Single dose disinfectant

Abstract

Generally, the present disclosure relates to a single-dose or single-unit disinfectant concentrate that is stable in a degradable container. The disinfectant concentrate comprises at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and at least one anionic surfactant, and is stable for at least one week at 54°C as measured according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317). While the disinfectant concentrate exhibits excellent stability, it can also dissolve quickly in water, and once diluted, it exhibits microbial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at a contact time of 3 minutes according to germicide spray test method AOAC 961.02.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 340,787, filed May 11, 2022, which is incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Sterilization and / or disinfection are necessary in many industries, including consumer homes, due to both regulations and safety concerns. Over the past few decades, disinfectant formulations have been developed to reduce or destroy pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Since any hard surface can become contaminated and hard surfaces are often used for food preparation or medical services, particular focus has been placed on hard surfaces, such as floors, walls, countertops, windows, window sills, sinks, faucets, waste containers, instruments, and cabinet surfaces. Disinfectants have been developed to treat hard surfaces for use in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and homes, but due to the active ingredients contained in such disinfectants, they are usually packaged in disposable non-biodegradable plastic bottles.

[0003]

[0003] In the formulation of disinfectants, many different types of germicides and / or disinfectants have been suggested in the past. For example, such germicides and / or disinfectants include alcohols, chlorine compounds, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolic resins, and quaternary ammonium compounds. However, many of these known germicides and / or disinfectants, such as quaternary ammonium compounds and halogenated compounds, are unable to meet current sustainability standards.

[0004]

[0004] Nevertheless, in order to facilitate application and to increase the spectrum of activity against various types of microorganisms or to otherwise increase efficacy, the above-mentioned antimicrobial agents have been used in high concentrations and / or in combination with many other substances, ingredients or elements. However, due to the high concentrations required to achieve sterilizing and / or disinfecting compositions, especially their concentrates, it has been shown to be difficult to stabilize the sterilizing and / or disinfecting agents in water-soluble packages such as water-soluble films and sachets and / or pods made therefrom. For example, due to the properties of the sterilizing and / or disinfecting agents alone or in combination with their concentrations, the active ingredients of known disinfectant formulations are not compatible with the films utilized to form degradable or soluble packages, and hydrolysis of the films begins before contact with the solvent, causing known formulations to cause the breakage of the soluble packages before the required shelf life stability is met.

[0005]

[0005] The above raises serious problems regarding the improvement of sustainability of sterilization and / or disinfection products, since disposable packaging increases the energy required to transport the product in addition to transportation and storage costs. In addition, disposable plastic packaging is generally non-biodegradable, which requires increased storage space for disposing of disposable packaging, since plastic cannot be decomposed in the environment by living organisms. Furthermore, current plastic packaging, such as that made of polyethylene terephthalate, which is stable when contacted with known sterilizing and / or disinfecting agents, is not only non-biodegradable, but also made from non-renewable fossil fuels. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006]

[0006] It would therefore be an advantage to provide a germicide and / or disinfectant composition with improved sustainability. It would also be an advantage to provide a germicide and / or disinfectant composition suitable for use in reducing pathogenic microorganisms on hard surfaces. It would also be an advantage to provide a germicide and / or disinfectant composition contained in a container that is degradable in a solvent. Furthermore, it would be a further advantage to provide the germicide and / or disinfectant composition in a concentrated form contained in a container that is degradable in a solvent, such as a container that is degradable in water or a water-soluble container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007]

[0007] The present disclosure is generally directed to a disinfectant concentrate comprising a disinfectant powder disposed in a solvent-degradable biodegradable container, such container may also be referred to as a water-degradable container or a water-soluble container. The disinfectant powder comprises at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and at least one anionic surfactant, and the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant are present in the disinfectant concentrate in a ratio of about 1:1 or greater of carboxylic acid to anionic surfactant on a weight-to-weight basis. In addition, the solvent-degradable biodegradable container is stable for at least one week at 54°C when measured according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317). Furthermore, in one embodiment, the solvent-degradable biodegradable container is stable for at least two weeks at 54°C when measured according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317).

[0008]

[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is a C1-C10 carboxylic acid. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, or a mixture thereof. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid or lactic acid, and in one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid.

[0009]

[0009] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is coated with a compatibilizer. In one embodiment, the compatibilizer is a salt of a biodegradable carboxylic acid. In another embodiment, the compatibilizer is a salt of a C1-C10 carboxylic acid. For example, in yet a further embodiment, the compatibilizer is a salt of citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, or a mixture thereof, preferably, the compatibilizer is a salt of citric acid, sorbic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0010]

[0010] Still, in another embodiment, the anionic surfactant is a C11-C18 alkyl benzene sulfonate, a C10-C20 branched alkyl sulfate, a C10-C18 alkyl ethoxy sulfate, a mid-chain branched alkyl sulfate, a mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfate, a C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylate containing 1-5 ethoxy units, a modified alkyl benzene sulfonate, a C12-C20 methyl ester sulfonate, a C10-C18 alpha-olefin sulfonate, a C6-C20 sulfosuccinate, a fatty methyl ester sulfonate, an alkyl ethoxy sulfate, an alkyl polyalkoxylated carboxylate, or a mixture thereof. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the at least one anionic surfactant is a sulfate-based anionic surfactant, a sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the at least one anionic surfactant is sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium coco sulfate, ammonium coco sulfate, sodium hydroxypropyl sulfonate lauryl glucoside, ammonium hydroxypropyl sulfonate lauryl glucoside, sodium decyl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, ammonium decyl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, or mixtures thereof. In yet a further embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant are present in the disinfecting concentrate in a ratio of carboxylic acid to anionic surfactant of about 1:1.1 to about 1:50.

[0011] In one embodiment, the biodegradable container capable of decomposing in a solvent is formed from polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulose derivative, or a combination thereof. Additionally, in one embodiment, the disinfectant concentrate further comprises one or more nonionic surfactants, one or more cationic surfactants, or a combination thereof. Additionally, in one embodiment, the disinfectant concentrate further comprises a second organic acid, one or more fillers, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more fillers are sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0012]

[0012] The present disclosure is also generally directed to a disinfectant solution comprising any one or more of the above forms of disinfectant solution and diluent. In one form, the disinfectant concentrate is diluted with a diluent at a ratio of disinfectant concentrate to diluent of about 1:8 or greater, preferably about 1:10 to about 1:100. Additionally or alternatively, in one form, the disinfectant solution has a pH of less than 7. Further, in one form, the disinfectant solution exhibits microbial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at a contact time of 3 minutes according to the Germicidal Spray Test method AOAC 961.02. In yet a further form, the disinfectant concentrate exhibits a dilution time of about 3 minutes or less.

[0013]

[0013] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail below, and it should be understood that any one or more of the above aspects may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the other aspects discussed above or otherwise in this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] definition

[0014] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," or "generally," when used to modify a value, indicate that the value may be 10% higher or lower and remain within the range of the disclosed form, e.g., 7.5%, e.g., 5%, e.g., 4%, e.g., 3%, e.g., 2%, e.g., 1% higher or lower, or any range or value therebetween. Furthermore, the term "substantially free," when used to describe the amount of a substance in a material, is not intended to be limited to a total or complete absence of the recited substance in the material, and may correspond to the absence of any discernible or detectable amount of the recited substance in the material. Thus, for example, a material is "substantially free" of a substance if the amount of the substance in the material is less than the precision of an industry-accepted instrument or test for measuring the amount of the substance in the material. In certain example embodiments, a material may be "substantially free" of a substance if the amount of the substance in the material is less than 10%, less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%, or less than 0.1% by weight of the material.

[0015]

[0015] As used herein, the terms "disinfect" and / or "sterilize" mean that contaminants and / or pathogenic microorganisms are reduced by about 90% or more, such as about 91% or more, such as about 92% or more, such as about 93% or more, such as about 94% or more, such as about 95% or more, such as about 96% or more, such as about 97% or more, such as about 98% or more, such as about 99% or more, or any range or value therebetween, within a 24 hour period.

[0016]

[0016] As used herein, the term "powder" refers to free-flowing solid particles. Powder, as used herein, should be distinguished from a solution or suspension of one or more components in a solvent. Thus, in one form, "powder", as used herein, is understood to contain less than about 20% water by weight, such as about 15 wt.% or less, such as about 10 wt.% or less, such as about 8 wt.% or less, such as about 5 wt.% or less, or any range or value therebetween.

[0017] Detailed Description

[0017] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the discussion of the present invention is merely a description of exemplary embodiments, and is not intended as a limitation to the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018]

[0018] The present disclosure is generally directed to a unit dose disinfectant concentrate with improved sustainability. That is, the present disclosure has surprisingly found that by combining one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids with one or more anionic surfactants in a ratio of one or more carboxylic acids to one or more anionic surfactants of 1:1 or greater, a powdered disinfectant concentrate can be formed that is stable in a solvent degradable film container and still maintains excellent disinfecting properties. For example, the disinfectant powder of the present disclosure is stable in a solvent degradable carrier (e.g., a polyvinyl alcohol pouch or pod as discussed in more detail below) at 54°C for at least about 1 day when measured according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317), and is stable for, for example, about 3 days or longer, for example, about 1 week or longer, for example, about 10 days or longer, for example, about 2 weeks or longer when tested and measured at 54°C according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317). Thus, unlike previous disinfectant concentrates, the compositions of the present disclosure exhibit the necessary stability to be contained in soluble or degradable pods and considered shelf-stable. Thus, the disinfectant concentrates of the present disclosure reduce non-biodegradable packaging and also provide unit dose concentrates that can be added to a solvent / diluent to form a ready-to-use disinfectant solution for the end user.

[0019]

[0019] While exhibiting superior stability, the composition according to the present disclosure also exhibits superior dilution time, which means the time when the disinfectant concentrate is diluted with a diluent such as water to obtain a homogeneous or completely dissolved solution, with no visible particles remaining in the solution, when dissolved in OECD hard water (based on CaCO3 concentration 375 ppm), is about 30 minutes or less, such as about 20 minutes or less, such as about 15 minutes or less, such as about 10 minutes or less, such as about 5 minutes or less, such as about 3 minutes or less. Thus, while the disinfectant concentrate exhibits greatly improved stability, when placed in a solvent such as water, the anionic surfactant allows one or more carboxylic acids to interact with the diluent to rapidly disintegrate the container degradable in the solvent.

[0020]

[0020] Additionally, as mentioned above, it has surprisingly been found that when any one or more of the above disinfectant concentrates are diluted with a diluent such as water, the disinfectant solution, in addition to the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms or contaminants as described above, can exhibit microbial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at a contact time of 60 minutes or less according to disinfectant spray test method AOAC 961.02, for example about 45 minutes or less, such as about 30 minutes or less, for example about 15 minutes or less, such as about 10 minutes or less, for example about 5 minutes or less, such as about 4 minutes or less, for example about 3 minutes or less, according to disinfectant spray test method AOAC 961.02.

[0021]

[0021] Nevertheless, as mentioned above, the disinfectant concentrate is formed from a disinfectant powder comprising at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid is a C1-C10 carboxylic acid, such as citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, or mixtures thereof, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that other biodegradable carboxylic acids having disinfecting properties can be used. In one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid, lactic acid, or combinations thereof, and in one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, any two or more of the above biodegradable carboxylic acids are utilized in the disinfectant powder. However, in one embodiment, the disinfectant powder contains only a single type of acid, such as in one embodiment, only citric acid. As is clear from the above, in addition, in one embodiment, the biodegradable carboxylic acid is present in the composition in the form of a powder.

[0022]

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present disclosure has unexpectedly found that the stability of the disinfectant concentrate can be further improved by coating the biodegradable carboxylic acid powder particles with a compatibilizing agent. For example, without wishing to be limited by theory, one or more anionic surfactants may stabilize one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids, while a portion of the acid may still be able to hydrolyze and crosslink with the container that is soluble in the solvent. Thus, in one embodiment, a compatibilizing agent can be used to coat one or more carboxylic acids, thereby further preventing hydrolysis and crosslinking with the container that is degradable in the solvent. The compatibilizing agent may be a salt of a biodegradable carboxylic acid, such as a salt of a C1-C10 carboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the compatibilizing agent is a salt of citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, or a mixture thereof, and preferably, the compatibilizing agent is a salt of citric acid, sorbic acid, or a combination thereof. Additionally, in one form, the compatibilizer may be a salt of a biodegradable carboxylic acid present in the disinfectant concentrate (e.g., citric acid coated with sodium citrate).

[0023]

[0023] Regardless of whether the selected carboxylic acid is alone or includes one or more selected compatibilizers, the one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 10% to about 90% by weight, such as about 10% to about 50% by weight, such as about 15% to about 49%, such as about 20% to about 48%, such as about 25% to about 47%, such as about 30% to about 46%, such as about 35% to about 45%, or any range or value therebetween. Thus, the weight percentages above may refer to the carboxylic acid alone or to the combined weight of the one or more carboxylic acids, including the compatibilizer coating. Nevertheless, when the weight percentage includes the compatibilizer, as discussed in more detail below, the one or more carboxylic acids are still present in an amount sufficient to provide a disinfecting amount. However, in one form, the above weight percentages refer to the amount of active ingredients (e.g. one or more carboxylic acids) present in the disinfecting concentrate.

[0024] Surprisingly, the disinfectant concentrates formulated according to the present disclosure may be essentially free or completely free of quaternary ammonium compounds and other non-biodegradable disinfectants, such as halogenated compounds, such as sodium hypochlorite, and germicidal metals. As used herein, a quaternary ammonium compound is defined as a compound having four groups attached to a nitrogen, none of which is oxygen. For example, a quaternary ammonium compound may be attached to four groups that are independently alkyl or aromatic carbon chains. The carbon chains may be substituted with halogens, alcohols, or other chemical groups; however, the carbon chains should not contain another ionizable group (i.e., the quaternary ammonium group is the only ionizable group). However, these compounds are not biodegradable and also cause container failure, decomposable in solvents without achieving the required shelf life.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the disinfectant concentrate formulated according to the present disclosure may be essentially free of short chain alcohols (e.g., C1-C5 monoalcohols or diols). A short chain alcohol, as used herein, is defined as an organic compound containing an alcohol (C-OH) moiety that has a boiling point below about 140°C at standard temperature and pressure. Examples of short chain alcohols include methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, and isoamyl alcohol.

[0026]

[0026] Nevertheless, in one form, the disinfectant concentrate according to the present disclosure may be free of any other disinfectant actives other than the one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids.

[0027] Regardless of the one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids selected, the powdered disinfectant concentrate also contains one or more anionic surfactants. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is a C11-C18 alkyl benzene sulfonate, a C10-C20 branched alkyl sulfate, a C10-C18 alkyl ethoxy sulfate, a mid-chain branched alkyl sulfate, a mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfate, a C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylate containing 1-5 ethoxy units, a modified alkyl benzene sulfonate, a C12-C20 methyl ester sulfonate, a C10-C18 alpha-olefin sulfonate, a C6-C20 sulfosuccinate, a fatty methyl ester sulfonate, an alkyl ethyl oxy sulfate, an alkyl polyalkoxylated carboxylate, or a mixture thereof. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the at least one anionic surfactant is a sulfate-based anionic surfactant, a sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one anionic surfactant is sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium coco sulfate, ammonium coco sulfate, sodium lauryl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, ammonium lauryl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, sodium decyl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, ammonium decyl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, or mixtures thereof. While any one or more of the above anionic surfactants can be used in accordance with the present disclosure, in one embodiment, the one or more anionic surfactants include a blend of at least one sulfate-based anionic surfactant and at least one sulfonate-based anionic surfactant.

[0029] For example, in one embodiment, the one or more anionic surfactants may comprise a blend of at least one sulfate-based anionic surfactant and at least one sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant, with the ratio of at least one sulfate-based anionic surfactant to at least one sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant being 1:1 or greater, such as about 1:1.1 or greater, such as about 1:1.2 or greater, or any range or value therebetween. Of course, such ratios may refer to one sulfate or sulfonate, or may refer to the total amount of two or more sulfates or sulfonates.

[0030] Regardless of the one or more anionic surfactants selected, the one or more anionic surfactants may be present in the concentrate in an amount by weight of from about 20% to about 90%, such as from about 30% to about 85%, for example from about 35% to about 80%, for example from about 40% to about 75%, for example from about 45% to about 70%, for example from about 50% to about 65%, or any range or value therebetween.

[0031] However, as stated above, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is directed to disinfectants / sanitizers. Thus, in one embodiment, one or more anionic surfactants are selected to have little or no foaming properties, unlike the selected anionic surfactants for soaps, detergents, and other foaming personal care applications. Additionally, in one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is substantially free of any acid, and in one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is free of acid.

[0032]

[0032] Notwithstanding the amount of one or more anionic surfactants and biodegradable carboxylic acids contained in the disinfecting concentrate, as noted above, the present disclosure has surprisingly found that by carefully controlling the ratio of at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid to at least one anionic surfactant, a concentrate with improved stability can be formulated. Thus, in one form, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant are present in the disinfecting concentrate in a ratio of carboxylic acid to anionic surfactant of about 1:1 or more, such as about 1:1.1 or more, such as about 1:1.2 or more, such as about 1:1.3 or more, such as about 1:1.4 or more, such as about 1:1.5 or more, up to about 1:50 or less, such as about 1:45 or less, for example about 1:40 or less, such as about 1:30 or less, for example about 1:25 or less, such as about 1:20 or less, for example about 1:15 or less, such as about 1:10 or less, or any range or value therebetween.

[0033] Regardless of the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and at least one anionic surfactant selected, the disinfectant concentrate may contain one or more surfactants, fillers, and other inactive ingredients, such as fragrances, dyes, dispersants, chelating agents, stabilizers, and the like, so long as they do not act to hydrolyze or destabilize the degradable components in the solvent.

[0034] In one form, the disinfectant concentrate may include one or more nonionic surfactants, such as alkoxylated alcohols, fatty alcohols, glycol ethers, alkyl polyglucosides, phenol ethers, glycerol esters, fatty acid esters, amine oxides, alkylene glycols, and combinations thereof. For example, in one form, the nonionic surfactants can include polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers, alkyl polyglucosides, glucoside alkyl ethers, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ethers, glycerol alkyl esters, polyglycerol esters, glyceryl laurate, polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamers and polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), and mixtures thereof.

[0035]

[0035] When present, one or more nonionic surfactants may be present in the disinfectant concentrate in an amount of about 10% or less, such as about 9% or less, such as about 8% or less, such as about 7% or less, such as about 6% or less, such as about 5% or less, such as about 4% or less, such as about 3% or less, such as about 2% or less, such as about 1% or more, or any range or value therebetween, based on the weight of the disinfectant concentrate.

[0036] The disinfectant concentrate may include one or more non-quaternary ammonium (quat) cationic surfactants. For example, in one form, the non-quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are primary, secondary and / or tertiary amines, such as one or more C8-C22 primary, secondary and / or tertiary amines.

[0037]

[0037] When present, one or more cationic surfactants may be present in the disinfectant concentrate in an amount of about 10% or less, such as about 9% or less, such as about 8% or less, such as about 7% or less, such as about 6% or less, such as about 5% or less, such as about 4% or less, such as about 3% or less, such as about 2% or less, such as about 1% or more, or any range or value therebetween, based on the weight of the disinfectant concentrate.

[0038]

[0038] The disinfectant concentrate may include one or more fillers. Fillers utilized in the disinfectant concentrate may include inorganic salts of sulfate, carbonate, and chloride anions. In one form, the fillers may include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium salts of sulfate, carbonate, and chloride anions.

[0039]

[0039] When present, one or more fillers may be present in the disinfectant concentrate in an amount of from about 1% to about 90% by weight of the disinfectant concentrate, such as from about 2.5% to about 80% by weight, such as from about 5% to about 70% by weight, such as from about 7.5% to about 60% by weight, such as from about 10% to about 50% by weight, or any range or value therebetween.

[0040] Regardless of the final formulation of the disinfectant powder, the disinfectant powder of the present disclosure is placed in a solvent-degradable container. In one embodiment, the solvent-degradable container containing the powdered disinfectant does not require additional individual packaging to improve the stability of the concentrate of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, in one embodiment, two or more of the solvent-degradable containers of the present disclosure may be placed in a package that prevents premature contact of the disinfectant concentrate with water, such as an overpack container known in the art. However, as stated, it should be understood that such a package contains a plurality of the solvent-degradable containers of the present disclosure and does not include a non-degradable package for each unit dose.

[0041]

[0041] Nevertheless, in one embodiment, the solvent decomposable container is formed from one or more films formed from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyalkylene oxide, cellulose or its derivatives, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polysaccharides such as starch and gelatin, natural gums such as xanthum and carragum, glycerin, chitosan, modified starches, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the solvent decomposable biodegradable container is formed from polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulose derivative, or a combination thereof.

[0042] In one embodiment, the solvent-degradable container contains polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of at least 60% based on the weight of the container (before containing the disinfectant powder), for example, about 70% or more, for example about 80% or more, for example about 90% or more, for example up to 100% polyvinyl alcohol based on the weight of the empty container. In one embodiment, the film is crosslinked to increase the strength and flexibility of the film. However, as mentioned above, the crosslinker and any other additives should maintain the biodegradability of the solvent-degradable container and should not slow down or hinder the dissolution of the disinfectant concentrate when immersed in a solvent such as water.

[0043]

[0043] After the formation of the water-soluble film, the disinfectant powder can be prepared by preparing the disinfectant powder and sealing a portion of the disinfectant powder in a container such as a pouch, pod, or packet formed by a water-soluble film as discussed above, such as a polyvinyl alcohol film or other biodegradable water-soluble polymer film. Preparing the disinfectant powder can include combining one or more of the components of the concentrated disinfectant powder and mixing the combined components to produce the disinfectant powder. The container containing the disinfectant powder is then sealed by any known device and / or technique.

[0044] Each unit dose disinfectant concentrate may contain a sufficient amount of active ingredient to provide the disinfecting properties discussed above in combination with a sufficient amount of anionic surfactant to stabilize one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that various amounts can be used based on the final dilution ratio that, when diluted, results in a final concentration of active of 100 ppm to about 12,000 ppm, such as about 1,000 ppm to about 11,000 ppm, such as about 2,500 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, such as about 4,000 ppm to about 9,000 ppm, or any range or value therebetween. The unit dose container can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, but in one form, the unit dose container may have an overall square or rectangular cross section, or alternatively, may be formed with a long cylindrical cross section to facilitate use in a bottle.

[0045]

[0045] As discussed above, the disinfectant concentrate according to the present disclosure is a unit dose, which means that each water-degradable container contains a sufficient amount of disinfectant powder to provide the above disinfecting / germicidal effect when diluted with water or another suitable solvent. In one form, each water-degradable container can be diluted with a diluent in a ratio of disinfectant concentrate to diluent of about 1:8 or more, such as about 1:9 or more, such as about 1:10 or more, such as about 1:11 or more, such as about 1:12 or more, such as about 1:13 or more, such as about 1:14 or more, and up to about 1:100 or less, such as up to about 1:90 or less, such as up to about 1:80 or less, such as up to about 1:70 or less, or any range or value therebetween.

[0046]

[0046] The disinfectant solution, once diluted, has an acidic pH of about 7 or less, such as about 6.5 or less, such as about 6 or less, such as about 5.5 or less, such as about 5 or less, such as about 4.5 or less, such as about 4 or less, such as about 3.5 or less, such as about 1.5 or more, or any range or value therebetween. Thus, without wishing to be limited by theory, it has been found that by maintaining an acidic pH, the disinfectant properties of the disinfectant solution can be further improved while still maintaining the stability of the disinfectant concentrate in the container, which is still decomposable in the solvent.

[0047]

[0047] Nevertheless, the present disclosure is also generally directed to disinfecting and / or sanitizing hard surfaces and / or cleaning and / or sterilizing equipment.Thus, in one form, the disinfectant solution (e.g., after dilution of the disinfectant concentrate) can be delivered to a surface for cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting by conventional methods, such as, for example, pouring the composition onto the surface; spraying the surface, such as, but not limited to, pump spray applicator, pressurized spray applicator, etc.; saturated wipes; rags and buckets; mops and buckets; sponges and buckets, or by automatic cleaning devices and other similar and conventional methods for applying antimicrobial or disinfectant compositions to surfaces for the purpose of disinfecting or sanitizing the surfaces.

[0048] To use the disinfectant solution of the present disclosure, a surface is treated with a base by spraying, pouring, wiping, or otherwise applying the disinfectant solution to the surface. Once applied to the surface, the disinfectant solution is left on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition is applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or alternatively, may be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device.

[0049]

[0049] Surfaces that can be disinfected with the disinfectant composition include, but are not limited to, those located in dairy facilities, homes, health care facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing plants, restaurants, hospitals, facilities, and factories such as secondary oil extraction. Any suitable hard surface, especially hard surfaces that are frequently touched, can be treated according to the present disclosure. Hard surfaces may be made of, for example, glass, metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, ceramics, stones such as granite or marble, plastic or polymeric materials, and the like. Specific areas of application include hard surfaces in the home, such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, trash cans, laundry areas, trash pails, bathroom fixtures, toilets, fish tanks, faucets, mirrors, vanities, bathtubs, and showers. The composition can also be used to sanitize floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, toilet fixtures, windows, and wood surfaces, such as fence rails, porch rails, decks, roofing, wallboard, window frames, and door frames. The composition is particularly well suited for application to surfaces that indirectly come into contact with food, such as cutting boards, kitchen utensils, containers, dishes, washbowls, equipment, and countertops.The areas within a hospital are expected to include beds, gurneys, tables, canisters, toilets, trash cans, stands, cabinets, shower rooms, floors, doorknobs, bed rails, walls, or any other non-porous surfaces.Specifically, in one form, the surface may be any inanimate, non-porous, hard surface.

[0050]

[0050] The following examples are intended to provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0051] Example 1 Samples 1-3 were formed according to Table 1 and placed into polyvinyl alcohol water-degradable containers available from Aicello, Inc. weighing approximately 0.4 grams (e.g., weight of film before containing sample). Approximately 14.2 g of sample was placed into each polyvinyl alcohol water-degradable pouch.

[0052] [Table 1]

[0053]

[0052] Samples 1-3 were tested for stability according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317). The results are illustrated in Table 2 below. After 1 week and 2 week stability testing, the samples were diluted with 32 ounces of water (e.g., one pod / pouch was dissolved in 32 ounces of water) to form a ready-to-use disinfectant solution containing about 6,000 ppm of active material. The disinfectant solution was then tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to germicide spray test method AOAC 961.02. The results are reproduced in Table 2 below.

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] As illustrated in Table 2, the disinfectant concentrate according to the present disclosure exhibited excellent storage stability while maintaining a fast dissolution time. In addition, the disinfectant solution also exhibited excellent control of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa once diluted according to the germicide spray test method AOAC 961.02.

[0056]

[0054] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence and spirit of the present invention, which are more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the forms of the various embodiments are interchangeable, both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is merely an example, and is not intended to limit the present invention, and therefore are set forth in such appended claims.

Claims

1. A disinfectant concentrate containing disinfectant powder placed in a biodegradable container that can be decomposed in a solvent, The disinfectant powder is At least one biodegradable carboxylic acid, At least one anionic surfactant Includes, The at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant are present in the disinfectant concentrate in a ratio of about 1:1 or greater on a weight-to-weight basis, where the ratio of the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid to the at least one anionic surfactant is approximately 1:1 or greater; A biodegradable container that can be decomposed in the solvent is a disinfectant concentrate that is stable at 54°C for at least one week when measured according to the EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317).

2. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is a C1 to C10 carboxylic acid.

3. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, or a mixture thereof.

4. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid or lactic acid, preferably the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid.

5. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is coated with a compatibilizer, preferably the compatibilizer is a salt of the biodegradable carboxylic acid.

6. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 5, wherein the compatibilizer is a salt of a C1-C10 carboxylic acid.

7. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 5, wherein the compatibilizer is a salt of citric acid, a salt of sorbic acid, a salt of acetate, a salt of boric acid, a salt of formic acid, a salt of maleic acid, a salt of adipic acid, a salt of lactic acid, a salt of malic acid, a salt of malonic acid, a salt of glycolic acid, or a mixture thereof, and preferably the compatibilizer is a salt of citric acid, a salt of sorbic acid, or a combination thereof.

8. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant is a C11-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonate, a C10-C20 branched alkyl sulfate, a C10-C18 alkyl ethoxy sulfate, a medium-chain branched alkyl sulfate, a medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfate, a C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylate containing 1 to 5 ethoxy units, a modified alkylbenzene sulfonate, a C12-C20 methyl ester sulfonate, a C10-C18 alpha-olefin sulfonate, a C6-C20 sulfosuccinate, a fatty methyl ester sulfonate, an alkyl ethyl oxy sulfate, an alkyl polyalkoxy carboxylate, or a mixture thereof.

9. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant is a sulfate-based anionic surfactant, a sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof.

10. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant is sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cumenesulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium cocosulfate, ammonium cocosulfate, sodium lauryl glucoside hydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium lauryl glucoside hydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium decyl glucoside hydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium decyl glucoside hydroxypropylsulfonate, or a mixture thereof.

11. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant are present in the disinfectant concentrate in a ratio of about 1:1.1 to about 1:50 of carboxylic acid to anionic surfactant.

12. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biodegradable container that can be decomposed in the solvent is formed from polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulose derivative, or a combination thereof.

13. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more nonionic surfactants, one or more cationic surfactants, or a combination thereof.

14. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second organic acid, one or more fillers, or a combination thereof.

15. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 14, wherein the disinfectant concentrate further comprises one or more fillers, optionally, the one or more fillers being sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or a combination thereof.

16. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a biodegradable container that can be decomposed in the solvent is stable at 54°C for at least two weeks when measured according to the EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317).

17. A disinfectant solution comprising the disinfectant concentrate and diluent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfectant concentrate is optionally diluted with the diluent in a ratio of about 1:8 or greater, preferably in a ratio of about 1:10 to about 1:

100.

18. The disinfectant solution according to claim 17, having a pH of less than 7.

19. The disinfectant solution according to claim 18, which exhibits microbial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus after a contact time of 3 minutes, in accordance with the disinfectant spray test method AOAC961.

02.

20. The disinfectant solution according to claim 17, wherein the disinfectant concentrate exhibits a dilution time of approximately 3 minutes or less.