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 exhibiting excellent stability, the disinfectant concentrate can also be rapidly dissolved in water, and once diluted, 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 formulating 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 their effectiveness, 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 disinfecting agent formulations are not compatible with the films utilized to form the degradable or soluble packaging, and hydrolysis of the film begins before contact with the solvent, causing the known formulations to break the soluble packaging before the required shelf life stability is met. In addition, unlike the powdered, granular or tablet formulations known in the dishwashing and laundry industries, liquid disinfectants have further problems with stability due to the increased contact area between the disinfecting agent and the soluble film forming the packaging.

[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 liquid disposed in a compartment of a biodegradable container degradable in a solvent, also referred to as a water-degradable container or a water-soluble container. The disinfectant liquid comprises at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid, at least one anionic surfactant, the at least one anionic surfactant being a sulfate-based anionic surfactant, a sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant, a carboxylic acid-based anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof, and optionally comprising an alcohol solvent, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant being present in the disinfectant concentrate at about 1:1 or greater carboxylic acid to anionic surfactant on a weight to weight basis. Regardless of the total number of solvents present in the disinfectant liquid, the disinfectant liquid contains a total amount of solvents up to about 50 wt.%. In addition, the biodegradable container degradable in a solvent is stable at 54°C for at least one week when measured according to the EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317). Additionally, in one embodiment, the biodegradable container that is decomposable in a solvent is stable for at least two weeks at 54° C. as measured according to EPA storage stability testing 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 lactic acid.

[0009]

[0009] 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 ethyl oxy 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 lauryl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, ammonium lauryl glucoside hydroxypropyl sulfonate, 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.

[0010] In one form, the biodegradable container that is decomposable in a solvent is formed from polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulose derivative, or a combination thereof.

[0011] Moreover, in one embodiment, the disinfectant concentrate further comprises one or more nonionic surfactants, one or more cationic surfactants, a second anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the disinfectant concentrate further comprises saturated fatty acids, such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, oleic acid, decaoleic acid, and mixtures thereof, and / or in one embodiment, may be one or more of polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, such as polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 decaoleate; polyglyceryl-3 monostearate; polyglyceryl-6 distearate, polyglyceryl-10 stearate; polyglyceryl-10 oleate; polyglyceryl-10 dipalmitate, or polyglyceryl-10 caprylic acid / caprate. In a further aspect, the disinfectant concentrate may comprise one or more non-ionic surfactants, and the one or more non-ionic surfactants may comprise an alcohol ethoxylate.

[0011]

[0012] The disinfectant concentrate, in one form, may also include a non-aqueous solvent, such as glycerin, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycol ethers, such as ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl, or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl or ethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl or ethyl ether, methoxy-, ethoxy-, or butoxy triglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, or mixtures thereof. In one form, the disinfectant concentrate includes an alcohol solvent, which is methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, or a combination thereof. Further, in one embodiment, the disinfectant concentrate may further comprise a wetting agent, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the pH of the disinfectant liquid is less than about 7, preferably about 1 to about 6, and even more preferably about 1.5 to about 5.

[0012]

[0013] The present disclosure is also generally directed to a disinfectant solution comprising any one or more of the above forms of disinfectant concentrate 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]

[0014] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail below, and it will be understood that any one or more of the above aspects can be utilized alone or in combination with any of the other aspects discussed above or otherwise herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Definition

[0015] 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 may remain within the range of the disclosed form, such as 7.5%, such as 5%, such as 4%, such as 3%, such as 2%, such as 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 a 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]

[0016] 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]

[0017] Detailed Description

[0018] 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.

[0017]

[0019] 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 liquid disinfectant concentrate can be formed that is stable in a water-degradable film container and still maintains excellent disinfecting properties.In addition, as will be discussed in more detail below, in some forms, additional nonionic surfactants, one or more non-water solvents, saturated fatty acids, or combinations thereof may further contribute to the stability of the disinfectant concentrate according to the present disclosure.

[0018]

[0020] For example, the disinfectant liquid of the present disclosure is stable in a solvent degradable carrier (e.g., 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, e.g., about 3 days or more, e.g., about 1 week or more, e.g., about 10 days or more, e.g., about 2 weeks or more when tested and measured at 54°C according to EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317). Thus, unlike previous disinfectant concentrates, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits the necessary stability to be contained in a soluble or degradable pod and considered shelf-stable. Thus, the disinfectant concentrate of the present disclosure reduces non-biodegradable packaging and provides a unit dose concentrate that can be added to a solvent / diluent to form a ready-to-use disinfectant solution for the end user.

[0019]

[0021] While exhibiting superior stability, the compositions according to the present disclosure also exhibit superior dilution times, meaning the time at which the disinfectant concentrate diluted with a diluent such as water results in a homogenous or fully 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 4 minutes or less. Thus, while the disinfectant concentrate exhibits greatly improved stability, when placed in a film-dissolving solvent such as water, the anionic surfactant allows one or more carboxylic acids to interact with the diluent to rapidly disintegrate the degradable container in the solvent.

[0020]

[0022] In addition, 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 in 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 8 minutes or less, such as about 7.5 minutes or less, for example about 5 minutes or less according to disinfectant spray test method AOAC 961.02.

[0021]

[0023] Nevertheless, as mentioned above, the disinfectant concentrate is formed from a disinfectant liquid 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 with disinfecting properties can be used. In one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is citric acid, lactic acid, or a combination thereof, and in one embodiment, the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid is lactic acid. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, any two or more of the above biodegradable carboxylic acids are utilized in the disinfectant liquid. However, in one embodiment, the disinfectant liquid contains only a single type of acid, such as in one embodiment, only lactic acid.

[0022]

[0024] Regardless of the carboxylic acid selected, the one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 30% by weight, such as about 1.5% to about 15% by weight, such as about 2% to about 14%, such as about 3% to about 13%, such as about 4% to about 12%, such as about 5% to about 10%, or any range or value therebetween. Nonetheless, as discussed in more detail below, the one or more carboxylic acids are present in an amount sufficient to provide the disinfecting properties discussed above.

[0023]

[0025] Surprisingly, the disinfectant concentrate 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 chain may be substituted with halogens, alcohols, or other chemical groups; however, the carbon chain 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 damage to containers that can decompose in solvents without achieving the required shelf life.

[0024]

[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.

[0025]

[0027] Regardless of the one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids selected, the disinfectant liquid also includes one or more anionic surfactants. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is a C11-C18 alkyl benzene sulfonate, a C8-C20 linear or branched alkyl sulfate, a C8-C18 alkyl ethoxy sulfate, a mid-chain branched alkyl sulfate, a mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfate, a C8-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.

[0026]

[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, sodium octyl 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.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 two or more sulfate-based anionic surfactants and two or more sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactants, or a combination of sulfate and sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactants.

[0027]

[0029] Regardless of the one or more anionic surfactants selected, the one or more anionic surfactants may be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 1% to about 90% by weight, such as about 1.5% to about 80% by weight, such as about 2% to about 70% by weight, such as about 2.5% to about 60% by weight, such as about 3% to about 50% by weight, such as about 3.5% to about 40%, such as about 4% to about 20%, such as about 4.5% to about 17%, such as about 5% to about 16%, or any range or value therebetween. In one embodiment, when more than one anionic surfactant is present, each of the anionic surfactants may be present according to any one or more of the weight percentages above. However, in one embodiment, it should be understood that the weight percentages above encompass all of the anionic surfactants present in the concentrate.

[0028]

[0030] However, as mentioned above, it should be understood that the present disclosure is directed to disinfectants / sanitizers.Therefore, 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.In addition, in one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is substantially free of any acid, and in one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is free of acid.

[0029]

[0031] 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 the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid to the 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.

[0030]

[0032] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure has surprisingly found that including one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more non-aqueous solvents, and / or one or more fatty acids can further improve the stability of the disinfectant concentrate.For example, without wishing to be limited by theory, one or more anionic surfactants may stabilize one or more biodegradable carboxylic acids, while some of the acids may still be able to hydrolyze and crosslink with the container that is soluble in the solvent.Therefore, in one embodiment, one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more non-aqueous solvents, and / or one or more fatty acids can be used to additionally stabilize one or more carboxylic acids to further prevent hydrolysis and crosslinking of the container that is degradable in the solvent.

[0031]

[0033] Thus, in one form, the disinfectant concentrate also includes one or more non-ionic 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 surfactant may 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 ether, 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, and preferably, in one form, at least one of the nonionic surfactants is an alcohol ethoxylate.

[0032]

[0034] The one or more non-ionic surfactants, if present, may be present in the disinfectant concentrate in an amount of about 50% or less, such as about 49% or less, such as about 48% or less, such as about 47% or less, such as about 46% or less, such as about 45% or less, such as about 40% or less, such as about 35% or less, such as about 1% or more, such as about 5% or more, such as about 10% or more, such as about 15% or more, such as about 20% or more, or any range or value therebetween, based on the weight of the disinfectant concentrate.

[0033]

[0035] Additionally, as noted above, the disinfecting concentrate of the present disclosure may include saturated fatty acids. In one form, the saturated fatty acids are medium chain saturated fatty acids, such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, oleic acid, decaoleic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0034]

[0036] The one or more saturated fatty acids, when present, may be present in the disinfectant concentrate in an amount of from about 1% to about 30% by weight, such as from about 1.5% to about 20% by weight, such as from about 2% to about 19%, such as from about 3% to about 18%, such as from about 4% to about 17%, such as from about 5% to about 16%, or any range or value therebetween.

[0035]

[0037] In addition, as briefly mentioned above, the disinfectant concentrate of the present disclosure may include one or more non-aqueous solvents. In one form, the non-aqueous solvent is still water-miscible to aid in dissolution upon dilution of the disinfectant concentrate. Thus, in one form, the non-aqueous solvent may be an alcohol, a glycol ether, a glycol, or a combination thereof.

[0036]

[0038] For example, in one aspect, the non-aqueous solvent may be an organic alcohol solvent, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol, such as 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, or combinations thereof.

[0037]

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the non-water solvent may be a glycol or glycol ether solvent, such as diethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl, or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl or ethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl or ethyl ether, ethyl ether, methoxy-, ethoxy-, or butoxy triglycol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol mono The glycol monoglyceride may be selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol (1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol), propylene glycol monocaprylate, and polyethylene glycol caprylate, or combinations thereof.

[0038]

[0040] The non-water solvent, in one form, may be a diol, such as propanediol or butanediol, or a combination of any two or more of the organic alcohols, diols, glycols, or glycol ethers described above. In one form, the glycols, glycol ethers, diols, or organic alcohols may include hexylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, glycol ethers, glycerol, or combinations thereof.

[0039]

[0041] One or more of these solvents, if present, may be present in the disinfectant concentrate in an amount of about 50% or less, such as about 49% or less, such as about 48% or less, such as about 47% or less, such as about 46% or less, such as about 45% or less, such as about 40% or less, such as about 35% or less, such as about 1% or more, such as about 5% or more, such as about 10% or more, such as about 15% or more, such as about 20% or more, or any range or value therebetween, based on the weight of the disinfectant concentrate. Of course, as stated above, the weight ratio may refer to the organic alcohol alone, the glycol ether alone, or alternatively, the total weight of all of the solvents contained in the disinfectant concentrate.

[0040]

[0042] Regardless of the at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one selected anionic surfactant, the disinfectant concentrate may contain one or more surfactants, fillers, lubricants, such as glycerin, chelating agents, and other inactive ingredients, such as fragrances, dyes, dispersants, stabilizers, and the like, so long as they do not act to hydrolyze or destabilize the degradable container in the solvent.

[0041]

[0043] 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.

[0042]

[0044] The one or more cationic surfactants, if present, 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.

[0043]

[0045] The disinfectant concentrate may include one or more fillers. The 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.

[0044]

[0046] The one or more fillers, if present, 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.

[0045]

[0047] Surprisingly, the present disclosure has found that the disinfectant liquid 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, and also has an acidic pH of about 1.5 or more, or any range or value therebetween. That is, 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 a container that is dissolvable in a solvent.

[0046]

[0048] Regardless of the final formulation of the disinfectant liquid, the disinfectant liquid of the present disclosure is placed in a solvent-degradable container. In one form, the solvent-degradable container containing the disinfectant liquid concentrate does not need additional individual packaging to improve the stability of the concentrate of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, in one form, 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.

[0047]

[0049] Nevertheless, in one embodiment, the solvent degradable 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 degradable biodegradable container is formed from polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulose derivative, or a combination thereof.

[0048]

[0050] 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 liquid), for example, about 70% or more, such as about 80% or more, such as about 90% or more, such as 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.

[0049]

[0051] After the formation of the water-soluble film, the disinfectant liquid can be prepared by preparing the disinfectant liquid and sealing a portion of the disinfectant liquid 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 liquid can include combining one or more of the components of the concentrated disinfectant liquid and mixing the combined components to produce the disinfectant liquid. The container containing the disinfectant liquid is then sealed by any known device and / or technique.

[0050]

[0052] Each unit dose disinfectant concentrate may contain a sufficient amount of active ingredient to obtain 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 substance of 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, such as about 250 ppm to about 8,000 ppm, such as about 500 ppm to about 6,000 ppm, such as about 750 ppm to about 4,000 ppm, such as about 1,000 ppm to about 3,000 ppm, or any range or value therebetween.

[0051]

[0053] Further, in one form, each unit amount of disinfectant concentrate may contain from about 2 grams to about 60 grams of disinfectant liquid, such as from about 3 grams to about 45 grams, such as from about 4 grams to about 40 grams, or any value or range of grams therebetween. While the unit dose containers can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, in one form, the unit dose containers may have an overall square or rectangular cross-section, or alternatively, may be formed with an elongated cylindrical cross-section to facilitate use in a bottle.

[0052]

[0054] 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 liquid 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 at 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, 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.

[0053]

[0055] 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, and also has an acidic pH of 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 that is degradable in the solvent.

[0054]

[0056] 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, disinfectant solution (e.g., after dilution of disinfectant concentrate) can be delivered to surface for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting by conventional methods, such as pouring composition onto surface; spraying surface, such as, but not limited to, pump spray applicator, pressurized spray applicator, etc.; saturated wipe; rag and bucket; mop and bucket; sponge and bucket, or by automatic cleaning device and other similar and conventional methods for applying antimicrobial or disinfectant composition to surface for the purpose of disinfecting or disinfecting surface.

[0055]

[0057] 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, it may be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device.

[0056]

[0058] 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 can 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 cans, 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.

[0057]

[0059] The following examples are intended to provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0058] Example 1

[0060] Sample 1 was formed according to Table 1 and placed into a polyvinyl alcohol water-degradable container weighing approximately 0.8 grams (e.g., weight of film before containing sample) available from Aicello, Inc. Approximately 30 g of sample was placed into each polyvinyl alcohol water-degradable pouch.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060]

[0061] Sample 1 was 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 sample was 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 approximately 2,115 ppm of active material. The disinfectant solution was then tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the germicide spray test method AOAC 961.02. The results are reproduced in Table 2 below.

[0061] [Table 2]

[0062] 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.

[0063]

[0063] 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 a disinfectant liquid placed in a compartment of a biodegradable container that can be decomposed in water, The disinfectant liquid is At least one biodegradable carboxylic acid, At least one anionic surfactant Optionally, an alcohol solvent Includes, The at least one anionic surfactant is a sulfate-based anionic surfactant, a sulfonic acid-based anionic surfactant, a carboxylic acid-based anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof. The disinfectant liquid contains a total amount of solvent up to approximately 50 wt.%. The at least one biodegradable carboxylic acid and the at least one anionic surfactant are present in the disinfectant concentrate in a carboxylic acid to anionic surfactant ratio of about 1:1 or greater on a weight-to-weight basis. The biodegradable container, which can be broken down in water, is stable at 54°C for at least one week when measured according to the EPA storage stability test protocol (830.6317), and is a disinfectant concentrate.

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 lactic acid.

5. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant is a C11-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonate, a C8-C20 linear or 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 C8-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.

6. 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.

7. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant is sodium laureth sulfate, sodium octyl 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.

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

9. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising saturated fatty acids, the saturated fatty acids being preferably caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, oleic acid, decaoleic acid, and mixtures thereof.

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

11. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 10, wherein the disinfectant concentrate contains one or more nonionic surfactants, and preferably, the one or more nonionic surfactants are alcohol ethoxylates.

12. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a solvent other than water, preferably the solvent other than water being glycerin, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycol ether, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the solvent other than water being ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl, or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl or ethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl or ethyl ether, methoxy, ethoxy, or butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, or a mixture thereof.

13. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfectant concentrate comprises the alcohol solvent, and the alcohol solvent is methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, or a combination thereof.

14. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a wetting agent, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.

15. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pH of the disinfectant liquid is less than about 7, preferably about 1 to about 6, and more preferably about 1.5 to about 5.

16. The disinfectant concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biodegradable container that can be decomposed in water 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.

18. The disinfectant solution according to claim 17, wherein the disinfectant concentrate is diluted with a diluent in a ratio of about 1:8 or greater, preferably in a ratio of about 1:10 to about 1:

100.

19. The disinfectant solution according to claim 17, which exhibits microbial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus after a contact time of 3 minutes, according to 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.