Disinfection and in situ flocculation-solidification methods for pathogenic medical waste disposal

Abstract

The present invention is intended to disclose a method for in-situ flocculation and subsequent solidification of biomedical waste, which can simultaneously treat and disinfect solid and fluid samples.The method consists of adding waste samples to an alkaline aqueous solution of metal silicate, followed by adding organic or inorganic acid for flocculation, and solid metal oxide or phosphate in a specified volume and / or weight composition, leading to instant solidification with a microbial disinfection rate of more than 99.9%, and an all-in-one disinfection device for the treatment of biomedical waste.The present disclosure also provides a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device that contains the disinfection composition.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel method for efficient flocculation and / or solidification of biomedical waste, which can simultaneously treat and disinfect solid and fluid samples. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for disinfecting biomedical waste, which comprises adding a waste sample to an alkaline aqueous solution of metal silicate, followed by adding an inorganic or organic acid to bring it into a flocculated state, and further adding a solid powder based on metal oxide or phosphoric acid in a defined volume and / or weight composition to bring it into instant solidification with a microbial disinfection rate of more than 99.9%. More particularly, the present invention relates to a disinfection device for the disposal of biomedical waste. [Background technology]

[0002] Mismanagement of infectious waste such as biomedical test samples leads to the transmission of microorganisms / toxins / viruses, further increasing the spread of contagious and infectious diseases. According to a WHO opinion (2000), improper management of medical waste such as infected hypodermic needles and syringes has caused associated infections of Hepatitis B (21,000,000 cases), Hepatitis C (2,000,000 cases) and HIV (260,000 cases) worldwide. The following statement from WHO delves into the importance and necessity of proper medical waste management: "Poor management of medical waste potentially exposes health care workers, waste handlers, patients and communities to the risk of infection, toxic effects and injury, as well as environmental contamination. It is essential that all medical waste materials are segregated at the point of production, properly treated and safely disposed of." (Quoted from http: / / www.who.int / topics / medical_waste / en / ).

[0003] Adding flocculants to liquid waste reduces the risk of spills and aerosolization. Solid waste such as cotton, sharps, and tissue paper also lead to the spread of infection, and simple absorbents or hypochlorites currently in use cannot always handle such waste. If the flocculant / gelling agent contains a disinfectant, it may be possible to dispose of the waste as unregulated medical waste, which is cheaper than red-bagging. Isolation, transportation, and incineration of such disinfected medical waste is easier and safer for health care facilities, reducing the cost of medical waste disposal.

[0004] Several strategies have been applied to the management of liquid biomedical waste, including but not limited to sewer disposal methods, chemical treatment using 1% sodium hypochlorite solution with a minimum contact time of 30 minutes or bleaching powder at 10-14 g per liter of water, 70% ethanol, 4% formaldehyde, 70% isopropyl alcohol, 25% iodine or 6% hydrogen peroxide, solidification of liquid waste using dry highly absorbent polymers containing sanitizing or disinfecting agents such as chlorine or glutaraldehyde, and closed disposal systems. One can refer to the article "Liquid biomedical waste management: An emerging concern for physicians, Biswal S, Muller J Med Sci Res 2013, 4, 99-106" which describes that media containing high microbial load or rich protein content require stringent disinfection procedures where inactivation is achieved using 5.23% sodium hypochlorite at a dilution ratio of 1:10 inside a secured container for a minimum of 8 hours followed by disposal down a sewer and then flushing with copious amounts of cold water for at least 10 minutes.

[0005] The solidification system (superabsorbents) is considered to be advantageous over other treatment methods and a safer disposal of fluid biomedical waste. Superabsorbent polymers are generally prepared by polymerization of unsaturated carboxylic acids or their derivatives, including but not limited to acrylic acid or its metal / ammonium salts and alkyl acrylates, using internal crosslinkers such as oligofunctional monomers, including but not limited to bisacrylamide, triacrylate, dimethacrylate or triallylamine.

[0006] Several patents teach the development of such solidification systems. Reference may be made to application US Patent No. 7,291,674 B2, which discloses a surface cross-linked superabsorbent polymer with good liquid retention, permeability and mechanical strength based on the absorbent structure.

[0007] Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,450,389 B1, which discloses one or more surface cross-linked highly absorbent particles in combination with a plurality of second particles for liquid solidification having reduced gel blocks and a method for solidifying liquid medical waste.

[0008] Reference may be made to another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 9,533,081 B1, which discloses a portable wound treatment system including a similar liquid solidification system having a reduced gel block, including a plurality of surface cross-linked highly absorbent particles, a wound dressing and a packet together with a container.

[0009] Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,351 A, which discloses a body waste fluid solidification device comprising hydrophilic xerogels of partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate), crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol), crosslinked hydroxyalkyl acrylates and methacrylates, polymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, and polymers and copolymers of acrylamide.

[0010] Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,857 B2, which discloses a solidification agent for solidification of a volume of liquid with known density, comprising three adsorbents with varying densities, thereby achieving controlled stability of the flowable material over its total volume.

[0011] Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,265A, which discloses a capsule for absorbing liquid waste having a powdered adsorbent material disposed within the capsule, the capsule body being water-soluble leading to adsorption of liquid waste located within a suction canister.

[0012] Reference may be made to US Patent No. 9,102,806 B2, which discloses a particulate superabsorbent polymer capable of absorbing water, aqueous liquids and blood, and a method for producing said superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent is comprised of 1-10 wt% of any class of thermoplastic polymer selected from polyolefins, polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, styrene copolymers, ethylene alkyl methacrylate copolymers, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyamides, polyesters, blends thereof, or copolymers thereof, where the surface is treated with a neutralized polyvalent metal salt solution having a pH value similar to that of human skin.

[0013] Reference can be made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,904 B2, which discloses a superabsorbent polymer comprising a silane derivative having at least one vinyl or one allyl group bonded to a silicon atom and an internal crosslinker consisting of at least one Si-O bond having high centrifuge retention capacity.

[0014] Highly adsorbent polymers, methods of their preparation and application in liquid solidification have been described by several patents, namely EP 2739660B2, US 20130310251A1, EP 0273141B1, US 8476189B1, JP5527916B2, US 5578318A, DE 69815670T2, US 8821363B1.

[0015] Solid waste, including but not limited to used cotton, tissue paper, syringes and needles, is generally disinfected using approved disinfectants and / or sanitizing agents, incinerated or recycled. Burial or landfill of waste, disposal in induration pits, immobilization using plastic foam, sand, cement or clay, low / medium / high temperature combustion, controlled incineration, steam autoclaves, rotary kilns, microwave treatment, chemical treatment, crushing, melting, etc. are common practices in the disposal of solid waste (see WHO @ www.who.int / and Medical Waste Management, International Committee of the Red Cross @ www.icrc.org / ). Bleach or 1-10% solutions of hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide or other chemical disinfectants are used to disinfect biomedical waste. Heat, alkaline digesters and microwaves are also used for this purpose.

[0016] Acrylate-based solidifiers, while inexpensive and widely available, are not without drawbacks. They generally take 10-15 minutes to completely gel and are not easily recycled. They are non-biodegradable, and some acrylates have been shown to be flammable. Studies have shown that some acrylates and their raw materials may be carcinogenic. The production of acrylics has both adverse health and environmental effects. Some chemicals used in production, as well as chemical waste from acrylic plants, are toxic. Hypochlorite (bleach) is not always effective with high organic content wastes such as blood. Furthermore, no disinfection systems have been found in the literature that can instantly treat, immobilize, and disinfect both liquid and solid medical waste. Abbreviations used WHO: World Health Organization min.:min wt%: weight percent NaOH: Sodium hydroxide mg: milligram mL: milliliter kg: kilogram Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] A first object of the present invention relates to the development of an efficient flocculation or solidification system capable of disinfecting solid and fluid biomedical waste samples.

[0018] Another object is to provide a simple, cost-effective method for preparation of solid and fluid waste materials for disposal, either in their aggregated or solidified form, at the point of need of care.

[0019] A third objective is to provide an easy, safe, and cost-effective strategy to reduce the risks of spillage and occupational exposure from handling biomedical waste samples.

[0020] Yet another object is to develop a method of preparation for disposal of solid and fluid biomedical waste by destroying, disinfecting or inactivating infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, etc. through in situ flocculation followed by optional solidification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] The present invention is intended to disclose a method for disinfection and flocculation or solidification of biomedical waste, which includes the use of an alkaline solution of metal silicate, an organic or inorganic acid as flocculating agent and a solid powder of solidifying agent, which when subjected to mixing with a solid or fluid waste sample in a defined volume and / or weight composition, leads to instant flocculation or instant solidification with a microbial disinfection rate of up to 100%.

[0022] The present invention discloses a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system, the disinfecting composition comprising four chemical components A, B, C and D, a) A is a silicate of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and combinations thereof in a concentration of 0.5-80% (w / v) in its 20-40% aqueous solution, b) B is a base in a concentration of 0.1-90% w / v added to the aqueous solution of A, c) C is an organic or inorganic acid fully miscible in water, d) D is a solidifying agent selected from oxide or phosphate based powders, especially oxides / phosphates of silicon, titanium, zinc, aluminum or lanthanide elements, e.g. cerium or lanthanum.

[0023] The present invention is intended to provide a disinfection method for the preparation for disposal of solid and liquid waste collected in collection containers combined with the destruction, disinfection or inactivation of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, etc., infectious agents including viruses and other toxic agents, whereby disposal is considered easier, safer and more cost-effective to process, handle and transport.

[0024] The present invention provides a method for the disinfection-flocculation-solidification of waste comprising the steps of: a) adding B to an aqueous solution of A; b) adding the biomedical waste to be disinfected to said aqueous solution prepared in step (a); c) mixing the mixture as in (b) homogeneously and / or leaving it for 10-30 minutes, characterized in that the resulting mixture is flocculated; and d) adding materials C and D as their solid powders followed by mixing and / or leaving it, characterized in that the resulting mixture is solidified.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for creating a cohesive or non-pourable environment for fluid medical waste, especially salt, sugar, saliva, urine, blood, hospital chemicals, etc., where the risks associated with spillage and occupational exposure are minimized, and further to provide a treatment of solid medical waste, especially cotton, tissue paper, swabs, needles, etc., where the risks associated with the accumulation of infected untreated samples are minimized, or where the mixture of solid and liquid waste has a combined microbial disinfection rate of more than 99.9%.

[0026] In another embodiment, the present invention discloses a method comprising an aqueous solution of metal silicate containing pH adjusting base or alkali for complete disinfection of fluid or solid medical waste; followed by addition of organic or inorganic acid for flocculation or addition of any oxide based solid powder as said powder or powders for instant solidification of solid or fluid samples containing proteins, microbial cultures, salts or metal ions in high concentrations.

[0027] With this last objective, the present invention intends to create an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-solidification device of the required dimensions that can collect solid or liquid samples and immobilize them as and when required, as a pre-pathogen disinfection in preparation for their disposal.

[0028] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following description. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. It is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present subject matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a flocculation method involving saturated salt (NaCl) solution upon addition of acetic acid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated salt solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated salt solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation.

[0030] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated salt (NaCl) solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated salt solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated salt solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0031] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated sugar (sucrose) solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL saturated sugar solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL saturated sugar solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0032] [Figure 4]FIG. 4 illustrates a solidification method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, involving a mixture of saturated salt (NaCl) solution and sugar (sucrose) solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh): (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 0.5 mL of saturated salt solution + 0.5 mL of saturated sugar solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated salt solution + sugar solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0033] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a solidification method involving aqueous waste solutions upon addition of hydrochloric acid and silica gel (chromatographic grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of aqueous waste, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of aqueous waste, and (d) after addition of hydrochloric acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0034] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a solidification method involving 6% BSA solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 6% BSA solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of 6% BSA solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0035] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 illustrates a solidification method involving a mixture of saturated salt (NaCl) solution and 6% BSA solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 0.5 mL of saturated salt solution + 0.5 mL of 6% BSA solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated salt solution + 6% BSA solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0036] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a solidification method involving a mixture of saturated salt (NaCl) solution and 6% BSA solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 0.5 mL of saturated salt solution + 0.5 mL of 6% BSA solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated salt solution + 6% BSA solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0037] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a flocculation method including saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of acetic acid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH+1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation.

[0038] [Figure 10]FIG. 10 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0039] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a solidification method involving iodine solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of iodine solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of iodine solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0040] [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the solidification method involving artificial blood upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh): (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of artificial blood, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of artificial blood, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for coagulation and subsequent silica gel for solidification. 6% BSA provides protein inclusion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, where heme has been replaced with an iron(II) complex.

[0041] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a solidification method involving artificial urine upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 100-200 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 0.5 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.15 g NaOH, (b) 0.5 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 0.5 mL of artificial urine, and (c) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0042] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a solidification method involving artificial saliva upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 100-200 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of artificial saliva, and (c) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0043] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 100-200 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0044] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 230-400 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel for solidification.

[0045] [Figure 17]FIG. 17 illustrates a gelation method including saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of sulfuric acid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH+1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of sulfuric acid for gelation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0046] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of sulfuric acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of sulfuric acid for gelation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0047] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of acetic acid and alumina (chromatographic grade, basic, 60-325 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent alumina for solidification.

[0048] [Figure 20]FIG. 20 illustrates a solidification method involving a mixture of saturated salt (NaCl) solution and 6% BSA solution upon addition of acetic acid and alumina (chromatography grade, basic, 60-325 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 0.5 mL of saturated salt solution + 0.5 mL of 6% BSA solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated salt + 6% BSA solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent alumina for solidification.

[0049] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 illustrates a solidification method involving saturated potassium dichromate solution upon addition of acetic acid and titania (nano powder, mixture of rutile and anatase) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH, (b) 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, (c) 1 mL of 50% aqueous NaOH + 1 mL of saturated potassium dichromate solution, and (d) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent titania for solidification.

[0050] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a solidification method involving a piece of cotton upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + piece of cotton and (b) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0051] [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 illustrates a flocculation method involving tissue paper upon addition of acetic acid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + piece of tissue paper and (b) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation.

[0052] [Figure 24]FIG. 24 illustrates a solidification method involving tissue paper upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + piece of tissue paper and (b) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0053] [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 illustrates a solidification method involving tissue paper upon addition of sulfuric acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + piece of tissue paper and (b) after addition of sulfuric acid for flocculation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0054] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 illustrates the solidification method involving tissue paper upon addition of hydrochloric acid and silica gel (chromatographic grade, 60-120 mesh): (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + piece of tissue paper and (b) after addition of hydrochloric acid for flocculation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0055] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 illustrates a solidification method involving a needle upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + 1 needle and after addition of acetic acid for flocculation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0056] [Figure 28]FIG. 28 illustrates a solidification method involving a solid swab upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH + 1 swab and (b) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation followed by silica gel for solidification.

[0057] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 illustrates photographs of Petri dishes incubated with samples taken (A,D) as a control, (B,E) after addition of aqueous sodium silicate containing NaOH, and (C,F) after solidification of the aqueous solution and bacterial broth, (A-C) containing E. coli and (D-F) containing S. aureus, ensuring complete disinfection in a quantitative experiment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 illustrates a large-scale solidification process involving a mixture of solid and liquid waste upon addition of acetic acid and silica gel (chromatography grade, 60-120 mesh) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: (a) the mixture of solid and liquid waste in 1 mL of 28% sodium silicate solution (aqueous) containing 0.3 g NaOH and (b) after addition of acetic acid for flocculation and subsequent silica gel (60-120 mesh) for solidification.

[0059] [Diagram 31]31 illustrates a prototype of an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-solidification-disposal device for liquid samples, consisting of (a) four collection vials mounted one on top of the other, (b) the top vial contains a solid material D (silica is shown as an example), the second vial has solution C (acetic acid), the third vial has the collected sample, and the bottom vial is pre-filled with the required amount of solution A (sodium silicate) with B (NaOH). Once the collected sample has been tested, the remaining sample may first be disinfected, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by (c) mixing the sample with solutions A+B by breaking the joint between the third compartment and the bottom compartment, (d) flocculating via the addition of solution C by breaking the joint between the second compartment and the third compartment, and (e) subsequently solidifying via the addition of solution A by breaking the joint between the top compartment and the second compartment.

[0060] [Diagram 32] 32 illustrates a prototype of an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-solidification-disposal device for solid samples, consisting of (a) three collection vials mounted one on top of the other, (b) the top vial contains solid material D (silica is shown as an example), the middle vial is filled with solution C (acetic acid), and the bottom vial is pre-filled with the required amount of solution containing solution B. Waste samples can be first disinfected by (c) mixing the sample with solutions A+B, followed by (d) flocculation via addition of solution C by breaking the joint between the middle and bottom compartments, and (e) solidification via addition of material A by breaking the joint between the top and middle compartments.

[0061] [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 illustrates a prototype design of an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-solidification-disposal device for liquid samples, as shown in FIG. 31, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] [Diagram 34]FIG. 34 illustrates a prototype design of an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-solidification-disposal device for solid samples, as shown in FIG. 32, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The present disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds, individually or collectively, referred to or shown in this specification, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.

[0064] definition For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms and examples used herein are delineated here. These definitions should be interpreted in light of the remainder of the disclosure and as understood by those skilled in the art. Terms used herein have meanings that are recognized and known to those skilled in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, certain terms and their meanings are described below.

[0065] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0066] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in an inclusive and open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be interpreted as "consisting only of." Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "comprise," as well as variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a described element or step, or group of elements or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element or step, or group of elements or steps.

[0067] Ratios, concentrations, amounts and other numerical data may be presented in a range format herein. It should be understood that such range formats are used merely for convenience and brevity, and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly stated as range limitations, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges contained within the range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly stated. For example, a weight percentage in the range of 0.5-80% should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly stated limitation of 0.5-80%, but also subranges such as 0.6-70%, 0.5-79%, 1-60%, etc., and individual amounts within the specified range, such as 20%, 40%, 55.2%, 60%, 80%, etc.

[0068] This section describes the present invention in detail in preferred embodiments. The accompanying illustrations / drawings are for the purpose of describing and understanding the preferred embodiments in detail, and are not intended to limit the present invention or its scope or both.

[0069] It has been previously found that adding polyamino acids as their aqueous solution to a stable aqueous nanomaterial sol leads to instantaneous coagulation, and the coagulation method can be further controlled to affect gelation or solidification under carefully controlled conditions.However, the use of sol and polyamino acids is not very effective for the long-term treatment and settling of biomedical waste.Also, depending on the type of biomedical waste, there is a need to stop the method in the coagulation state or continue the solidification state.The present invention provides a method for disinfection and coagulation or solidification of biomedical waste, including the use of an alkaline solution of metal silicate, an organic or inorganic acid as a coagulant, and a solid powder as a solidification agent, which leads to instantaneous coagulation or instantaneous solidification with up to 100% microbial disinfection rate when subjected to mixing with solid or fluid waste samples in a defined volume and / or weight composition.

[0070] The present invention provides a method of disinfection-flocculation-solidification for preparation for disposal of solid and fluid waste collected in collection containers at the point of care, combined with destruction, disinfection or inactivation of infectious agents, including microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, viruses and other toxins, whereby disposal, including treatment, handling and transportation, is believed to be easier, safer and more cost-effective. Solidification reduces the risk of spillage and aerosolization, while complete pathogen disinfection allows the waste to be disposed of as unregulated medical waste, which is less expensive than red bagging. Isolation, transportation and incineration of such disinfected medical waste is easier and safer for health care facilities, reducing medical waste disposal costs.

[0071] Another object of the present invention comprises the addition of an organic or inorganic acid to an alkaline solution of metal silicate containing the biomedical element to be disinfected leading to coagulation and further comprising the addition of an oxide or phosphate of a transition metal, especially titanium, aluminum, silicon, zinc, cerium or lanthanum, with or without a binder, wherein the aqueous silicate solution is basified to alkaline pH using a base such that the concentration of the base in water is 0.1-90% w / v, more preferably 0.1-1 g / mL, said acid being any organic or inorganic acid selected from acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, and a solid oxide or phosphate powder is added at a minimum of 0.5% (w / v) and a maximum of 1000% (w / v) of the total aqueous volume, resulting in instant disinfection followed by instant coagulation / instant solidification.

[0072] The present invention contemplates providing a self-disinfecting solidification method for the treatment and disposal of biomedical waste. The disposal method disclosed herein comprises an aqueous solution of a metal silicate, e.g., sodium or potassium silicate, at a concentration of 0.5-80%, preferably 20-40%, in water, the basifying agent being an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide, a basic salt of a metal and an organic cation, preferably sodium or potassium hydroxide, having the general formula H, which when added to a silicate solution in the range of 0.1-5 g / mL of silicate, leads to a final pH in the range of 9-14. n The solidifying agent is selected from the group of anions, especially halides, acetates, sulfates, phosphates, etc., and n is an integer such that 1≦n≦3, with or without a binder, selected from silica, preferably chromatography grade silica gel powder of 60-400 mesh size, alumina, preferably chromatography grade alumina powder of 60-200 mesh size, titania, preferably pigment grade titania in rutile or anatase form or a mixture of rutile and anatase forms, zinc oxide, preferably technical grade zinc oxide in its powder form with a particle size of less than 500 μm, lanthanum phosphate or cerium phosphate as nano powder, added in a defined volume and / or weight composition, leading to instant solidification with a microbial disinfection rate of up to 100%.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the provision of a cohesive or non-flowing environment for fluid medical waste, particularly salt, sugar, saliva, urine, blood, hospital chemicals, etc., in which the risks associated with spillage and occupational exposure are minimized, and further relates to the treatment of solid medical waste, particularly cotton, tissue paper, swabs, needles, etc., in which the risks associated with the deposition of infected unprocessed samples are minimized, or the mixture of solid and liquid waste has a combined microbial disinfection rate of greater than 99.9%.

[0074] Another aspect of the present invention is intended to disclose the volumetric composition of aqueous solutions of metal silicates containing pH adjusting bases or alkalis for complete disinfection of fluids or solid medical wastes, followed by the addition of oxide / phosphate based solid powders as single or multiple said powders for flocculation or instant solidification of solid or fluid samples containing high concentrations of proteins, microbial cultures, salts or metal ions.

[0075] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to creating an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-solidification device of the required dimensions that can collect solid or liquid samples, flocculate / gel / solidify the samples as and when needed, and disinfect the same in preparation for their disposal, and immobilize them as and when needed with prior pathogenic disinfection in preparation for their disposal.

[0076] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system, the disinfecting composition comprising four chemical components A, B, C and D, a) A is a silicate of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and combinations thereof in a concentration of 0.5-80% (w / v) in its 20-40% aqueous solution, b) B is a base in a concentration of 0.1-90% w / v which is added to the aqueous solution of A, c) C is an organic or inorganic acid that is fully miscible in water, d) D is a solidifying agent selected from oxide or phosphate based powders, especially oxides / phosphates of silicon, titanium, zinc, aluminum or lanthanide elements, e.g. cerium or lanthanum.

[0077] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein B, the base, is selected from the group consisting of an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, a basic salt of a metal, and an organic cation, which when added to solution A in the range of 0.1-5 g / mL of A results in a final pH in the range of 9-14.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein C is a compound of the general formula H n The method further comprises the steps of: (a) reacting a cation with a phosphate ion with an anion selected from the group consisting of halides, acetate, sulfate and phosphate; and (b) reacting a cation with an anion selected from the group consisting of halides, acetate, sulfate and phosphate; and (c) reacting a cation with an anion selected from the group consisting of halides, acetate, sulfate and phosphate; and (d) reacting a cation with an anion selected from the group consisting of halides, acetate, sulfate and phosphate;

[0079] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein the solidification agent is selected from chromatography grade silica gel powder of 60-400 mesh size, chromatography grade alumina powder of 60-200 mesh size, pigment grade titania in its rutile or anatase form or a mixture of rutile and anatase forms, technical grade zinc oxide in its powder form having a particle size of less than 500 μm, or lanthanum phosphate or cerium phosphate as nano powder, with or without a binder.

[0080] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system, comprising the steps of: a) adding B to an aqueous solution of A; b) adding the biomedical waste to be disinfected to said aqueous solution prepared in step (a); c) mixing the mixture in (b) homogeneously and / or standing for 10-30 minutes, characterized in that the resulting mixture is flocculated; and d) adding material C and material D as their solid powders followed by mixing and / or standing, characterized in that the resulting mixture is solidified.

[0081] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein the amount of waste added is less than 1:1000 (v / v) of solution B for liquid waste and any immersible amount of solid waste, or a mixture thereof.

[0082] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein C is glacial acetic acid and the amount of C added is 0.1-3 mL per mL of the total aqueous mixture obtained in step (b).

[0083] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein solid A is added at a minimum of 1% (w / v) and a maximum of 500% (w / v) of the total aqueous volume in the mixture obtained in step (c).

[0084] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, wherein the bio-medical waste sample used in step (b) is selected from salts, sugars, metal salts and complexes, aqueous waste, hospital chemicals such as iodine, saliva, urine, blood, or any solid sample, especially cotton, tissue paper, needles, syringes or cotton swabs, alone or in combination thereof, whereby disinfection is performed by the high pH of solution A containing B.

[0085] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by the disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system disclosed herein, which supports either flocculation to a soft flocculated solid when completed in step (c) or solidification to a hard solid when continuing to step (d).

[0086] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device filled with a disinfectant composition comprising the four chemical components A, B, C and D disclosed herein, comprising: a) a top container or compartment system [Figure 33, 1]; b) a second container or compartment system [Figure 33, 2]; c) a third container or compartment system [Figure 33, 3]; d) a bottom container or compartment system [Figure 33, 4]; e) a screw cap connecting to the top container or compartment system [Figure 33, 5]; and f) three breakable screw caps [Figure 33, 6], one cap connecting between the top container or compartment system and the second container or compartment system, another cap connecting between the second container or compartment system and the third container or compartment system, and the third cap connecting between the third container or compartment system and the bottom container or compartment system.

[0087] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device as disclosed herein, wherein the upper container or compartment system is filled with a solid powder of material D.

[0088] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disinfection-coagulation-solidification and disposal device as disclosed herein, wherein the second container or compartment system is filled with Solution C.

[0089] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device as disclosed herein, wherein a third container or compartment system is filled with a biomedical waste sample.

[0090] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device as disclosed herein, wherein the bottom container or compartment system is filled with an aqueous solution of A mixed with B as disclosed herein.

[0091] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device as disclosed herein, wherein the biomedical sample is solid or liquid waste or a mixture thereof.

[0092] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the subject matter description. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter as defined. EXAMPLES

[0093] The present disclosure will now be described by working examples, which are intended to illustrate the implementation of the present disclosure and are not intended to be interpreted restrictively as suggesting any limitation in the scope of the present disclosure.Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.Although similar or equivalent methods and materials to those described herein can be used in the practice and composition of the disclosed method, exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein.It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and experimental conditions described, and such methods and conditions can be applied.

[0094] The following examples are given by way of illustration and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0095] Example 1. Flocculation of aqueous waste using sodium silicate and acid To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. Aqueous waste (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0096] Example 2. Solidification of aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. Aqueous waste (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0097] Example 3. Solidification of concentrated salt solutions using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. A saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0098] Example 4. Solidification of concentrated sugar solution using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. A saturated aqueous solution of sucrose (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0099] Example 5. Solidification of concentrated salt and sugar solution mixtures using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. A mixture of saturated aqueous sodium chloride and sucrose (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0100] Example 6. Solidification of protein-containing aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. A 6% aqueous solution of BSA (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0101] Example 7. Solidification of concentrated salt solutions containing proteins using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. A saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (1:1) containing 6% BSA was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0102] Example 8. Flocculation of aqueous solutions containing metal ions and harsh oxidizing agents using sodium silicate and acid Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). A saturated aqueous solution of potassium dichromate (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0103] Example 9. Solidification of aqueous solutions containing metal ions and harsh oxidizing agents using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. A saturated aqueous solution of potassium dichromate (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0104] Example 10. Solidification of hospital chemical-containing aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. An aqueous solution of iodine (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0105] Example 11. Solidification of aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and alumina powder (60-400 mesh) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. Aqueous waste (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Addition of alumina powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0106] Example 12. Solidification of aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and titania powder (mixture of anatase and rutile) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. Aqueous waste (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Addition of titania powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0107] Example 13. Solidification of aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and zinc oxide powder (particle size <500 μm) To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. Aqueous waste (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Addition of zinc oxide powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0108] Example 14. Solidification of aqueous waste using sodium silicate, acid and metal phosphate powders To an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%), sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added. Aqueous waste (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Addition of lanthanum phosphate powder or cerium phosphate powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0109] Example 15. Preparation of artificial saliva Artificial saliva was prepared according to the following two procedures: (i) 1.5 mM Ca(NO 3 ) 2 , 0.90 mM KH 2 PO 4 , 130 mM KCl and 60 mM Tris buffer at pH 7.4 (see Kirkham, J.; et al., Self-assembling peptide scaffolds promote enamel remineralization, J. Dental Res. 2007, 86, 426-430). (ii) Sodium chloride (0.06 g), potassium chloride (0.072 g), calcium chloride dihydrate (0.022 g), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.068 g), disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (0.086 g), potassium thiocyanate (0.006 g), sodium bicarbonate (0.15 g) and citric acid (0.003 g) are mixed in 100 mL of distilled water at pH 6.5 (see Duffo, GS; et al., Development of artificial saliva for studying the corrosion behavior of dental alloys. Corrosion 2004, 60, 594-602).

[0110] Example 16. Solidification of artificial saliva using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial saliva (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0111] Example 17. Solidification of artificial saliva using sodium silicate, acid and alumina powder (60-400 mesh) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial saliva (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of alumina powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0112] Example 18. Solidification of artificial saliva using sodium silicate, acid and titania powder (mixture of anatase and rutile) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial saliva (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of titania powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0113] Example 19. Solidification of artificial saliva using sodium silicate, acid and zinc oxide powder (particle size <500 μm) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial saliva (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of zinc oxide powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0114] Example 20. Preparation of artificial urine To 75 mL of distilled water in a container, urea (1.82 g) was added and dissolved by shaking well. Sodium chloride (0.75 g), potassium chloride (0.45 g) and sodium phosphate (0.48 g) were further added to the above mixture and mixed well until dissolved. The pH was adjusted to between 5 and 7. Creatinine powder (200 mg) and albumin powder (5 mg) were added and mixed gently. The artificial urine thus obtained was further spiked with a few mg of glucose before each experiment.

[0115] Example 21. Solidification of artificial urine using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial urine (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0116] Example 22. Solidification of artificial urine using sodium silicate, acid and alumina powder (60-400 mesh) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Synthetic urine (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous aggregation was observed. Addition of alumina powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0117] Example 23. Solidification of artificial urine using sodium silicate, acid and titania powder (mixture of anatase and rutile) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Synthetic urine (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous flocculation was observed. Addition of titania powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0118] Example 24. Preparation of artificial blood A 6% solution of BSA was prepared in distilled water. A small amount of iron(II) complex was added to the mimic heme to impart color.

[0119] Example 25. Solidification of artificial blood using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel powder (60-120, 100-200 or 230-400 mesh) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial blood (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous coagulation was observed. Addition of silica gel powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0120] Example 26. Solidification of artificial blood using sodium silicate, acid and alumina powder (60-400 mesh) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial blood (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous coagulation was observed. Addition of alumina powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0121] Example 27. Solidification of artificial blood using sodium silicate, acid and titania powder (mixture of anatase and rutile) Sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (20-40%). Artificial blood (1:1) was added to the above solution and mixed well. Acetic acid was added dropwise and instantaneous coagulation was observed. Addition of titania powder resulted in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0122] Example 28. Immobilization of solid swabs using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) powders. A cotton swab (4 cm) was immersed in an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) in an 8 mL glass vial. It was mixed well and acetic acid was added dropwise, resulting in flocculation. Solid powders of silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) were then added, resulting in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used instead of acetic acid.

[0123] Example 29. Immobilization of a syringe needle using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel (60-400 mesh) powder, alumina (60-400 mesh) powder, titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) powder or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) powder. A needle (4-6 cm) was immersed in an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) in an 8 mL glass vial. It was mixed well and acetic acid was added dropwise, resulting in flocculation. Solid powders of silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) were then added, resulting in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used instead of acetic acid.

[0124] Example 30. Immobilization of cotton waste using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel (60-400 mesh) powder, alumina (60-400 mesh) powder, titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) powder or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) powder. A piece of cotton was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) in an 8 mL glass vial. It was mixed well and acetic acid was added dropwise, resulting in flocculation. Solid powders of silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) were then added, resulting in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0125] Example 31. Immobilization of tissue paper using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel (60-400 mesh) powder, alumina (60-400 mesh) powder, titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) powder or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) powder. A piece of tissue paper was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) in an 8 mL glass vial. It was mixed well and acetic acid was added dropwise, resulting in flocculation. Solid powders of silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) were then added, resulting in instantaneous solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used in place of acetic acid.

[0126] Example 32. Immobilization of large volumes of mixed waste using sodium silicate, acid and silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) powders. A mixture of different waste materials (solid and liquid - syringes, needles, swabs, cotton, tissue, artificial urine, artificial blood and artificial saliva, iodine, potassium dichromate, salt, sugar, etc.) was added to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) in a glass beaker. It was mixed well and acetic acid was added dropwise, resulting in flocculation. Then solid powders of silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) were added, resulting in instant solidification. Sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids were also used instead of acetic acid.

[0127] Example 33. Antimicrobial test Cultures of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were prepared in Luria Bertiani (LB) medium with approximately 1–3 × 10 colony-forming units (cfu) per milliliter of E. coli or S. aureus. 6 The samples were taken for testing at 18 hours of the old stage, where the concentration was 0.01 mg / mL (pre-standardized based on optical density at 600 nm). 1 mL of an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL) was added to 1 mL of bacterial broth (spiking solution) and mixed by rolling the bottle. Samples were taken for analysis after regular time intervals. Acetic acid was then added dropwise, followed by solid powder of silica gel (60-120 mesh) to effect instant solidification. Samples were further taken for analysis after regular time intervals. All samples were taken diluted 10x in sterile saline and 100 μL of the diluted solution was placed on LB agar plates and incubated overnight at 37°C. In parallel, the original bacterial suspension was serially diluted in sterile saline and 100 μL of the appropriate dilutions were placed on LB agar plates and incubated for the test samples to serve as controls. Colonies were counted the next day based on the dilutions applied, and the number of CFU / mL of the original bacterial suspension added to the sol and the CFU in the gelled disinfectant were calculated. Efficiency was calculated as follows and expressed in %: [(number of CFU in bacterial suspension - number of CFU in gelled disinfectant) / number of CFU in bacterial suspension] x 100.

[0128] Example 34. Prototype for an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-disposal device for fluid samples An all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-disposal device for fluid samples was prototyped as follows: four plastic collection vials were mounted one on top of the other, the top vial was to contain silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile), zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm) solid powder, or cerium or lanthanum phosphates, the second vial was to contain acetic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or phosphoric acid, the third vial was for sample collection, and the bottom vial was pre-filled with the required amount of an aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL). This design allowed the top compartment to be unscrewed and samples could be collected in the third compartment. Once the collected sample waste has been tested, the remaining sample is disinfected by first mixing the sample with an alkaline sodium silicate solution in the bottom container by breaking the joint between the third and bottom compartments, followed by coagulation with acid in the second compartment by breaking the joint between the second and third compartments. Adding the corresponding solid powder from the top compartment by breaking the joint between the top and second compartments results in solidification. This mixing allows for complete pathogenic disinfection as shown in Example 33.

[0129] Example 35. Prototype for an all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-disposal device for solid samples An all-in-one sample collection-disinfection-disposal device for solid samples was prototyped as follows: a plastic collection container for solid samples (e.g. cotton waste) was mounted on its top with two plastic vials, the top vial to accommodate silica gel (60-400 mesh), alumina (60-400 mesh), titania (mixture of anatase and rutile) or zinc oxide (particle size <500 μm), the middle vial to accommodate acetic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid, and the bottom vial to be pre-filled with the required amount of aqueous solution of sodium silicate containing sodium hydroxide (300 mg / mL). This design allowed the top compartment to be unscrewed and the solid sample to be collected in the bottom compartment. Once the solid sample was collected in the bottom container, it was disinfected and coagulated by breaking the joint between the middle and bottom compartments to allow the alkaline sample in the bottom compartment to mix with the corresponding acid. The addition of solid powder by breaking the joint between the top and middle compartments resulted in solidification. The mixture allows for complete pathogenicity disinfection as demonstrated in Example 33.

[0130] Advantages of the Invention The present invention provides a method of disinfection followed by in-situ flocculation and solidification by a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system that exhibits inherent antimicrobial action. The method of the present invention is an instantaneous method of disinfection and solidification upon mixing. The method also provides a microbial disinfection rate of more than 99.9% within one minute. The method of the present invention provides the possibility of stopping in an in-situ flocculation state for easy recovery and recycling. Furthermore, the method of the present invention reduces the risk of spillage and occupational exposure. The method of the present invention also allows the waste to be disposed of as unregulated medical waste. The provided method of the present invention is applicable to both fluid medical waste decontamination and solid medical waste decontamination. The method of the present invention is safer, easier, more cost-effective due to the use of precursor materials, and is applicable to manage any amount of fluid waste. In addition, the present invention provides a method that is uninterrupted and free of interference from proteins, metal ions, salts, or other impurities.

Claims

1. 1. A method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification by a disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal system, the disinfecting composition comprising four chemical components A, B, C and D; (a) A is an alkali metal silicate selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and combinations thereof in a 20-40% aqueous solution thereof at a concentration of 0.5-80% (w / v); (b) B is a base in a concentration of 0.1-90% w / v which is added to an aqueous solution of A; (c) C is an organic or inorganic acid that is fully miscible in water; (d) D is a consolidant selected from oxide or phosphate based powders, especially oxides / phosphates of silicon, titanium, zinc, aluminum or lanthanide elements, such as cerium or lanthanum, method.

2. 2. The method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification according to claim 1, wherein B, the base is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, hydroxides of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals selected from the group consisting of basic salts of metals and organic cations, which when added to solution A in the range of 0.1 to 5 g / mL of A, results in a final pH in the range of 9 to 14.

3. C is a group represented by the general formula H ｎ 2. The method of disinfection followed by in situ coagulation and solidification according to claim 1, wherein X is an organic or inorganic acid having an anion selected from the group consisting of halides, acetates, sulfates and phosphates, and n is an integer such that 1≦n≦3.

4. 2. The method of disinfection followed by in situ flocculation and solidification according to claim 1, wherein the solidification agent is selected from chromatography grade silica gel powder of 60-400 mesh size, chromatography grade alumina powder of 60-200 mesh size, pigment grade titania in rutile or anatase form or a mixture of rutile and anatase forms, technical grade zinc oxide in powder form with particle size less than 500 μm, or lanthanum phosphate or cerium phosphate as nano powder, with or without a binder.

5. The disinfection-coagulation-solidification method according to claim 1, (a) adding B to an aqueous solution of A; (b) adding the biomedical waste to be disinfected to the aqueous solution prepared in step (a); (c) homogenously mixing and / or allowing the mixture as in (b) to stand for 10 to 30 minutes, characterized in that the resulting mixture is agglomerated; (d) adding ingredients C and D as solid powders thereof followed by mixing and / or standing, wherein the resulting mixture is characterized as being solidified; Including, method.

6. 6. The disinfection-flocculation-solidification method of claim 5, wherein the amount of waste added is less than 1:1000 (v / v) of solution B for liquid waste and any submersible amount of solid waste or their mixture.

7. 6. The disinfection-coagulation-solidification method according to claim 5, wherein C is glacial acetic acid, and the amount of C added is 0.1-3 mL per mL of the total aqueous mixture obtained in step (b).

8. 6. The disinfection-flocculation-solidification process according to claim 5, wherein solid A is added in a minimum of 1% (w / v) and a maximum of 500% (w / v) of the total aqueous volume in the mixture obtained in step (c).

9. 6. The disinfection-flocculation-solidification method according to claim 5, wherein the bio-medical waste sample used in step (b) is selected from the group consisting of salts, sugars, metal salts and complexes, aqueous waste, hospital chemicals such as iodine, saliva, urine, blood; or any solid sample especially cotton, tissue paper, needles, syringes or cotton swabs, alone or in combination, whereby disinfection is performed by high pH of solution A containing B.

10. 10. The disinfection-flocculation-solidification process of claim 1, which supports either flocculation leading to a soft flocculated solid when completed with step (c) of claim 5, or solidification leading to a hard solid when continuing with step (d) of claim 5.

11. A disinfection-flocculation-solidification and disposal device filled with a disinfection composition comprising the four chemical components of claim 1, (a) the upper container or compartment system [Fig. 33, 1]; (b) a second container or compartment system [Fig. 33, 2]; (c) a third container or compartment system [Fig. 33, 3]; (d) Bottom container or compartment system [Fig. 33, 4]; (e) a screw cap connected to an upper container or compartment system [Fig. 33, 5]; and (f) Three breakable screw caps [Fig. 33, 6], one cap connected between the top container or compartment system and a second container or compartment system, another cap connected between the second container or compartment system and a third container or compartment system, and a third cap connected between the third container or compartment system and a bottom container or compartment system. A disinfection-coagulation-solidification and disposal device comprising:

12. 12. The disinfection-coagulation-solidification and disposal system of claim 11, wherein the upper container or compartment system is filled with a solid powder of material D.

13. 12. The disinfection-coagulation-solidification and disposal system of claim 11, wherein the second container or compartment system is filled with Solution C.

14. 12. The disinfection-coagulation-solidification and disposal system of claim 11, wherein a third container or compartment system is filled with the biomedical waste sample.

15. The disinfection-coagulation-solidification and disposal system according to claim 11, wherein the bottom container or compartment system is filled with an aqueous solution of A mixed with B according to claim 5.

16. 12. The disinfection-solidification and disposal system of claim 11, wherein the biomedical sample is a solid or liquid waste or a mixture thereof.

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