Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner with odor-absorbing function to improve indoor air quality

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air cleaner that absorbs pollutants and neutralizes odors, thus contributing to the improvement of indoor air quality.

[0002] Indoor pollution with pollutants is increasingly responsible for health problems in people, with chronic exposure and combined effects of pollutants in the low-dose range being the main focus.

[0003] In particular, formaldehyde and aldehyde emissions from cigarette smoke, paints, varnishes, adhesives, disinfectants, hot fats, and much more pollute indoor air and thus often affect the health of people living or working in these spaces. Furthermore, furniture and other furnishings, as well as floor coverings, can continuously release pollutants into the surrounding air.

[0004] Semi-volatile organic compounds include pesticides and wood preservatives, which in indoor environments mainly originate from sources within the room itself, as well as dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, which occur in indoor and outdoor air.

[0005] Isocyanates are organic compounds that react with phenols and alcohols to form polyurethanes. They are used in dispersions, two-component adhesives, and other adhesives on paints and foams. However, the reaction is not complete, so residual monomers remain in the finished product and are released into the indoor air.

[0006] Against this backdrop, efforts are being made to purify indoor air of this multitude of pollutants and thus prevent health problems for people who spend approximately 80% to 90% of their day indoors in industrialized European countries and are therefore exposed to these pollutants. At the same time, the use of fragrances based exclusively on natural or essential oils naturally enriches the indoor air with a pleasant scent.

[0007] DE 102 12 983 C1, for example, discloses a renovation building material for polluted buildings consisting of a dry mass of clay flour and sand to which sheep wool fibers are added, the reactive surface of which has been increased by cutting short fiber lengths and breaking up one or more fiber layers, in particular the keratin layer, wherein the sheep wool fibers are intended to bind pollutants from the indoor air.

[0008] Publication US 5,705,537 A discloses another building material, a phenolic resin foam, that can be used as insulation. This is a foamed phenol-formaldehyde resol resin containing a peptide, a protein-containing material, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, serine, tryptophan, or mixtures thereof in an amount that effectively reduces emissions of free formaldehyde from the foamed resin.

[0009] The invention disclosed in CA 1 162 904 A employs a chemisorption process to solidify gaseous formaldehyde, convert it into non-volatile compounds, and bind it in the absorber. The absorber can be produced in various filter forms and is suitable for occupational respiratory protection, air purification in workplaces and living areas, and for formaldehyde absorption from process gases. The absorber can also be integrated preventively into synthetic resins to reduce formaldehyde emissions.

[0010] Finally, publication CN 106 589 475 A discloses a water-soluble shitosan combination agent intended to reduce the usage costs of shitosan and increase its effectiveness. This involves a hydrotropic shitosan material that is rapidly water-soluble and possesses properties such as relatively low cost, non-toxicity, and environmental compatibility. The resulting shitosan combination agent can be sprayed into the air or added to a humidifier to remove formaldehyde from the air, eliminate haze, and suppress airborne bacteria and viruses. CN 107 418 431 A and CN 108 159 865 A disclose an aqueous formulation containing amino acids and zinc ricinoleate for combating unpleasant odors.

[0011] Taking this into account, the object of the present invention is to create an improved air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) that enables the constant neutralization of odors in indoor air and catalyzes the removal of pollutants such as formaldehyde, aldehydes, and other harmful substances. The air pollutant neutralizing cleaner should be highly absorbent and effective in the long term, while also being easy and safe to use. Furthermore, the highest possible standards regarding natural ingredients and thus the environmental compatibility of the product should be achieved, enabling certification according to the ECOCERT standard.

[0012] The problem is solved by the air pollutant neutralization cleaner (Air Cleaner) according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

[0013] The dependent claims relate to advantageous further developments of the air pollutant neutralization cleaner (Air Cleaners).

[0014] The air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention achieves its objective, firstly, through a novel amino acid complex, which absorbs pollutants and neutralizes odors with increased effectiveness, thus improving indoor air quality. A zinc ricinoleate compound, in particular, achieves the desired neutralization of odor-causing substances to improve indoor air quality.

[0015] Experimental tests have shown that an amino acid complex according to the invention, comprising at least bio-L-arginine, L-lysine, L-glutamine, and L-proline, and a zinc ricinoleate-based compound of up to 10%, is particularly advantageous for achieving this objective as a component of an air purifier. Due to the interaction and synergy of the disclosed components, this amino acid complex, contained in the air pollutant neutralization purifier according to the invention, exhibits altered physicochemical parameters and consequently altered biological properties and efficacy compared to known compounds. This has demonstrated that this amino acid complex is better able to fulfill the intended objective of pollutant neutralization.The air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention is thus able to chemically react with the air pollutants and effectively neutralize them. In addition, unpleasant odors are reduced in their effect or masked by fragrances contained in the form of a natural and / or essential oil.

[0016] The zinc ricinoleate compound also causes the immediate absorption of most common and perceptible unpleasant odor molecules, such as sulfur compounds (thiols, thioethers, mercaptans), nitrogen compounds (amines), and carboxylic acids. A chelating agent activates the zinc ricinoleate, making it surface-active and allowing it to effectively and directly encapsulate and neutralize the odor molecule in the gas phase.

[0017] This means that a significant advantage of the air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention is that the amino acid complex is effective against aldehydes in the indoor air, and the zinc ricinoleate compound provides additional support by directly neutralizing odors. In this way, a comprehensive spectrum of activity is combined in an air pollutant neutralizing cleaner that effectively combats pollutants and odors.

[0018] The composition according to the invention is defined by lower and upper limits of the proportions shown in Table A below: Table A ingredient Lower limit of share upper limit on the share Water 70,00% 90,00% Bioethanol 6,00% 15, 00% Organic L-Arginine 0,50% 3,00% L-Glutamine 0,05% 1,5% L-Lysine 0,30% 2,00% L-Proline 0, 04 1,00% Polyglyceryl 2,00% 5,00% citric acid 0,20% 1,00% Zinc ricinoleate compound 5,00% 10,00% Total: 100.00%

[0019] The high efficacy of the zinc ricinoleate compound in neutralizing odors is achieved, as described, by a chelating agent that activates the zinc ricinoleate and makes it surface-active. The increased surface area allows the odor molecules to be encapsulated. The chelating agent used is tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, a biological chelating agent of predominantly plant origin, which supports certification according to the ECOCERT standard.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention, a proportion of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate of approximately 0.8% to 2.0% of the total mixture has proven to enhance its effectiveness. L-glutamine is also included in an advantageous embodiment of the air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention, comprising 0.05% to 1.5% of the total mixture.

[0021] In formulating the air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention, taking into account the problem of achieving high effectiveness in neutralizing odors and pollutants in the indoor air while simultaneously meeting the highest possible standards in terms of natural ingredients and thus the ecological compatibility of the product, challenges arose to overcome in order to achieve a phase-stable and clarified mixture.

[0022] A phase-stable or phase-free compound within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean that the product is homogeneous and therefore consists of only one phase. This means that it has only one state of matter and exists as a homogeneous, single-phase mixture.

[0023] This condition was achieved experimentally using the air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention and the formulation described. The optional addition of natural fragrances, especially essential oils, presents a particular challenge. Due to the objective of meeting the highest possible standards regarding natural ingredients, fragrances, for example in the form of essential oils, must be used as natural products, which increases the challenge of creating a homogeneous and phase-stable product. The specified amino acids in their stated proportions in the mixture, and in combination with polyglycerol as an emulsifier and / or for viscosity control, have proven to be a combination that achieves the desired phase-stable homogeneity of the mixture of natural ingredients while maintaining high efficacy in neutralizing odors and pollutants.

[0024] The clarified mixture within the meaning of the present invention is understood to mean that an optically cloudy appearance is avoided in the liquid present as the product. Cloudiness caused by small particles in the liquid, which have a refractive index different from that of the carrier substance, is to be avoided, as this is a user expectation for the present air pollutant neutralizing cleaner, and a cloudy product is less acceptable.

[0025] The selection of the specified amino acids as an amino acid complex, in their stated proportions within the mixture, combined with polyglyceryl, also yielded good results for this product requirement. The mixture remained clear even when using only natural ingredients, without compromising its high effectiveness in neutralizing odors and pollutants.

[0026] Another problem to be overcome by using natural ingredients in the amino acid complex is the pH value, which should ideally be in the neutral range for the desired high effectiveness in neutralizing odors and pollutants in indoor air. The arginine in the air pollutant neutralizing cleaner according to the invention is used in the form of bio-L-arginine. In the prior art, arginine is used in cleaning solutions, for example, as a so-called HCl product, where the arginine content is significantly lower but approximately neutral, and the amino acid is bound in the salt of hydrochloric acid (HCl).

[0027] The organic L-arginine used according to the invention is a basic amino acid with almost 100% amino acid content and therefore a significantly higher concentration and purity, which has proven beneficial for achieving the desired high efficacy in neutralizing odors. According to the invention, the organic L-arginine is of food-grade quality, which further improves the product in terms of health and environmental compatibility.

[0028] Unlike the HCl arginine used in the prior art, which has a near-neutral pH, organic L-arginine has a basic pH of approximately 11. For the effectiveness of amino acids as pollutant binders or neutralizers, it is crucial that the product has a near-neutral pH of 7. Therefore, it has proven advantageous to include citric acid in the present formulation, which acts as a pH adjuster to achieve this neutral pH of approximately 7. This is another important aspect of the formulation, enabling the combination of highly effective, ECO-certified ingredients in a single product.

[0029] The proportions of the amino acid complex relative to the individual amino acids, as well as the ratio of polyglycerol (acting as an emulsifier and / or viscosity regulator), to the amino acid complex have proven particularly effective in achieving a balance between high efficacy and optimal environmental compatibility. Furthermore, the proportion of citric acid in the mixture relative to the amino acid complex has proven ideal, further enhancing efficacy by maintaining a neutral pH.

[0030] The ingredients listed in Table A are not exhaustive, as additional ingredients may be added. This includes, for example, fragrances in the form of essential oils, which have already been discussed. Depending on the proportion of fragrance added, this will, for instance, lead to a reduction in the water content. The proportions of the other ingredients may also change slightly as a result.

[0031] The air pollutant neutralization cleaner (air cleaner) according to claim 1 differs fundamentally from conventional air purifiers in both its application profile and its spectrum of activity. It is optimized for the reduction of irritants and odors in indoor air through chemical absorption and contains synergistically acting components of an amino acid complex, which is used as an absorbent, particularly for gaseous, protein-reactive substances in indoor environments. These include, among others, aldehydes and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

[0032] The air pollutant neutralization cleaner (Air Cleaner) serves to absorb and neutralize irritants and odors from polluted indoor spaces and to prevent such pollution.

[0033] The essential improvements achieved by the air pollutant neutralization cleaner according to the invention are listed below, not exhaustively and by way of example. Breakdown of, among other things, formaldehyde compounds. This is achieved by avoiding external sources such as air filters, for example, HEPA filters (HEPA = High-Efficiency Particulate Air / Arrestance), activated carbon filters, or UV-C air purifiers or UV air disinfection devices, as well as light, oxygen, or ion exchangers, which purify the air according to the previously described application. Multi-hour functionality or long-term effect is possible when combined with, for example, air fresheners or air washers. The breakdown and neutralization of, in particular, protein-reactive irritants and odorants has been demonstrated. Reaction and reaction intermediates have been experimentally identified as harmless. 99.5% natural raw materials are used, the biodegradability of which has been proven. Therefore, certification according to the high ECOCERT standard for "Detergents and Cleaning Agents" is achieved.The product utilizes a novel amino acid active ingredient complex, which, in combination with the other ingredients, enables both high efficacy and compliance with the high ECOCERT standard.

[0034] The air pollutant neutralization cleaner according to the invention thus demonstrably has positive effects in terms of an improved indoor climate by reducing odors and pollutants while simultaneously significantly improving environmental compatibility.

[0035] What is also technically new compared to existing air purification solutions, for example through activated carbon filters, is that irritants, pollutants and odorants are chemically converted, permanently bound and, in the case of protein-reactive compounds, neutralized, while avoiding odor or pollutant masking.

[0036] The use of ECOCERT-certified raw materials and such a complex of amino acids in an air purifier is not currently disclosed or suggested in the prior art. Furthermore, certification under the ECOCERT "Detergents and Cleaning Agents" standard is subject to the highest standards regarding the 99.5% natural ingredients and the sustainability of the entire product. This standard places the highest demands on the natural origin of all raw materials and a proven biotechnological manufacturing process for each individual raw material. Genetic engineering is completely excluded under this standard.

[0037] Furthermore, the product can be enriched with various ECOCERT-certified natural essential oils to expand its functionality to include room fragrance. The zinc ricinoleate advantageously does not impair the effectiveness of the fragrances.

[0038] The invention thus comprises the following functionalities, which have been certified and tested under the ECOCERT standard "Washing and Cleaning Agents": Absorption and permanent reduction of air pollutants; immediate absorption of odors; room fragrance.

[0039] The product's application range includes the following possible uses: Use in a room spray; use as a concentrate in the water component of an air purifier; use as a formulation additive in other cleaners, e.g. for floors, surfaces, washing machines, etc., according to the Detergents Regulation.

[0040] The following table lists odorants and their properties that can be neutralized by the zinc ricinoleate-based compound with a further amino acid used in air pollutant neutralizing cleaners according to the invention. This list is intended only as an example for illustrative purposes and is neither complete nor exhaustive. Table B of neutralizable odorants: formula Characteristic smell Odor threshold (ppm) Perception (ppm) Molecular weight Allyl merchaptan CH2 ·CH·CH2 ·SH Coffee strongly tastes of garlic. 0,0005 --- 74,15 ammonia NH3 razor-sharp 0,037 46,8 17,03 Amylmerchatan CH 3 ·(CH 2 ) 3 ·CH 2 ·SH Foul 0,0003 --- 104,22 Benzyl merchaptan C6H5 ·CH2 ·SH extremely unpleasant 0,00019 --- 124,21 Butylamine C 2 H 5 ·CH 2 ·CH 2 ·NH 2 acidic, ammonia-like --- 0,24 73,14 Cadaverin H₂N·(CH₂)₅·NH₂ Rotten after decomposition --- --- 102,18 Merchaptan Crotyl CH 3 ·CH:CH·CH 2 ·S after skunk 0,000029 --- 90,19 Dibutylamine (C 4 H 9 ) 2 NH fishy 0,016 --- 129,25 Diisopropylamine (C 3 H 7 ) 2 NH fishy 0,0035 0,085 101,19 Dimethylamine (CH 3 ) 2 NH rotten, fishy 0,047 0,047 45,08 Dimethyl sulfide (CH 3 ) 2 S rotten vegetables 0,001 0,001 62,13 Diphenyl sulfide (C 6 H 5 ) 2 S Very unpleasant 0,000048 0,0021 186,28 Ethylamine C 2 H 5 ·NH 2 ammonia-like 0,83 0,83 45,08 Ethyl merchaptan C 2 H 5 ·SH Rotten cabbage 0,00019 0,001 62,1 hydrogen sulfide H2S rotten eggs 0,00047 0,0047 34,1 Indol C 2 H 6 NH 2 Very unpleasant --- --- 117,15 Methylamine CH3 NH2 Lazy & fishy 0,021 0,021 31,05 Methyl merchaptan CH 3 SH Rotten cabbage 0,0011 0,0021 48,1 Propyl merchaptan CH 3 ·CH 2 ·CH 2 ·SH Unpleasant 0,000075 --- 76,16 Putrescin NH2(CH2)4NH2 Disgustingly lazy --- --- 88,15 Pyridine C 6 H 5 N Unpleasantly irritating 0,0037 --- 79,1 Skatole C9H9N Disgustingly fecal 0,0012 0,47 131,2

Claims

1. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) for absorption of pollutants and neutralization of odorous substances for the improvement of indoor air, characterized by - an amino acid complex at least comprising bio-L-arginine, L-lysine, L-glutamine and L-proline and - a compound based on zinc ricinoleate of up to 10%, - wherein the overall formulation comprises exclusively natural ingredients and - the formulation contains at least: - 70.00% to 90.00% of water, - 6.00% to 15.00% of bioethanol, - 0.50% to 3.00% of bio-L-arginine, - 0.05% to 1.50% of L-glutamine, - 0.30% to 2.00% of L-lysine, - 0.04% to 1.00% of L-proline, - 2.00% to 5.00% of polyglycerol and also - 0.20% to 1.00% of citric acid and - 5.00% to 10.00% of zinc ricinoleate compound.

2. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the proportion of polyglycerol contained in the formulation is present as an emulsifier and / or for regulation of viscosity.

3. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the citric acid contained in the formulation is present as a pH-regulating ingredient.

4. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a chelating agent is contained in the zinc ricinoleate compound, which activates the odour neutralizing properties of the latter and enhances the surface activity.

5. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the chelating agent has a proportion of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate of about 0.8% to 2.0% in the total amount of the mixture.

6. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a proportion of at least one natural and / or essential oil is present in the formulation as a fragrance.

7. Air pollutant neutralizing cleaner (air cleaner) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the formulation contains 99.5% of ingredients certified in accordance with the Ecocert standard "Wash and cleaning agents".