Method for decontaminating a solid surface

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the decontamination of microorganisms on solid surfaces. The present disclosure provides a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface by employing a combination of a quaternary ammonium compound coating and an applied electric field on the solid surface. In particular, the method comprises exposing the solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, wherein the solid surface has a coating of a quaternary ammonium compound. Corresponding products including kits and solid materials / devices are also provided. The method has a high efficiency (>4 log 10 or >99.99%) in reducing / removing the microbial load on the solid surface; the requirement of a very low concentration of the quaternary ammonium compound [about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v)] to achieve the above high efficiency; and has multiple advantages including but not limited to a shorter period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of microbial decontamination, and particularly focuses on the decontamination of solid surfaces. The present disclosure provides a method and a product for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface by employing a combination of the application of a quaternary ammonium compound and the application of a special electric field.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, various types of solid surfaces / materials (fabrics, fibers, metals, woods, plastics, glasses, polymers, etc.) used in different industries are exposed to contamination by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, various microbial spores, etc.). For example, various bacteria and viruses have been found on different types of surfaces (e.g., floors, tables, doorknobs, handles, bed rails, carpets, curtains, etc.) in healthcare facilities, food manufacturing facilities, schools, and society at large.

[0003] In the medical / healthcare industry, microorganisms are trapped on solid surfaces (mattresses, chair cushions, instruments / devices, etc.), which are difficult to remove by washing. In particular, surfaces such as hospital mattresses and chair cushions in public places are often exposed to various drug-resistant microorganisms. In many cases, these microorganisms penetrate into the gaps caused by the nature of the fabrics used. Also, aprons and PPE, especially those worn in laboratories and hospitals, will either be discarded or be thoroughly purified. It is rare for these to get dirty or greasy, and it is an important requirement to keep these clothing items free of microorganisms. In addition, frequently touched wood or metal surfaces such as tables and chairs contain a high microbial load, which often transmits an individual's skin bacteria to others.

[0004] Similarly, in large-scale food processing industries and large-scale industrial kitchens, cutting and shredding surfaces become rapidly contaminated, and it is often necessary to clean these solid surfaces to a microbe-free surface. In the food industry, various types of solid surfaces such as plastics, stainless steel, glass, and wood are currently used, and these are exposed to contamination by microorganisms that can cause secondary contamination of food through contact with the working surface.

[0005] Contamination of solid surfaces can pose a serious public health problem, and in fact, several disease pandemics may be related to contamination of solid surfaces. The risk of infection resulting from transmission through contaminated solid surfaces depends on a number of factors, such as the level of excretion of infectious particles, their stability on the solid surface, and their resistance to decontamination procedures, as well as the low dose required for infection. In fact, many microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses remain infectious for up to several weeks, which is considered another important factor in environmental transmission.

[0006] Purification and disinfection procedures using antimicrobial agents are common techniques employed to reduce the microbial load on solid surfaces. However, the effectiveness of these techniques is limited because the achieved level of microbial reduction is not as desired. In addition, these techniques have other drawbacks, such as the need for very high concentrations / amounts of antimicrobial agents, especially very long exposure times for high microbial load / highly contaminated surfaces, the use of hazardous chemicals for decontamination, and the use of manual decontamination processes that are prone to errors. Therefore, an effective method for reducing or removing microbial contamination on solid surfaces is an urgent need in the art. The present disclosure addresses the above needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface, comprising exposing the solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF), wherein the solid surface has a coating of a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises the following: providing a solid surface, wherein the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, or coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface; and exposing the coated solid surface to the electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF) to reduce or remove the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0009] In an embodiment of the method, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) is a quaternary ammonium salt (QAS).

[0010] In an embodiment of the method, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is cetrimonium salt or stearalkonium salt.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present method, the cetrimonium salt or stearyltrimonium salt is selected from the group consisting of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (STAC), and mixtures thereof.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present method, the quaternary ammonium salt is CTAB.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present method, the coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 4 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present method, the solid surface is selected from the group consisting of fabric, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass, polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0015] The present disclosure further provides a kit comprising: A quaternary ammonium compound, or a solid material coated with a quaternary ammonium compound; A power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF; and An instruction manual containing instructions for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface.

[0016] The present disclosure also provides a solid material or device comprising: A coating of a quaternary ammonium compound; and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] In view of the limitations discussed above, the present disclosure aims to address the need for a method for reducing or removing microorganisms on a solid surface.

[0018] In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for effective microbial killing on a solid surface by activation / potentiation of a solid surface contaminated with microorganisms.

[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to achieve reduction or removal of microorganisms from a solid surface with a very low concentration of an antimicrobial agent, thereby making the method safe / non-toxic to humans.

[0020] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to achieve reduction or removal of microorganisms from a solid surface in a very short period of time.

[0021] Still another object of the present disclosure is to achieve up to 100% reduction or removal of microorganisms from a solid surface in a very short period of time.

[0022] Still another object of the present disclosure is to achieve the ability to very efficiently destroy a wide range of microorganisms including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, etc.

[0023] Accordingly, the present disclosure intends to provide a simple, economical, effective, environmentally considerate and sustainable solution for simultaneously addressing the above-mentioned needs, and to achieve the above-mentioned objects.

[0024] Before going into more detail, the following provides definitions of some terms used throughout the present disclosure.

[0025] As used herein, the term "solid surface" refers to any part / portion of a solid material, including a flexible solid material or a non-flexible / rigid solid material. Some examples of solid materials include, but are not limited to, fabrics, fibers, metals, woods, plastics, glasses, and polymers. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a solid surface according to the present disclosure is any part of a solid material that has the potential or risk of microbial contamination. In some embodiments, the solid surface includes the surface (outer layer or exposed portion) of the solid material. In some embodiments, the solid surface includes the inner portion (excluding the outer layer / exposed portion) of the solid material. For example, in the case of a fabric, the solid surface includes the surface or outer exposed layer of the fabric, or the inner threads used to make the fabric.

[0026] As used herein, the term / phrase "coated solid surface" refers to a solid surface that has already been coated (i.e., pre-coated) with a quaternary ammonium compound, or a solid surface onto which a quaternary ammonium compound has been actively coated by any coating step / procedure.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "reduce or remove microorganisms from", "kill microorganisms", "reduce the microbial load", or "remove the microbial load" are used interchangeably and refer to the decontamination, inactivation, or killing of microorganisms. Based on the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above features mean the decontamination of microorganisms on any solid surface.

[0028] Method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface The present disclosure provides a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface by employing a combination of antimicrobial agent treatment and application of an electric field on the solid surface.

[0029] In particular, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface, comprising exposing the solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF), wherein the solid surface has a coating of a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method comprises: providing a solid surface, wherein the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface; and exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF) to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method comprises: coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface; and exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF) to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the solid surface having a coating of a quaternary ammonium compound is exposed to the electric field after contamination by microorganisms.

[0033] In some embodiments, the step of coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound is performed at a temperature of about 25°C to 100°C for a period of about 2 hours to 10 hours.

[0034] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) is a quaternary ammonium salt (QAS).

[0035] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) comprises a quaternary ammonium cation and a halide anion. In some embodiments, the halide is bromide, chloride, fluoride, or iodide.

[0036] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt.

[0037] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt or a branched alkyl quaternary ammonium salt.

[0038] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22, or a branched alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22.

[0039] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22.

[0040] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length selected from C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C21, and C22.

[0041] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) or quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18.

[0042] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) or quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C20.

[0043] In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 - C22 is a cetrimonium salt or a stearalkonium salt.

[0044] In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 is selected from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), cetyltrimethylammonium fluoride (CTAF), cetyltrimethylammonium iodide (CTAI), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride (STAC), stearyltrimethylammonium bromide (STAB), stearyltrimethylammonium fluoride (STAF), stearyltrimethylammonium iodide (STAI), or a mixture thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18, selected from CTAB, CTAC, CTAF, CTAI, STAC, STAB, STAF, STAI, or a mixture thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 is CTAB. In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 is CTAB.

[0047] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C16 aliphatic carbon chain length and being CTAB, CTAC, CTAF, CTAI, or a mixture thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C18 aliphatic carbon chain length and being STAC, STAB, STAF, STAI, or a mixture thereof.

[0049] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is CTAB.

[0050] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), where the concentration of the QAC is about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v), including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0051] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C8 - C22 aliphatic carbon chain length at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v), including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0052] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C16 - C18 aliphatic carbon chain length at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v), including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0053] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with CTAB at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v), including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0054] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 0.75% (w / v).

[0055] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8-C22 at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 0.75% (w / v), including all values and ranges there from.

[0056] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16-C18 at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 0.75% (w / v), including all values and ranges there from.

[0057] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with CTAB at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 0.75% (w / v).

[0058] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v), about 0.05% (w / v), about 0.1% (w / v), about 0.25% (w / v), about 0.50% (w / v), or about 0.75% (w / v).

[0059] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8-C22 at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v), about 0.05% (w / v), about 0.1% (w / v), about 0.25% (w / v), about 0.50% (w / v), or about 0.75% (w / v).

[0060] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16-C18 at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v), about 0.05% (w / v), about 0.1% (w / v), about 0.25% (w / v), about 0.50% (w / v), or about 0.75% (w / v).

[0061] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with CTAB at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v), about 0.05% (w / v), about 0.1% (w / v), about 0.25% (w / v), about 0.50% (w / v), or about 0.75% (w / v).

[0062] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) of about 0.01 - 0.5 milligrams (milligram: mg) per square centimeter (cm 2 ) of the solid surface.

[0063] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 at about 0.01 - 0.5 mg / cm 2 of the solid surface, including all values and ranges there from.

[0064] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with CTAB at about 0.01 - 0.5 mg / cm 2 of the solid surface, including all values and ranges there from.

[0065] In some embodiments, the solid surface is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) at about 0.01 - 0.05 mg / cm 2 of the solid surface, including all values and ranges there from.

[0066] In some embodiments, the coating of the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) on the solid surface has a thickness of about 0.1 - 3 millimeters (millimeter: mm), including all values and ranges there from.

[0067] In some embodiments, the coating of the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 on the solid surface has a thickness of about 0.1 - 3 mm, including all values and ranges there from.

[0068] In some embodiments, the CTAB coating on the solid surface has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm, including all values and ranges there from.

[0069] In some embodiments, the CTAB coating on the solid surface has a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm, including all values and ranges there from.

[0070] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, including all values and ranges there from.

[0071] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF, including all values and ranges there from.

[0072] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, including all values and ranges there from.

[0073] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 3 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, including all values and ranges there from.

[0074] In some embodiments, the electric field is provided by a power source selected from the group consisting of a direct current (DC) power source, an alternating current (AC) power source, a switch mode power supply (SMPS) source, or a pulse power source.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electric field is provided by a SMPS source.

[0076] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 3 minutes to 90 minutes.

[0077] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0078] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0079] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0080] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 30 minutes.

[0081] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0082] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 10 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0083] In some embodiments, the coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes.

[0084] In some embodiments, the solid surface is a conductive material or a non - conductive material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the solid surface is selected from the group consisting of fabric, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass, polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the solid surface is any fabric or fibrous material known in the art that is susceptible to microbial contamination. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a fabric selected from the group consisting of cotton, polyester, nylon, other woven fabrics, and combinations thereof.

[0087] In some embodiments, the solid surface is any metal surface known in the art that is susceptible to microbial contamination. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, copper, and combinations thereof.

[0088] In some embodiments, the solid surface is any wood surface known in the art that is susceptible to microbial contamination. In some embodiments, the solid surface is any plastic surface known in the art that is susceptible to microbial contamination. In some embodiments, the solid surface is any glass surface known in the art that is susceptible to microbial contamination. In some embodiments, the solid surface is any polymer surface known in the art that is susceptible to microbial contamination.

[0089] In some embodiments, the microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, bacterial spores, fungal spores, and combinations thereof.

[0090] In some embodiments, the microorganisms are bacteria selected from the group consisting of cocci, bacilli, vibrios, spirilla, spirochetes, and combinations thereof.

[0091] In some embodiments, the microorganism is a virus selected from the group consisting of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0092] In some embodiments, the microorganism is a fungus selected from the group consisting of Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Glomeromycota, Microsporidia, Komagataeibacter, Neocalimastigomycota, Tuberomycetes, and combinations thereof.

[0093] In some embodiments, the microorganism is a microbial spore selected from the group consisting of bacterial spores, fungal spores, or combinations thereof.

[0094] In some embodiments, the method achieves at least a 4 log 10 reduction in the microbial load on the solid surface. In some embodiments, the method achieves a reduction in the microbial load on the solid surface of about 4 log 10 to 7 log 10 . In some embodiments, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of > 4 log 10 . In some embodiments, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of > 5 log 10 . In some embodiments, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of > 6 log 10 . In some embodiments, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of > 7 log 10 .

[0095] In some embodiments, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of > 4 log 10 wherein the electric field is applied for about 3 minutes to about 4 minutes.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method reduces the microbial load on or decontaminates the solid surface by at least about 95%. In some embodiments, the method reduces the microbial load on or decontaminates the solid surface by from about 95% to greater than 99.99%, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0097] In some embodiments, the method reduces the microbial load on or decontaminates the solid surface by about 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, or >99.9999%. In some embodiments, the method removes or kills up to 100% of the microorganisms present on the solid surface, or decontaminates up to 100% of the solid surface.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method removes or kills >99.99% of the microorganisms present on the solid surface, wherein the electric field is applied for from about 3 minutes to about 4 minutes.

[0099] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: providing a solid surface, wherein the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, or coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, wherein the solid surface is fabric, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8-C22; and exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0100] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises the following: Providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, Or, coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, where the solid surface is cloth, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is cetrimonium salt or stearalkonium salt; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0101] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises the following: Providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, Or, coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, where the solid surface is cloth, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0102] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises the following: Providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, Here, the solid surface is cloth, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass, or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 90 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, the electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF, here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~7 log 10 or the method reduces the microbial load on the solid surface by about 95% to 99.9999%.

[0103] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, here, the solid surface is cloth, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass, or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 60 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, the electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes microorganisms from the solid surface by about 98% to 99.9999%.

[0104] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, Here, the solid surface is a fabric, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 90 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, the electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF. Here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes about 95% to 99.9999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0105] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: Providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface. Here, the solid surface is a metal, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 90 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, the electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF. Here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes about 95% to 99.9999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0106] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: Providing a solid surface, where the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface. Here, the solid surface is a polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 90 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, wherein the electric field has a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF. Here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~ 7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes about 95% to 99.9999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0107] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: Coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound for a period of about 2 hours to 10 hours at a temperature of about 25°C to 100°C to obtain a coated solid surface, wherein the solid surface is fabric, metal, wood, glass or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 60 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, wherein the electric field has a voltage of about 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF. Here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~ 7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes about 95% to 99.9999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0108] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: Coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound for a period of about 2 hours to 10 hours at a temperature of about 25°C to 100°C to obtain a coated solid surface, Here, the solid surface is fabric, metal, wood, glass or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is cetrimonium salt or stearalkonium salt; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 60 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, the electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, Here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes about 95% to 99.9999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0109] In some embodiments, a method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface comprises: Coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound for a period of about 10 hours at a temperature of about 80 °C to obtain a coated solid surface, Here, the solid surface is fabric, metal, wood, glass or polymer, and the quaternary ammonium compound is CTAB; and Exposing the coated solid surface to an electric field for a period of about 4 minutes to 60 minutes to reduce or remove microorganisms from the solid surface, the electric field having a voltage of about 2 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts / cm (kV / cm) and a capacitance of about 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, Here, the method achieves a microbial load reduction of about 4 log 10 ~7 log 10 or the method reduces or removes about 95% to 99.9999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0110] Therefore, the present method, which results in decontamination of the solid surface, realizes a significant reduction or removal of microorganisms from the solid surface by adopting a combined technique of coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound and then applying a special electric field. In particular, the present method enhances / activates the solid surface coated with a quaternary ammonium compound (for example, a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt or cetrimonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 and C22 such as CTAB) in the presence of an electric field, where the activated solid surface acquires the ability to very efficiently destroy a wide range of microorganisms including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungal species, spores, etc. The present method, which significantly enhances the killing of microorganisms on the solid surface using an electric field, enables such killing in a few minutes with a very low concentration of the quaternary ammonium compound.

[0111] In particular, the combined use of an electric field and a quaternary ammonium compound (for example, a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 and C22 such as CTAB) acts synergistically in the present method to inactivate / kill microorganisms. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors propose the following mechanism for the above synergistic effect.

[0112] Quaternary ammonium compounds such as straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salts or cetrimonium salts (e.g., CTAB) having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C16 and C18 are membrane-active agents that inactivate microorganisms by targeting the cytoplasmic membrane of the microorganisms, but they first need to penetrate the cell outer wall. When a quaternary ammonium compound such as a cetrimonium salt (e.g., CTAB) is coated on a solid surface, the long flexible chains orient the molecule itself and help to create holes in the microbial cell envelope. However, this orientation is essentially random, and thus, a longer period is required for the effective time to remove a higher load of microorganisms. As described herein, when a solid surface coated with the above quaternary ammonium compound is exposed to an electric field having specific parameters (voltage and capacitance), the orientation of these long chains becomes aligned, and thus, the time for inactivating a higher load of microorganisms is shortened. By the electric field, the transmembrane voltage of the microbial cells rises above its resting value, and presumably, current flows through them when these pores form the least resistive path. This current can be similar to that of bacterial electroporation where the pores formed within the cell wall are stabilized inside. Subsequently, intracellular components leak out of the pores. This process leads to irreversible destruction of the cells. Therefore, a solid surface coated with an antimicrobial compound (quaternary ammonium compound) exhibits enhanced electrochemical microbicidal action in combination with an electric field compared to what they could achieve alone.

[0113] Furthermore, the method of decontaminating a "solid surface" with high efficiency (maximum microbial removal rate > 99.99%) is a long-standing need in the prior art. The above method, which is particularly applicable to microorganisms present on / captured on a "solid surface", is not comparable to the decontamination of microorganisms from other sources (e.g., air, water, etc.). This is for the following non-limiting reasons. · Fluids such as air and water do not have gaps where microorganisms can inhabit and maintain infectivity over a long period. Therefore, reaching the gaps is one of the greatest challenges in solid surface decontamination. · The solid surface needs to be treated in its original position or on-site. On the other hand, air and water can be transported to a treatment location such as a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) duct or a water purification appliance / container / pit. · The methods for decontaminating air / water are mainly continuous methods, while the existing / conventional methods for solid surfaces are often discontinuous / intermittent, which makes the decontamination process extremely difficult. The methods for decontaminating air / water also do not employ manual intervention, while the existing / conventional methods for decontaminating solid surfaces involve manual intervention. · The methods for decontaminating air / water often involve multiple technical interventions. For example, (for air) use filter + UV + ionization, and (for water) use RO + UF filtration + UV. On the other hand, for solid surfaces, the commonly used method is purification / wiping with a general detergent (such as 70% ethanol, chlorhexidine, etc.), which may not result in efficient removal of microorganisms.

[0114] Advantages The method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface described herein has multiple advantages including but not limited to the following: - Reducing or removing the microbial load on the solid surface with significantly better efficiency (up to >99.99%). - The combination of the quaternary ammonium compound and the application of an electric field described herein more efficiently removes trapped microorganisms that cannot otherwise be removed by washing or conventional disinfection procedures. - By using a very low concentration (about 0.01% - 1%) of the quaternary ammonium compound, the method is made safe / non-toxic to humans while achieving significantly improved efficiency by reducing / removing microorganisms from the solid surface by up to 100%. - Significantly improved efficiency is achieved by removing / reducing microorganisms from the solid surface by up to 100% within a short period (about 4 minutes - 90 minutes).

[0115] Kit The present disclosure further provides a kit comprising: a quaternary ammonium compound, or a solid material coated with a quaternary ammonium compound; a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF); and an instruction manual containing instructions for reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0116] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) is coated on the surface of the solid material.

[0117] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) is a quaternary ammonium salt.

[0118] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) comprises a quaternary ammonium cation and a halide anion. In some embodiments, the halide is bromide, chloride, fluoride, or iodide.

[0119] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt or a branched alkyl quaternary ammonium salt.

[0120] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 to C22, or a branched alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 to C22.

[0121] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8-C22. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length selected from C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C21, and C22.

[0122] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) or quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16-C18.

[0123] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) or quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16-C20.

[0124] In some embodiments, the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8-C22 is a cetrimonium salt or a steartrimonium salt.

[0125] In some embodiments, the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8-C22 is selected from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), cetyltrimethylammonium fluoride (CTAF), cetyltrimethylammonium iodide (CTAI), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride (STAC), stearyltrimethylammonium bromide (STAB), stearyltrimethylammonium fluoride (STAF), stearyltrimethylammonium iodide (STAI), or a mixture thereof.

[0126] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18, selected from CTAB, CTAC, CTAF, CTAI, STAC, STAB, STAF, STAI, or mixtures thereof.

[0127] In some embodiments, the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 is CTAB. In some embodiments, the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 is CTAB.

[0128] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16, which is CTAB, CTAC, CTAF, CTAI, or mixtures thereof.

[0129] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C18, which is STAC, STAB, STAF, STAI, or mixtures thereof.

[0130] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is CTAB.

[0131] In some embodiments, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in the kit is about 0.01% (w / v) - 1% (w / v).

[0132] In some embodiments, the concentration of the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 in the kit is about 0.01% (w / v) - 1% (w / v).

[0133] In some embodiments, the concentration of the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 in the kit is about 0.01% (w / v) - 1% (w / v).

[0134] In some embodiments, the concentration of CTAB in the kit is from about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0135] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0136] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0137] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0138] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with CTAB at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0139] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with about 0.01 - 0.5 mg of a quaternary ammonium compound per 1 cm 2 of the surface.

[0140] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 at about 0.01 - 0.5 mg / cm 2 of the surface.

[0141] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is coated with a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 at about 0.01 - 0.5 mg / cm 2 of the surface.

[0142] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material is about 0.01 to 0.5 mg / cm 2 coated with CTAB therein.

[0143] In some embodiments, the coating of the quaternary ammonium compound on the solid material has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0144] In some embodiments, the coating of the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 on the solid material has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0145] In some embodiments, the coating of the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 on the solid material has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0146] In some embodiments, the CTAB coating on the solid material has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0147] In some embodiments, the power source supplies an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF.

[0148] In some embodiments, the kit comprises: a quaternary ammonium compound, or a solid material coated with a quaternary ammonium compound; a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF; and an instruction manual including instructions for reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0149] In some embodiments, the kit comprises: A solid material coated with a cetrimonium salt or a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8-C22; A power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF; and An instruction manual containing instructions for reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0150] In some embodiments, the kit comprises: CTAB, or a solid material coated with CTAB; A power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF; and An instruction manual containing instructions for reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface.

[0151] In all embodiments of the kits provided herein, the additional features of the quaternary ammonium compound and the electric field are as described by any of the embodiments mentioned above with respect to the method of reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface. For the sake of brevity and to avoid repetition, each of those embodiments is not repeated here again. However, each of the above embodiments fully belongs within the scope of the kit.

[0152] In some embodiments, the solid material within the kit is selected from, but not limited to, medical devices / instruments or industrial devices / instruments. In some embodiments, the solid material is selected from chairs, mattresses, bed linens, personal protective equipment (PPE), curtains, any other medical or industrial devices / instruments, and combinations thereof in medical clinics and hospitals.

[0153] The present disclosure also provides a solid material or device comprising: Coating of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC); and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads to 0.06 microfarads.

[0154] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) is coated on the surface of a solid material or device.

[0155] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) is a quaternary ammonium salt.

[0156] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) includes a quaternary ammonium cation and a halide anion. In some embodiments, the halide is bromide, chloride, fluoride, or iodide.

[0157] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt or a branched alkyl quaternary ammonium salt.

[0158] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 to C22, or a branched alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 to C22.

[0159] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 to C22. In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length selected from C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C21, and C22.

[0160] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) or quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18.

[0161] In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 - C22 is a cetrimonium salt or a steartrimonium salt.

[0162] In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 is selected from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), cetyltrimethylammonium fluoride (CTAF), cetyltrimethylammonium iodide (CTAI), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride (STAC), stearyltrimethylammonium bromide (STAB), stearyltrimethylammonium fluoride (STAF), stearyltrimethylammonium iodide (STAI), or mixtures thereof.

[0163] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18, selected from CTAB, CTAC, CTAF, CTAI, STAC, STAB, STAF, STAI, or mixtures thereof.

[0164] In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 is CTAB. In some embodiments, the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 is CTAB.

[0165] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16, selected from CTAB, CTAC, CTAF, CTAI, or mixtures thereof.

[0166] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C18 aliphatic carbon chain length, which is STAC, STAB, STAF, STAI, or a mixture thereof.

[0167] In some embodiments, the QAC or QAS is CTAB.

[0168] In some embodiments, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in the kit is from about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0169] In some embodiments, the concentration of the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C8-C22 aliphatic carbon chain length coated on the solid material or device is from about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0170] In some embodiments, the concentration of the straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C16-C18 aliphatic carbon chain length coated on the solid material or device is from about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0171] In some embodiments, the concentration of CTAB coated on the solid material or device is from about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0172] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material or device is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0173] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material or device is coated with a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a C8-C22 aliphatic carbon chain length at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0174] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material or device is coated with CTAB at a concentration of about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v).

[0175] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material or device is coated with a quaternary ammonium compound at about 0.01 to 0.5 mg per 1 cm of the surface. 2 of the surface.

[0176] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material or device is coated with a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 at about 0.01 to 0.5 mg / cm of the surface. 2 of the surface.

[0177] In some embodiments, the surface of the solid material or device is coated with CTAB at about 0.01 to 0.5 mg / cm of the surface. 2 of the surface.

[0178] In some embodiments, the coating of the quaternary ammonium compound on the solid material or device has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0179] In some embodiments, the coating of the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22 on the solid material or device has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0180] In some embodiments, the CTAB coating on the solid material or device has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0181] In some embodiments, the power source supplies an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF.

[0182] In some embodiments, the solid material or device comprises: a coating of a quaternary ammonium compound; and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 microfarads (μF) to 0.05 microfarads (μF).

[0183] In some embodiments, the solid material or device comprises: A coating of a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22; and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 microfarads (μF) to 0.05 microfarads (μF).

[0184] In some embodiments, the solid material or device comprises: A coating of a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18; and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 microfarads (μF) to 0.05 microfarads (μF).

[0185] In some embodiments, the solid material or device comprises: A coating of CTAB; and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 4 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.0025 microfarads (μF) to 0.05 microfarads (μF).

[0186] In all embodiments of the solid materials or devices provided herein, the additional features of the quaternary ammonium compounds and the electric fields are as described by any of the embodiments mentioned above for the method of reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface. For the sake of brevity and to avoid repetition, each of those embodiments is not repeated here again. However, each of the above embodiments fully belongs within the scope of the solid material or device.

[0187] In some embodiments, the solid material in the kit is selected from, but not limited to, medical devices / instruments or industrial devices / instruments. In some embodiments, the solid material is selected from chairs, mattresses, bed linens, personal protective equipment (PPE), curtains, any other medical or industrial devices / instruments, and combinations thereof in medical clinics and hospitals.

[0188] Application of the method, kit, and solid material / device As discussed above, the efficient decontamination / removal of microorganisms present on or captured by solid surfaces is an ongoing need in all industries. The method and product can be employed on solid materials / surfaces including, but not limited to, those used in health management / medical, food manufacturing / processing facilities, public places, and society at large. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the method can be employed on any solid surface having a risk of microbial contamination. In particular, the method and product can be employed on all types of flexible and non-flexible / rigid solid materials or surfaces that require microbial decontamination, such as high-frequency contact metal / fabric / wood / glass / polymer-based solid surfaces like tables, mattresses, aprons, PPE, chair cushions, cut and shredded surfaces, etc. The above applications and examples of solid surfaces are non-limiting, and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosed method and product are applicable in any industry or society at large that employs solid materials / surfaces that require microbial decontamination.

[0189] Based on the description provided herein, additional embodiments and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments herein provide, in the description, various features and their advantageous details. Descriptions of well-known / conventional methods and techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Further, the disclosure herein provides examples for explaining the embodiments described above, and specific aspects are adopted for explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure. The examples used herein for such explanations are only intended to facilitate the understanding of how the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Therefore, the following examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. Example

[0190] Example 1 Microbial decontamination of solid surfaces coated with quaternary ammonium compounds To prepare solid surfaces coated with different quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), the following process was adopted.

[0191] The solid surface (cotton cloth) was suspended in a solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride) at various concentrations for about 2 hours. Next, the solid surface was heated and dried in an oven set at a temperature of about 80°C for about 8 hours. After drying, the solid surface coated with QAC was ready for various uses.

[0192] The reduction of microbial load on solid surfaces coated with quaternary ammonium compounds alone is shown in Table 1. Table 1

Table 1

[0193] Example 2 Decontamination of Flexible Solid Surfaces by Employing Quaternary Ammonium Compound Coating and Electric Field Application The effects of QAC coating and electric field application on a flexible solid surface were analyzed. The solid surface analyzed was a fabric (cotton cloth). The procedure for coating the cotton cloth with QAC (CTAB or benzalkonium chloride) was the same as the procedure described in Example 1. The final coating amount of QAC (CTAB or benzalkonium chloride) was between 0.01 - 0.05 mg / cm 2 of the solid surface. The electric field in this experiment was applied over various periods via a switch - mode power supply (SMPS) having a voltage of 4 kV / cm combined with a capacitance of 0.05 μF. The results regarding the change in the microbial load are shown in Table 2. Table 2

Table 2

[0194] When an electric field was applied after coating the cotton cloth with a very low concentration of cetrimonium bromide (CTAB), the exposed microbial load was completely removed within 10 minutes (> 7 log of the microbial load 10A reduction or a reduction of >99.99999% of the microbial load was observed [see Experiment 1 - Tests 2 and 4]. On the other hand, when the cotton cloth coated with CTAB was not exposed to an applied electric field, no significant reduction in the microbial load occurred until 30 minutes later [showing a significantly lower log reduction of ≤2.16. See the results of Experiment 1 - Tests 1 and 3]. 10 Furthermore, under normal conditions, when the cotton cloth was left alone [see Experiment 4 - Test 1], the microbial load remained almost unchanged; and when the cotton cloth was only exposed to an applied electric field [see Experiment 4 - Test 2], no significant reduction in the microbial load was observed.

[0195] The above results show that by combining the step of applying an electric field following the step of coating with a quaternary ammonium compound (for example, a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 and C22 such as CTAB), a synergistic effect is achieved where a reduction of >7 log or a reduction / removal of >99.99999% of the microorganisms from the solid surface is realized within a very short time span. 10 of reduction or >99.99999% reduction / removal.

[0196] Example 3 Decontamination of microorganisms on a hard solid surface by employing a quaternary ammonium compound coating and an applied electric field The effects of QAC coating and applied electric field on a non-flexible / hard solid surface were analyzed. The solid surface analyzed was a metal surface (aluminum plate). The coating procedure of QAC (cetrimonium salt - CTAB) was the same as the procedure described in Example 1. The final coating amount of CTAB was between 0.01 and 0.05 mg / cm of the solid surface. 2 In this experiment, the electric field was applied via a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) having a voltage of 4 kV / cm combined with a capacitance of 0.05 μF over various periods. The results regarding the change in the microbial load are shown in Table 3. Table 3

Table 3

[0197] The above results re - show that when a sub - lethal concentration of QAC (for example, a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 - C22 such as CTAB) combined with an electric field is employed, the micro - organisms are electrochemically completely removed. In particular, the results demonstrate that the synergistic effect by the combination of the application step of the quaternary ammonium compound and the step of applying the electric field achieves a reduction / removal of the micro - organisms from the solid surface of > 7 log 10 or > 99.99999% within a very short period of time.

[0198] Example 4 Decontamination of solid surfaces from micro - organisms by using quaternary ammonium compound coatings and varying electric fields The effect of QAC coating on a solid surface and the application of a varying electric field was analyzed. The solid surface analyzed was a polyester cotton cloth in a 90:10 ratio. The procedure for coating the polyester cotton cloth with QAC (CTAB) was the same as the procedure described in Example 1. The CTAB concentration employed was 0.02 ± 0.005% w / v, and the final coating amount of QAC (CTAB) was between 0.01 and 0.05 mg / cm of the solid surface. 2 In this experiment, the electric field was applied via a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). The electric field had a voltage of 4 kV / cm DC and the capacitance was varied between 0.05 μF and 0.000025 μF. The results of the change in microbial load over various periods are shown in Table 4. Table 4

Table 4

[0199] 2 ​It was between. The electric field in this experiment was applied via a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). The above electric field had a capacitance of 0.05 μF and the voltage was varied between 0.5 kV / cm and 3 kV / cm. The results of the change in the microbial load after 10 minutes are shown in Table 5. Table 5

Table 5

[0200] The above results show that the application of a quaternary ammonium compound (e.g., a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length between C8 - C22 and containing cetrimonium salts such as CTAB) in a synergistic combination with the application of a special electric field having a capacitance between 0.002 μF and 0.06 μF and a voltage between 2 kV / cm and 6 kV / cm enables the complete reduction / removal of microorganisms from the solid surface within a very short time span.

[0201] The foregoing description of specific embodiments is to disclose the general nature of the embodiments herein. Thus, others may, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various uses without departing from the general concept. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications should be construed as being within the meaning and scope of the disclosed embodiments and are intended to be so construed. It should be understood that the expressions or terms adopted herein are for the purpose of description and not for the purpose of limitation. Therefore, although the embodiments in the present disclosure are described from the perspective of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0202] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises", "comprising", or "including", whenever used, implies the inclusion of the stated element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps.

[0203] Throughout this specification, the terms "combinations thereof", "any singular combination thereof", or "any plural combination thereof" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning as commonly known in the field of patent disclosure.

[0204] As used herein, the term "comprising", when placed before a recitation of steps in a method, means that the method includes one or more additional steps that are in addition to those explicitly recited, and that the one or more additional steps can be performed before, during, and / or after the recited steps. For example, a method comprising steps a, b, and c includes methods of steps a, b, x, and c, methods of steps a, b, c, and x, and methods of steps x, a, b, and c. Further, the term "comprising", when placed before a recitation of steps in a method, does not require (although it may) the consecutive performance of the recited steps, unless expressly otherwise indicated in its context. For example, a method comprising steps a, b, and c includes methods of performing the steps in, for example, the order of steps a, c, and b, the order of steps c, b, and a, and the order of steps c, a, and b, etc.

[0205] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, as used herein with respect to a polypeptide sequence, the term "inserted at a position" refers to an insertion at one or more (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) amino acid positions in the polypeptide sequence. The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or components or amounts that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objectives or results. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0206] Regarding the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms in this specification, those skilled in the art can convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly described herein. The suffix “(s)” at the end of any term in this disclosure is intended to encompass both the singular and plural forms of the term.

[0207] A numerical range described in the form “from x to y” includes the recited values and values belonging within the range of each measurement accuracy known to those skilled in the art. When multiple preferred numerical ranges are described in this form, all ranges formed by combinations of different endpoints are of course also included.

[0208] When referring to measurable values such as parameters, amounts, durations, and the like, the terms “about” or “approximately” or “around” used herein in the context of the disclosed invention are intended to encompass variations of the specified value, and from the specified value, such as + / −5% or less, + / −1% or less, and + / −0.1% or less, as long as such variations are appropriate in carrying out the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the value itself referred to by the modifying phrases “about” or “approximately” or “around” is also specifically and preferably disclosed.

[0209] As used herein, the terms "include" (any form of "include" such as "include", "have" (and "have"), "comprise", etc., any form of "having", "including" (and any form of "including" such as "including"), "containing", "comprising" or "comprises" are inclusive and imply the inclusion of the recited element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but do not imply the exclusion of any other element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. With respect to the embodiments characterized herein, each embodiment is intended to be read independently as well as in combination with another embodiment. For example, if Embodiment 1 describes three options A, B, and C, Embodiment 2 describes three options D, E, and F, and Embodiment 3 describes three options G, H, and I, this specification is understood to clearly disclose embodiments corresponding to the combinations of A, D, G; A, D, H; A, D, I; A, E, G; A, E, H; A, E, I; A, F, G; A, F, H; A, F, I; B, D, G; B, D, H; B, D, I; B, E, G; B, E, H; B, E, I; B, F, G; B, F, H; B, F, I; C, D, G; C, D, H; C, D, I; C, E, G; C, E, H; C, E, I; C, F, G; C, F, H; C, F, I, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0210] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like contained herein is for the purpose of providing context for the present disclosure only. None of these matters, whether taken singly or in combination, should be construed as an admission that any of them formed part of the prior art base or was common general knowledge in the relevant field of the present disclosure because it existed at any time prior to the priority date of this application.

Claims

**Claim 1** A method for reducing or removing microorganisms from a solid surface, comprising exposing the solid surface to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) to 6 kilovolts per centimeter (kV / cm) and a capacitance of 0.002 microfarads (μF) to 0.06 microfarads (μF) per centimeter to reduce or remove the microorganisms from the solid surface, wherein the solid surface has a coating of a quaternary ammonium compound Method. **Claim 2** The method comprises: providing a solid surface, wherein the solid surface is pre-coated with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface, or coating the solid surface with a quaternary ammonium compound to obtain a coated solid surface; and exposing the coated solid surface to the electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF to reduce or remove the microorganisms from the solid surface The method according to claim 1, comprising. **Claim 3** The method according to claim 1, wherein the solid surface having the coating of the quaternary ammonium compound is exposed to the electric field after contamination by the microorganisms. **Claim 4** The quaternary ammonium compound is a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22, the method according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The quaternary ammonium salt is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18; The linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 is a cetrimonium salt or a steartrimonium salt; or the linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18 is selected from the group consisting of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride (STAC), and mixtures thereof The method according to claim 4. **Claim 6** The method according to claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). **Claim 7** The solid surface is coated with about 0.01% (w / v) to 1% (w / v) of the quaternary ammonium compound; Or, the solid surface is coated with the quaternary ammonium compound at about 0.01 to 0.05 milligrams (mg) per 1 square centimeter (cm ２ ) of the solid surface. The method according to claim 1.

8. The coating of the quaternary ammonium compound on the solid surface has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 millimeters (mm), the method according to claim 1.

9. The coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 4 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF, the method according to claim 1.

10. The electric field is provided by a power source selected from the group consisting of a direct current (DC) power source, an alternating current (AC) power source, a switch mode power supply (SMPS) source, or a pulse power source, the method according to claim 1.

11. The coated solid surface is exposed to the electric field for a period of about 3 minutes to 90 minutes, or about 10 minutes to 60 minutes, the method according to claim 1.

12. The solid surface is selected from the group consisting of fabric, fiber, metal, wood, plastic, glass, polymer, and combinations thereof, the method according to claim 1.

13. The microorganism is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, microbial spores, and combinations thereof, the method according to claim 1.

14. The method achieves a reduction in the microbial load of about 4 log １０ to 7 log １０ ; or the method reduces the microbial load on the solid surface by about 95% to 99.9999%, the method according to claim 1.

15. The quaternary ammonium compound is a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C8 - C22, a linear alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 - C18, or CTAB; The solid surface is fabric, metal, or polymer; and The coated solid surface is exposed to an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm or 2 kV / cm to 4 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF or 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF to reduce or remove the microorganism from the solid surface The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A quaternary ammonium compound, or a solid material coated with the quaternary ammonium compound; A power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF; and An instruction manual including instructions for reducing or removing microorganisms from the solid surface A kit comprising.

17. A coating of a quaternary ammonium compound; and Means for a power source for supplying an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 6 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.002 μF to 0.06 μF A solid material or device comprising the same. **Claim 18** The quaternary ammonium compound is coated on the surface of the solid material or the device; The quaternary ammonium compound is a quaternary ammonium salt, and the quaternary ammonium salt is a straight-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an aliphatic carbon chain length of C16 to C18, selected from the group consisting of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride (STAC), and mixtures thereof; and the power source supplies an electric field having a voltage of 2 kV / cm to 4 kV / cm and a capacitance of 0.0025 μF to 0.05 μF The kit according to claim 16 or the solid material or device according to claim 17. **Claim 19** The kit according to claim 16 or the solid material or device according to claim 17, wherein the solid material is a medical device or an industrial device.

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