benzoate 30 minutes P375-004 1.60 wt% citric acid + 0.25 wt% sodium benzoate 45 minutes P375-005 1.60 wt% citric acid + 0.25 wt% sodium benzoate 60 minutes

[0162] The results of the quantitative determination of the microbial count were as follows: The determination of the microbial count is based on Ph. Eur.6.8 - Microbial count, Chapter 2.6.12. Table 7: Determination of the germ content of an aqueous slurry of untreated walnut shell flour with and without the addition of citric acid and sodium benzoate Designation bacteria Yeasts Mushrooms GKZ P375-001 70 415 15 500 P375-002 40 - - 40 P375-003 40 - - 40 P375-004 50 - - 50 P375-005 65 - - 65 Total bacterial count -......... < 7 CFU / g or mL

[0163] The bacteria here are aerobic spore formers.

[0164] Nutrient Agar for Bacteria: Additional growth of yeasts and fungi was observed (sample P375-001 only).

[0165] Nutrient agar for yeasts and fungi: Additional growth of aerobic spore formers was observed.

[0166] The bacterial counts correspond to CFU / g or ml (colony forming units), based on the original product.

[0167] By adding 0.25 wt% sodium benzoate to the walnut shell flour slurry, which had been adjusted to a pH of 2.9 with citric acid, the bacterial load could be reduced to a very acceptable value of 40 CFU / g after just 15 minutes.

[0168] It is surprising that a preservative such as benzoic acid, in combination with citric acid, shows a disinfecting effect after such a short time.

[0169] This result could be further improved by setting a pH value of 2.3 using citric acid. 4.3. Experiments with lactic acid and sodium benzoate

[0170] The experiments under 4.2 were repeated, but using lactic acid instead of citric acid. Lactic acid, with a pKa of 3.9, is completely soluble and miscible in water.

[0171] The details of the samples are given in Table 8: Table 8: Walnut shell flour slurry in water with and without addition of lactic acid and sodium benzoate Designation Addition Sampling / Exposure time T P487-001 2.14 wt% lactic acid + 0.34 wt% sodium benzoate 5 minutes P487-002 2.14 wt% lactic acid + 0.34 wt% sodium benzoate 15 minutes P487-003 2.14 wt% lactic acid + 0.34 wt% sodium benzoate 30 minutes P487-004 2.14 wt.% lactic acid + 0.34 wt. sodium benzoate 45 minutes P487-005 2.14 wt.% lactic acid + 0.34 wt. sodium benzoate 60 minutes

[0172] The results of the quantitative determination of the microbial count were as follows: The determination of the microbial count is based on Ph. Eur.6.8 - Microbial count, Chapter 2.6.12. Table 9: Determination of the germ content of an aqueous slurry of untreated walnut shell flour with and without the addition of lactic acid and sodium benzoate Designation bacteria Yeasts Mushrooms GKZ P487-001 55 - - 55 P487-002 50 - - 50 P487-003 55 - - 55 P487-004 85 1)< - - 85 P487-005 70 - - 70 Total bacterial count -......... < 7 CFU / g or mL 1)< ........ of which 50 CFU / mL are aerobic spore formers

[0173] The bacteria here are aerobic spore formers.

[0174] Breeding ground for yeasts and fungi: Bacterial growth has been observed.

[0175] The bacterial counts correspond to CFU / g or ml ( K olony b illustrating E units), based on the original product.

[0176] As can be clearly seen, the reduction in germ count is already noticeable after 5 minutes. Only anaerobic spore-forming bacteria remain, which, however, are unavoidable in the system and, with adequate preservation of the final product, will not germinate. 5. Investigation of the exposure time with a disinfectant according to the invention

[0177] The exposure time of the disinfectant according to the invention was investigated, using citric acid as the organic acid, sodium benzoate as the benzoate, and Genapol®< UD 88 (C9-11 Pareth 8) (a polyalkylene glycol ether and a fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 8EO) as the nonionic surfactant. The amounts of sodium benzoate, citric acid, and nonionic surfactant were each within the range of the invention. The following procedures were used: Potentiometric pH determination: Ph. Eur. 8.8 - pH value, Chapter 2.2.3. Microbial count determination: Ph. Eur. 6.8 - Microbial count, Chapter 2.6.12. However, neutralization or dilution was performed. A single determination was performed.

[0178] The bacterial load in the aqueous slurry of untreated walnut shell flour was so high that it could not be counted. The tests were conducted using this highly contaminated material. This meant that the disinfectant according to the invention was added to the slurry, and after the contact time T, a sample was taken and tested for bacterial load, as already explained in detail in the previous tests.

[0179] The tests showed that an exposure time of 30 s for the disinfectant according to the invention is sufficient to achieve the desired germ reduction.

[0180] Neutralizing the sample immediately after sampling as a precautionary measure to stop the disinfectant's disinfectant effect and prevent falsification of the values ​​was actually not necessary, since the germ reduction with and without the addition of NaOH was practically identical.

[0181] Previous tests have shown that the use of citric acid alone does reduce the bacterial load, but not sufficiently. The addition of sodium benzoate to citric acid further reduced the bacterial load in the slurry, but a contact time of at least 15 minutes is required to produce significant results. In contrast, the inventive combination of citric acid / sodium benzoate / Genapol®< UD 88 (C9-11 Pareth 8) provided a synergistic increase in the disinfection effect, with a contact time of just 30 seconds sufficient to minimize the bacterial reduction. 6. Investigation of the exposure time with other disinfectants according to the invention

[0182] a) The tests under 5. were repeated, but instead of the non-ionic surfactant Genapol ®< UD 88 (C9-11 Pareth 8), another non-ionic surfactant, namely Plantacare ®< 810 UP (a C8-C10 alkyl polyglucoside or glycoside), was used. The same short contact times of 30 s for the disinfectant were found, which were already sufficient to reduce the microbial load of the slurry in the samples to a minimum. b) The tests under 5. were repeated, but instead of the non-ionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, namely Ammonyx LO (C12-C14 amine oxides), was used. The same short contact times of 30 s for the disinfectant were found, which were already sufficient to reduce the microbial load of the slurry in the samples to a minimum. c) The experiments under 5.were repeated, but instead of the non-ionic surfactant, a mixture of non-ionic and amphoteric surfactant was used, namely Plantacare ®< 810 UP (a C 8 -C 10 alkyl polyglucoside or glycoside) as the non-ionic surfactant and Ammonyx LO (C 12 -C 14 amine oxide) as the amphoteric surfactant. A 1:1 mixture of the surfactants was used.

[0183] The same short exposure times of the disinfectant of 30 s were found, which were already sufficient to reduce the bacterial load of the slurry in the samples to a minimum. 7. Determination of germ reduction in the in-situ method with the disinfectant according to the invention

[0184] Aqueous 3% walnut shell flour slurry with a pH of 6.7 was used as the medium to be disinfected.

[0185] The disinfectant (1) according to the invention contained an aqueous solution of citric acid, sodium benzoate and non-ionic surfactant in the form of Genapol ®< UD 88, each in the range according to the invention.

[0186] The disinfectant (2) according to the invention contained an aqueous solution of citric acid, sodium benzoate and non-ionic surfactant in the form of Plantacare ®< 810 UP, each in the range according to the invention.

[0187] The following procedures were used: Potentiometric determination of pH: Ph. Eur. 8.8 - pH, Chapter 2.2.3. Determination of microbial count: Ph. Eur. 6.8 - Microbial count, Chapter 2.6.12.

[0188] The procedure was as follows: 1. The bacterial count of the aqueous walnut shell flour slurry with a pH of 6.7 was determined. 2. Subsequently, the slurry was acidified to pH 2.9 using the disinfectant according to the invention. 3. The pH was maintained for 30 seconds, and then the bacterial count was determined. 4. A portion of the slurry was then adjusted to pH 7 with 50% NaOH solution, and the bacterial count was determined again. 5. Subsequently, the remaining slurry was adjusted to pH 7 with 50% NaOH solution, and the bacterial count was determined again.

[0189] The results were as follows: After just 30 seconds, the use of the disinfectant according to the invention resulted in a reduction of germs below the detection limit. 8. Examples 1 to 8 Determination of the germ reduction of different compositions of the disinfectant according to the invention for different individual germs

[0190] The germ reduction for various bacteria was tested in detail using the disinfectant according to the invention.

[0191] The following bacteria were tested: Table 10: Bacteria used Bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM 1128 Staphylococcus aureus DSM 799 Escherichia coli DSM 787 Pluralibacter gergoviae DSM 9245

[0192] The disinfectants according to the invention had the compositions as shown in Table 11. Test procedure:

[0193] Disinfection tests were carried out in aqueous solution against 4 individual germs (method: BCL M 04.01.01). Sample description and test objective:

[0194] The samples tested are acid powder mixtures that possess disinfectant properties in aqueous solution. In the present study, this property was tested against four bacterial test organisms using short exposure times. Germ reduction test - test description:

[0195] 13% aqueous solutions were prepared from the compositions given in Table 11.

[0196] Freshly prepared suspensions of the bacteria listed in Table 10 were provided as inocula. The titer of these solutions was determined by an external dilution series.

[0197] A 10 ml sample of each solution was successively inoculated with 100 µl of one of the four inoculation suspensions. After 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 5 minutes, the inoculated sample was neutralized with 0.1 molar sodium hydroxide solution. These now neutralized solutions were plated onto CASO nutrient agar plates using a spiral plater in 100 µl portions. The plates were then incubated for a total of 5 days in an incubator at 30°C and counted for bacterial colony growth after 2 days and after 5 days. Evaluation:

[0198] The following tables 11 -15 show the respective compositions for the disinfectants according to the invention and the results of the germ reduction tests against 4 test germs.

[0199] The Plantacare®< 810 UP used is a non-ionic surfactant based on C8-C10 alkyl polyglucosides or glycosides. It is commercially available as a viscous, liquid composition with a water content of 35-38%. The Genapol®< UD 88 used is also a non-ionic surfactant with the composition: C9-11 Pareth 8. Dermosoft®< Octiol is caprylyl glycol (1,2-octanediol) and is a moisture regulator. It is solid at room temperature (20-25°C). Table 11: Compositions according to the invention in the form of a solid concentrate Disinfectant composition according to the invention ingredient Example 1 [wt%] Example 2 [wt%] Example 3 [wt%] Example 4 [wt%] Example 5 [wt%] Ex.6 [wt.%] Ex.7 [wt.%] Example 8 [wt%] Sodium benzoate 12,0 5,0 21,75 12,0 12,0 11,5 9,7 25,8 Plantacare ®< 810 UP 17,0 10,0 21,75 8,5 13,9 Genapol ®< UD 88 8,5 17,0 16,4 16,1 Citric acid monohydrate 54,0 81,0 34,8 54,0 54,0 Dermosoft ®< Octiol 2,0 4,0 2,0 2,0 2,0 3,0 3,0 3,0 Lactic acid 98% 65,5 55,6 55,1 NaCl 15,0 19,7 15,0 15,0 3,6 17,8 in total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

[0200] The compositions according to the invention, each in the form of solid concentrates, were used diluted in a 13% aqueous solution. The compositions for the 13% aqueous solution are given in Table 12 below: Table 12: Inventive compositions of the concentrates of Table 11, each in 13% aqueous solution Disinfectant composition according to the invention ingredient Example 1 [wt%] Example 2 [wt%] Example 3 [wt%] Example 4 [wt%] Example 5 [wt%] Ex.6 [wt.%] Ex.7 [wt.%] Example 8 [wt%] Sodium benzoate 1,56 0,65 2,83 1,56 1,56 1,50 1,26 3,35 Plantacare ®< 810 UP 2,21 1,30 2,83 1,11 1,81 Genapol ®< UD 88 1,11 2,21 2,13 2,09 Citric acid monohydrate 7,02 10,53 4,52 7,02 7,02 Dermosoft ®< Octiol 0,26 0,52 0,26 0,26 0,26 0,39 0,39 0,390 Lactic acid 98% 8,52 7,23 7,16 NaCl 1,95 2,56 1,95 1,95 0,47 2,31 in total 13,00 13,00 13,00 13,01 13,00 13,01 13,00 12,99 Water content at 13% solution 87,00 87,00 87,00 86,99 87,00 86,99 87,00 87,01 Table 13: Compositions according to the invention and their germ reduction after 30 seconds, 60 seconds and 2 minutes Disinfectant composition according to the invention Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Bacteria: Germ count [CFU / mL] after 30 seconds Saint aureus < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Ps. aeruginosa < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 E. coli < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 PI. gergoviae < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Bacteria: Germ count [CFU / mL] after 60 seconds Saint aureus < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Ps. aeruginosa < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 E. coli < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 PI. gergoviae < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Disinfectant composition according to the invention Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Bacteria: Germ count [CFU / mL] after 2 minutes Saint aureus < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Ps. aeruginosa < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 E. coli < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 PI. gergoviae < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Table 14: Compositions according to the invention and their germ reduction after 5 minutes Disinfectant composition according to the invention Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Bacteria: Germ count [CFU / mL] after 5 minutes Saint aureus < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Ps. aeruginosa < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 E. coli < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 PI. gergoviae < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13

[0201] In detail, the microbial count measurements for composition A were as follows: Table 15: Germ content measurements for the composition of Example 1 germ Inoculation count [CFU / mL] Germ count [CFU / mL] after 30 seconds 60 seconds 2 minutes 5 minutes Saint aureus 9,5 E6 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 Ps. aeruginosa 5,5 E6 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 E. coli 4,0 E6 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13 PI. gergoviae 1,5 E6 < 13 < 13 < 13 < 13

[0202] For the compositions of Examples 2 to 8, the inoculation count at the beginning of the various tests was of the corresponding size. Result:

[0203] The germ reduction tests on the disinfectants according to the invention used in Examples 1 to 8 showed a surprisingly high germ reduction effect against the bacterial test germs in 13% aqueous solution Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Pluralibacter gergoviae.After just 30 seconds of contact time, these germs were reduced from an initial count of over 1E6 colony-forming units (CFU) / ml to <13 CFU / ml. In other words, the disinfectant of the present invention achieved its full effectiveness after just 30 seconds of contact time and reduced the bacterial load for typical germs to a minimum. 9. Examples 9 to 22 Determination of germ reduction using further compositions of the disinfectant according to the invention

[0204] The germ reduction was again tested in detail using several aqueous liquid compositions for the disinfectant according to the invention. The compositions and results are summarized in the tables below: The Plantacare®< 810 UP used is a non-ionic surfactant commercially available in the form of an aqueous solution based on C8-C10 alkyl polyglucosides or glycosides. Ammonyx LO is an amphoteric surfactant in the form of C12-C14 amine oxides. Dermosoft®< Octiol is caprylyl glycol and is a moisture regulator. Hydrolite 6 is a 1,2-hexanediol and is a moisture regulator. Glycerin is a moisture regulator. Table 16A: Compositions according to the invention and their germ reduction ingredient Example 9 Example 10 Example 11 Example 12 Example 13 Example 14 Example 15 [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] demineralized water 92,90 91,00 90,00 95,30 91,30 91,05 90,85 Citric acid mono 0,80 1,00 1,00 1,30 1,30 1,60 1,90 Plantacare ®< 810 UP 1,8 2,00 3,00 2,00 3,00 2,00 3,00 Sodium benzoate 0,50 0,50 0,50 0,40 0,40 0,35 0,25 Glycerin 2,00 4,00 4,00 2,00 4,00 4,00 Hydrolite 6 1,00 1,00 1,00 0,50 1,00 1,00 Dermosoft ®< Octiol 1,00 0,50 0,50 0,50 1,00 Ammonyx LO PH value 3,5 3,5 3,5 3 3 2,5 2 EN 1275 + + + + + + + EN 1650 + + + + + + + + ... Reduction of the bacterial count within 30 s below the detection limit Table 16B: Compositions according to the invention and their germ reduction ingredient Example 16 Example 17 Example 18 Example 19 Example 20 Example 21 Example 22 [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] [Wt.%] demineralized water 83,10 88,00 85,00 82,50 83,10 89,50 88,00 Citric acid mono 5,50 5,50 4,50 4,00 5,50 4,00 4,00 Plantacare 810 UP Sodium benzoate 0,40 0,50 0,50 0,50 0,40 0,50 0,50 Glycerin 3,00 2,00 2,00 3,00 3,00 2,00 4,00 Hydrolite 6 1,00 1,00 1,00 Dermosoft Octiol 1,00 1,00 0,50 Ammonyx LO 8,00 4,00 8,00 10,00 6,00 2,00 2,00 PH value 2,5 2,5 3 3,5 2,50 3,50 3,50 EN 1275 + + + + + + + EN 1650 + + + + + + + + ... Reduction of the bacterial count within 30 s below the detection limit Result:

[0205] The germ reduction tests on the disinfectants according to the invention used in Examples 9 to 22 each showed a surprisingly high germ reduction effect against the bacterial test germs Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Pluralibacter gergoviae. After just 30 seconds of contact time, these germs were reduced from an initial count of over 1E6 colony-forming units (CFU) / ml to below the detection limit. The disinfectant of the present invention achieved its full effectiveness after just 30 seconds of contact time, reducing the bacterial load for typical germs to a minimum.

[0206] In particular, the presence of one or more moisture regulating agents is particularly advantageous, as these further enhance the antibacterial and, in particular, fungicidal effectiveness of the disinfectant. 10. Variation of the amount of sodium benzoate in the disinfectant according to the invention

[0207] Tests have shown that even a variation of the amount of sodium benzoate in the entire inventive range of 0.01 - 30.0 wt.%, in particular 0.25 - 30.0 wt.%, leads to the desired short exposure time and germ reduction, since the increase results in a maximum presence of the active benzoic acid up to saturation in the solution.

Claims

1. Disinfectant, comprising an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and succinic acid, or a mixture thereof; a benzoate selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate or calcium benzoate, or mixtures thereof; one or more surfactants selected from the group of non-ionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants which are soluble or emulsifiable or dispersible in water, the disinfectant is present in an aqueous liquid composition or solid compostion, wherein an aqueous liquid composition of the disinfectant comprises the one or more nonionic surfactants in an amount in the range of rom 1.1 to 3% by weight and / or the one or more amphoteric surfactants in an amount in the range of from 1.1 to 24% by weight, the solid composition is a concentrate and the aqueous liquid composition is the concentrate in diluted form in which the one or more non-ionic surfactants are present in an amount of from 1.1 to 3% by weight and / or the one or more amphoteric surfactants are present in an amount of from 1.1 to 24% by weight, and the desinfectant is intended for external use only, wherein the one or more nonionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), each alone or mixtures thereof, wherein theone or more amphoteric surfactants are selected from the group consisting of amine oxides and wherein the one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more moisture regulating agents are simultaneously present in an amount of 0.1 to 5% by weight, with the proviso that no surfactants other than the non-ionic and / or amphoteric surfactants are present, no C1-C3 (iso) alcohols are present, wherein C1-C3 (iso) alcohols are methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and isoropanol, and the compound chlorhexidine digluconate, sorbitan caprylate and phenoxyethanol are not present.

2. Disinfectant according to claim 1, characterised in that in that the nonionic surfactant(s) are selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene ethers of lauryl alcohols, C9-C11 pareth-8, C8-C10 alkyl polyglycosides or glucosides, each alone or mixtures thereof.

3. Disinfectant according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that that the one or more non-ionic surfactants have an HLB value of > 7, in particular > 12, or have a cloud point of 40°C or greater (1 g in 100 ml water).

4. Disinfectant according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterised in that that the one or more amphoteric surfactants are selected from the group consisting of C12-C14 amine oxides.

5. Disinfectant according to any one of the preceding claim 1 to 4, characterised in that that the desinfectant is present in an aqueous liquid composition or as a solid composition in the form of a concentrate, in particular as a solution, emulsion, lotion, spray, gel, foam or as a solid in the form of a concentrate, the concntrate being water-soluble or emulsifiable or dispersible in water.

6. Disinfectant accroding to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterised in that that one or more organic acids are present in the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition, depending on the application, in an amount selected from 5 to 85% by weight, 10 to 85% by weight, 15 to 85% by weight, 20 to 85% by weight, 25 to 85% by weight or 30 to 85% by weight; or that one or more organic acids are present in the disinfectant in the form of an aqueous liquid composition in an amount selected from 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12% by weight, depending on the application.

7. Disinfectant according to any one of the preceding claim 1 to 6, characterised in that that the one or more benzoates are present in the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition, depending on the application, in an amount selected from 1.5 to 30% by weight, 2.0 to 29% by weight 3.0 to 28% by weight or 4.0-27% by weight, preferably 5.0 to 26.0% by weight; or that one or more benzoates are present in the disinfectant in the form of an aqueous liquid composition in an amount selected from 0.1 -to 5.0% by weight, 0.15 to 5.0% by weight, 0.2 -to 4.5% by weight, preferably 0.25 to 3.5% by weight8. Disinfectant according to any one of the preeding claims 1 to 7, characterised in that in that the one or more non-ionic surfactants are present in the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition in an amount selected from 1.5 to 25% by weight, 2.0 to 24% by weight, 5 to23% by weight, 7.5 to 22% by weight, depending on the application; or that in the disinfectant in the form of an aqueous liquid composition the one or more non-ionic surfactants are present, depending on the appliction, in an amount selected from 1.1 to 3.0% by weight or 1.1 to2.9% by weight or 1.1 to 2.8% by weight or 1.1 to 2.7% by weight or 1.1 to 2.6% by weight or 1.1 to2.5% by weight or 1.1 to 2.4% by weight or 1.1 to 2.3% by weight or 1.1 to 2.2% by weight or 1.1 to 2.1% by weight or 1.1 to 2.0% by weight or 1.1 to 1.9% by weight or 1.1 to 1.8% by weight or 1.1 to 1.7% by weight or 1.1 to 1.6% by weight or 1.1 to 1.5% by weight, whereby the lower limit in the specified ranges can also be 1.15% by weight or 1,2% by weight or 1.25% by weight or 1.3% by weight or 1.35% by weight or 1.4% by weight9. Disinfectant according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterised in that in that the one or more amphoteric surfactants are present in the disinfectant in the form of a solid composition in an amount selected from 1.5 to 25% by weight, 2.0 to 24% by weight, 5 to 23% by weight or 7.5 to 22% by weight, depending on the application; or in that the one or more amphoteric surfactants are present in the disinfectant in the form of an aqueous liquid composition in an amount selected from from 1.1, 1.5 2.0 to 24% by weight, 5 to 23% by weight or 7.5 to 22% by weight, depending on the application;10. Disinfectant according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterised in that that the one or more agents for moisture regulation are selected from glycols with 2 to 10 carbons, in particular selected from butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, capric glycol and 1,2-hexanediol, as well as glycine and glycerol and mixtures thereof.

11. Disinfectant according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterised in that that one or more additives are contained in the disinfectant, selected from a ginger macerate or the active ingredient 6-gingerol and / or one or more fragrances, and / or one or more solubilising agents and / or one or more monovalent salts, in particular selected from KCI, NaCl and / or LiCI.

12. Disinfectant according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterised in that that the disinfectant is present in a solid composition comprising or consisting of: 5 to 85% by weight organic acid(s); 1.5 to 30% by weight benzoate(s); 1.5 to 25% by weight non-ionic surfactant(s) and / or 1.5 - 25% by weight or 2.0 - 24% by weight amphoteric surfactant(s) 0 to 2.0% by weight ginger macerate or 6-gingerol; 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of one or more moisture regulating agents; 0 to 2.0% by weight of one or more fragrances; 0 to 25.0% by weight of one or more monovalent salts, in particular selected from NaCl, KCI and / or LiCI; and 0 to 10% by weight solubilising agent; Or that the disinfectant is present as an aqueous liquid composition comprising or consisting of: 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12% by weight of organic acid(s); 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, preferably 0.25 to 3.5 % by weight of benzoate(s); 1, 1 to 3.0% by weight of non-ionic surfactant(s) and / or 1.1 to 24% by weight of amphoteric surfactant(s); 0.1 % to 5.0 % by weight of one more more moisture regulating agents; 0 to 2.0 % by weight of one or more fragrances; 0 to 25.0 % by weight preferably 0.5 - 5 % by weight of one or more monovalent salts, in particular selected from NaCl, KCI and / or LiCI; 0 to 10 % by weight solubilising agent; and 67.0 to 98.7 % water by weight.

13. Use of a disinfectant according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12 for hand, food und surface disinfection and in an in-situ production sterilisation process, wherein in particular an exposure time of the disinfectant of 30 s is sufficient to show a complete desinfecting effect, whith exception of therapeutic use.

14. Use of the disinfectant according to claim 13 against Escherichia soli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and / or Pluralibacter gergoviae, where in the bacterial load is reduced to below the detection limit after an exposure time of the disinfectant of 30 seconds.