Disinfectant compositions containing low levels of antimicrobial agents

Abstract

A disinfectant composition, which may be a ready-to-use solution or liquid concentrate, includes an antimicrobial agent and a surfactant. The antimicrobial agent includes a low amount of a quaternary ammonium compound or a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds. The surfactant includes an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of ethoxylated secondary alcohols.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001]

[0001] Pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses continue to cause infectious diseases in humans as well as livestock and pets. Over the past few decades, disinfectant formulations have been developed to reduce or destroy pathogenic organisms and, accordingly, slow the rate of infection. Any literally hard surface, including floors, walls, countertops, windows, window sills, sinks, faucets, trash cans, electrical appliances, and cabinet surfaces, can become contaminated and pose a risk of transmission to people who come into contact with these surfaces. Disinfectants have been developed to treat hard surfaces used in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and homes.

[0002]

[0002] Disinfectants refer to any chemical agent capable of killing, destroying, or inhibiting the growth of living organisms, especially microorganisms. Disinfectant products include hard surface cleaners, hand sanitizers, sterilizing compositions, and the like. To treat such surfaces, antimicrobial compositions for decontamination, disinfection, and / or sterilization may be added to wipes.

[0003]

[0003] Ideally, a disinfectant has broad-spectrum activity against all types of microorganisms at various pH levels. It should also have high efficacy so that a minimal amount of antimicrobial agent can be used, thereby reducing costs and avoiding or reducing any adverse effects that may be caused by the antimicrobial agent. It is also desirable for disinfectants to be stable against any changes in temperature encountered during manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and storage. Furthermore, an ideal disinfectant would be physically and chemically compatible with the components of different application systems so that the antimicrobial agent can be appropriately incorporated into a variety of products.

[0004]

[0004] A wide variety of disinfectants have been proposed in the past, including alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol and ethanol, copper compounds, silver compounds, aldehydes, and oxidizing agents such as sodium hypochlorite.

[0005] In addition to the above disinfectants, quaternary compounds have also been used in the past. Quaternary compounds, in certain applications, must be used at relatively high concentrations to achieve the desired efficacy. For example, when a quaternary compound is used with a surfactant, the concentration of the quaternary compound must be increased to counteract the adverse effects of the surfactant. Because the surfactant generally interferes with the disinfecting efficacy of the quaternary compound, greater amounts of the quaternary compound must be used to achieve the desired efficacy. However, adding relatively high concentrations of quaternary compounds to products can be problematic. For example, quaternary compounds are not only expensive to manufacture and produce, but can also be subject to various regulatory requirements. As a result, there is a need for disinfectant compositions that provide the desired disinfecting effect while using less quaternary compounds. Summary of the Invention

[0006]

[0006] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to compositions having disinfecting properties, pre-moistened wipe products, and methods for destroying microorganisms on surfaces. According to the present disclosure, a disinfectant composition is disclosed, which may be a ready-to-use solution or liquid concentrate. The disinfectant composition includes an antimicrobial agent and a surfactant. The antimicrobial agent includes a low amount of a quaternary ammonium compound ("QAC") or a mixture of multiple quaternary ammonium compounds. The surfactant includes an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of multiple ethoxylated secondary alcohols. Particularly advantageously, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure not only contains a low amount of a quaternary ammonium compound, but also exhibits effective disinfection performance against many hospital-grade microorganisms and enveloped viruses, such as vaccinia virus.

[0007] In one embodiment, a disinfectant composition, which may be a ready-to-use solution or liquid concentrate, contains an antimicrobial agent comprising a quaternary ammonium compound or a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, the antimicrobial agent being present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount less than about 10,000 ppm, preferably less than about 5,000 ppm, preferably less than about 4,000 ppm, and most preferably less than about 3,000 ppm. The disinfectant composition also contains a surfactant comprising an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of ethoxylated secondary alcohols. The surfactant is present in the composition in a weight ratio relative to the antimicrobial agent of about 1:5 to about 5:1, preferably about 1:3 to about 3:1, preferably about 1:2 to about 2:1, and most preferably about 0.75:1 to about 1:0.75. The surfactant may be the only nonionic surfactant contained in the composition.

[0008] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition includes an antimicrobial agent present in the composition in an amount less than about 3,000 ppm. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition is contained in a water-soluble pouch.

[0009]

[0009] In one aspect, the disinfectant composition comprises a liquid concentrate that is 50 times more concentrated than a ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 125,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent, preferably 20 times more concentrated than a ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 50,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent, preferably 10 times more concentrated than a ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 25,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent, and most preferably 5 times more concentrated than a ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 12,500 ppm of antimicrobial agent.

[0010] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition can further comprise another surfactant in combination with the ethoxylated secondary alcohol. Such additional surfactant can be, for example, a polymer or hydrotrope, such as polypropylene glycol (PPG). In one embodiment, the surfactant can further comprise polypropylene glycol. The disinfectant composition can include a surfactant present in the composition in a weight ratio relative to the antimicrobial agent of about 1:1 to about 1:3, such as about 1:1.5 to about 1:2.5. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition defined in any of the claims does not contain any other antimicrobial agent.

[0011]

[0011] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition can include an antimicrobial agent present in a ready-to-use solution in an amount of about 2,500 ppm, and a surfactant present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to the antimicrobial agent.

[0012] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition further comprises a chelating agent, hi one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises a chelating agent that is methylglycine diacetic acid.

[0013] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition can include an antimicrobial agent present in a ready-to-use solution in an amount of about 2,500 ppm, a surfactant present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to the antimicrobial agent, and a chelating agent in an amount of about 1,250 ppm.

[0013]

[0014] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition further comprises a pH adjuster, and the pH adjuster comprises an acid. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises hydrochloric acid. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition has a pH adjusted to between about pH 6 and about pH 8.

[0014]

[0015] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises a disinfectant having a pH of from about C6 to about C 60 , for example, from about C8 to about C 42 , for example, about C 10 From about C 32In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises an ethoxylated secondary alcohol containing a carbon chain having a carbon chain length of from about 2 to about 16 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, for example, from about 3 to about 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0015]

[0016] In one embodiment, a disinfectant composition comprises an antimicrobial agent present in the composition in an amount from about 500 ppm to about 4,000 ppm, a surfactant present in an amount from about 750 ppm to about 1,800 ppm, the disinfectant composition further contains a chelating agent in an amount from about 800 ppm to about 3,500 ppm, and a pH adjuster comprising an acid present in the composition in an amount from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, with the remainder of the disinfectant composition comprising water.

[0016]

[0017] In one aspect, the disinfectant composition comprises a disinfectant composition that exhibits at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a 60 second contact time according to test EN 16615:2015, at least a 4 log reduction when tested against Candida albicans at a 60 second contact time according to test EN 16615, or at least a 4 log reduction when tested against enveloped viruses at a 60 second contact time according to modified test EN 16615. The modified EN 16615 method evaluates disinfectant efficacy against vaccinia virus but not bacteria or yeast by implementing the test procedure of EN 16615:2015 - Quantitative test method for assessing the bactericidal and yeasticidal activity of non-porous surfaces by mechanical action with wipes in the healthcare field (4 field tests) - (Phase 2, Step 2)). The virus counting method used is in line with the method defined in EN14476(2013)+A2(2019) (Quantitative suspension test for assessing virucidal activity in the medical field (Phase 2 / Step 1)).

[0017]

[0018] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprising at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride. The disinfectant composition may comprise at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprising didecyldimethylammonium chloride. The disinfectant composition may comprise at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprising octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and / or dodecyldimethylammonium chloride. The disinfectant composition may comprise a mixture thereof.

[0018]

[0019] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a pre-moistened wipe product comprising a liquid-absorbent substrate and a disinfectant composition as defined herein contained within the substrate. In one aspect, the pre-moistened wipe product comprises a liquid-absorbent substrate comprising a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web comprising a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbonded web, an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded-carded web, or a laminate thereof. In one aspect, the pre-moistened wipe product comprises a liquid-absorbent substrate containing cellulose fibers. In one aspect, the pre-moistened wipe product comprises an apertured liquid-absorbent substrate.

[0019]

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface, comprising the steps of saturating a liquid-absorbent substrate with a disinfectant composition as defined herein and applying the saturated liquid-absorbent substrate to a hard surface.

[0020]

[0021] Other features and aspects of the disclosure are described in further detail below.

[0022] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth in more detail in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1]

[0023] FIG. 1 shows the average cleaning efficacy. [Figure 2A]

[0024] FIG. 2A shows the average gloss measured at 20°C. [Figure 2B]

[0025] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the average haze. [Figure 3A]

[0026] FIG. 3A shows a comparison of scratches based on gloss data. [Figure 3B]

[0027] FIG. 3B shows a comparison of scratches based on haze data. [Figure 4]

[0028] FIG. 4 shows the concentration of QAC readily absorbed by the wipes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022]

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] The present disclosure generally relates to disinfectant compositions, which may be ready-to-use solutions or liquid concentrates. The compositions have numerous uses and applications. The present disclosure also relates to pre-moistened wipe products. The disinfectant compositions may be used in any suitable industry or field. For example, the disinfectant compositions may comprise institutional products, household products, or healthcare products. The disinfectant compositions may comprise, for example, hard surface disinfectants, hand sanitizers, sterilizing compositions, water-soluble pouches, and the like. The present disclosure also relates to methods for destroying microorganisms on surfaces. According to the present disclosure, the disinfectant compositions contain an antimicrobial agent and a surfactant, whereby the antimicrobial agent acts to destroy and kill many different types of microorganisms, including viruses. Many disinfectant compositions require high levels of quaternary ammonium compounds to be effective disinfectants, passing, for example, EN 16615 and EN 13727 tests. Additionally, standard nonionic surfactants used in industry adversely affect antimicrobial efficacy. The adverse effects seen with standard surfactants are currently counteracted by using higher levels of QACs or longer contact times. Particularly advantageously, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure are capable of controlling and killing many different types of microorganisms, including viruses, using low levels of QACs with minimal or no adverse impact on antimicrobial efficacy typically caused by the use of surfactants.

[0023]

[0031] For example, in one embodiment, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure exhibits at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Staphylococcus aureus at a 30 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Staphylococcus aureus at a 45 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Staphylococcus aureus at a 60 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Staphylococcus aureus at a 75 second contact time according to test EN 16615.

[0024]

[0032] In one aspect, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Enterococcus hirae with a 30 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Enterococcus hirae with a 45 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Enterococcus hirae with a 60 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Enterococcus hirae with a 75 second contact time according to test EN 16615.

[0025]

[0033] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure exhibits at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a 30 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a 45 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a 60 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a 75 second contact time according to test EN 16615.

[0026]

[0034] In one aspect, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against Candida albicans with a 30 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against Candida albicans with a 45 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against Candida albicans with a 60 second contact time according to test EN 16615. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against Candida albicans with a 75 second contact time according to test EN 16615.

[0027]

[0035] In one embodiment, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against enveloped viruses at a 30 second contact time according to a modified EN 16615 test. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against enveloped viruses at a 45 second contact time according to a modified EN 16615 test. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against enveloped viruses at a 60 second contact time according to a modified EN 16615 test. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit at least a 4 log reduction when tested against enveloped viruses at a 75 second contact time according to a modified EN 16615 test.

[0028]

[0036] Generally, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure contains an antimicrobial agent comprising a quaternary ammonium compound or a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds and a surfactant. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is combined with a surfactant to kill and / or control one or more microorganisms. The antimicrobial agent and surfactant of the present disclosure work together to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. More specifically, when combined according to the present disclosure, the antimicrobial agent and surfactant have greater efficacy at lower concentrations of QAC than when the QAC alone is present in the composition. The use of the QAC and surfactant of the present disclosure can enhance the activity of the composition against multiple microorganisms and enable it to pass EN16615, EN13727, and modified EN16615 tests for bacteria, yeast, and viruses, respectively, under unsanitary healthcare conditions and unsanitary inflow and outflow (I&I) conditions with a contact time of 1 minute (60 seconds).

[0029]

[0037] Specifically, the EN 16615 test is a quantitative test method for evaluating the bactericidal and yeast-killing activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics on non-porous surfaces, such as by mechanical action with wipes in the medical field (four field tests). EN 13727 is a quantitative suspension test for evaluating the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics in the medical field. The EN 16615 test can also be used to test against viruses, for example, under unclean medical conditions and unclean inflow and infiltration (I&I) conditions with a contact time of 60 seconds. Thus, the antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure can be used at lower concentrations of QAC and still be effective against a range of microorganisms. Ultimately, an antimicrobial composition can be produced that still provides robust antimicrobial properties while using a relatively low total concentration of antimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, the EN 16615 method can be used to evaluate the disinfectant efficacy of a composition of the present disclosure against, for example, vaccinia virus, for example, with a contact time of 60 seconds.

[0030]

[0038] Quaternary ammonium compounds typically contain at least one quaternary ammonium cation along with a suitable anion. Quaternary ammonium compounds generally have the general formula (1):

[0031] [ka]

[0032]

[0039] The R1, R2, R3, and R4 groups can vary within wide limits, and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds with antimicrobial properties are well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are lower alkyl, meaning they have 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl groups. Additionally, two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are longer-chain alkyl groups of 6 to 24 carbon atoms, or benzyl groups. - is a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. - Suitable anions for are in principle all inorganic or organic anions, in particular halides, such as chloride or bromide, carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates or mixtures thereof.

[0033]

[0040] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R groups: R is benzyl or C 6~18 -alkyl and R2 is C 1~18 -Alkyl or -[(CH2)2-O] n R5 (wherein n=1 to 20), and R3 and R4 are each independently C 1~4 -alkyl, R5 is hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, A - is a monovalent anion or one equivalent polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid.

[0034]

[0041] The quaternary ammonium compounds may include dialkylammonium compounds, such as dimethyldialkylammonium compounds, which may have between about 8 and about 12 carbon atoms, such as about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms in each of the alkyl groups.

[0035]

[0042] Examples of dimethyldialkylammonium compounds that can be used as antimicrobial agents include dimethyldioctylammonium compounds such as dimethyldioctylammonium chloride, dimethyldidecylammonium compounds such as dimethyldidecylammonium chloride, etc. Mixtures of dimethyldialkylammonium compounds can also be used, as can other anions such as those mentioned above.

[0036]

[0043] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may include dimethyldialkylammonium chloride. The quaternary ammonium compound may include didecyldimethylammonium chloride. The quaternary ammonium compound may include octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride. The quaternary ammonium compound may include dioctyldimethylammonium chloride (Bardac 2080).

[0037]

[0044] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may contain at least one quaternary ammonium compound, which may include dimethyldialkylammonium chloride. The disinfectant composition may contain at least one quaternary ammonium compound, which may include didecyldimethylammonium chloride. The disinfectant composition may contain at least one quaternary ammonium compound, which may include octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0038]

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a benzylammonium compound, such as an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound. Generally, the alkyl group may contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, such as from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms.

[0039]

[0046] Examples of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds that can be used as antimicrobial agents include C 12 Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, C 14 Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and C 16 Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride may also be used. In addition, a mixture of these alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds may be used. For example, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound may be C 12 , C 14 , and C 16 The alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride blends are generally C 16 Higher concentrations of C than alkyl constituents 12 Alkyl and C 14 It may contain alkyl moieties. Note that other anions, including those mentioned above, may also be used.

[0040]

[0047] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may include a quaternary ammonium propionate. The quaternary ammonium propionate may include, for example, a poly(oxyalkyl)ammonium propionate. In a particular embodiment, for example, the antimicrobial agent may include N,N-didecyl-N-methyl-poly(oxyethyl)ammonium propionate.

[0041]

[0048] Alternatively, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a quaternary ammonium compound, such as, for example, a quaternary ammonium carbonate. The quaternary ammonium carbonate may be represented by the formula:

[0042] [ka]

[0043] (In the formula, R 1 is C1~C 20 is an alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, R 2 is C8~C 20 is an alkyl group, preferably 1 is R 2 is the same as R 1 is C8~C 12 alkyl group.) Similarly, the composition may further comprise the corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate salt,

[0044] [ka]

[0045] (In the formula, R 1 C1~C may be the same or different from the above 20 is an alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, R 2 is the same as above or different C8~C 20 is an alkyl group, but preferably, in the formula, R 1 is R 2 is the same as R 1 is C8~C 12 is an alkyl group.

[0049] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent contained in the composition is a di-C8-C 12 Including alkylammonium carbonates / bicarbonates. For example, in one particular embodiment, the antimicrobial or preservative composition contains didecyldimethylammonium carbonate and didecyldimethylammonium bicarbonate.

[0046]

[0050] However, in other embodiments, the carbonate / bicarbonate of a quaternary ammonium cation may be selected from dioctyldimethylammonium carbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium carbonate, benzalkonium carbonate, benzethonium carbonate, stearalkonium carbonate, cetrimonium carbonate, behentrimonium carbonate, dioctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, benzalkonium bicarbonate, benzethonium bicarbonate, stearalkonium bicarbonate, cetrimonium bicarbonate, behentrimonium bicarbonate, and mixtures of one or more such carbonates.

[0047]

[0051] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount ranging from about 1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, including all 1 ppm increments therebetween.In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is generally present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount less than about 9,500 ppm, such as less than about 9,000 ppm, for example less than about 8,500 ppm, for example less than about 8,000 ppm, for example less than about 7,500 ppm, for example less than about 7,000 ppm, for example less than about 6,500 ppm, for example less than about 6,000 ppm, for example less than about 5,500 ppm, for example less than about 5,000 ppm, for example less than about 4,500 ppm, for example less than about 4,000 ppm, for example less than about 3,500 ppm, for example less than about It may be present in an amount of less than 3,000 ppm, such as less than about 2,500 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 2,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 1,500 ppm, such as less than about 1,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 400 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 350 ppm, such as less than about 325 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 300 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 200 ppm, such as less than about 170 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 160 ppm, such as in an amount of less than about 150 ppm or such as less than about 100 ppm.

[0048]

[0052] In another aspect, the antimicrobial agent is present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount greater than about 1 ppm, greater than about 10 ppm, greater than about 50 ppm, greater than about 100 ppm, greater than about 150 ppm, greater than about 200 ppm, greater than about 250 ppm, greater than about 300 ppm, greater than about 350 ppm, greater than about 400 ppm, greater than about 450 ppm, greater than about 500 ppm, greater than about 550 ppm, greater than about 600 ppm, greater than about 650 ppm, greater than about 800 ppm, greater than about 900 ppm, greater than about 1,000 ppm, greater than about 1,250 ppm, greater than about 1,500 ppm, greater than about 1 The soluble fiber may be present in an amount greater than about 2,750 ppm, greater than about 2,000 ppm, greater than about 2,250 ppm, greater than about 2,500 ppm, greater than about 2,750 ppm, greater than about 3,000 ppm, greater than about 3,500 ppm, greater than about 4,000 ppm, greater than about 4,500 ppm, greater than about 5,000 ppm, greater than about 5,500 ppm, greater than about 6,000 ppm, greater than about 6,500 ppm, greater than about 7,000 ppm, greater than about 7,500 ppm, greater than about 8,000 ppm, greater than about 8,500 ppm, greater than about 9,000 ppm, or greater than about 9,500 ppm.

[0049]

[0053] In yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may be present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount of about 100 ppm, about 150 ppm, about 200 ppm, about 300 ppm, about 600 ppm, about 800 ppm, about 1,000 ppm, about 1,250 ppm, about 1,500 ppm, about 2,000 ppm, about 2,500 ppm, about 3,000 ppm, about 4,000 ppm, about 5,000 ppm, about 6,000 ppm, about 7,000 ppm, about 8,000 ppm, about 9,000 ppm, or about 10,000 ppm.

[0050]

[0054] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration two times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration three times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration four times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration five times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration six times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration ten times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration twenty times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution. The antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition may be present at a concentration fifty times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution.

[0051]

[0055] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the liquid concentrate in an amount of less than about 36,000 ppm, including all 1 ppm increments therebetween, as described above.In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can generally be present in the liquid concentrate in an amount of less than about 30,000 ppm, such as less than about 25,000 ppm, for example less than about 20,000 ppm, for example less than about 15,000 ppm, for example less than about 12,500 ppm, for example less than about 12,500 ppm, for example less than about 10,000 ppm, for example less than about 7,500 ppm, for example less than about 5,000 ppm, for example less than about 2,500 ppm or less than about 1,000 ppm.

[0052]

[0056] For example, in one embodiment, the liquid concentrate may be two times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 5,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be three times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 7,500 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be four times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 10,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be five times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 12,500 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be six times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 15,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be ten times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 25,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be 20 times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 50,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent. The liquid concentrate may be 50 times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and may contain less than about 125,000 ppm of antimicrobial agent.

[0053]

[0057] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be substantially free of any other antimicrobial agents. For example, the disinfectant composition may contain no other antimicrobial agents. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition, which may be a ready-to-use solution or liquid concentrate, includes an antimicrobial agent including a quaternary ammonium compound or a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, a surfactant including an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of ethoxylated secondary alcohols, and no other antimicrobial agents. In one embodiment, the remainder of the disinfectant composition may include water. Water may generally be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 10% to about 80% by weight, for example, about 30% to about 70% by weight.

[0054]

[0058] In one aspect, the composition of the present disclosure may comprise a surfactant.Typically, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant.The surfactant may be a secondary alcohol surfactant, such as an ethoxylated secondary alcohol.As described herein, the composition of the present disclosure surprisingly contains a specific type of surfactant that has been found to maintain the disinfecting efficacy of quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0055]

[0059] In one embodiment, the surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of ethoxylated secondary alcohols. The ethoxylated alcohol may be, for example, an ethoxylated C 12 ~C 14 The ethoxylated secondary alcohols may include alkyl alcohols from about C to about C 60 , for example, from about C8 to about C 42 , for example, about C 10 From about C 32 , for example, from about C8 to about C 22 , for example, from about C6 to about C 12 The secondary alcohol contained in the ethoxylated secondary alcohol may be unbranched. In another embodiment, the secondary alcohol contained in the ethoxylated secondary alcohol may be branched. The ethoxylated secondary alcohol may contain from about 2 to about 16 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, for example, from about 3 to about 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, for example, from about 4 to about 8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, for example, from about 2 to about 4 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0056]

[0060] Representative commercially available nonionic surfactants are C condensed with 5, 7, 9, 12, 20, or 40 moles of ethylene oxide, manufactured by Dow Chemical under the tradenames Tergitol® 15-S-7, 15-S-9, 15-S-12, 15-S-20, and 15-S-40. 11 ~C 15A secondary alkanol (alkyloxypolyethyleneoxyethanol). In one embodiment, the surfactant may comprise a secondary ethoxylated alcohol and polyethylene oxide, which is commercially available as Tergitol® 15 S-5. Another representative nonionic surfactant of the same type is sold by Dow Chemical under the tradenames Tergitol® TMN-6 and TMN-10, which is believed to comprise the reaction product of trimethyl-nonanol and ethylene oxide. Another representative nonionic surfactant is sold by BASF under the tradename Irgasurf® HL560. Still other nonionic surfactants include block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene, which are sold by BASF under the tradename Pluronic®. Any single member of the aforementioned nonionic surfactant composition may be used in the wiping composition, or mixtures of such representative nonionic surfactant materials may be used.

[0057]

[0061] In another aspect, nonionic surfactants may include compounds formed by the condensation of a hydrophilic alkylene oxide group with an aliphatic or alkylaromatic hydrophobic compound. An example of a class of nonionic surfactants is the long-chain tertiary amine oxide corresponding to the general formula: R1R2R3N→O is where R1 contains an alkyl, alkenyl, or monohydroxyalkyl group of about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, up to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties, and up to one glyceryl moiety, and R2 and R3 contain 1 to about 3 carbon atoms and up to about one hydroxy group, such as a methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, or hydroxypropyl group.) Examples of amine oxides suitable for use in the present invention include dimethyldodecylamine oxide, oleyldi(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide, dimethyloctylamine oxide, dimethyldecylamine oxide, dimethyltetradecylamine oxide, di(2-hydroxyethyl)tetradecylamine oxide, 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi(3-hydroxypropyl)amine oxide, and dimethylhexadecylamine oxide.

[0058]

[0062] In one embodiment, polyethylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols, e.g., the condensation products of alkylphenols having alkyl groups containing from about 6 to 12 carbon atoms in either a linear or branched configuration, with ethylene oxide present in an amount equivalent to 6 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkylphenol. The alkyl substituents in such compounds can be derived from the polymerization of propylene, diisobutylene, octane, or nonane.

[0059]

[0063] In another embodiment, compounds derived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine, whose composition can be varied depending on the desired balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, are also suitable. For example, compounds containing about 40% to about 80% by weight of polyoxyethylene and having a molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 11,000, resulting from the reaction of ethylene oxide groups with a hydrophobic base having a molecular weight of about 2,500 to 3,000, composed of the reaction product of ethylenediamine and excess propylene oxide, are satisfactory. Condensation products of linear or branched aliphatic alcohols having 8 to 18 carbon atoms with ethylene oxide, such as coconut alcohol ethylene oxide condensates, in which the coconut alcohol moiety has 10 to 14 carbon atoms and 10 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of coconut alcohol, are also suitable.

[0060]

[0064] In one embodiment, specific surfactants that can be used in the composition are nonylphenol ethoxylates (6-12 moles), primary alcohol ethoxylates (3-12 moles), and secondary alcohol ethoxylates (3-12 moles). Particularly suitable surfactants can be alkoxylated alcohol surfactants, generally having between about 2 and about 8 moles of alkoxylation. Typically, there is between 3 and 6 moles of alkoxylation. One specific example is about 4.5 moles of alkoxylation. In addition to having a degree of alkoxylation, the alkoxylated alcohol can be C e ~C 12 In one embodiment, the alkyl alcohol is C s ~C 10 It is an alkyl alcohol. The alkoxylation may be ethoxylation. Generally, it is desirable to have an HLB (hydrophile-lipophile balance) in the range of 8 to 14, more usually between 10 and 12, e.g., about 11.

[0061]

[0065] In one aspect, nonionic surfactants that can be used in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers, 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, poloxamer, and polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), and mixtures thereof.

[0062]

[0066] In one embodiment, the only nonionic surfactant present is an ethoxylated secondary alcohol. Alternatively, one or more other surfactants may be present in the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure. For example, the composition can contain another surfactant in combination with the ethoxylated secondary alcohol. Such another surfactant can be a polymer, such as polypropylene glycol (PPG), or a hydrotrope. Additionally, another nonionic surfactant that can be present in the disinfectant composition along with the ethoxylated secondary alcohol is a glycoside. For example, the glycoside can include D-glucopyranose, oligomeric decyl, or octyl glycosides.

[0063]

[0067] In one embodiment, the amount of nonionic surfactant in the ready-to-use solution to antimicrobial agent may be from about 1:5 to about 5:1 by weight, such as from about 1:4 to about 4:1, for example from about 1:3 to about 3:1, such as from about 1:2 to about 2:1, for example from about 1:1, such as from about 1:1 to about 1:2, for example from about 1:1 to about 1:3, such as from about 1:1 to about 1:4, for example from about 1:1 to about 1:5, such as from about 0.75:1 to about 1:0.75, for example from about 1:1.5 to about 1:2.5, for example from about 1:2.5 to about 1:3.5, or such as from about 1:3.5 to about 1:4.5.

[0064]

[0068] In another embodiment, surfactants can be present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount ranging from about 400 ppm to about 4,000 ppm, including all 1 ppm increments therebetween.In one embodiment, surfactants can generally be present in an amount of from about 500 ppm to about 3,500 ppm, for example, from about 600 ppm to about 3,000 ppm, for example, from about 700 ppm to about 2,000 ppm, for example, from about 750 ppm to about 1,800 ppm, for example, from about 800 ppm to about 1,600 ppm, for example, from about 850 ppm to about 1,400 ppm, or for example, from about 900 ppm to about 1,200 ppm.

[0065]

[0069] In one aspect, the amount of nonionic surfactant in the liquid concentrate can be in the same ratio as described above for the ready-to-use solution. For example, the liquid concentrate can contain a higher total amount of antimicrobial agent and a higher total amount of surfactant, but the ratio between antimicrobial agent and surfactant remains the same as in the ready-to-use solution.

[0066]

[0070] The inventors of the present disclosure have unexpectedly discovered that when the surfactant used is an ethoxylated secondary alcohol, as described herein, low QAC levels can be used and still provide excellent efficacy against all types of microorganisms. The ethoxylated secondary alcohol as a surfactant has unexpectedly been found to have no or minimal adverse effect on antimicrobial efficacy. Meanwhile, it is not necessary to increase the QAC levels required to achieve the desired disinfectant efficacy, typically to counteract any adverse effects associated with standard nonionic surfactants used in the industry. Dramatically and unexpectedly, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure achieves antimicrobial efficacy while using lower QAC levels with this particular surfactant, thereby providing increased safety benefits.

[0067]

[0071] In one aspect, as described above, the antimicrobial agent may optionally be combined with a preservative in accordance with the present disclosure. The preservative acts as an adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent, for example, to inhibit the growth of any microorganisms in the disinfectant composition. In another aspect, as described above, the antimicrobial agent may be preservative-free. Suitable preservatives include water-soluble preservatives. For example, benzisothiazolinone, methylbenzisothiazolinone, butylbenzisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, chloromethylisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, benzoic acid or a salt thereof, sorbic acid or a salt thereof, lactic acid or a salt thereof, DMDM ​​hydantoin, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, biphenyl-2-ol, bronopol, chlorocresol, ethanol, isopropranol, formic acid or a salt thereof, hydrogen peroxide, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine, peracetic acid, sodium pyrithione, zinc pyrithione.

[0068]

[0072] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may further optionally contain a chelating agent. Suitable chelating agents include, but are not limited to, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its salts (e.g., tetrasodium EDTA available as Versene 100® from Dow Europe SA, Horgen, Switzerland), diammonium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, aminocarboxylic acids, aminophosphonic acids, fatty acid salts, mixtures thereof, etc. Aminophosphonic acids include ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonic acid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediaminetri(methylenephosphonic acid), and hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid). Generally, suitable chelating agents include methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), diethylenethamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid (DETPMP), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), nitrilothacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylenethaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid (DTPMPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric acid (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (iminoditartaric acid), acid) (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediamine difumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediamine dimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamine ditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediamine dimaleic acid (EDDMAL), and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).In one embodiment, the chelating agent is selected from iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric acid (IDF), iminoditataric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamineditataric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic acid (EDDMAL), and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP). In one embodiment, the chelating agent can be citric acid, nitriloacetic acid, various phosphoric acids and zeolites, and other agents that serve to remove hardness from water used as a solvent.

[0069]

[0073] The ability of chelating agents to remove metal ions is enhanced by preventing the precipitation of hardness (calcium) from the solution. Chelating agents may also function to bind other metal ions that may adversely affect the effectiveness of the antiseptic components in the composition.

[0070]

[0074] In one embodiment, the chelating agent is present in the disinfectant composition in an amount of about 500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, including all 1 ppm increments therebetween. In one embodiment, the chelating agent may generally be present in an amount of about 600 ppm to about 4,500 ppm, such as about 700 ppm to about 4,000 ppm, such as about 800 ppm to about 3,500 ppm, such as about 900 ppm to about 3,000 ppm, or such as about 1,000 ppm to about 2,500 ppm.

[0071]

[0075] In one embodiment, the disinfectant product may further contain a pH adjuster. Suitable pH adjusters include sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, and other similar compounds. In one embodiment, the pH adjuster may include an acid. The pH adjuster in the disinfectant composition may be hydrochloric acid. In one embodiment, the ready-to-use solutions and liquid concentrates containing the disinfectant composition may have a pH ranging from about pH 5 to about pH 13. In one embodiment, the ready-to-use solutions and liquid concentrates containing the disinfectant composition may have a pH ranging from about pH 6 to about pH 8. Generally, a disinfectant composition is considered a neutral disinfectant composition when its pH is in the range of about pH 6 to about pH 8. A disinfectant composition is considered an alkaline disinfectant composition when its pH is in the range of greater than pH 8 to about pH 12. The ready-to-use solutions and liquid concentrates containing the disinfectant composition may be neutral or alkaline disinfectant compositions.

[0072]

[0076] In one embodiment, the pH adjuster is present in the disinfectant composition in an amount of about 25 ppm to about 1,000 ppm, including all 1 ppm increments therebetween. In one embodiment, the pH adjuster may generally be present in an amount of about 30 ppm to about 900 ppm, such as about 35 ppm to about 800 ppm, such as about 40 ppm to about 700 ppm, such as about 45 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, such as about 55 ppm to about 400 ppm, such as about 60 ppm to about 300 ppm, such as about 65 ppm to about 200 ppm, or such as about 70 ppm to about 100 ppm.

[0073]

[0077] In another aspect, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be used in many different products.For example, the disinfectant composition can be incorporated into disinfectant solutions, including hard surface cleaners, hand sanitizers, solutions for devices such as medical devices, or other suitable disinfectant products.The disinfectant products can be used, for example, to clean hard surfaces and / or sterilize devices.Generally, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be incorporated into any suitable disinfectant product.

[0074]

[0078] When used as a hard surface cleaner, the disinfectant composition may be delivered to the surface to be cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected by conventional means, such as pouring the composition onto the surface; a spray, which is applied to the surface via spray means, including, but not limited to, a pump spray applicator, a pressurized spray applicator, and the like; a saturated wipe; a rag and bucket; a mop and bucket; a sponge and bucket; or via automated cleaning equipment and other similar and conventional methods that apply the disinfectant composition to a surface for the purpose of sanitizing or disinfecting the surface.

[0075]

[0079] To use the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure, a surface can be treated by spraying, pouring, wiping, or otherwise applying the antimicrobial composition to the surface. After application, the disinfectant composition can be allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The antimicrobial composition can be applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or it can be dried by wiping the surface with, for example, a dry wipe or wipe.

[0076]

[0080] Surfaces that can be disinfected with the disinfectant composition include, but are not limited to, those installed in industries such as dairy farms, homes, healthcare facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing plants, restaurants, hospitals, facilities, and secondary oil recovery.Hard surfaces such as glass and polished aluminum are particularly suitable for application.Specific areas that can be applied include hard surfaces in the home, such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, electrical appliances, trash cans, laundry areas, trash cans, bathroom fixtures, toilets, cisterns, faucets, mirrors, vanities, bathtubs, and showers.The disinfectant composition can also be used to sterilize floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, bathroom fixtures, windows, and wood surfaces, such as railings, porch rails, decks, roofing materials, siding, window frames, and door frames.The disinfectant composition can be suitable for application to indirect food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, fixtures, containers, dishes, sinks, electrical appliances, and countertops. The disinfectant composition can be used to sterilize dairy plant equipment, milking machines, milk pails, tank trucks, etc. Areas in hospitals include beds, gurneys, tables, canisters, toilets, trash cans, stands, cabinets, shower stalls, floors, walls, or any other non-porous surface.

[0077]

[0081] In addition to hard surface cleaners, as discussed above, the disinfectant composition may also be incorporated into hand sanitizer or sterilizing solutions. When in the form of a solution, the disinfectant composition may be a ready-to-use solution or a liquid concentrate of a ready-to-use solution.

[0078]

[0082] In one aspect, the disinfectant composition can be in the form of a water-soluble pouch, such as a water-soluble pod, a water-soluble film enclosure, or a water-soluble capsule. The water-soluble pouch can be made of any suitable material that dissolves in water. For example, a film made from polyvinyl alcohol, a soy-based film, or any other non-toxic, water-soluble film suitable for enclosing the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure. The pouch can be manufactured by any suitable method, including, for example, thermoforming of a film.

[0079]

[0083] In one embodiment, a useful application method is to impregnate the wipe substrate with the disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, the wipe is a disposable wipe impregnated with the disinfectant composition and stored in a container that dispenses the wipe to the user. The container containing the wipe may contain a single wipe or multiple wipes. Suitable containers include a pouch that the user tears open and contains a single wipe, such as a moist paper towel, or a pouch with a reclosable opening that contains multiple wipes in a stack, roll, or other suitable shape so that the single wipes can be removed one by one through the opening. Pouches are generally made of a fluid-impermeable material such as film, coated paper, or foil, or other similar fluid-impermeable material. Another method of dispensing the wipes of the present invention is to place them in a fluid-impermeable container with an opening for removing the wipes from the container. The container may be a molded plastic container with a fluid-impermeable lid. Typically, the lid has an opening for removing the wipes in the container. The wipes in the container may be stacked alternately such that when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is placed in the opening of the container, ready for removal by the user. Alternatively, the wipes may be a continuous material with perforations between individual wipes in the continuous material. A continuous wipe material with perforations may be in a folded or roll form. Typically, in a roll form, the wipe material is dispensed from the center of the rolled material. In the case of an alternate stack, when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is placed in the opening to facilitate removal of the next wipe when needed.

[0080]

[0084] Disposable wipes offer advantages over other application media, such as reusable sponges, wipes, etc. Unlike reusable sponges, wipes, etc., saturated wipes are used only once and then discarded. Reused sponges or wipes are problematic because the sponge or wipe may retain microorganisms that are not easily killed by the disinfectant composition. Furthermore, the disinfectant composition is formulated to treat hard surfaces rather than the porous soft surfaces present in the sponge or wipe.

[0081]

[0085] The disinfectant composition can be impregnated into the wipe so that the wipe is pre-moistened and dispenses or releases the disinfectant composition onto the surface as the wipe is moved across the surface to be treated. Generally, the disinfectant composition is saturated into the wipe so that the wipe releases the disinfectant composition onto the surface with the wiping action. Depending on the wipe substrate, saturation can generally be achieved using about 3 parts by weight of the disinfectant composition per part by weight of the wipe substrate to be saturated. Generally, the disinfectant composition is used at about 4 to 6 parts by weight per part by weight of the wipe substrate. Within these ranges, complete saturation of the substrate can be achieved. Note that the amount of disinfectant solution may be increased or decreased to achieve complete saturation of the wipe substrate, depending on the particular wipe substrate.

[0082]

[0086] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be well suited for soaking a wipe and using the wipe to disinfect various surfaces. In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be used in a pre-moistened wipe product. The pre-moistened wipe product may contain an antimicrobial agent, an antimicrobial agent blended with water, an antimicrobial agent blended with a preservative, an antimicrobial agent blended with a surfactant, an antimicrobial agent blended with a chelating agent, an antimicrobial agent blended with a pH adjuster, or any combination thereof.

[0083]

[0087] Generally, the pre-moistened wipes of the present disclosure contain a quaternary ammonium compound, as described above. In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipes include a liquid-absorbent substrate. In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipes include a disinfectant composition, as described above. The disinfectant composition contained within the substrate can include at least one of an antimicrobial agent, a preservative, a surfactant, a chelating agent, a pH adjuster, an aqueous solution such as water, or any combination thereof, as described above.

[0084]

[0088] Suitable wipe substrates include woven and nonwoven materials. In one embodiment, the liquid-absorbent substrate may comprise a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web may comprise a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbond web, an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded-carded web, or a laminate thereof. Optionally, the nonwoven may also be laminated with a film material. The fibers used to make the wipe substrate may be cellulose fibers, thermoplastic fibers, and mixtures thereof. The fibers may also be continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, staple fibers, and mixtures thereof. The basis weight of the nonwoven web is about 12 g / m 2 from 200 g / m 2 , or even more. In one aspect, the liquid-absorbent substrate of the pre-moistened wipes product may comprise cellulosic fibers. In one aspect, the liquid-absorbent substrate of the pre-moistened wipes product may have apertures.

[0085]

[0089] In one aspect, the wipe is impregnated with a disinfectant composition containing both active and inactive ingredients within legally permitted limits, and the wiping composition dispensed from the wipe contains active ingredients within legally permitted limits. After being applied to a surface, the antimicrobial pre-moistened wipe remains on the surface for a period of time.

[0086]

[0090] For example, in one aspect, the nonionic surfactants described herein are selected to adsorb or otherwise bind to the fibers of the dry substrate of the pre-moistened wipe product, thereby preventing the active disinfectant from adsorbing to the fibers of the dry substrate. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the nonionic surfactants described herein alter the relative equilibrium at the surface of the pre-moistened wipe product by modifying the surface of the pre-moistened wipe product to be less hydrophobic and the wiping composition to be less hydrophilic. For example, in the case of a QAC solution, such as a dialkyl or alkylbenzyl quaternary solution, the net result is that the hydrophobic wipe surface reduces the attraction of the hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail of the disinfectant composition solution. The hydrophobic group has an affinity for the fiber surface of the substrate. Unlike anionic surfactants, the nonionic nature of the surfactant does not attract cationic quat- or chlorine-based disinfectant solutions, preventing the active disinfectant from binding to the substrate fibers. Various nonionic surfactants may be present in the pre-moistened wipe product, as detailed above.

[0087]

[0091] In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipe product may further optionally contain corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, auxiliary agents, preservatives, fragrances, colorants, etc. Representative corrosion inhibitors include, for example, organophosphorus compounds and blends of organophosphorus compounds with polymer components. Representative auxiliary agents include, for example, polyethylene glycol or other similar compounds. Colorants and fragrances can be added as long as they do not interfere with the function of the composition and can help distinguish the composition. Generally, optional additional components constitute less than about 20% by weight of the composition. For example, each of the above-identified ingredients or components may generally be present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight. For example, each of the above-identified ingredients may be present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, such as about 0.3% to about 1% by weight.

[0088]

[0092] The pre-moistened wipe product of the present disclosure can be supplied with a ready-to-use solution composition.In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipe product can contain an antimicrobial agent, which can include a quaternary ammonium compound and a surfactant, as described herein.In another embodiment, the pre-moistened wipe product can also optionally contain at least one or more of additional surfactants, preservatives, pH adjusters, chelating agents, or water.

[0089]

[0093] As detailed above, a wide variety of microorganisms can be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the wipe compositions of the present disclosure can control gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, etc. In addition to bacteria, the antimicrobial compositions of the present disclosure can also kill or prevent the growth of a variety of other microorganisms, such as fungi, spores, yeast, mycobacteria, viruses, etc.

[0090]

[0094] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface. The method may include saturating a liquid-absorbent substrate with a disinfectant composition. In one aspect, the disinfectant composition saturated in the liquid-absorbent substrate may be applied to a hard surface. The method for disinfecting an adjacent object may include blending an antimicrobial agent with a surfactant. The method may include reducing various microorganisms and viruses on the surface, as detailed above.

[0091]

[0095] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples, which are intended to provide a more complete understanding of the present invention but are not intended to limit the invention. [Example]

[0092] Example 1

[0096] A wide variety of disinfectant compositions were tested for efficacy against a variety of microorganisms.

[0097] Table 1 shows the formulation of each composition tested.

[0093] [Table 1]

[0094]

[0098] Comparative Sample No. 1 is a QAC-containing product commercially available from Dr. Schumacher. Comparative Sample No. 1 contains 2,500 ppm didecyldimethylammonium chloride and 5,000 ppm alkyl(C) in 100 g of solution. 12~16 ) dimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

[0095]

[0099] The formulations were then evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy as well as shine, haze, and cleanliness.

[0100] FIG. 1 indicates that the disinfectant composition with Formulation Sample No. 2 exhibited an average cleaning efficacy of 86.01%, the disinfectant composition with Formulation Sample No. 3 exhibited an average cleaning efficacy of 93.23%, and the disinfectant composition with Formulation Sample No. 4 exhibited an average cleaning efficacy of 96.99%, compared to Comparative Sample No. 1 which exhibited an average efficiency of 60.65%.

[0096]

[0101] Cleaning efficacy is evaluated by quantifying stain removal on a white ceramic non-porous surface after application of the formulation. A colorimeter (X-Rite spectrophotometer) is used to measure the color of the stain before and after treatment with the disinfectant cleaner. A scrub tester is used to consistently treat the surface with the designated formulation. The greater the change in color measured on the soiled / stained surface after treatment, the better the cleaning efficacy of the formulation. The colorimeter is used to measure color in this manner. * a * b * Use color space L * a * b * The overall color change in value is expressed as a value known as ΔE, and is calculated using the formula ΔE = [(Δl)² + (Δa)² + (Δb)²]½. * , a * , and b *The average cleaning efficacy % is calculated by comparing the Delta E between the stain color before cleaning, the stain color after cleaning, and the baseline color of the surface on which the stain is attached.

[0097]

[0102] Surprisingly, the inventors of the present disclosure have discovered that low levels of QACs, as detailed above, can provide antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, yeast, and enveloped viruses on hard surfaces along with cleaning. Importantly, the compositions of the present disclosure are superior to the competing QAC product, Comparative Sample No. 1. Formulation Samples Nos. 2-4, which feature lower QAC concentrations than those present in Comparative Sample No. 1, achieved superior antimicrobial cleaning efficacy.

[0098]

[0103] Figure 2A shows the average gloss measured at 20° for each formulation tested. The inventors surprisingly found that neither the addition of a chelating agent in formulation sample #6 nor the addition of polypropylene glycol in formulation sample #7 adversely affected gloss. After the formulations were applied and dried, the gloss and haze of the surface were quantitatively measured using a gloss meter (an Elcometer 480T was used in this study). Gloss is a visual sensation related to the brightness of direct light reflected from a surface. The gloss meter quantifies this effect by measuring the reflection of light from a sample at a defined angle. For highly reflective surfaces, gloss is measured in GU units using a 20° angle on the gloss meter. Haze represents the halo or bloom found on high-gloss finishes and is measured in HU units. These measurements are used to characterize the level of streaks or residue remaining on a surface after treatment with a disinfectant cleaner. The higher the gloss value and the lower the haze value, the less residue or streaks are present on the hard surface.

[0099]

[0104] Figure 2B shows the average haze. The inventors surprisingly found that the addition of a chelating agent in formulation sample number 6 or polypropylene glycol in formulation sample number 7 had a positive effect on haze. The test method was as described above for Figure 2A.

[0100]

[0105] Figure 3A shows a streak comparison of the disinfectant composition and Comparative Sample No. 1. Formulation Sample Nos. 8-9 performed significantly better than the Comparative Sample. The test method was as described above for Figure 2A.

[0101]

[0106] Figure 3B shows a streak comparison of the disinfectant composition and Comparative Sample No. 1. Formulation Sample Nos. 8-9 performed significantly better than the Comparative Sample. The test method was as described above for Figure 2A.

[0102] Example 2

[0107] Compositions were formulated in accordance with the present disclosure as follows:

[0103] [Table 2]

[0104]

[0108] The above compositions were added to the following wipe samples and tested:

[0105] [Table 3]

[0106]

[0109] The formulations were then evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy in the form of wipes, as detailed above. Specifically, the formulations were tested according to test EN16615. The formulations were tested against Staphylococcus aureus on hard surfaces. Wipes with apertures generally released more liquid.

[0107]

[0110] Table 4 shows microefficiency data from EN16615 testing conducted under hospital-sterilized conditions. Wipe sample no. 14, saturated with 2,500 ppm QAC, exhibits 100% kill efficiency against all microorganisms tested.

[0108] [Table 4]

[0109]

[0111] As shown above, the samples tested passed the EN16615 test 100% against all microorganisms tested.

[0112] In the experiment to test micro-efficacy, four wipe samples were selected, two of which had a flat structure and two of which had fine apertures (although other characteristics were not necessarily the same). It was observed that wipe samples No. 3 and No. 12 performed best among the wipes tested in the micro-efficacy test (EN16615). This effect was particularly pronounced at lower dosage rates.

[0110]

[0113] Micro-efficiency results were tested using the EN 16615 test. Results were obtained against Staphylococcus aureus in filthy conditions. Table 5 suggests that primary alcohol ethoxylate surfactants may have lower pass rates than secondary alcohol ethoxylates.

[0111] [Table 5]

[0112]

[0114] As shown above, low QAC levels can be used to obtain effective disinfectant compositions.

[0115] Figure 4 shows the minimum concentrations of QAC absorbed by the various wipes. The lowest amounts of QAC were associated with wipe sample no. 13, wipe sample no. 14, and wipe sample no. 4.

[0113]

[0116] Table 6 shows the average log reduction for each addition ratio tested.

[0114] [Table 6]

[0115]

[0117] As shown above, it was unexpectedly discovered that the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure had an average log reduction of 4.63 log reduction across all wipe samples tested. The contact time tested was 60 seconds. The composition can be used on both flat and apertured wipe types with even better results.

[0116]

[0118] As shown above, when combinations of QACs and surfactants according to the present disclosure were tested, dramatic and unexpected antimicrobial efficacy was demonstrated while still maintaining low haze and high gloss values. In the present disclosure, disinfectant compositions containing low levels of QACs demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy while still passing EN 16615 and EN 13727 tests against bacteria and yeasts under dirty healthcare and dirty I&I conditions at a contact time of 1 minute (60 seconds), and modified EN 16615 tests against viruses under dirty healthcare and dirty I&I conditions. The disinfectant compositions were found to be effective on hard surfaces. The disinfectant compositions were found to be effective, for example, in the form of wipes that provided clean results with minimal streak effects.

[0117]

[0119] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as more particularly set forth in the appended claims. It should further be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that the foregoing description is by way of example only and does not limit the invention as further set forth in such appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A disinfectant composition, which may be a ready-to-use solution or a liquid concentrate, said disinfectant composition comprising: an antimicrobial agent comprising a quaternary ammonium compound or a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount less than about 10,000 ppm, preferably less than about 5,000 ppm, preferably less than about 4,000 ppm, and most preferably less than about 3,000 ppm; A surfactant comprising an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of ethoxylated secondary alcohols, present in the composition in a weight ratio to the antimicrobial agent of about 1:5 to about 5:1, preferably about 1:3 to about 3:1, preferably about 1:2 to about 2:1, and most preferably about 0.75:1 to about 1:0.

75. Including, A disinfectant composition wherein said surfactant is the only non-ionic surfactant contained in said composition.

2. 10. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, wherein the liquid concentrate is 50 times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 125,000 ppm of the antimicrobial agent, preferably 20 times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 50,000 ppm of the antimicrobial agent, preferably 10 times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 25,000 ppm of the antimicrobial agent, and most preferably 5 times more concentrated than the ready-to-use solution and contains less than about 12,500 ppm of the antimicrobial agent.

3. 3. The disinfectant composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising polypropylene glycol.

4. 4. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in the ready-to-use solution in an amount of about 2,500 ppm, and the surfactant is present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to the antimicrobial agent.

5. 5. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the disinfectant composition does not contain any other antimicrobial agents.

6. 6. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the disinfectant composition further comprises a chelating agent such as methylglycine diacetic acid.

7. 7. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, further comprising a pH adjuster comprising an acid such as hydrochloric acid, wherein the pH is adjusted to between about pH 6 and about pH 8.

8. 8. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ethoxylated secondary alcohol has a molecular weight of about C ６ From about C ６０ , for example, about C ８ From about C ４２ , for example, about C １０ From about C ３２ and the ethoxylated secondary alcohol contains from about 2 moles to about 16 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, e.g., from about 3 moles to about 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

9. 9. The disinfectant composition of claim 8, wherein the secondary alcohol contained in the ethoxylated secondary alcohol is unbranched.

10. 10. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in the composition in an amount of about 500 ppm to about 4,000 ppm, the surfactant is present in an amount of about 750 ppm to about 1,800 ppm, the disinfectant composition further contains a chelating agent in an amount of about 800 ppm to about 3,500 ppm, and a pH adjuster comprising an acid present in the composition in an amount of about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, and the remainder of the disinfectant composition comprises water.

11. 11. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the disinfectant composition exhibits at least a 5 log reduction when tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to test EN 16615 with a contact time of 60 seconds, at least a 4 log reduction when tested against Candida albicans according to test EN 16615 with a contact time of 60 seconds, or at least a 4 log reduction when tested against vaccinia virus according to modified test EN 16615 with a contact time of 60 seconds.

12. 12. The disinfectant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride, octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

13. a liquid absorbent substrate; The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 12 contained within the substrate; Pre-moistened wipe products, including:

14. 14. The pre-moistened wipes product of claim 13, wherein the liquid-absorbent substrate comprises a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web comprising a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbonded web, an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded-carded web, or a laminate thereof, and the liquid-absorbent substrate is optionally apertured.

15. saturating a liquid absorbent substrate with the disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 12; applying the saturated liquid absorbent substrate to a hard surface; 10. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface, comprising:

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