Disinfectant Composition

Abstract

Provided herein are disinfectant compositions comprising at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with at least one adjuvant, which may be a polyetheramine.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001]

[0001] Disinfectants refer to any chemical agent / composition that can kill, destroy, or inhibit the growth of living organisms, especially microorganisms. Disinfectant products include hard surface cleaners, hand sanitizers, hand washes, pre-disinfection washes for instruments, germicidal high-level disinfectant compositions, soft surface disinfectants, etc.

[0002]

[0002] Ideally, a disinfectant composition has broad-spectrum activity against all types of microorganisms. The disinfectant composition should also be highly effective so that a minimum amount of biocide can be used to save costs and to avoid or reduce any possible harmful effects caused by the biocide. It is also desirable that the disinfectant composition be stable against all temperature changes encountered during manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and storage. Furthermore, an ideal disinfectant composition would be physically and chemically compatible with the components of various application systems and with the various ingredients present in end-use formulations, allowing the disinfectant composition to be appropriately incorporated into a variety of end-use products.

[0003] One problem that continues to receive significant attention is the ability to formulate disinfectant compositions that contain low levels of biocides while maintaining effectiveness against many microorganisms, especially during short contact times. Accordingly, there is currently a need for disinfectant formulations that can minimize the concentration of antimicrobial agents while maintaining the effectiveness of higher concentrations of active agents. There is also a need for adjuvants that can increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents both at typical use concentrations of the active agents and at even lower concentrations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] Generally, this application is directed to antiseptic compositions comprising at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent. The adjuvant is present in an amount sufficient to enhance the effectiveness of the at least one antimicrobial agent. For example, the adjuvant can be present in the composition in an amount that enhances the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent compared to the same composition without the adjuvant. Furthermore, the improved effectiveness can be greater than the additive effect of the antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant when used alone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, for example, the present disclosure is directed to a disinfectant composition comprising at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with an adjuvant. According to the present disclosure, the adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent comprises a polyetheramine. The polyetheramine may be a polyethertriamine, for example, having the following formula:

[0006] [ka]

[0007] wherein R1 is H or C1-C9 alkyl, R2, R3, and R4 are independently H or CH3, and x, y, and z are independently 1 to 10. can have:

[0008] In one embodiment, the sum of x, y and z is greater than or equal to 5. Alternatively or additionally, the sum of x, y and z is less than or equal to 10. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may be a ready-to-use solution or a concentrate. The polyethertriamine may be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, e.g., greater than about 200 ppm, generally less than about 250,000 ppm, e.g., less than about 10,000 ppm, e.g., less than about 5,000 ppm, e.g., less than about 3,000 ppm, e.g., less than about 2,000 ppm, e.g., less than about 1,000 ppm. The adjuvant may be present in the composition in a weight ratio relative to the antimicrobial agent of about 1:1 to about 5,000:1, e.g., about 10:1 to about 3,000:1.

[0009]

[0007] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may be present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount of less than about 1000 ppm, for example, less than about 500 ppm, for example, less than about 250 ppm, for example, less than about 100 ppm, for example, less than about 50 ppm, for example, less than about 20 ppm, for example, less than about 10 ppm.

[0010] The adjuvant can be present in the composition such that the disinfectant composition exhibits a greater than 2 log reduction against at least one microorganism compared to the same composition without the adjuvant when tested at a contact time of 60 seconds according to modified test EN 1040. The disinfectant composition can be tested, for example, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the like.

[0011] The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can include a variety of different antimicrobial agents, including one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, parachlorometaxylenol, or mixtures thereof.

[0012] For example, in one embodiment, the antibacterial agent has the following formula:

[0013] [ka]

[0014] (In the formula, R 1 is an optionally substituted benzyl group or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group; R 2 and R 3 are independently an optionally substituted alkyl group; R 4 is an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, a benzyl group, and -[(CH2)2-O] n -R 5 where n is an integer from 1 to 20; and R 5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; X - is a chloride ion, a bromide ion, a phosphate, a carbonate, a bicarbonate, an acetate, an ethosulfate, a sulfate, or a nitrate. In one embodiment, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, which may include, for example, octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium chloride. In another embodiment, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecanedimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dodecanedimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and hexadecanedimethylbenzylammonium chloride. In yet another embodiment, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyldimethylammonium carbonate, didecyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In one embodiment, the adjuvant can be present in the composition in a weight ratio to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of about 10:1 to about 4,000:1, e.g., about 20:1 to about 2,000:1, e.g., about 150:1 to about 1,000:1. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of about 20:1 to about 200:1.

[0017] When the antimicrobial agent comprises chlorhexidine, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio relative to chlorhexidine of about 80:1 to about 8,000:1. When the antimicrobial agent comprises polyhexamethylene biguanide, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio relative to polyhexamethylene biguanide of about 50:1 to about 5,000:1. When the antimicrobial agent comprises parachlorometaxylenol, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio relative to parachlorometaxylenol of about 1:1 to about 50,000:1, for example, about 1:1 to about 10,000:1.

[0018]

[0013] In one embodiment, the adjuvant can be combined with a variety of different compounds. For example, the adjuvant can be combined with a sequestering agent. For example, the sequestering agent can include methylglycine diacetic acid. When the sequestering agent includes methylglycine diacetic acid, the methylglycine diacetic acid can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01% by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, for example greater than about 1.0% by weight, and less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, for example less than about 10% by weight, for example less than about 8% by weight, for example less than about 5% by weight.

[0019]

[0014] The adjuvant may be present in the composition such that the disinfectant composition, when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in accordance with test EN 1276 with a contact time of 5 minutes, exhibits a log reduction of more than 4 compared to the same composition not containing the adjuvant.

[0020]

[0015] The present disclosure is also directed to a pre-moistened wiping product. The pre-moistened wiping product includes a liquid-absorbent substrate and the above-described disinfectant composition contained within the substrate. The liquid-absorbent substrate can include a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web can include, for example, 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.

[0021] The present disclosure is also directed to a method for destroying microorganisms on adjacent surfaces. In one embodiment, a liquid-absorbent substrate is saturated with a disinfectant composition prepared according to the present disclosure. The saturated liquid-absorbent substrate is then applied to a hard surface. Alternatively, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be sprayed onto the adjacent surface. The disinfectant composition can destroy a variety of different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0022]

[0017] The present disclosure is also directed to personal or home care formulations. In one embodiment, the home or personal care formulation comprises a color cosmetic, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bath product, a sun care product, a fabric care product, a liquid dishwashing product, a fragrance formulation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

[0023]

[0018] The present disclosure is also directed to industrial formulations. In one embodiment, the industrial formulation comprises a paint, coating, varnish, sealing composition, leather aid, paper coating, plaster, adhesive, sealant, caulk, mineral slurry, pigment dispersion, pigment slurry, concrete, polymer emulsion, polymer dispersion, ink, size, or pesticide formulation.

[0024]

[0019] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in further detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025]

[0020] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that this discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present disclosure. Generally, the present disclosure is directed to disinfectant compositions. As used herein, the term "disinfectant" refers to a biocidal composition intended to be applied to a surface to destroy microorganisms living on the surface. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure have numerous uses and applications. The disinfectant compositions can be used in any suitable industry or field where surfaces must be essentially free of microorganisms. For example, the disinfectant compositions can include institutional supplies, household products, or healthcare products. The disinfectant compositions can include, for example, hard surface disinfectants, hand sanitizers, germicidal or high-level disinfectant compositions, pre-disinfection washes for instruments, soft surface disinfectant compositions, furniture and fabric cleaners / disinfectants, and the like. In one particular application, the disinfectant compositions can be used in the food and beverage industry to clean food contact surfaces, such as counters, food service tables, food containers, and the like. Generally, approved disinfectants for food contact have relatively low amounts of biocides. In addition to treating food contact surfaces, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure are also particularly well suited for use in the health sector, such as hospitals, emergency centers, and the like.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, a disinfectant composition comprises at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with an adjuvant. The adjuvant is present in the composition in an amount to provide an effective disinfectant composition having a synergistic interaction between the at least one antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant. More specifically, synergistic interaction refers to the fact that an antimicrobial agent, when combined with an adjuvant, has a greater overall biocidal effect than the antimicrobial agent alone or the adjuvant alone. In other words, the antimicrobial agent of the present disclosure acts synergistically with the adjuvant to provide greater antimicrobial activity in the presence of certain microorganisms compared to the antimicrobial activity of the same composition containing the antimicrobial agent alone or the adjuvant alone at the same concentration. Due to the synergistic effect, the amount of antimicrobial agent present in the disinfectant composition can be reduced while still providing desired or even improved efficacy. The adjuvant, for example, enhances the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition.

[0027]

[0023] The adjuvant present in the disinfectant composition can include a polyetheramine. The polyetheramine can be, for example, a polyethertriamine. In one embodiment, the polyetheramine is a branched polyethertriamine.

[0028] One example of a polyetheramine that may be incorporated into the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure is represented by the following formula:

[0029] [ka]

[0030] wherein R1 is H or C1-C9 alkyl; R2, R3, and R4 are each independently H or CH3; and x, y, and z are each independently 1 to 10.

[0031] The degrees of polymerization (x, y, and z) in Formula I are independently 1 to 10. The degrees of polymerization x, y, and z can be the same or different in some cases. For example, x can be 1, y can be 2, and z can be 3. In other cases, z, y, and z can each be 2. In one exemplary embodiment, the sum of the degrees of polymerization (e.g., the sum of the x, y, and z values) is 5 or greater, e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the sum of the x, y, and z values ​​is, for example, 10 or less and 5 or greater.

[0032] The polyetheramine may be a primary aliphatic polyamine. For example, the polyetheramine may be a polyoxypropylene triamine. In one aspect, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may include one or more polyetheramines, for example, a blend of two or three polyetheramines.

[0033] As discussed above, the inclusion of polyetheramines in combination with antimicrobial agents produces dramatic and surprising results, resulting in superior antimicrobial and germicidal efficacy even at low antimicrobial concentrations. The ability to reduce the concentration of antimicrobial agent reduces residues on surfaces and reduces the concentration of antimicrobial agent required to achieve the desired disinfecting effect. For example, combining polyetheramines with antimicrobial agents in a desired ratio can result in improved antimicrobial efficacy with faster kill times, while also allowing the amount of antimicrobial agent to be reduced by 50% or more.

[0034] The adjuvants of the present disclosure can also provide various advantages and benefits when incorporated into disinfectant concentrates that are diluted before use. For example, dilutable concentrates can be formulated to have high disinfection performance while containing antimicrobial agents at concentrations below those that require special handling or labeling under government regulations. For example, concentrates containing one or more antimicrobial agents can be produced that do not require hazardous GHS classification according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.

[0035] For example, dilutable concentrate formulations containing quaternary ammonium compounds often require concentrations in concentrated form that can result in corrosive hazard statements on the packaging. Quaternary ammonium compounds, for example, can be sensitive to other components included in the composition, and therefore are typically present at high concentrations, which then require subsequent dilution to achieve the desired level of disinfection. In the past, various efforts have been made to reduce the concentration of quaternary ammonium compounds in dilutable concentrations by using surfactants, chelating agents, solvents, and the like. However, the adjuvants (e.g., one or more polyetheramines) of the present disclosure have been found to work particularly well with quaternary ammonium compounds, dramatically improving their efficacy at much lower concentrations, as described in more detail below.

[0036] The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can contain adjuvants in combination with a variety of different antimicrobial agents. The disinfectant compositions can include, for example, a single antimicrobial agent or a mixture of one or more antimicrobial agents or different antimicrobial agents. Examples of antimicrobial agents that can be incorporated into the disinfectant compositions and exhibit high levels of efficacy when combined with an adjuvant include one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorhexidine, halogen-substituted xylenols, or mixtures thereof.

[0037] In one embodiment, for example, the disinfectant composition contains an adjuvant in combination with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds. The quaternary ammonium compounds can include, for example, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds or benzyl ammonium compounds. Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats," typically include at least one quaternary ammonium cation with a suitable anion. Quats generally have the general formula II:

[0038] [ka]

[0039] It has.

[0032] Group R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 can vary within wide limits, and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds with antibacterial properties are well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, R 1 , R 2 , R3 and R4 are lower alkyl groups, meaning having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl groups. 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 The two groups are a long-chain alkyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be linear or branched, or a benzyl group. - is one equivalent of a monovalent or 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, carboxylate, sulfonate, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate / carbonate or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R groups: 1 is benzyl or C 6-18 alkyl, and R 2 is C 1-18 Alkyl or -[(CH2)2-O] n R 5 (Wherein n=1 to 20, R3 and R4 are each independently C1 -4 alkyl, and R5 is hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and M - is one equivalent of a monovalent or polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid.

[0040] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound can include a dialkylammonium compound, such as a dimethyldialkylammonium compound, which can have from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, such as from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms, in each alkyl group.

[0041] Examples of dimethyldialkylammonium compounds that can be used include dimethyldioctylammonium compounds, such as dimethyldioctylammonium chloride, dimethyldidecylammonium compounds, such as dimethyldidecylammonium chloride, and the like. Mixtures of dimethyldialkylammonium compounds can also be used, and other anions, such as those mentioned above, can also be used. Commercially available dimethyldialkylammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold by Arxada AG under the trade name BARDAC™.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include a benzyl ammonium compound, such as an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound. Typically, the alkyl group can include from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, such as from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms.

[0043] Examples of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds include C12 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, C14 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and C16 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. Furthermore, mixtures of these alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds can be used. Commercially available alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold by Arxada AG under the trade name BARQUAT®. These commercially available alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds are blends of C12, C14, and C16 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides. Generally, when the alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound is a blend, it is preferred that the C12 alkyl and C14 alkyl components are present in higher concentrations than the C16 alkyl component. It should be noted that other anions, including those listed above, can also be used.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound can include a quaternary ammonium propionate. The quaternary ammonium propionate can include, for example, a poly(oxyalkyl)ammonium propionate. In one particular embodiment, for example, the first biocide can include N,N-didecyl-N-methyl-poly(oxyethyl)ammonium propionate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent comprises a carbonate / bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation. The quaternary ammonium carbonate has the following formula:

[0046] [ka]

[0047] (In the formula, R 1 is C1~C 20 is an alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, R 2 is C8~C 20is an alkyl group, preferably R 1 is R 2 is the same as R 1 is C8~C 12 The corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate can be represented by the formula:

[0048] [ka]

[0049] (In the formula, R 1 are the same or different, and C1 to C 20 is an alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, R 2 are the same or different, and C8 to C 20 is an alkyl group, but preferably R 1 is R 2 is the same as R 1 is C8~C 12 The group may have an alkyl group.

[0050] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent in the composition is a diC8-C 12 Include an alkyl ammonium carbonate / bicarbonate. For example, in one particular embodiment, the disinfectant composition includes didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0051] 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.

[0052]

[0041] Instead of or in addition to quaternary ammonium compounds, the antimicrobial agent can include guanidine, and particularly biguanides, and / or their substitution products, salts, analogs, derivatives, and / or combinations thereof. Biguanides are generally represented by the following formula, although they are known to exist in other forms:

[0053] [ka]

[0054] (In the formula, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol, or R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 One of them is,

[0055] [ka]

[0056] where R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. Substituents for the alkyl and phenyl groups include, but are not limited to, halo, e.g., chloro, bromo, fluoro, or iodo, hydroxy, and amino. The alkyl group can have 1 to 6 carbons and can be saturated or unsaturated, and can be straight-chained or branched. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include a polymeric biguanide, also known as polybiguanide, or a salt, analog, or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the polybiguanide can be a copolymer or heteropolymer. The polybiguanide can be linear, branched, cyclic, and / or dendritic. The number of polymer repeat units can vary from 2 to 1,000, such as from 5 to 750, such as from 10 to 500, such as from 25 to 250, such as from 50 to 100 repeat units. In a particular embodiment, the polybiguanide can include polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polyhexamethylene monoguanide (PHMG), polyethylene biguanide (PEB), polytetramethylene biguanide (PTMB), polyethylene hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polymethylene biguanide (PMB), poly(allylbiguanidnio-co-allylamine), poly(N-vinyl-biguanide), polyallyl biguanide, and the like.

[0057] For example, in one particular embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include a polyalkylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB). PHMB is generally represented by the following formula, but is known to exist as a complex mixture of polymeric biguanides with various end groups, including guanidine (not shown):

[0058] [ka]

[0059] The value n represents the number of repeat units in the biguanide polymer. More specifically, PHMB may be a mixture of various biguanide polymers that can contain various combinations of end groups, such as amine, cyanoguanidino, and guanidine. Based solely on these three end groups, there are at least six possible biguanide polymers. There may be one biguanide polymer with two terminal amine groups, designated PHMB-AA, one with two terminal cyanoguanidino groups, designated PHMB-CGCG, and one with two terminal guanidine groups, designated PHMB-GG (see below). There are also three possible biguanide polymers with two different combinations of end groups. Also based on the end groups, these include amine-cyanoguanidino (PHMB-ACG), amine-guanidino (PHMB-AG), and guanidine-cyanoguanidino (GCG). Thus, a sample of PHMB may contain a mixture of polymeric biguanides with the three mentioned end groups. Additionally, some of the compositions may include in-chain polymeric guanides (not shown). The subscript "n" represents the average number of repeating groups, and a distribution of polymer lengths exists for each of the polymers shown below.

[0060] [ka]

[0061] (In the formula, n may be about 1 to about 50, for example, about 1 to about 20.) Polyhexamethylene biguanides, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, have a broad antibacterial spectrum and are fast acting. Furthermore, the antibacterial agent is stable over a wide pH range.

[0062] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include a bis-biguanide, which is generally represented by the following formula, but is known to exist in other forms:

[0063] [ka]

[0064] (Wherein A and A 1 each represents either (1) an alkyl or alkoxy group containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, a nitro group, or a phenyl group optionally substituted with a halogen atom; (2) an alkyl group containing 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; or (3) an alicyclic group containing 4 to about 12 carbon atoms, wherein X and X 1 each represents an alkylene group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, where Z and Z 1 can each be either 0 or 1, and R and R 1 each represents either hydrogen, an alkyl group containing 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to about 12 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 2 to 12 inclusive, and the chain (CH2) n may optionally be interrupted by oxygen or sulfur atoms, aromatic nuclei, etc., and may be substituted with halide, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or acetyl groups, aromatic nuclei, etc. In one embodiment, the chain (CH) nmay optionally be substituted with a divalent bridging group, where the divalent bridging group may be selected from, but is not limited to, alkylene, alicyclic group, cyclic nucleus, aromatic nucleus, etc., which may be substituted or interrupted by oxygen or sulfur atoms, aromatic nuclei, etc. Exemplary bis-biguanide compounds include, but are not limited to, chlorhexidine, alexidine, trifluoromethylphenyl bis-biguanide, analogs, derivatives, and / or salts thereof.

[0065] In one embodiment, the antibacterial agent can include chlorhexidine, which is generally represented by the following formula:

[0066] [ka]

[0067] In one embodiment, the chlorhexidine can include a chlorhexidine salt. For example, the antimicrobial agent can include chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, or chlorhexidine acetate.

[0068] Another antimicrobial agent that can be incorporated into the disinfectant composition includes phenolic compounds. For example, in one embodiment, the phenolic compound can be a halogen-substituted xylenol. One example of a halogen-substituted xylenol is parachlorometaxylenol ("PCMX"). PCMX is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. PCMX may also be referred to by other names, including chloroxylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol; 2-chloro-m-xylenol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene; 4-chloro-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzene; and 3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol. It is believed that PCMX compounds exert their antimicrobial action through protein denaturation and enzyme inactivation in microorganisms. PCMX compounds may also alter the permeability of cell membranes, which can result in uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, inhibition of active transport, and / or loss of metabolites due to cell membrane damage. PCMX compounds are considered environmentally friendly. PCMX compounds are typically used in combination with water, optionally with a surfactant, and a solubilizing agent. Suitable solubilizing agents include low molecular weight alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and glycols, such as propylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0069] The disinfectant composition may contain a single antimicrobial agent, a mixture of two or more antimicrobial agents from one class of antimicrobial agents, or a mixture of two or more different classes of antimicrobial agents. For example, the antimicrobial agent may be a mixture of various quaternary ammonium compounds, a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a PCMX compound, a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a biguanide, and other similar mixtures.

[0070] The disinfectant composition may also include a single adjuvant, a second adjuvant, or a mixture of two or more adjuvants. For example, in one embodiment, the adjuvant may include only a single adjuvant, such as a polyether triamine.

[0071] The amount of adjuvant, the amount of one or more antimicrobial agents and the ratio between the different components can vary widely depending on the particular application, the desired end use, the microorganisms to be controlled, etc. In one aspect, the adjuvant or polyetheramine is specifically a polyethertriamine. In one embodiment the adjuvant is present in the disinfectant composition in an amount of more than about 100 ppm, such as more than about 200 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 300 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 400 ppm, such as more than about 500 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 600 ppm, such as more than about 700 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 800 ppm, such as more than about 900 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,000 ppm, such as more than about 1,100 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,200 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,300 ppm, such as more than about 1,400 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,500 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,600 ppm, such as more than about 1,700 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,800 ppm, for example in an amount of more than about 1,900 ppm, such as more than about 2,000 ppm. The adjuvant is generally present in the disinfectant composition in an amount of less than about 250,000 ppm, such as less than about 15,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 10,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 9,000 ppm, such as less than about 8,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 7,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 6,000 ppm, such as less than about 5,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 4,000 ppm, such as less than about 3,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 2,000 ppm, such as less than about 1,000 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 900 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 800 ppm, such as less than about 700 ppm, for example in an amount of less than about 600 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 300 ppm. The above concentrations are generally for ready-to-use compositions, but also cover disinfectant concentrates, which may contain adjuvants in amounts from about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, including all 100 ppm increments therebetween.

[0072] As explained above, the amount of antimicrobial agent included in the disinfectant composition can vary widely depending on the antimicrobial agent present and various other factors. In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the ready-to-use disinfectant composition in an amount of less than about 1000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, for example, less than about 450 ppm, for example, less than about 400 ppm, such as less than about 350 ppm, for example, less than about 300 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, for example, less than about 200 ppm, for example, less than about 150 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, for example, less than about 90 ppm, for example, less than about 80 ppm, for example, less than about 70 ppm, for example, less than about 60 ppm, for example, less than about 50 ppm, for example, less than about 40 ppm, for example, less than about 30 ppm, for example, less than about 20 ppm, for example, less than about 10 ppm. The one or more antimicrobial agents are generally present in the disinfectant composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 ppm, such as greater than about 0.1 ppm, for example greater than about 1 ppm, such as greater than about 2 ppm, for example greater than about 4 ppm, such as greater than about 5 ppm, for example greater than about 10 ppm, such as greater than about 15 ppm, for example greater than about 20 ppm, such as greater than about 25 ppm, for example greater than about 30 ppm, such as greater than about 40 ppm, for example greater than about 50 ppm, for example greater than about 60 ppm, such as greater than about 70 ppm, for example greater than about 80 ppm, for example greater than about 90 ppm, such as greater than about 100 ppm, for example greater than about 150 ppm, such as greater than about 200 ppm, for example greater than about 250 ppm, for example greater than about 300 ppm.

[0073] The weight ratio between the adjuvant and the one or more antimicrobial agents may generally be from about 1:1 to about 50,000:1. In one aspect, the adjuvant is present in a higher concentration or amount than the one or more antimicrobial agents. In various embodiments, the weight ratio between the adjuvant and the one or more antimicrobial agents may be from about 1:1 to about 5,000:1, e.g., from about 10:1 to about 3,000:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio between the adjuvant and the one or more antimicrobial agents may be from about 10:1 to about 500:1, e.g., from about 20:1 to about 400:1, e.g., from about 100:1 to about 300:1. However, the above weight ratios are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the broad scope of the present invention.

[0074]

[0055] Particularly dramatic synergistic effects have been observed when the adjuvants of the present disclosure are combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition. Thus, when a disinfectant composition includes one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, the ready-to-use composition can include the one or more quaternary ammonium compounds at a concentration well below about 100 ppm, e.g., less than about 75 ppm, e.g., less than about 50 ppm, e.g., less than about 40 ppm, e.g., less than about 30 ppm, e.g., less than about 20 ppm, e.g., less than about 10 ppm. For example, highly effective disinfectant compositions can be formulated according to the present disclosure, wherein the composition includes one or more quaternary ammonium compounds at a concentration of about 0.5 ppm to about 20 ppm, e.g., about 1.25 ppm to about 8 ppm. The adjuvant can be present in the composition in a weight ratio to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of about 10:1 to about 4,000:1, e.g., about 20:1 to about 2,000:1, e.g., about 150:1 to about 1,000:1. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of about 20:1 to 200:1.

[0075] For example, in one embodiment, when an adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition, the disinfectant composition may exhibit a log reduction of greater than 2, such as greater than 3, such as greater than 4, or even greater than 5, when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to modified test EN1040 with a contact time of 60 seconds.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, when the adjuvants of the present disclosure are combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition, the disinfectant composition may exhibit a log reduction of greater than about 2.5, such as greater than about 3.5, such as greater than about 4.5, or even greater than about 5.25, when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to modified test EN1040 with a contact time of 60 seconds.

[0077] A variety of different quaternary ammonium compounds can be utilized. In one embodiment, the composition can include at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride. In one embodiment, the composition can include octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the disinfectant composition can include an adjuvant in combination with alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. For example, the composition can include tetradecanedimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dodecanedimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and hexadecanedimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

[0079] In another embodiment, the adjuvant may be combined with a quaternary ammonium carbonate and / or bicarbonate to form a disinfectant composition. For example, the quaternary ammonium compound may be a blend of didecyldimethylammonium carbonate and didecyldimethylammonium bicarbonate. In addition to being effective antimicrobial agents, quaternary ammonium carbonates and bicarbonates are also corrosion inhibitors.

[0080] In another embodiment, the antiseptic composition includes guanamine in combination with an adjuvant. For example, the guanamine can be chlorhexidine. In one embodiment, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio relative to chlorhexidine of about 80:1 to about 8,000:1, e.g., about 100:1 to about 2,000:1.

[0081] In another embodiment, the disinfecting composition can include an adjuvant in combination with polyhexamethylene biguanide. For illustrative purposes only, in one embodiment, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio to the polyhexamethylene biguanide of about 50:1 to about 5,000:1, e.g., about 100:1 to about 3,000:1.

[0082] In another embodiment, an adjuvant can be present in combination with the halogen-substituted xylenol in producing a disinfectant composition. The halogen-substituted xylenol can be parachlorometaxylenol. The adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio relative to the halogen-substituted xylenol of about 1:1 to about 10,000:1, e.g., about 100:1 to about 5,000:1.

[0083] As noted above, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure may, in one aspect, be formulated as concentrates that can be diluted with a solvent before use, where the amount of antimicrobial agent is greater than the typical end-use amount.

[0084] Dilution of disinfectant concentrates is typically performed with an aqueous solvent prior to use. One particular aqueous solvent that can be used is water. Dilution can be the amount of solvent needed to dilute the concentrate to the desired active ingredient concentration for the intended use. Typically, a set amount of concentrate is added to a specified amount of solvent. For example, a 1:16 dilution ratio would involve adding 1 ounce of concentrate to 1 pint of solvent, a 1:32 dilution ratio would involve adding 1 ounce of concentrate to 1 quart of solvent, a 1:64 dilution ratio would involve adding 1 ounce of concentrate to 1 / 2 gallon of solvent, a 1:128 dilution ratio would involve adding 1 ounce of concentrate to 1 gallon of water, etc. Similarly, metric dilutions can be used, such as 10 ml per liter for a 1:100 dilution.

[0085] When included in a disinfectant composition, the antimicrobial agent and adjuvant may be combined with a variety of different ingredients. For example, in one embodiment, a solvent may be present in the product. Typically, the solvent is a polar solvent, such as water, or a water-miscible solvent, such as an alcohol and / or a glycol ether. In addition to water, the disinfectant composition may further include a water-miscible organic solvent. Examples of water-miscible solvents include ethanol, propanol, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, and combinations thereof.

[0086] In addition to the solvent, the disinfectant composition can include a surfactant. Typically, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant. The surfactant is present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the disinfectant concentrate. Typically, the surfactant is 2% to 15% by weight of the concentrate.

[0087]

[0068] Particularly suitable surfactants are alkoxylated alcohol surfactants, generally having about 2 to about 8 molar alkoxylation. Typically, the alkoxylation is 3 to 6 molar. In one particular example, the alkoxylation is about 4.5 molar. In addition to having that degree of alkoxylation, the alkoxylated alcohol is a C4 to C12 alkyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the alkyl alcohol is a C8 to C10 alkyl alcohol. The alkoxylation may be ethoxylated. Generally, it is desirable to have an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) in the range of 8 to 14, more typically 10 to 12, e.g., about 11.

[0088] Nonionic surfactants that can be used in the present invention 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, glyceryl laurate, polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamer, and polyethoxylated tallowamine (POEA), and mixtures thereof. The amount of nonionic surfactant in a concentrate is about 1 to about 8 w / w% of the formulation. Typically, concentrates contain 2 to 5 w / w% nonionic surfactant. The amount of nonionic surfactant in a ready-to-use product is about 0.05 to about 3 w / w% of the solution. In another embodiment, the nonionic surfactant in the product is about 0.05 to about 1.5 w / w% of the solution.Typically, disinfectant compositions contain 0.06 to 1 w / w% nonionic surfactant.

[0089] In an alternative embodiment, the nonionic surfactant used in the present invention may be disodium cocoamphodiproprionate. Disodium cocoamphodiproprionate is a coco-substituted imidazoline commonly used in personal care products, such as hair shampoos and conditioners, liquid soaps, cleansing lotions, and general-purpose and industrial cleaners, due to its high foaming properties and excellent hydrotope capacity. Additionally, mixtures of disodium cocoamphodiproprionate with other surfactants can be used. Commercially available disodium cocoamphodiproprionate compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold by Arxada AG under the trade name Amphotage® K-2.

[0090]

[0071] Additionally, the disinfectant composition may contain an optional sequestering agent. Examples of sequestering agents include acetic acid derivatives selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and tetrasodium EDTA. The sequestering agent may also serve to bind other metal ions that may adversely affect the efficacy of the disinfectant components in the composition. Furthermore, the sequestering agent may assist in decontamination of the disinfectant composition during use and / or prevent recontamination of the disinfectant composition. When present in a concentrate, the sequestering agent is generally present in an amount of up to about 20% by weight, and typically in an amount of about 2 to about 8% by weight.

[0091] Generally, suitable sequestering agents include methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), diethylenethaminepentamethylene-phosphonic acid (DETPMP), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), nitrilothacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylenethaminepentamethylene-phosphonic acid (DETPMP), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), nitrilothacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylenethaminepentamethylene-phosphonic acid (DETPMP), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), nitrilothacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylenethaminepentamethylene-phosphonic acid (DETPMP), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HYD ... acid) (DTPMPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric acid (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamineditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic 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), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic 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).

[0092] In one particular embodiment, for example, the sequestering agent is methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA). Commercially available MGDA agents include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the trade name Trilon® M by BASF.

[0093]

[0074] When the sequestering agent includes MGDA, the MGDA may be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01% by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, for example greater than about 1.0% by weight, and less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, for example less than about 10% by weight, for example less than about 8% by weight, for example less than about 5% by weight.

[0094] The disinfectant composition may also contain a pH adjuster. Suitable pH adjusters include sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, monoethanolamine, and other similar compounds. In the present invention, the concentrate and final disinfectant composition have a pH in the range of about 1 to about 14, e.g., about 6 to about 13. Generally, a disinfectant composition having a pH in the range of about 6 to about 8 is considered a neutral disinfectant composition. A disinfectant composition having a pH in the range of greater than 8 to about 12 is considered an alkaline disinfectant composition.

[0095]

[0076] The disinfectant composition may optionally further comprise corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, adjuvants, preservatives, fragrances, colorants, etc. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors include, for example, organophosphorus compounds and blends of organophosphorus compounds with polymeric components. Exemplary adjuvants include, for example, polyethylene glycol or other similar compounds. Colorants and fragrances may be added so as not to interfere with the function of the composition and may function to identify the composition. Generally, any additional components comprise less than about 20% by weight of the composition.

[0096] The disinfectant composition can also include at least one acid or salt thereof. The acid can be inorganic or organic. In a preferred embodiment, the acid is a C1-C8 carboxylic acid. In certain embodiments, the acid is a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. In additional embodiments, the acid is a hydroxyl acid, an aromatic acid, or a mixture thereof. In other additional embodiments, the acid is methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, etidronic acid, phytic acid, phosphoacetic acid, N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylphosphonoic acid), S,S-ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid, an alkali salt thereof, or any mixture thereof.

[0097]

[0078] In some embodiments, the acid is citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), dipicolinic acid (DPA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA), alkali salts thereof, or any mixture thereof.

[0098] In one embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids. In some embodiments, the acid includes one or more of the following organic acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid. In other embodiments, the acid includes one or more of the following acids in combination with another acid: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid. For example, citric acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or an alkali salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, succinic acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or an alkali salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, phosphoric acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or an alkali salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, lactic acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or an alkali salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0099] The disinfectant composition can include about 1% to about 5% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with another acid. In another aspect, the composition can include about 1% to about 5% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of another acid. In another embodiment, the composition can include about 2% to about 4% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of another acid, such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or an alkali salt thereof, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0100] A variety of different disinfectant compositions can be produced in accordance with the present disclosure. The disinfectant compositions can be used, for example, to clean hard surfaces, for pre-cleaning sterilization or high-level disinfection of equipment, and / or as hand sanitizers.

[0101] When used as a hard surface cleaner, the disinfectant composition can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned, sanitized or disinfected by conventional means, such as pouring the composition onto the surface; spraying applied to the surface by spray means including, but not limited to, pump action spray applicators, pressurized spray applicators, and the like; saturated wipes; rags and buckets; mops and buckets; sponges and buckets, or by automatic cleaning equipment or other similar conventional methods of applying a disinfectant composition to a surface for the purpose of sanitizing or disinfecting the surface.

[0102] To use the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure, a surface is treated with a substrate by spraying, pouring, wiping, or otherwise applying the disinfectant composition to the surface. Once applied to the surface, the disinfectant composition is left on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition can be applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or it can be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device.

[0103] Surfaces that can be disinfected with the composition include, but are not limited to, those found in dairy facilities, homes, medical facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing facilities, restaurants, hospitals, public facilities, and industries including secondary oil recovery. Hard surfaces, such as glass and polished aluminum, are particularly suitable for application. Specific areas of application include hard surfaces within homes, such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, fixtures, trash cans, laundry areas, trash cans, bathroom fixtures, toilets, cisterns, faucets, mirrors, vanities, bathtubs, and showers. The composition can also be used to disinfect floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, toilet fixtures, windows, and wood surfaces, such as fence rails, porch rails, decks, roofing materials, siding, window frames, and door frames. The disinfectant composition is particularly well suited for application on indirect food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, household utensils, containers, dishes, sinks, fixtures, and countertops. The disinfectant composition can be used to disinfect dairy plant equipment, milking machines, milk pails, tank trucks, etc. Areas within a hospital include beds, stretchers, tables, canisters, toilets, trash cans, stands, cabinets, shower stalls, floors, walls or any other non-porous surface.

[0104] One particularly useful application method is to impregnate a wipe substrate with the disinfectant composition. In this 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 one wipe or several wipes. Suitable containers include pouches containing a single wipe, such as a moistened hand towel, that the user tears apart, or pouches with a resealable opening containing several wipes in a stack, roll, or other suitable configuration that allows one wipe to be removed from the opening at a time. Pouches are generally prepared from a liquid-impermeable material, such as film, coated paper, or foil, or other similar liquid-impermeable material. Another method of dispensing the wipes of the present invention involves placing the wipes in a liquid-impermeable container with an opening for accessing the wipes in the container. The container may be a molded plastic container with a liquid-impermeable lid. Typically, the lid has an opening for accessing the wipes in the container. The wipes in the container may be stacked 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 form or in a roll. Typically, in a roll, the wipe material is dispensed from the center of the rolled material. As with stacking, when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is placed in the opening used to remove the next wipe, if needed.

[0105] The disinfecting composition can be impregnated into the wipe so that the wipe is pre-moistened and squeezes or releases the disinfecting composition onto the surface as the wipe is slid across the surface to be treated. Typically, the disinfecting composition is sufficiently saturated into the wipe so that the wipe releases the disinfecting composition onto the surface through the wiping action.

[0106] Depending on the wipe substrate, saturation was generally achieved using about 3 parts by weight of disinfectant composition used per part by weight of wipe substrate to be saturated. Generally, the disinfectant composition is used at about 4 to 6 parts by weight per part of 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.

[0107] Suitable wipe substrates include woven and nonwoven materials. Essentially any nonwoven web material can be used. Exemplary nonwoven materials include, but are not limited to, meltblown, co-formed, spunbonded, airlaid, hydroentangled nonwovens, spunlaced, bonded-carded webs, and laminates thereof. In some cases, nonwovens can also be laminated with film materials. The fibers used to prepare the wipe substrate can be cellulosic fibers, thermoplastic fibers, and mixtures thereof. The fibers can be continuous, discontinuous, staple, and mixtures thereof. The basis weight of the nonwoven web can vary from about 12 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per square meter or more.

[0108] In one embodiment, the wipe is impregnated with a liquid component that contains both active and inactive ingredients within acceptable tolerance levels, and the disinfecting composition expressed from the wipe contains the active ingredients within acceptable tolerance levels. Once applied to a surface, the disinfecting composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition may be applied to a surface and allowed to dry, or, preferably, may be dried by wiping the surface with an unused dry wipe or wiping device.

[0109] When the wipes or disinfecting compositions of the present invention are used to wipe a surface, disinfection is achieved in less than 4 minutes, typically within 3 minutes, 90 seconds, or even 60 seconds. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the antimicrobial disinfecting composition must remain in contact with the surface requiring disinfection for a sufficient period of time for disinfection to occur.

[0110] In yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used as a hand sanitizer. When used as a hand sanitizer, the antimicrobial agent of the present disclosure can be combined with any of the ingredients described above. In one embodiment, for example, the antimicrobial agent can be combined with a solvent, such as water and / or alcohol. In one particular application, a foaming agent can be added to cause the composition to foam when pumped from a dispenser. The foaming agent can include any suitable foaming agent that is compatible with the antimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, for example, the foaming agent can include a dimethicone copolyol surfactant or other similar agent that can cause the hand sanitizer to foam.

[0111] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used for disinfecting equipment, for example, for pre-cleaning and disinfection or for final high-level disinfection of devices, medical instruments, or endoscopes. In one embodiment, when equipment is processed manually, the disinfectant composition can be applied by immersing the equipment in an appropriate concentration of the disinfectant composition. For example, a plastic or metal container, a stainless steel sink, or any other suitable container can be used as a container to hold the disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, complete immersion of the equipment or device or endoscope, including voids, holes, and hollow portions, may be required. When used to disinfect equipment, such as endoscopes, the channels of endoscopes and other equipment may need to be flushed. Generally, after disinfection, the equipment should be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned with water, preferably a sufficient amount of water.

[0112] In another embodiment, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can be incorporated into many different end-use formulations or products. As used herein, "end-use formulation" or "end-use product" is intended to mean a personal or home care product or an industrial formulation.

[0113]

[0094] Personal or home care product formulations generally include a base composition to which the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure are added. The base composition can include a number of different ingredients depending on the end-use application. Personal or home care product formulations can include, for example, other solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, alkalinity builders, pH adjusters, adjuvants, acids, foaming agents, colorants, UV blockers, waxes, natural extracts, oils, viscosity factors, conditioners, emollients, skin care ingredients, moisturizers, thickeners, humectants, fillers, antioxidants, other preservatives, active ingredients, particularly dermatologically active ingredients, fragrances, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Active ingredients described herein include, for example, agents such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, and antifungal agents. Active ingredients suitable for topical application are particularly preferred.

[0114] Suitable surfactants for the base composition include alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate; sodium cetearyl sulfate; alkyl sulfoacetates, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; alkyl ether sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate; sodium trideceth sulfate; sodium oleth sulfate; ammonium laureth sulfate; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, such as disodium laureth sulfosuccinate; alkyl glycosides, such as decyl glucoside; lauryl glucoside; amphoteric alkyl isethionates, such as cocamidopropyl betaine; sodium cocoamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate; disodium lauroamphodiacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium lauroamphopropionate. lauroamphopripionate); disodium lauroamphodipropionate; amphoteric potassium or ammonium salts of the foregoing; capryl / capramidopropyl betaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; lauramidopropyl betaine; and fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers.

[0115] Suitable emulsifiers for the base composition are, for example, anionic ones as salts of fatty acids, such as sodium stearate or sodium palmitate, organic soaps, for example mono-, di- or triethanolaminoeate, sulfates or sulfonates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium cetylsulfonate, saponins, lamepone; cationic ones as quaternary ammonium salts; nonionic ones as fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, polyoxyethylene esters or polyoxyethylene ethers of fatty acids, polymers derived from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or propylene glycol, amphoteric ones as phospholipids, proteins as gelatins, casein alkylamidobetaines, alkylbetaines and amphoglycinates, alkyl phosphates, alkylpolyoxyethylenephosphates or corresponding acids, silicone derivatives, for example alkyl dimethiconecopolyol.

[0116]

[0097] Suitable viscosity agents for the base composition are, for example, fatty alcohols or mixtures of fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters, such as acetylated lanolin alcohol, aluminum stearate, carbomer, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG 100 stearate, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, oleic acid, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, carnauba wax, beeswax and its synthetic equivalents, carbomer, etc. Suitable conditioners are, for example, alkylamidoammonium lactate, cetrimonium chloride and distearoylethylhydroxyethylmonium methosulfate and cetearyl alcohol, cetyl dimethicone, cetyl ricinoleate, dimethicone, laureth-23, laureth-4, polydecene, retinol palmitate, quaternized protein hydrolysates, quaternized cellulose and starch derivatives, quaternized copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acid or salts, quaternized silicone derivatives.

[0117] Suitable emollients for the base composition include, for example, cetearyl isononanoate, cetearyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, cococaprylate / caprate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, oleyl oleate, hexyl laurate, liquid paraffin, PEG-75 lanolin, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, petrolatum, ozokerite cyclomethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, dicaprylyl ether, butyrospermum parkii, buxus chinensis, canola, carnauba cera, copernicia cerifera cerifera, oenothera biennis, elaeis guineensis, prunus dulcis, squalane, zea mays, glycine soja, helianthus annuus, lanolin, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, sucrose cocoate, stearoxydimethicone, lanolin alcohol, isohexadecane.

[0118]

[0099] Suitable skin care ingredients for the base composition are, for example, plant extracts, bisabolol, anti-inflammatory agents, urea, allantoin, panthenol and panthenol derivatives, phytantriol, vitamins A, E, C, D, animal or plant derived ceramides, lecithin, etc.

[0119] Suitable humectants for the base composition are, for example, butylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, dimyristyl tartrate, glucose glycereth-26, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, hydrolyzed milk protein, lactic acid, lactose and other sugars, laureth-8, lecithin, octoxyglycerin, PEG-12, PEG-135, PEG-150, PEG-20, PEG-8, pentylene glycol glycol, hexylene glycol, phytantriol, polyquaternium-39 PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, propylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, succinoglycan, synthetic beeswax, tri-C14-15 alkyl citrate, starch.

[0120]

[0101] Suitable thickeners for the base composition are, for example, acrylates / steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, carbomer, carboxymethyl starch, cera alba, dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silica, silica dimethyl silylate, xanthan gum, hydrogenated butylene / ethylene / styrene copolymer.

[0121]

[0102] Suitable humectants for the base composition are, for example, adipic acid, fumaric acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, glyceryl triacetate, sodium or magnesium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, polyvinylpyrrolidone, boric acid, monolaurate or monopalmitate, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol, talc, calcium or magnesium salts of higher fatty acids, mono-, di- or triglycerides of higher fatty acids, polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0122]

[0103] Suitable antioxidants for the base composition are, for example, sulfites, such as sodium sulfite, tocopherol or its derivatives, ascorbic acid or its derivatives, citric acid, propyl gallate, chitosan glycolate, cysteine, N-acetylcysteine ​​plus zinc sulfate, thiosulfates, such as sodium thiosulfate, polyphenols, etc.

[0123]

[0104] The formulations may further comprise active ingredients such as antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, plant extracts, bisabolol, panthenol, tocopherol, active substances for anti-stinging, anti-irritation or anti-dandruff applications, or anti-aging agents such as retinol, melibiose, etc. Other suitable active substances are, for example, Medicago officinalis, Actinidia chinensis, allantoin, Aloe barbadensis, Anona cherimolia, Anthemis nobilis, Arachis hypogaea, Arnica Montana, Avena sativa, beta-carotene, bisabolol, Borago officinalis, butylene glycol, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, camphor, Candida bombicola, bombicola, Capryloyl glycine, Carica papaya, Centaurea cyanus, Cetylpyridinium chloride, Chamomilla recutita, Chenopodium quinoa, Chinchona succirubra, Chondrus crispus, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Citrus grandis, Citrus limonum, Cocos nucifera, Coffea arabica, Crataegus monogina, Cucumis melomelo, Dichlorophenylimidazoledioxolane, Enteromorpha compressa, Equisetum arvense, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethyl Panthenol, Farnesol, Ferulic Acid, Fragaria chiloensis, Gentiana lutea, Ginkgo biloba, Glycerin, Glyceryl Laurate, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hamamelis virginiana, Heliotropin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Citrate, Hydrolyzed Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hypericum perforatum, Iris florentina, Juniperus communis communis, Lactis proteinum, Lactose, Lawsonia inermis, Linalool, Linum usitatissimum, Lysine, Magnesium aspartate, Magnifera indica, Malva sylvestris, Mannitol, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita, Menthol, Menthyl lactate, Mimosa tenuiflora, Nymphaea alba, Oryza sativa sativa), Panthenol, Liquid Paraffin, PEG-20M, PEG-26 Jojoba Acid, PEG-26 Jojoba Alcohol, PEG-35 Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-8 Caprylic / Capric Acid, Persea Gratissima (Perseagratissima, Petrolatum, Potassium Aspartate, Potassium Sorbate, Propylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, Prunus Armeniaca, Prunus Persica, Retinol Palmitate, Ricinus Communis, Rosa Canina, Rosmarinus Officinalis, Rubus Idaeus, Salicylic Acid, Sambucus Nigra, Sarcosine, Serenoa Serrulata, Simmondsia Chinensis chinensis, carboxymethyl beta-glucan sodium, sodium cocoyl amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, sodium palmitoyl praline, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, TEA-ricinoleic acid sulfide, talc, Thymus vulgaris, Tilia cordata, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, trideceth-9, triticum vulgare, tyrosine, undecylenoyl glycine, urea, vaccinium myrtillus, valine, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate.

[0124]

[0105] The base composition of the personal or home care product to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be a variety of different types of product. For example, personal or home care formulations may include color cosmetics, deodorant products, hair care products, oral care products, skin care products, bath products, sun care products, fabric care products, dishwashing liquid products, fragrance formulations, hard surface cleaning products, or toilet care products.

[0125]

[0107] Color cosmetics may include, but are not limited to, body color products, eye color cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, brow color, and eye shadow, face color cosmetics such as blush, bronzer, concealer, foundation, powder, and primer, lip color cosmetics such as lipstick and lip balm, and nail color cosmetics.

[0126] In one embodiment, the eye color cosmetic is a mascara. The mascara can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a consistency factor, a pigment, an emollient, a thickener, and a film former. Particularly suitable consistency factors for use in mascaras include beeswax and carnauba wax. Particularly suitable emollients for use in mascaras include cetyl alcohol. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in mascaras include acacia senegal gum.

[0127] In another embodiment, the eye color cosmetic is an eyeliner. The eyeliner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a pigment, a film former, an emollient, a thickener, a binder, a solvent, and a clouding agent. A particularly suitable emollient for use in eyeliners includes glycerin. A particularly suitable thickener for use in eyeliners includes xanthan gum. A particularly suitable solvent for use in eyeliners includes ethanol, and a particularly suitable clouding agent for use in eyeliners includes titanium dioxide.

[0128] In another embodiment, the lip color cosmetic is a lip balm. The lip balm can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an emollient, a moisturizer, a sealant, flavors, fragrances, sunscreen ingredients, antioxidants, healing agents, and pigments. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers for use in lip balms include beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable sealants for use in lip balms include petrolatum and castor oil. Particularly suitable antioxidants for use in lip balms include vitamin E and aloe vera extract, while particularly suitable healing agents for use in lip balms include allantoin and calendula extract.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the personal care product is a deodorant. Deodorant products may include roll-on deodorant products, spray deodorant products, stick deodorant products, or wipe deodorant products. The ingredients of deodorant products may vary depending on whether the product is a stick product, a roll-on product, a gel product, a cream product, or a spray product, although many of the ingredients are common to all deodorant product formulations.

[0130]

[0112] Deodorant products can include, for example, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an antiperspirant active, a deodorizing ingredient, an emollient, a moisturizer, a thickener, a stabilizer, a skin conditioner, an antibacterial agent, a solvent, and a propellant. Particularly suitable antiperspirant actives for use in deodorant products include aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum tetrachlorohydrex glycine. Particularly suitable deodorant ingredients for use in deodorant products include fragrance, sodium bicarbonate, and zinc compounds, such as zinc ricinoleate. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers for use in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable skin conditioners for use in deodorant products include aloe vera and vitamin E (e.g., tocopherol acetate). Particularly suitable antibacterial agents for use in deodorant products include triclosan, and particularly suitable solvents for use in deodorant products include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers for use in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.

[0131]

[0113] Hair care products may include, but are not limited to, conditioners, shampoos, styling products, hair treatment products, and hair colorants. In one embodiment, the hair care product is a conditioner. The conditioner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, an emollient, a surfactant, a silicone, a natural oil, a humectant, panthenol, a fragrance, and a pH adjuster. Particularly suitable emollients for use in conditioners include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Particularly suitable surfactants for use in conditioners include cationic surfactants, such as cetrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable silicones for use in conditioners include dimethicone and cyclomethicone. Particularly suitable natural oils for use in conditioners include argan oil and coconut oil, and particularly suitable humectants for use in conditioners include glycerin. Particularly suitable pH adjusters for use in conditioners include citric acid.

[0132] In another embodiment, the hair care product is a shampoo. The shampoo can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide DEA, or cocamide MEA, a conditioning agent, a fragrance, citric acid, sodium chloride, glycol distearate, and a natural extract or oil. Particularly suitable surfactants for use in shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Particularly suitable conditioning agents for use in shampoos include polyquaternium-10 and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable natural extracts or oils for use in shampoos include aloe vera and tea tree oil.

[0133]

[0116] Oral care products may include, but are not limited to, toothpaste and mouthwash.

[0117] In one embodiment, the oral care product is toothpaste. The toothpaste can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an abrasive, a fluoride, a detergent, a humectant, a binder, a flavoring agent, a sweetener, a desensitizing agent, and a whitening agent. Particularly suitable abrasives for use in toothpaste include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable fluoride compounds for use in toothpaste include sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate. Particularly suitable detergents for use in toothpaste include sodium lauryl sulfate. Particularly suitable humectants for use in toothpaste include glycerin and sorbitol. Particularly suitable binders for use in toothpaste include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable flavoring agents for use in toothpaste include peppermint and spearmint. Particularly suitable sweeteners for use in toothpaste include saccharin and sorbitol. Particularly suitable desensitizing agents for use in toothpaste include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Particularly suitable whitening agents for use in toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

[0134]

[0118] In another embodiment, the oral care product is a mouthwash. The mouthwash may comprise the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, alcohol, an antibacterial agent, a flavoring agent, a sweetener, a coloring agent, a pH adjuster, a preservative, fluoride, and a desensitizing agent. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds for use in mouthwashes include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable antibacterial agents for use in mouthwashes include cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Particularly suitable flavoring agents for use in mouthwashes include menthol and eucalyptus. Particularly suitable sweeteners for use in mouthwashes include saccharin and xylitol. Particularly suitable pH adjusters for use in mouthwashes include sodium hydroxide and citric acid.

[0135]

[0119] Skin care products include, but are not limited to, body care cosmetics, eye care cosmetics, face and neck care cosmetics, foot care cosmetics, lip care cosmetics, sunscreens, after-sun cosmetics, and self-tanning cosmetics.

[0136] In one embodiment, the skin care product is a sunscreen. The sunscreen can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, a sunscreen active, an emollient, an emulsifier, a thickener, an antioxidant, fragrance, water, and a pH adjuster. Particularly suitable sunscreen actives for use in sunscreens include avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Particularly suitable emollients for use in sunscreens include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers for use in sunscreens include cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in sunscreens include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable antioxidants for use in sunscreens include vitamin E and green tea extract. Particularly suitable pH adjusters for use in sunscreens include citric acid.

[0137]

[0121] Bath products include, but are not limited to, facial cleansers, body cleansers, hand cleansers, bar soaps, liquid soaps, intimate hygiene products, and pre-moistened wipes.

[0138] In one embodiment, the bath product is a facial cleanser. The facial cleanser can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, an emulsifier, a humectant, a preservative, a fragrance or essential oil, an exfoliant, and an anti-acne ingredient. Particularly suitable surfactants for facial cleansers include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium cocoyl isethionate. Particularly suitable emollients for facial cleansers include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers for facial cleansers include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable humectants for facial cleansers include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable exfoliants for facial cleansers include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Particularly suitable anti-acne ingredients for facial cleansers include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

[0139] In another embodiment, the bath product is a body cleanser. The body cleanser can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, a humectant, and a fragrance or essential oil. Particularly suitable surfactants for body cleansers include sodium laureth sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients for body cleansers include shea butter and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable humectants for body cleansers include glycerin.

[0140] In yet another embodiment, the bath product is a hand cleanser. The hand cleanser can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an alcohol compound, water, an emollient and humectant, a thickener, and a fragrance. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds for use in hand cleansers include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants for use in hand cleansers include aloe vera and glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in hand cleansers include carbomer.

[0141] In another embodiment, the bath product is a soap bar. The soap bar can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, sodium tallowate, or sodium palmate, sodium coconutate, fragrance or essential oil, and colorant.

[0142] In one embodiment, the bath product is a liquid soap. The liquid soap can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, a humectant, and a fragrance or essential oil. Particularly suitable surfactants for use in liquid soaps include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients for use in liquid soaps include glycerin and shea butter. Particularly suitable humectants for use in liquid soaps include propylene glycol.

[0143]

[0127] The disinfectant compositions can also be incorporated into home care products, such as fabric care products, dishwashing liquids, hard surface cleaners, and toilet care products. Home care product formulations can include all-purpose cleaners and other similar formulations used around the home.

[0144]

[0128] Fabric care products include, but are not limited to, fabric softeners, laundry detergent liquids, laundry detergent pods or capsules, ironing aids, stain removers, carpet cleaners, washing machine cleaning solutions, and fabric polishes.

[0145] In one aspect, the fabric care product is a laundry detergent. The ingredients of a laundry detergent can vary depending on whether the product is a liquid, pod, or capsule, but many of the ingredients are common to all laundry detergent product formulations.

[0146]

[0130] Thus, in another embodiment, a laundry detergent can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, dyes, tinting dyes, chelating agents, stabilizers, radical scavengers, fragrances, optical brighteners, suds suppressors, soil suspending polymers, soil release polymers, dye transfer inhibitors, fabric softener additives, rheology modifiers, washing or cleaning aids, and other polymers.

[0147] Particularly suitable surfactants for use in laundry detergents include nonionic surfactants, such as fatty alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, such as beta-n-alkylaminopropionic acids, n-alkyl-beta-iminodipropionic acids, imidazoline carboxylates, amine oxides, sultaines, betaines, phosphocholines, propionates, dipropionates, sodium cocoamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPtdCho), sodium lauroamphoacetate, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0148]

[0132] Particularly suitable enzymes for use in laundry detergents include proteases, amylases, cellulase enzymes, lipases, mannanases, pectate lyases, subtilisins, and mixtures thereof.

[0149] Particularly suitable hue dyes for use in laundry detergents include Basic Violet 3 (Cl 42555) and Basic Violet 4 (Cl 426000), both commercially available from Standard Dyes.

[0150]

[0134] Particularly suitable chelating agents for use in laundry detergents include DTPA, HEDP, DTPMP, GLDA, MGDA, citrate, EDTA, IDS, dipicolinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0151]

[0135] Particularly suitable radical scavengers for use in laundry detergents include trimethoxybenzoic acid.

[0136] A particularly suitable optical brightener for use in laundry detergents includes Tinopal CBS-X.

[0152]

[0137] Particularly suitable suds suppressors for use in laundry detergents include non-fatty acid suds suppressors such as silica / silicones, silicone oils, alcohols such as branched alcohols, dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[0153]

[0138] Particularly suitable soil suspending polymers for use in laundry detergents include PEI ethoxylates, HDMA diquat ethoxylates, sulfonated derivatives, and hydrophobically modified copolymers.

[0154]

[0139] Particularly suitable soil release polymers for use in laundry detergents include PET alkoxylate short block copolymers.

[0140] Particularly suitable dye transfer inhibitors and dye fixatives for inclusion in laundry detergents include polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide, copolymers of N-viny-2-pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, and mixtures thereof.

[0155]

[0141] Particularly suitable fabric softener additives for use in laundry detergents include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, ester quaternary ammonium compounds, bentonite, silicones, cationic silicones, and mixtures thereof.

[0156]

[0142] Particularly suitable rheology control agents for use in laundry detergents include methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar gum, succinoglycan, and trihydroxystearin.

[0157]

[0143] Particularly suitable washing or cleaning adjuncts for use in laundry detergents include ethanolamine citrate, ethanolamine laurate, ethanolamine palmitate, ethanolamine oleate, ethanolamine stearate, C16 to C18 fatty acids, C18 unsaturated fatty acids, pentasodium pentetate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristate, sodium oleate, sodium palmitate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium stearate, and mixtures thereof.

[0158]

[0144] Particularly suitable stabilizers and mixing aids for use in laundry detergents include calcium formate, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, alcohol, ethanolamine, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, monoethanolamine citrate, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium formate, sodium silicate, trimethylsiloxysilicate, or mixtures thereof.

[0159]

[0145] Hard surface cleaners include, but are not limited to, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, cleaning creams, floor cleaners, and furniture care products.

[0160] In one embodiment, the hard surface cleaner is an all-purpose cleaner. The all-purpose cleaner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, a solvent, an emulsifier, a pH adjuster, and a fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants for use in all-purpose cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and decyl glucoside. Particularly suitable solvents for use in all-purpose cleaners include isopropyl alcohol and ethanol. Particularly suitable emulsifiers for use in all-purpose cleaners include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable pH adjusters for use in all-purpose cleaners include citric acid and sodium hydroxide.

[0161] In another embodiment, the hard surface cleaner is a bathroom cleaner. The bathroom cleaner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an acid compound, a surfactant, a fragrance, and a thickener. Particularly suitable acid compounds for use in bathroom cleaners include hydrochloric acid and citric acid.

[0162] In yet another embodiment, the hard surface cleaner is a kitchen cleaner. The kitchen cleaner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, a surfactant, a solvent, a degreaser, a fragrance, and an antimicrobial agent. Particularly suitable degreasers for use in kitchen cleaners include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0163] In one embodiment, the hard surface cleaner is a cleaning cream. The cleaning cream can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an abrasive, a surfactant, an emollient, and a fragrance. Particularly suitable abrasives for use in cleaning creams include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable emollients for use in cleaning creams include glycerin.

[0164]

[0150] In another embodiment, the hard surface cleaner is a floor cleaner. The floor cleaner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, a solvent, a fragrance, and a pH adjuster.

[0165]

[0151] Dishwashing liquids include, but are not limited to, hand washing liquids, dishwasher liquids, dishwashing capsules, rinse aids, and dishwashing detergent solutions.

[0166] In one embodiment, the dishwashing liquid is a hand dishwashing liquid. The hand dishwashing liquid can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, a solvent, and a fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants for use in hand dishwashing liquids include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients for use in hand dishwashing liquids include glycerin. Particularly suitable solvents for use in hand dishwashing liquids include isopropyl alcohol.

[0167]

[0153] In another embodiment, the dishwashing liquid is a dishwashing liquid. The dishwashing liquid may comprise the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, a surfactant, an enzyme, a builder, a bleaching agent, an anti-redeposition agent, and a rinse aid. Particularly suitable enzymes for use in dishwashing liquids include proteases and amylases. Particularly suitable builders for use in dishwashing liquids include sodium carbonate and sodium citrate. Particularly suitable bleaching agents for use in dishwashing liquids include sodium percarbonate. Particularly suitable anti-redeposition agents for use in machine dishwashing liquids include polyacrylates.

[0168] In yet another embodiment, the dishwashing liquid is a dishwashing capsule or pod. The dishwashing capsule or pod can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleach, rinse aid, and solvents. Particularly suitable solvents for use in dishwashing capsules or pods include PEG-75 and PEG-150.

[0169] In one embodiment, the dishwashing liquid is a rinse aid. The rinse aid can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an acidifying agent, a chelating agent, and an antifoaming agent. A particularly suitable acidifying agent for use in a rinse aid includes citric acid. A particularly suitable chelating agent for use in a rinse aid includes tetrasodium EDTA.

[0170]

[0156] Toilet care products include, but are not limited to, toilet cleaners and toilet fresheners.

[0157] In one embodiment, the toilet care product is a toilet cleaner. The toilet cleaner can include the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, a surfactant, a thickener, a fragrance, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a bleaching agent, a thickener, a solvent, and an antimicrobial agent. Particularly suitable surfactants for use in toilet cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and alkyldimethylamine oxide. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in toilet cleaners include xanthan gum and sodium chloride. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in toilet cleaners include sodium hydroxide and sodium polyacrylate. Particularly suitable solvents for use in toilet cleaners include isopropanol.

[0171] The base composition of the industrial formulation to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products. For example, the industrial formulation can include paints, coatings, varnishes, sealing compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coatings, plasters, adhesives, sealants, caulking, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizing agents, or pesticide formulations.

[0172]

[0159] Within these various types of products, the disinfectant compositions and base compositions can be formulated differently depending on the function of the end-use product. For example, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can be used in emulsions (both oil-in-water and water-in-oil), aqueous solutions, PIT (phase inversion temperature) emulsions, oil-based solutions, foaming cosmetic formulations (foams), and so-called multiple emulsions, such as triple emulsions (e.g., water / oil / water emulsions).

[0173] Typically, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can be added to end-use formulations to maintain about 0.001% to about 15% by weight of the formulation, e.g., about 0.005% to about 12% by weight of the formulation, e.g., about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the formulation, e.g., about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the formulation, or any range therebetween. More specifically, the compositions can be added to end-use formulations or products in amounts of about 0.1% to about 5.0% by weight of the formulation.

[0174] A variety of different microorganisms can be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can control gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, etc. In addition to bacteria, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can also kill or control the growth of various other microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, spores, mycobacteria, etc. Examples of specific microorganisms that may be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Pluralibacter gergoviae, and the like. gergoviae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, Kocuria rhizophila, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium funiculosum, Eupenicillium levitum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium difficiledifficile, Clostridium perfringens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium avium, poliovirus, adenovirus, norovirus, vaccinia virus, influenza virus, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, or a mixture thereof.

[0175] As noted above, the adjuvants of the present disclosure can dramatically and unexpectedly enhance the effectiveness of the aforementioned antimicrobial agents. For example, a disinfectant composition can be formulated to exhibit a greater than 2 log reduction when tested against various microorganisms according to a modified EN1040 suspension challenge test with a 60-second contact time, compared to the same composition containing the antimicrobial agent at the same concentration but without the adjuvant. Furthermore, a disinfectant composition can be formulated to exhibit a greater than 5 log reduction when tested against various microorganisms according to a 5-minute contact time suspension challenge test, compared to the same composition containing the same antimicrobial agent at the same concentration but without the adjuvant. -Bacteria were stored using Microbank™ beads (Prolab diagnostics) at 80°C. Cultures were prepared using one bead in a 250 mL baffled shake flask containing 25 mL of tryptic soy broth (TSB). After 18 + / - 8 hours of incubation at 37°C and 150 rpm, the inoculum was prepared for testing. In certain embodiments, the disinfectant composition may exhibit a log reduction of greater than 2.5, such as greater than about 3, or even greater than 3.5, when tested against various microorganisms at a 60-second contact time compared to the same composition without the adjuvant. In alternative embodiments, the disinfectant composition may exhibit a log reduction of greater than 4.0, such as greater than 4.5, such as greater than 5.0, or even greater than 5.3, when tested against various microorganisms at a 5-minute contact time compared to the same composition without the adjuvant. In certain embodiments, for example, the above results may be obtained when the disinfectant composition is tested against microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. [Example]

[0176]

[0163] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples. Example No. 1 In this example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus were dried onto glass slides and then sprayed with a disinfectant composition prepared according to the present disclosure. The organism burden on the slides was reduced to 5-6 log(10 5 ~10 6The control was performed at a concentration of 1000 microorganisms (equivalent to 100 microorganisms per 1000 microorganisms). A spray bottle containing the disinfectant was placed 10.16 cm (4 inches) from the carriers and five sprays were applied. After a 10-minute contact time, the carriers were aseptically transferred to 20 ml of letheen broth (neutralizer / growth medium). These letheen broth tubes with carriers were then incubated at 37 ± 1°C for 48 hours. After 48 hours, cloudy letheen tubes indicate growth or failure, while clear tubes indicate no growth or pass. The results of 10 replicates are shown in the table below.

[0177] The polyether triamine used was JEFFAMINE T403 polyether amine obtained from Huntsman Corporation of Houston, Texas.

[0178] In the following examples, the alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride comprised a mixture of 50% by weight C14, 10% by weight C16, and 40% by weight C12 dimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

[0179]

[0167] In the tables below, PHMB stands for polyhexamethylene biguanide. The following results were obtained:

[0180] [Table 1]

[0181]

[0168] As shown above, the presence of an adjuvant dramatically improved the performance of the antibacterial agent. Example No. 2 In this example, a modified EN1040 suspension study was performed to demonstrate some of the advantages and benefits of the present disclosure. Specifically, various antimicrobial agents and mixtures were combined and tested with and without the adjuvants of the present disclosure.

[0182] In this example, the same polyether triamine was used as described in Example No. 1. Additionally, the alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride was the same mix as described in Example No. 1. The alkyldimethylammonium chloride mix used in the following samples contained 40 wt% octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, 16 wt% dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and 24 wt% didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0183] A modified EN1040 suspension test was used to determine the effectiveness of the test system. Tests were performed at a contact time of 60 seconds, compared to identical compositions containing the same concentration of antimicrobial agent but without adjuvant. - Bacteria were stored using Microbank™ beads (Prolab diagnostics) at 80°C. Cultures were prepared using one bead in a 250 mL baffled shake flask containing 25 mL of tryptic soy broth (TSB). After 18 + / - 8 hours of incubation at 37°C and 150 rpm, the inoculum was prepared for testing.

[0184] 2.5 x 10 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) 6 Inoculum was prepared by diluting bacteria to CFU / mL. Test compounds were prepared in DI water. Three concentrations of each test compound were prepared by two-fold serial dilutions in the same hard water. For each biological replicate, test compounds were tested in quadruplicate at three concentrations and one control without test compound was tested in quadruplicate.

[0185] The various compositions were then mixed with the inoculum in an 80:20 (test composition:inoculum) ratio. After 60 seconds, the test composition / inoculum mixture was neutralized by diluting it 10-fold with Letheen broth. After neutralization of the test composition / inoculum mixture, five additional 10-fold dilutions were performed. The six dilutions were incubated at 35°C for 24 hours + / - 1 hour. Separate neutralization tests were performed.

[0186]

[0174] Six dilutions were used to calculate the mean log reduction. In the first set of experiments, polyethertriamines were tested alone for antimicrobial efficacy, with the following results (mean log reduction reported in the tables):

[0176]

[0187] [Table 2]

[0188] As shown above, polyethertriamines do not act as antimicrobial agents. Various different formulations were tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial concentrations of 5 ppm, 2.5 ppm, and 1.25 ppm were tested. Antimicrobial blends were mixed at the weight percent ratios shown. Formulations were tested with and without polyethertriamine (PEA). Polyethertriamine was added at weight ratios of 20:1, 40:1, 80:1, and 200:1 to the antimicrobial. The average log reduction was recorded, as well as the difference in log reduction between formulations with and without polyethertriamine. The following results were obtained:

[0189] [Table 3]

[0190] [Table 4-1]

[0191] [Table 4-2]

[0192] [Table 5-1]

[0193] [Table 5-2]

[0194] [Table 6-1]

[0195] [Table 6-2]

[0196] [Table 7]

[0197] [Table 8-1]

[0198] [Table 8-2]

[0199]

[0179] As shown above, the presence of an adjuvant dramatically improved the performance of the antibacterial agent. Example No. 3 In this example, suspension studies were performed to demonstrate some of the advantages and benefits of the present disclosure. Specifically, various amounts of para-chloro-metal-xylenol (PCMX) were combined and tested with and without various adjuvants of the present disclosure.

[0200] In this example, the same polyether triamine was used as described in Example No. 1. The disodium cocoamphodiproprionate used was Amphotage® K-2 obtained from Arxada AG. The methylglycine diacetate used was Trilon® M obtained from BASF.

[0201] In Tables 9 and 10, antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) in a contaminated environment with a 5-minute contact time according to the EU standard EN 1276 method. Test compounds were diluted in hard water with a total hardness of 375 ppm as CaCO3 according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and used within 2 hours of preparation. 1.5–5 × 10 sucrose in tryptone sodium chloride buffer (TSC, 1.0 g tryptone, 8.5 g NaCl, 1 L HO) was added. 8 The test inoculum was adjusted to a concentration of colony-forming units (CFU). For the challenge test, 1 ml of the test inoculum was mixed with 1 ml of bovine serum albumin (final concentration 3 g / L), held for 2 minutes, and then exposed to 8 ml of test compound. The test suspension was then mixed and held at 20 ± 1°C for a 5-minute contact time. At the end of the exposure period, 1 ml of the test mixture was transferred to a tube containing 9 ml of neutralization solution, held for 5 minutes, then serially diluted and plated onto TSA plates. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours, after which the number of CFU per ml of test suspension relative to the control was calculated. As described in the standard, test and control procedures were performed in duplicate and in parallel with the neutralization verification controls.

[0202]

[0183]

[0203] [Table 9]

[0204] [Table 10]

[0205] As shown in Example 3, polyether triamine does not act as an antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, as shown above, the presence of an adjuvant dramatically improved the performance of para-chloro-metal-xylenol. This improvement allows for the use of significantly less para-chloro-metal-xylenol with increased efficacy, saving consumers money, reducing packaging size, and reducing plastic waste.

[0206] As shown in the examples above, the adjuvants of the present disclosure were able to increase the efficacy of antimicrobial agents by more than about 0.5 log, such as more than about 1 log, such as more than about 1.5 log, such as more than about 2 log, such as more than about 2.5 log, such as more than about 3 log, such as more than about 3.5 log, such as more than about 4 log, such as more than about 4.5 log, and even more than about 5 log.

[0207]

[0186] These and other modifications and variations of the present invention can be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention as further set forth in such appended claims.

Claims

1. An antibacterial agent, an adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent comprising a polyether triamine; A disinfectant composition comprising:

2. 10. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, which is a ready-to-use solution or concentrate.

3. The polyether triamine is represented by Formula I 【Chemistry 1】 wherein R1 is H or C1-C9 alkyl, and R2, R3, and R4 are independently H or CH ３ and x, y, and z are independently 1 to 10.

3. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, comprising a compound of formula:

4. 4. The disinfectant composition of claim 3, wherein the sum of x, y, and z is 5 or greater.

5. 5. The disinfectant composition according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sum of x, y, and z is 10 or less.

6. 6. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyethertriamine is present in the composition in an amount of more than about 100 ppm, such as more than about 200 ppm, and less than about 250,000 ppm, such as less than about 10,000 ppm, for example less than about 5,000 ppm, such as less than about 3,000 ppm, for example less than about 2000 ppm, such as less than about 1000 ppm.

7. 7. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount of less than about 1000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, for example less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, for example less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, for example less than about 10 ppm.

8. 8. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio to the antimicrobial agent of from about 1:1 to about 5000:1, such as from about 10:1 to about 3000:

1.

9. 9. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, which, when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to modified test EN 1040 with a contact time of 60 seconds, exhibits a greater than 2 log reduction compared to the same composition without the adjuvant.

10. 10. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, which, when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to modified test EN 1040 with a contact time of 60 seconds, exhibits a greater than 2 log reduction compared to the same composition without the adjuvant.

11. 11. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound, chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, parachlorometaxylenol, or a mixture thereof.

12. The antibacterial agent is of formula (I): 【Chemistry 2】 (In the formula, R １ is an optionally substituted benzyl group or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, R ２ and R ３ are independently an optionally substituted alkyl group, R ４ is an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl substituted alkyl group, a benzyl group, and -[(CH ２ ) ２ -O] ｎ -R ５ where n is an integer from 1 to 20; and R ５ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; X － is chloride, bromide, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, ethosulfate, sulfate, or nitrate) 12. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound having the formula:

13. 13. The disinfectant composition of claim 12, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of from about 10:1 to about 4000:1, such as from about 20:1 to about 2000:1, such as from about 150:1 to about 1000:

1.

14. 13. The disinfectant composition of claim 12, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 20:1 to about 200:1 relative to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound.

15. 15. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

16. 15. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride.

17. 15. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

18. 15. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

19. 15. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

20. 15. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyldimethylammonium carbonate, didecyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

21. 12. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises chlorhexidine.

22. 22. The disinfectant composition of claim 21, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio to the chlorhexidine of about 80:1 to about 8000:

1.

23. 12. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises polyhexamethylene biguanide.

24. 24. The disinfectant composition of claim 23, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio relative to the polyhexamethylene biguanide of about 50:1 to about 5000:

1.

25. 12. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises parachlorometaxylenol.

26. 26. The disinfectant composition of claim 25, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio relative to the parachlorometaxylenol of from about 1:1 to about 10,000:

1.

27. 26. The disinfectant composition of claim 25, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio relative to the parachlorometaxylenol of from about 1:1 to about 50,000:

1.

28. 28. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the adjuvant is combined with a sequestering agent.

29. 30. The disinfectant composition of claim 28, wherein the sequestering agent comprises methylglycine diacetic acid.

30. 30. The disinfectant composition of claim 29, wherein the methylglycine diacetic acid is present in the composition in an amount of more than about 0.01 wt.-%, such as more than about 0.5 wt.-%, for example more than about 1.0 wt.-%, and less than about 20 wt.-%, such as less than about 15 wt.-%, for example less than about 10 wt.-%, such as less than about 8 wt.-%, for example less than about 5 wt.-%.

31. 31. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the disinfectant composition, when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to EN 1276 at a contact time of 5 minutes, exhibits a greater than 4 log reduction compared to the same composition without the adjuvant.

32. a liquid-absorbent substrate; a disinfectant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31 contained within the substrate; Pre-moistened wiping products, including:

33. 33. The moistened wiping product of claim 32, wherein the liquid-absorbent substrate comprises a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web comprising a meltblown web, a co-formed web, a spunbonded web, an airlaid web, an airlace web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded-carded web, or a laminate thereof.

34. 1. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface, comprising:

30. Saturating a liquid absorbent substrate with the disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 29; applying the saturated liquid absorbent substrate to a hard surface; A method comprising:

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the microorganism is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, slime, and combinations thereof.

36. 1. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface, comprising: spraying the adjacent surface with a disinfectant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31 A method comprising:

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the microorganism is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, slime, and combinations thereof.

38. 32. A personal or home care formulation comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

39. 39. The personal or home care formulation of claim 38, comprising a color cosmetic, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bath product, a sun care product, a fabric care product, a liquid dishwashing product, a fragrance formulation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

40. 32. An industrial formulation comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

41. 41. The industrial formulation of claim 40, comprising a paint, coating, varnish, sealing composition, leather aid, paper coating, plaster, adhesive, sealant, caulking, mineral slurry, pigment dispersion, pigment slurry, concrete, polymer emulsion, polymer dispersion, ink, sizing, or pesticide formulation.

Images