Compositions and methods for microbial control in polymers - Patents.com

Abstract

Compositions are provided that include an additive or ingredient with antimicrobial or antiseptic properties and a member of the phenylpropanoid family, 3-phenylpropanol, or a polymer, an organic acid, and a member of the phenylpropanoid family, and methods of use are provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 345,148, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 24, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use with polymers for microbial control, and more particularly to methods and compositions for use with polymers that use additives or components having antimicrobial or preservative properties for microbial control. [Background technology]

[0003] High performance thermoplastics are often used in applications requiring high strength, durability, dimensional stability and low friction.

[0004] Acetal, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a high-performance thermoplastic. Acetal has a high melting point and is susceptible to oxidation and acid hydrolysis. It is common practice for molders to use pellet masterbatches containing a few percent of color or other additives to create products with different colors and / or physical properties from the same base resin. However, many high-performance thermoplastics such as acetal are sensitive to acids, and the use of acidic additives can cause depolymerization.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for alternative compositions and methods for use with high performance thermoplastics that provide microbial control while overcoming such known processing problems and drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use with polymers for microbial control.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is provided that includes an additive or ingredient having antimicrobial or antiseptic properties and 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family.

[0008] The additive or ingredient having antimicrobial or antiseptic properties is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The generally recognized as safe (GRAS) additive or ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of minimal hazard disinfectants, food preservatives, and combinations thereof. The food preservative may be an organic acid. The organic acid may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The organic acid may preferably be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. The member of the phenylpropanoid family is selected from the group consisting of derivatives of phenylpropane, derivatives of phenylpropene, and combinations thereof. The organic acid and the member of the 3-phenylpropanol or phenylpropanoid family are present in a ratio of organic acid to 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family ranging from 1:100 to 100:1, preferably from 1:10 to 10:1.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is provided that includes a polymer, an organic acid, and 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family.

[0010] The thermoplastic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), polyethylene (PE), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), and combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer is preferably polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of use which comprises adding 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family to a thermoplastic polymer, thereby reducing the processing temperature of the thermoplastic polymer.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of use is provided that includes combining an organic acid and 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family with a thermoplastic polymer to form a compound.

[0013] The compound may be in the form of a masterbatch. The method may further include using the masterbatch to form an article having the antimicrobial effect.

[0014] In certain aspects, an additive, antimicrobial composition configured to be added to a polymer is disclosed, the composition comprising a component present in the additive, antimicrobial composition and a member of the 3-phenylpropanol or phenylpropanoid family in an amount effective to exhibit antimicrobial properties in the polymer, and optionally to exhibit antiseptic properties in the polymer, the component and the member of the 3-phenylpropanol or phenylpropanoid family being present in the additive, antimicrobial composition in a ratio of 5:1 to 1:5 relative to each other. In certain aspects, the antimicrobial effect comprises a long-term (e.g., months or years) and / or permanent reduction and / or prevention of the growth of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, or a combination thereof, in the polymer and / or on the surface of the polymer, both in the additive disclosed herein and in the end-use article (e.g., an injection molded article containing the additive therein) produced therefrom. In certain aspects, the component (e.g., an organic acid, more particularly benzoic acid) and / or the member of the 3-phenylpropanol or phenylpropanoid family are uniformly dispersed in the additive, antimicrobial composition, which may be used as a masterbatch composition. Further, in certain embodiments, the additive, the antimicrobial composition (and more particularly, the component (e.g., the organic acid, more particularly, benzoic acid)), and / or the 3-phenylpropanol or member of the phenylpropanoid family are configured to be homogenously dispersed within the article upon forming the article (e.g., injection molding the polymer with the masterbatch therein).

[0015] In certain embodiments, the ingredient further comprises preservative properties and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). In certain embodiments, the ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a minimal hazard disinfectant, a food preservative, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the ingredient is an organic acid, and the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the component is benzoic acid, an additive, present in the antimicrobial composition at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

[0017] In certain embodiments, 3-phenylproponal is present in the additive, antimicrobial composition at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

[0018] In certain embodiments, benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol are present in the additive, antimicrobial composition in a ratio ranging from 2:1 to 1:2 relative to each other.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the additive antimicrobial composition is configured to reduce the polymer melt temperature of the polymer by between 10°F and 30°F.

[0020] In certain embodiments, a member of the phenylpropanoid family is present, and the member of the phenylpropanoid family is selected from the group consisting of derivatives of phenylpropane, derivatives of phenylpropene, and combinations thereof.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the component and the 3-phenylpropanol or phenylpropanoid family member are present in the additive in a ratio of organic acid to 3-phenylpropanol or phenylpropanoid family member relative to each other in a range of 1:1.

[0022] Also disclosed herein are compositions comprising a polymer, an organic acid present in the composition in an amount effective to exhibit antimicrobial properties in the composition, and an amount effective to reduce and / or prevent oxidation and acid hydrolysis of the polymer by the organic acid, wherein the organic acid and the 3-phenylpropanol or member of the phenylpropanoid family are present in the composition in a ratio of 10:1 to 1:10. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial properties / benefits include a long-term (e.g., months or years) and / or permanent reduction and / or prevention of the growth of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, or a combination thereof, within and / or on the surface of a polymer within a composition disclosed herein (e.g., additives and / or masterbatches, as well as end-use articles that include portions of the masterbatches therein).

[0023] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises (i) a polymer present in a concentration ranging from 60% (600,000 ppm) to 97% (970,000 ppm) of the total weight of the composition, and (ii) a tertiary amine present in a concentration ranging from 1.5% (15,000 ppm) to 20% (200,000 ppm), or from 2.0% (20,000 ppm) to 15% (150,000 ppm), or from 2.5% (25,000 ppm) to 10% (100,000 ppm), or from 2.5 (25,000 ppm) to 7.5% (75,000 ppm) of the total weight of the composition. and (iii) 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family present in a concentration of from 1.5% (15,000 ppm) to 20% (200,000 ppm), or from 2.0% (20,000 ppm) to 15% (150,000 ppm), or from 2.5% (25,000 ppm) to 10% (100,000 ppm), or from 2.5% (25,000 ppm) to 7.5% (75,000 ppm) of the total composition.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the organic acid in the composition is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the organic acid in the composition comprises benzoic acid at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

[0026] In certain embodiments, 3-phenylpropanol is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol are present in the composition in a ratio ranging from 2:1 to 1:2.

[0028] In certain embodiments, 3-phenylpropanol is present in the composition in an amount effective to reduce the polymer melt temperature of the polymer by between 10°F and 30°F.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), polyethylene (PE), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), and combinations thereof.

[0030] Also disclosed in certain aspects is a method of making a composition comprising adding an organic acid to a polymer and adding 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family to the polymer in an effective amount, whereby the processing temperature of the polymer is reduced and the amount is effective to reduce and / or prevent oxidation and acid hydrolysis of the polymer by the organic acid, where the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the method includes forming the compound into a masterbatch.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises using the masterbatch to manufacture an article having an antimicrobial effect.

[0033] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The following description is provided herein by way of example only, for the purpose of providing an enabling disclosure of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope or content of the invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure and the appended claims is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrase "X uses A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase "X uses A or B" is satisfied by X using A, X using B, or X using both A and B. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this specification and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that a singular form is intended. Throughout this specification and the appended claims, the following terms have at least the meanings expressly associated therewith herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings specified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide examples of the terms. The meanings of "a," "an," and "the" may include plural references, and the meaning of "in" may include "in," "at," and / or "on," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0036] Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented in a range format in this specification. It should be understood that such range formats are used merely for convenience and brevity, and should therefore be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly stated as the limits of the range, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges encompassed within the range as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly stated. As an example, a numerical range of "about 1 to about 5" should be interpreted to include not only the values ​​of about 1 to about 5 explicitly stated, but also the individual values ​​and subranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values ​​such as 2, 3, 4, etc., as well as individual values ​​1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and subranges such as 1 to 3, 2 to 4, 3 to 5, etc. The same rule also applies to ranges that recite only one numerical value as a minimum or maximum value. Moreover, such interpretation should be applied regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics described.

[0037] The present invention is a composition and method for microbial control for use with polymers. The composition exhibits antimicrobial properties. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial properties and / or effects include the long-term (e.g., months or years) and / or permanent reduction and / or prevention of the growth of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, or a combination thereof, within the polymer and / or on the surface of the polymer, both within the additives disclosed herein as well as in end-use articles made therefrom (e.g., injection molded articles that contain portions of the additive / masterbatch therein).

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises an additive or ingredient having antimicrobial or antiseptic properties, more particularly an additive or ingredient that is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family.

[0039] Examples of GRAS additives or ingredients include, but are not limited to, minimal hazard disinfectants, food preservatives, and the like.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the food preservative is an organic acid. Examples of organic acids include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferred organic acids include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, benzoic acid (i.e., a solid organic acid in crystalline form) is the preferred organic acid due to its low water solubility when compared to other more water soluble acids such as propionic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, or lactic acid. Benzoic acid is preferred because it is easy to process and mix with, for example, the thermoplastic polymers disclosed herein. In addition, benzoic acid tends to exhibit lower hygroscopicity than other acids, for example, when mixed with the thermoplastic polymers disclosed herein. Without wishing to be bound by theory, and when using the disclosed thermoplastic polymers, the more water soluble acids (e.g., propionic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, or lactic acid) should generally be avoided due to their hygroscopic nature which can lead to issues such as potential depolymerization (e.g., acid hydrolysis) of the polymers disclosed herein during polymer processing (e.g., mixing the acid with the polymer, during injection molding, etc.) and / or increased defects in the final product due to water absorption.

[0041] The phenylpropanoid family of 3-phenylpropanol includes, but is not limited to, derivatives of phenylpropane, derivatives of phenylpropene, and combinations thereof. Note that 3-phenylpropanol and the phenylpropanoid family are organic compounds.

[0042] In one aspect of the invention, the ratio of organic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) is 1:100 to 100:1, 1:75 to 75:1, 1:50 to 50:1, 25:1 to 1:25, 1:15 to 15:1, 1:10 to 10:1, 1:5 to 5:1, 3:1 to 1:3, 2:1 to 1:2, 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, or 1:1 of organic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) relative to each other. In certain embodiments, and when contained within and / or mixed with a thermoplastic polymer disclosed below, the organic acid is present at 500 ppm to 3500 ppm, more preferably 1000 ppm to 3500 ppm, and most preferably 1000 ppm to 2500 ppm, with the ratio of organic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) disclosed above. Similarly, when contained within and / or mixed with a thermoplastic polymer with an organic acid disclosed herein, the 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) is present at 500 ppm to 3500 ppm, more preferably 1000 ppm to 3500 ppm, and most preferably 1000 ppm to 2500 ppm, with the ratio of organic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) disclosed above.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises a polymer, an organic acid, and 3-phenylpropanol (also known as 3-phenyl-1-propanol) or a member of the phenylpropanoid family.

[0044] The polymer is preferably a thermoplastic polymer. Examples of thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (PP), ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), polyethylene (PE), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM) (also known as acetal, nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), and combinations thereof.

[0045] A synergistic antimicrobial effect has been unexpectedly discovered between GRAS antimicrobial agents / preservatives and 3-phenylpropanol, which allows for the use of low levels of the antimicrobial agent and in materials (e.g., masterbatches and end-use articles) that would not be otherwise achievable.

[0046] Experiments were performed with benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol, however, synergistic effects may occur between the extended phenylpropanoid member of 3-phenylpropanol and other GRAS acid antimicrobials such as citric acid, sorbic acid, as well as benzoic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the benzoic acid (GBA) and 3-phenylpropanol (or member of the phenylpropanoid family) are present in a ratio of benzoic acid (GBA) and 3-phenylpropanol (or member of the phenylpropanoid family) ranging from 1:100 to 100:1, 1:75 to 75:1, 1:50 to 50:1, 25:1 to 1:25, 1:15 to 15:1, 1:10 to 10:1, 1:5 to 5:1, 3:1 to 1:3, 2:1 to 1:2, 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, or 1:1. In a particular embodiment, the organic acid is benzoic acid, and the ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) ranges from 1:100 to 100:1, 1:75 to 75:1, 1:50 to 50:1, 25:1 to 1:25, 1:15 to 15:1, 1:10 to 10:1, 1:5 to 5:1, 3:1 to 1:3, 2:1 to 1:2, 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, or 1:1 relative to each other. In a particular embodiment, the preferred ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) ranges from 1:5 to 1:5. In a more preferred embodiment, the ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) ranges from 3:1 to 1:3. In the most preferred embodiments, the ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) ranges from 2:1 to 1:2 and / or 1:1. In certain embodiments, and when contained within and / or mixed with the thermoplastic polymers disclosed below, benzoic acid is present at 500 ppm to 3500 ppm, more preferably 1000 ppm to 2700 ppm, and most preferably 1950 ppm to 2500 ppm, with the ratios of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) disclosed above.Similarly, when included in and / or mixed with a thermoplastic polymer with benzoic acid as disclosed herein, 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) is present at 500 ppm to 3500 ppm, more preferably 1000 ppm to 2700 ppm, and most preferably 1950 ppm to 2500 ppm, with the ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol (or a member of the phenylpropanoid family) disclosed above. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of use is provided. The method includes adding 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family to a thermoplastic polymer, thereby reducing the processing temperature of the thermoplastic polymer. In certain aspects, the processing / melting temperature is reduced between 10° F. and 30° F., and is concentration-dependent on the amount of 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family added to the polymer. In this embodiment, decreasing the temperature beyond 30° F. can adversely affect the physical properties (e.g., flowability) of the polymer, rendering it unsuitable for the end use (e.g., injection molding, etc.).

[0048] It has been unexpectedly discovered that 3-phenylpropanol helps to reduce the melt temperature of the polymers disclosed herein, which further results in various synergistic benefits observed when 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family is mixed with the disclosed polymers and GRAS additives / acids (more specifically benzoic acid). In particular, 3-phenylpropanol acts as a plasticizer between the polymer chains, allowing the polymer chains to slip past each other at lower temperatures, further facilitating processing of the polymer at lower temperatures. Furthermore, the GRAS additives disclosed herein (e.g., benzoic acid) are temperature sensitive, and thus the reduction in melt temperature observed when 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family is used in combination with the polymer further reduces and / or avoids the degradation of the GRAS additive (e.g., benzoic acid), further avoiding excessive concentrations / amounts of the GRAS additive being included in the polymer. Thus, when 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family is used in combination with the disclosed polymers and a GRAS additive (e.g., benzoic acid), smaller amounts / lower concentrations of the GRAS additive (e.g., benzoic acid) may be used that advantageously exhibits antimicrobial efficacy (often observed at much higher concentrations) while simultaneously and advantageously avoiding and / or minimizing various of the problems discussed above (e.g., final product defects due to acid hydrolysis and / or water absorption).

[0049] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that the -OH groups in 3-phenylpropanol form pseudo ester bonds with acid groups (e.g., in benzoic acid and / or other organic acids disclosed herein), resulting in a more temperature stable molecule. In the case of acetals, it is believed that the formation of pseudo esters advantageously mitigates the acidic effect of GRAS additives / acids (e.g., benzoic acid) on the acetals. In particular, acetal polymers are highly sensitive to acidic degradation, producing highly toxic formaldehyde and acetic acid when the polymer chains are cleaved. Thus, by combining 3-phenylpropanol with, for example, a disclosed GRAS additive / acid (more specifically, benzoic acid) with the acetals, a much lower concentration of the GRAS additive / acid (more specifically, benzoic acid) can be used, thereby avoiding the above-mentioned acidic degradation of the disclosed polymers and GRAS additives (e.g., benzoic acid). Lower amounts / concentrations of GRAS excipients (e.g., benzoic acid) that advantageously exhibit antimicrobial effects (often observed at much higher concentrations) may be used.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of use is provided. In particular, the compositions disclosed herein may be used to form a masterbatch. In this example, the masterbatch comprises at least one of the polymers disclosed above, and includes the disclosed components (e.g., organic acid, more specifically, benzoic acid) and 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family, uniformly dispersed in the polymer at a concentration ranging from 5% to 30% by weight of the masterbatch (i.e., 2.5% to 15% by weight of the component, 2.5% to 15% by weight of the 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family, and the remaining concentration of the polymer and other components). Although high levels of organic acids (e.g., benzoic acid) cannot be mixed with some polymers, such as acetals, due to the sensitivity of acetals to acid degradation (e.g., acid hydrolysis and oxidation), the addition of 3-phenylpropanol alleviates the processing issues, making masterbatch processing feasible.

[0051] The masterbatch may be further combined with a compatible polymer, for example during injection molding, to form an article having a long-term and / or permanent antimicrobial effect, in which the component (e.g., an organic acid, more particularly benzoic acid) and the 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family are combined and homogeneously dispersed within the compatible polymer during the molding process. In certain embodiments, both the component (e.g., an organic acid, more particularly benzoic acid) and the 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family are present in the article at a concentration ranging from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight to achieve the desired long-term (and / or permanent) antimicrobial effect / characteristics (i.e., long-term and / or permanent reduction and / or prevention of bacterial and / or microbial growth).

[0052] Working Example

[0053] The following examples are set forth to fully disclose and explain to one of ordinary skill in the art how the compounds, compositions, and methods described and claimed herein are made and evaluated, are intended to be purely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperatures, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for.

[0054] Working Example 1

[0055] Table 1 - Antibacterial effect of TPU containing GBA against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) by ISO22196 test method. [Table 1]

[0056] As shown in Table 1, GBA only exhibited a stable antibacterial effect (>1 log reduction) against E. coli at a level of 5250 ppm in TPU.

[0057] Table 2 - Antibacterial effect of TPU containing GBA and 3-phenylpropanol against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) using the ISO22196 test method.

[0058] 3-Phenylpropanol is not generally known as an antimicrobial agent, however, as shown in Table 2 immediately below, and taking into account Table 1, mixing 3-phenylpropanol with GBA synergistically increases the log reduction of E. coli at much lower GBA concentrations than those used in Table 1. [Table 2]

[0059] As seen in Table 2, no effect was observed against E. coli at 2500 ppm GBA. However, when 3-phenylpropanol was added to the material, bringing the total loading to 4500 ppm, the log reduction was 1.4, exceeding that of 4500 ppm GBA alone (less than 1), indicating a synergistic effect between GBA and 3-phenylpropanol in the TPU.

[0060] Table 3 - Antibacterial effect of TPU containing GBA and 3-phenylpropanol against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) according to the ISO22196 test method. [Table 3]

[0061] Table 3, taking into consideration Tables 1 and 2, further shows that GBA alone only showed antimicrobial effect at concentrations above 4500 ppm in TPU, but the combination of 3-phenylpropanol and GBA showed antimicrobial effect at 4000 ppm, indicating a synergistic effect of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol in TPU.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] (1)Masterbatch formulation:

[0064] GBA and 3-phenylpropanol were mixed into the acetal at 5% by weight each in a 1:1 ratio, where the weight percentages are based on the total weight of GBA, 3-phenylpropanol, and polymer.

[0065] 3-Phenylpropanol was found to help reduce processing temperatures and stabilize the process. It is not possible to mix more than 5% by weight of GBA into the acetal.

[0066] (2) The masterbatch was used at 2.5% in the molder to produce a product with a final level of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol of 1250 ppm.

[0067] Table 4 - Antibacterial effect of the combination of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) in acetal by ISO 22196 test method. This shows the synergistic effect of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol in acetal. [Table 4]

[0068] Table 5 - Antibacterial effect of the combination of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) in acetal by ISO 22196 test method. [Table 5]

[0069] Table 6 - Antibacterial effect of the combination of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) in acetal by ISO 22196 test method. This shows the synergistic effect of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol in acetal. [Table 6]

[0070] Table 7 - Antibacterial effect of the combination of GBA and 3-phenylpropanol against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) in acetal by ISO 22196 test method. [Table 7]

[0071] Table 8 - Antibacterial effect of 3-phenylpropanol alone against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) in acetal using the ISO 22196 test method. [Table 8]

[0072] As mentioned above, 3-phenylpropanol is not generally known as an antibacterial agent. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3-phenylpropanol is 4000 ppm for Staphylococcus aureus and 3000-4000 ppm for Escherichia coli.

[0073] Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be widely useful and applied. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent or reasonably suggested from the present invention and its foregoing description, without departing from the essence or scope of the present invention. Thus, although the present invention has been described in detail herein in connection with its preferred embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative and aids in the understanding of the present invention, and is made solely for the purpose of providing a complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended, and should not be construed, to limit the present invention or to exclude other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. 1. An additive antimicrobial composition configured to be added to a polymer, the composition comprising: a component present in said additive, an antimicrobial composition, in an amount effective to exhibit antimicrobial properties in said polymer, and optionally to exhibit preservative properties in said polymer; 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family; The component and 3-phenylpropanol or the member of the phenylpropanoid family are present in the additive, antimicrobial composition in a ratio of 5:1 to 1:5 relative to each other. composition.

2. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein said ingredients further possess preservative properties and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ingredient is selected from the group consisting of minimal hazard disinfectants, food preservatives, and combinations thereof.

4. the component is an organic acid, 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

5. The component is benzoic acid, 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the benzoic acid is present in the additive, antimicrobial composition at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

6. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein 3-phenylproponal is present in said additive, antimicrobial composition at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of said total weight of said composition.

7. 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol are present in the additive, antimicrobial composition in a ratio ranging from 2:1 to 1:2 relative to each other.

8. 8. The composition of claim 6 or 7, wherein the additive, antimicrobial composition, is configured to reduce the polymer melt temperature of the polymer by between 10°F and 30°F.

9. said member of the phenylpropanoid family is present, 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the member of the phenylpropanoid family is selected from the group consisting of derivatives of phenylpropane, derivatives of phenylpropene, and combinations thereof.

10. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the ingredient and the 3-phenylpropanol or the member of the phenylpropanoid family are present in a ratio of the organic acid and the 3-phenylpropanol or the member of the phenylpropanoid family in a range of 1:1 relative to each other.

11. 1. A composition comprising: A polymer; an organic acid present in the composition in an amount effective to provide long-term and / or permanent antimicrobial properties in the composition; 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family in an amount effective to reduce and / or prevent oxidation and acid hydrolysis of the polymer by the organic acid; Including, the organic acid and 3-phenylpropanol or the member of the phenylpropanoid family are present in the composition in a ratio of 10:1 to 1:10; composition.

12. The composition comprises: (i) the polymer present in a concentration ranging from 70% to 99% of the total volume of the composition; (ii) the organic acid present in a concentration ranging from 2.5% to 10% of the total volume of the composition; (iii) said 3-phenylpropanol or said member of the phenylpropanoid family present in a concentration ranging from 2.5% to 10% of the total volume of said composition; In the form of a masterbatch having The composition of claim 11.

13. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

14. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the organic acid comprises benzoic acid in a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

15. 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the 3-phenylpropanol is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 500 ppm to 3500 ppm of the total weight of the composition.

16. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol are present in the composition in a ratio ranging from 2:1 to 1:

2.

17. 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein 3-phenylpropanol is present in the composition in an amount effective to reduce a polymer melt temperature of the polymer by between 10°F and 30°F.

18. the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer; 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), polyethylene (PE), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), and combinations thereof.

19. 12. A method for producing the composition of claim 11, comprising the steps of: adding said organic acid to said polymer; adding an effective amount of 3-phenylpropanol or a member of the phenylpropanoid family to the polymer, the amount being effective to reduce the processing temperature of the polymer and to reduce and / or prevent oxidation and acid hydrolysis of the polymer by the organic acid, the polymer being a thermoplastic polymer; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), polyethylene (PE), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), and combinations thereof.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the organic acid comprises benzoic acid.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein 3-phenylpropanol is present in the composition.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol are present in the composition in a ratio of 2:1 to 1:2 relative to each other.

24. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the compound is in the form of a masterbatch.

25. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising using the masterbatch to manufacture an article having long-term and / or permanent antimicrobial efficacy.

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