Disinfecting composition and disinfecting system

Abstract

To provide an effective, convenient and safe sterilization and disinfectant system using a peracid while using an inexpensive and easily available material.SOLUTION: A disinfectant system having a first aqueous composition having a peracid reactive compound that is either a peroxide compound or an organic acid compound, and a second aqueous composition having a peracid reactive compound that is not selected for the first composition. Each composition is applied separately to the surface and combine on the surface to form a reaction layer in which peracid is formed insitu to disinfect the surface. The composition can have a flash point, surface tension, and vapor pressure compatible with application as a spray, mist, aerosol, or fog, and can be formulated with an alcohol blend that allows the reactive layer to completely evaporate from the surface after disinfection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of disinfection and sterilization compositions and systems.

[0002] There is a need for inexpensive, effective, yet safe and convenient methods to minimize the microbial load of objects we interact with without leaving behind microorganisms that are resistant to future treatment. This need is demonstrated by the coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, there is a need for disinfection systems that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi using component compounds that do not harm humans, pets, or other beneficial life that may be exposed to them, while preventing them from developing resistance.

[0003] The combination of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid to form peroxyacetic acid has proven particularly effective.Several methods, devices, and disinfection systems utilizing peracids, including peroxyacetic acid, are known in the art.

[0004] However, one of the biggest drawbacks of using peracid is that peracid is easily hydrolyzed, resulting in limited storage stability and shelf life.The instability of peroxyacetic acid is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,034,759.For example, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,110,538 and 8,716,339, the means for stabilizing peracid in solution may require additional components that are unsafe, expensive, relatively rare, and have undesirable environmental impacts.

[0005] As a result, there remains a need for sterilization and disinfection methods utilizing peracids that are simultaneously effective, convenient, and safe, while simultaneously using inexpensive and readily available materials. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a system of compositions for disinfecting surfaces using peracid, the system comprising a first aqueous composition having a first peracid-reactive compound, which is either a peracid compound or an organic acid compound, and a second aqueous composition having a second peracid-reactive compound, which is the other of the first peracid-reactive compound. The compositions are formulated so that when they are applied separately to a surface in need of disinfection and combined thereon, a peracid composition is formed in situ, thereby disinfecting the surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first aqueous composition and the second aqueous composition each comprise one or more alcohols comprising at least 0.05% and up to 70% by weight of the aqueous composition, hi some embodiments, each aqueous composition comprises a first alcohol selected from the group of short-chain alcohols consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, and combinations thereof.

[0008] In some embodiments, the concentration and identity of the alcohol compound in the aqueous compositions are selected to reduce the surface tension of the compositions and enhance spreading on the surface to be disinfected. In some embodiments, the surface tension of each of the aqueous compositions is less than 50 dyne / cm at 20° C. In some embodiments, the surface tension of at least one of the aqueous compositions, preferably the aqueous composition first applied to the surface, is less than 30 dyne / cm at 20° C.

[0009] In a related aspect, described herein are aqueous compositions formulated to maintain low surface tension while having a flash point high enough to be safely and energetically dispensed as an aerosol into rooms and other volumes. In some embodiments, the flash point of each of the aqueous compositions in the disinfection system is at least 50° C.

[0010] In some embodiments, aqueous compositions formulated to have a surface tension of less than 30 dyne / cm at 20°C and a flash point greater than 50°C can have an alcohol blend having a first alcohol, a second alcohol, and, optionally, one or more additional alcohols. In some embodiments, the second alcohol is selected based on its ability to form a partition at the air / water interface of the aerosol droplets while being sufficiently soluble to avoid forming lenses on the droplet surface. In some embodiments, the second alcohol, in its pure, unmixed form, can have a partition coefficient (LogP) of at least 1.20 and a water solubility ranging from at least 10 g / L to a maximum of 30 g / L when measured at 25°C. In some embodiments, the second alcohol can also be selected to have a flash point greater than 40°C if lenses form on the droplet surface. In some embodiments, a medium-chain C5-C8 aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic alcohol compound can be selected as the second alcohol in the alcohol blend. In some embodiments, the second alcohol is selected from the group consisting of n-pentanol; 2-methyl-1-butanol; 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol; 4-methyl-2-pentanol; 2-methyl-3-pentanol; 3-methyl-2-pentanol; 2-hexanol; 3-hexanol; phenol; 4-methylphenol; phenylethyl alcohol; and 1-phenylethanol.

[0011] In a related aspect, the concentration and weight ratio of the second alcohol can be adjusted to achieve a desired surface tension and flash point of the composition. In one embodiment, an aqueous composition having an alcohol blend and a C5-C8 aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic second alcohol can be formulated as follows: the aqueous composition has a flash point of at least 50°C; the weight ratio of the first alcohol to the second alcohol in the aqueous composition is at least 1:10 and at most 4:1; the second alcohol comprises up to 2.5% by weight of the aqueous composition; the alcohol blend comprises at least 2.0% by weight and at most 4.5% by weight of the aqueous composition; and the surface tension of the aqueous composition comprising the alcohol blend is less than 30 dyne / cm at 20°C. In one embodiment, the first aqueous composition and the second aqueous composition each comprise at least 0.05% by weight and at most 5% by weight of alcohol.

[0012] In a related aspect, any of the aqueous compositions described herein can be formulated so that the peracid is formed in situ and readily evaporates after the surface has been disinfected. In some embodiments, at least 99.5% by weight, and preferably at least 99.9% by weight, of each composition comprises components having a vapor pressure of at least 1.0 mmHg at 20°C.

[0013] In a related aspect, if present in any of the aqueous compositions described herein, the peroxide compound may be hydrogen peroxide and may comprise up to 25% by weight of the aqueous composition.

[0014] In a related aspect, when present in any of the aqueous compositions described herein, the organic acid compound may be acetic acid, which may comprise up to 50% by weight of the aqueous composition. In some embodiments, aqueous compositions comprising acetic acid may have a pH of less than 7.0.

[0015] Also described herein is a disinfectant system, wherein each aqueous composition has the following: a first aqueous composition having at least 0.05% and at most 5% by weight alcohol; at least 99.5% by weight of a component having a vapor pressure of at least 1.0 mmHg at 20° C.; and a surface tension of less than 50 dyne / cm at 20° C. In one embodiment, the disinfectant system has a first aqueous composition having at least 0.5% and at most 10% by weight acetic acid; at least 1.0% and at most 3.5% by weight ethanol; and at least 0.5% and at most 1.5% by weight of at least one alcohol compound selected from the group consisting of 2-hexanol and 3-hexanol, and a second aqueous composition having at least 0.5% and at most 10% by weight hydrogen peroxide and at most 4.5% by weight isopropanol. In some embodiments, the disinfectant system includes a first aqueous composition having at least 0.5% and up to 10% by weight of acetic acid, at least 1.0% and up to 3.5% by weight of ethanol, and at least 0.5% and up to 2.0% by weight of n-pentanol, and a second aqueous composition having at least 0.5% and up to 10% by weight of hydrogen peroxide and up to 4.5% by weight of isopropanol. In any of the above aqueous compositions, the first aqueous composition may further include a third alcohol, isopropanol, at a concentration of at least 0.1% and up to 0.5% by weight, and a fourth alcohol, n-butanol, at a concentration of at least 0.1% and up to 0.5% by weight.

[0016] In a related aspect, any of the aqueous compositions of any of the disinfectant systems described herein may further comprise a natural biocidal blend, wherein the natural biocidal blend is present in the composition at least 0.001% and at most 0.5% by weight. The natural biocidal blend is selected from the group consisting of manuka honey, oregano oil, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, lemon oil, orange oil, anise oil, clove oil, aniseed oil, cinnamon oil, geranium oil, rose oil, mint oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, sandalwood oil, cedar oil, rosmarin oil, pine oil, vervain flea oil, ratanhiae oil, methylglyoxal, carvacrol, eugenol, linalool, thymol, p-cymene, myrcene, borneol, camphor, caryophyllin, cinnamaldehyde, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, and menthol, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In a related aspect, any of the aqueous compositions included in any of the disinfectant systems described herein may be formulated to be substantially free, and preferably completely free, of surfactants, bleaches, polymers, chelating agents, metal colloids, and nanoparticles.

[0018] In a related aspect, any of the disinfectant systems described herein may be formulated to generate a peracid composition in situ on a surface. The peracid composition exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC #6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC #15442), and Candida auris (CDC #AR-0381). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial efficacy of the in situ peracid composition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be measured according to the AOAC Germicidal Spray Method 961.02 protocol. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial efficacy of the in situ peracid composition against Candida auris may be measured according to the OECD Quantitative Method for Evaluating Efficacy of Antimicrobials protocol.

[0019] In a related aspect, any of the disinfectant systems described herein may be packaged and / or configured to prevent contact between the first and second aqueous compositions until both are dispersed in a volumetric space. In certain embodiments, any of the disinfectant systems described herein may be packaged and / or configured to prevent contact between the first and second aqueous compositions until both contact the surface to be disinfected.

[0020] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows standard curves of the aqueous solubility of common alcoholic compounds as a function of their LogP. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a standard curve of the surface tension of isopropanol compositions measured using a capillary tube-based method overlaid with the surface tension of isopropanol compositions from the literature. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] The present disclosure includes a disinfectant system having multiple aqueous compositions formulated to generate peracid in situ on a target surface. Other current methods and systems require peracid to be formed prior to application to a surface. As a result, conventional peracid-based disinfectant systems require the presence of additional reactants or stabilizers. In contrast, the compositions utilized in the systems of the present invention do not require stabilizers because the peracid-forming compounds are dispersed separately and combined only on the surface to be disinfected.

[0023] definition As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] The terms "free" or "substantially free" refer to the complete absence or near complete absence of a particular compound in a composition, mixture, or ingredient.

[0025] As used herein, the term "neat" with respect to an alcohol compound refers to a pure, undiluted, and / or unmixed compound in the liquid phase and in the absence of a solvent. As described in further detail below, several physical properties of alcohol compounds in their pure form, particularly medium chain C5-C8 alcohol compounds, can be evaluated to identify candidates for inclusion in the alcohol blend of one or more aqueous disinfectant precursor compositions of the present invention.

[0026] As used herein, the phrase "peracid reactive compound" refers to a reactive compound that reacts to form a peracid in situ on a target surface.

[0027] As used herein, the term "reactive layer" refers to a layer that forms on a surface to be disinfected when an aqueous composition having a second peracid-reactive compound is applied onto a coalesced layer of an aqueous composition having a first peracid-reactive compound already on that surface. A product of the two reactive compounds forms in situ on the reactive layer.

[0028] In describing aspects of the disinfectant system of the present disclosure, reference will be made to a "first" or a "second" when referring to an aqueous composition or a peracid reactive compound. Unless the context clearly indicates that a particular order is intended, "first" and "second" are merely relative terms, and a described "first" composition or reactive compound can simply and conveniently be referred to as a "second" composition, and such description is implicitly incorporated herein.

[0029] Concentrations, dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented in range format herein. It should be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly recited as range limits, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges subsumed within the range, as if each numerical value and subrange were expressly recited. For example, a weight ratio range of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight includes not only the explicitly recited limits of 0.5% and 10% by weight, but also individual weights such as 1% and 5% by weight, and subranges such as 2% to 8% by weight, 5% to 7% by weight, etc.

[0030] Aspects of the present invention Without being limited by theory, it is believed that peracids are highly effective as disinfectants because they are strong oxidizing agents that irreversibly damage proteins and DNA within microorganisms. When a strong oxidizing agent, such as a peroxygen compound, comes into contact with an organic acid, peracids are formed in an acid-catalyzed reaction. For example, in a system that uses acetic acid as the organic acid, the addition of a peroxide compound, such as hydrogen peroxide, will result in a reaction that produces peracetic acid and water in equilibrium, as shown in the diagram below.

[0031] [ka]

[0032] Once peracid is formed on the surface to be disinfected, it becomes a strong electrophile. In the absence of an electron-rich source in the solution containing the peracid, excess water drives the equilibrium toward hydrolysis of the peracid, returning it to the formation of the original acid. Furthermore, as the parent acid becomes more acidic, the resulting peracid becomes more reactive as well. Thus, while the resulting peracid may be a better disinfectant under these conditions, it may be more unstable and may not reach the target surface, regardless of how closely the individual components are mixed prior to application. Ultimately, embodiments of the present invention may utilize stronger, more tightly controlled components and be more effective than current industry standards for industrial applications where cost is not an objective.

[0033] Generally, the disinfectant system of the present invention utilizes at least two aqueous compositions: a first aqueous composition having a first peracid-reactive compound, which can be either a peroxide compound or an organic acid compound, and a second aqueous composition having a second peracid-reactive compound, which is the other of the first peracid-reactive compounds. The compositions can be separately dispersed in a volume and deposited on the surface to be disinfected, or separately dispersed directly on the surface. In some embodiments, the separately dispersed aqueous compositions can contact each other in the air within the volume and form peracids that deposit on the surfaces, thereby disinfecting them. In other embodiments, the two aqueous compositions are sequentially dispersed such that as the first aqueous composition deposits on the surface to form a combined first aqueous composition layer, the second aqueous composition subsequently disperses and deposits on the combined first aqueous composition layer, forming a reaction in which peracids are formed in situ, disinfecting the surface. In other embodiments, the second aqueous composition can be deposited on the combined second aqueous composition layer and combined with the combined first aqueous composition layer to form a reaction layer.

[0034] In embodiments in which peracid is formed only within a reaction layer formed on a surface, the effectiveness of such a disinfectant system is expected to be independent of the order in which the aqueous compositions are dispersed. Thus, the first peracid reaction compound can be either an organic acid compound or a peroxide compound, as long as the second peracid reaction compound is the opposite compound of the compound selected as the first peracid reaction compound. For example, if a peroxide compound is selected as the first peracid reaction compound, the second peracid reaction compound will be an organic acid compound, and if an organic acid compound is selected as the first peracid reaction compound, the second peracid reaction compound will be a peroxide compound. Compositions containing peracid reaction compounds are generally mostly aqueous, although water need not constitute the majority of the composition. Any liquid carrier system capable of promoting the formation of peracid from a peroxide compound and an organic acid can be used.

[0035] In other embodiments, aqueous compositions containing peroxide compounds (non-limiting examples of which are hydrogen peroxide, metal peroxides, and ozone) have at least 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, or 25% by weight of peroxide compounds. In other embodiments, aqueous compositions containing peroxide compounds have no more than 25%, no more than 20%, no more than 18%, no more than 16%, no more than 14%, no more than 12%, no more than 10%, no more than 8%, no more than 6%, no more than 4%, no more than 2%, no more than 1%, no more than 0.5%, or no more than 0.1% by weight of peroxide compounds. Useful ranges can be selected from any value between 0.1% and 25% by weight of the peroxide compound. Non-limiting examples of such ranges of peroxide compound include 0.1% to 25% by weight, 0.5% to 25% by weight, 1% to 25% by weight, 2% to 25% by weight, 4% to 25% by weight, 6% to 25% by weight, 8% to 25% by weight, 10% to 25% by weight, 0.5% to 10% by weight, 2% to 8% by weight, or 3% to 7% by weight of the aqueous composition. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition has about 10% by weight of the peroxide compound. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition has about 5% by weight of the peroxide compound. In a preferred embodiment, the peroxide compound is hydrogen peroxide.

[0036] The organic acid compound can be any organic acid that can react with a peroxide compound to effectively form a peracid. These generally include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids. Non-limiting examples of carboxylic acids that can be used include formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, propanoic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, octanoic acid, amino acids, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition containing an organic acid compound may have at least 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% by weight of the organic acid compound. In other embodiments, the aqueous composition containing the organic acid compound may have an organic acid compound content of 50% by weight or less, or 45% by weight or less, or 40% by weight or less, or 35% by weight or less, or 30% by weight or less, or 25% by weight or less, or 20% by weight or less, or 15% by weight or less, or 10% by weight or less, or 5% by weight or less, or 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less, or 0.5% by weight or less. Useful ranges can be selected from any value between 0.5% and 50% by weight of the organic acid compound. Non-limiting examples of such ranges of the organic acid compound include 0.5% to 50% by weight, 1% to 50% by weight, 2% to 50% by weight, 5% to 50% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 0.5% to 20% by weight, 0.5% to 10% by weight, 1% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, or 5% to 10% by weight of the aqueous composition. In another embodiment, the aqueous composition has 10% by weight of the organic acid compound. In another embodiment, the aqueous composition has 8% by weight of the organic acid compound. In some embodiments, the organic acid compound is acetic acid. In some embodiments, the pH of the aqueous composition with acetic acid is less than 7.0.

[0037] In other aspects, the aqueous composition of any of the disinfectant systems described herein can be dispersed directly into a volume and / or onto a surface by any means known in the art, including as a liquid stream or as a multiplicity of liquid droplets. The method by which the liquid composition can be dispersed as a multiplicity of droplets can be selected from the group consisting of a coarse spray, a mist, a shower, an aerosol, a fog, and a vapor, and combinations thereof.

[0038] In other embodiments, one or more aqueous compositions in the disinfectant system can include a non-aqueous compound that reduces the surface tension of the composition, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a surfactant and / or alcohol. For example, pure ethanol has a surface tension of approximately 22.27 dyne / cm at 20° C., and relatively low levels of many surfactants have the ability to reduce the surface tension of an aqueous composition to approximately 30 dyne / cm or less at 20° C. Without being limited by any particular theory, as the surface tension of the droplets decreases, the formed coalesced composition and / or reaction layer will spread over a greater percentage of the surface, with a smaller total volume and effective uniform thickness than the coalesced composition and / or reaction layer would have due to its high surface tension.

[0039] Thus, in other embodiments, at least one or both of the aqueous compositions further comprise at least one alcohol. The surface tension of the aqueous composition containing the peracid-reactive compound and at least one alcohol can be 72 dyne / cm or less, or 60 dyne / cm or less, or 50 dyne / cm or less, or 45 dyne / cm or less, or 40 dyne / cm or less, or 35 dyne / cm or less, or 30 dyne / cm or less, or 25 dyne / cm or less, or 20 dyne / cm or less, measured at 20°C. In some embodiments, the surface tension of the aqueous composition containing the peracid-reactive compound and at least one alcohol can be any value between 20 dyne / cm and 72 dyne / cm, measured at 20°C. In further embodiments, at least one of the first aqueous composition and the second aqueous composition has a surface tension of about 30 dyne / cm or less at 20°C. In other embodiments, the surface tension of the first aqueous composition is less than 30 dyne / cm when measured at 20°C, and the surface tension of the second aqueous composition can be 60 dyne / cm or less, or 55 dyne / cm or less, or 50 dyne / cm or less, or 45 dyne / cm or less, or 40 dyne / cm or less, or 35 dyne / cm or less, or 32.5 dyne / cm or less when measured at 20°C.

[0040] Additionally, some alcohols also provide biocidal activity separate from peracids. Thus, without being limited to a particular theory, the use of alcohols in combination with forming peracids in situ on the surface to be disinfected can provide an additive effect on antimicrobial activity compared to reaction layers containing only peroxide compounds and organic acids.

[0041] Advantageously, many alcohols have a vapor pressure high enough to form peracids and promote evaporation from surfaces after the surfaces have been disinfected. Thus, in certain embodiments, aqueous compositions utilized in accordance with the disinfectant systems of the present invention can have less than 0.01% by weight (100 ppm) of surfactant, and in further embodiments, are substantially free of surfactants that have low or negligible vapor pressure and may remain on surfaces long after the surfaces have been disinfected if the surfactant residue is not subsequently wiped off the surface.

[0042] In aqueous compositions comprising a peracid-reactive compound and one or more alcohols, the one or more alcohols can comprise at least 0.05%, 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of the aqueous composition. In other embodiments, the one or more alcohols can comprise no more than 70%, no more than 60%, no more than 50%, no more than 40%, no more than 30%, no more than 25%, no more than 20%, no more than 15%, no more than 10%, no more than 5%, no more than 4%, no more than 3%, no more than 2%, no more than 1%, no more than 0.1%, or no more than 0.05% by weight of the aqueous composition. Useful ranges can be selected from anywhere from about 0.05% to 70% by weight of alcohol. Non-limiting examples of such ranges of alcohol include 0.05% to 70% by weight, 0.1% to 20% by weight, 1% to 15% by weight, 2% to 20% by weight, 3% to 5% by weight, 1% to 5% by weight, 2% to 75% by weight, or 2.0% to 4.5% by weight of the aqueous composition. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition can have 4% by weight of alcohol. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition can have 2.5% by weight of alcohol.

[0043] The alcohol present in the aqueous composition can be a single alcohol compound or a combination of multiple alcohol compounds. Each alcohol compound can have a primary, secondary, or tertiary hydroxyl group and can have an aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, or carbon-containing structure having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and in some embodiments, 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of monohydric aliphatic alcohols, alicyclic alcohols, aromatic alcohols, and unsaturated alcohols that can be used include methanol; ethanol; propanol; isopropanol; butanol; pentanol; hexanol; heptanol; octanol; nonanol; decanol; all structural isomers, stereoisomers, denatured alcohols, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, each alcohol compound can be straight-chained or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and / or monohydric or polyhydric. In some embodiments, non-aliphatic alcohols can also be used.

[0044] In other embodiments, as a practical consideration, low-chain alcohol compounds such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, and other aliphatic C1-C4 alcohols and their denatured alcohols can be used due to their properties and cost. However, many alcohols, particularly primary alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, can produce low levels of peracid when reacted with hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, in some embodiments, isopropanol and t-butanol can be selected as secondary and tertiary alcohols, respectively, because side reactions with hydrogen peroxide to form peracids are undesirable.

[0045] However, while low-chain alcohols are inexpensive, readily available, and effectively reduce the surface tension of aqueous compositions, they have particularly low flash points and can burn when energetically dispersed in high concentrations as aerosols or vapors, e.g., droplets having diameters of less than 100 μm, less than 15 μm, or even less than 1 μm. In preferred embodiments, aqueous compositions dispersed as aerosols or vapors have flash points greater than about 40° C., more preferably greater than about 50° C., even more preferably greater than about 55° C., even more preferably greater than about 50° C., and even more preferably greater than about 60° C. However, even at dilute alcohol concentrations, compositions containing low-chain alcohol compounds such as ethanol, isopropanol, and t-butanol may have flash points less than 40° C.

[0046] Pure alcohol compounds with five or more carbon atoms generally achieve surface tensions similar to those of lower-chain alcohols, while possessing higher flash points. However, the solubility of alcohols in aqueous compositions decreases dramatically when the alcohol contains four or more carbon atoms. For example, at 25°C, the solubility of n-butanol is 67 grams per liter, n-pentanol is 22 grams per liter, n-hexanol is 5.9 grams per liter, and n-octanol is 0.5 grams per liter. Converted to weight percent of the aqueous composition, the solubilities of each compound are 6.7%, 2.2%, 0.59%, and 0.05% by weight of the composition. As a result, many C5 or higher alcohol compounds are not soluble enough to be added to aqueous compositions at concentrations high enough to reduce the viscosity to 30 dyne / cm or less at 20°C.

[0047] However, in some embodiments, a blend of a first alcohol having at least one low-chain alcohol compound and an alcohol having at least one C5 or higher alcohol compound can reduce the surface tension of an aqueous composition to 30 dyne / cm or less at 20°C while maintaining a flash point of 50°C or higher. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that adding a low-chain alcohol to a composition having a C5 or higher alcohol increases the number of alcohol compound molecules in the composition, thereby reducing the surface tension. At the same time, the presence of a C5 or higher alcohol can reduce the amount of low-chain alcohol required to reduce the surface tension without lowering the flash point of the composition.

[0048] In other embodiments, one or more C5 or higher alcohol compounds in the alcohol blend can be sufficiently soluble in water to minimize the amount of low-chain alcohols in the aqueous composition. For example, the water solubility of the alcohol compound measured at 25°C can be greater than 5 grams per liter (g / L), or 10 g / L, or 15 g / L, or 20 g / L, or 25 g / L, or 30 g / L, or 35 g / L, up to 40 g / L. In other embodiments, the water solubility of one or more C5 or higher alcohol compounds measured at 25°C can be less than 40 g / L, or less than 35 g / L, or less than 30 g / L, or less than 25 g / L, or less than 20 g / L, or less than 15 g / L, or less than 10 g / L, down to a minimum of 5 g / L. In other embodiments, the water solubility of one or more C5s in the alcohol blend can be any value or range between 5 g / L and 40 g / L, for example, at least 10 g / L and up to 30 g / L, measured at 25°C.

[0049] However, when an aqueous composition containing an alcohol blend volatilizes, it is preferable to control the concentration of each alcohol to avoid lens formation on the surface of the composition. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that once the solubility limit of the alcohol compound is exceeded, the concentration of a single alcohol or a blend of two or more alcohols becomes immiscible with the aqueous solvent, resulting in the formation of one or more lenses. As a result, the immiscible alcohol compounds may assemble into lenses, and the flash point of the lenses may be approximately the same as that of the pure alcohol. Therefore, the benefit of using an alcohol blend to suppress the lowering of the composition's flash point may be lost by adding too much alcohol to the composition.

[0050] In other embodiments, an alcohol compound can be represented by its partition coefficient P or the logarithm of its partition coefficient (LogP). The partition coefficient is the ratio of the concentrations of a solute between two solvents, particularly in the case of non-ionizable solvents, expressed as the ratio of the concentrations of octanol to water, and indicates the hydrophobicity of the solute. Generally, as the aqueous solubility of a compound decreases, the LogP of the compound increases. However, solubility and LogP are not directly proportional, especially as alcohol compounds become more complex. In other embodiments, in pure form, each of the one or more C5 or higher alcohol compounds in the alcohol blend can have a logP of at least 1.20, or at least 1.30, or at least 1.40, or at least 1.50, or at least 1.60, or at least 1.70, or at least 1.80, or at least 1.90, or at least 2.00, or at least 2.10, or even 2.20. In other embodiments, in pure form, each of the one or more C5 or higher alcohol compounds in the alcohol blend can have a logP of less than 2.20, or less than 2.10, or less than 2.00, or less than 1.90, or less than 1.80, or less than 1.70, or less than 1.60, or less than 1.50, or less than 1.40, or less than 1.30, down to a minimum of 1.20. In other embodiments, the LogP of one or more C5 or higher alcohol compounds in the alcohol blend can be any value or range between 1.20 and 2.20, for example, at least 1.40 and up to 2.0.

[0051] Alcohol compounds with any of the above aqueous solubilities and LogP values ​​can be identified using online chemical databases such as PubMed or ChemSpider. Within ChemSpider, predicted physical properties are calculated by the ACD / Labs Percepta platform. In particular, LogP can be predicted via the ACD / Labs LogP platform or using the Molinspiration property calculation service. Generally, experimental solubility values ​​for each alcohol compound in pure form were collected from Yalkwosky, SH, et al. (2010) Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data, Second Edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL). Non-limiting examples of compounds with LogP values ​​between 1.20 and 2.0 and both predicted and experimental aqueous solubilities within the range of 10 g / L to 30 g / L are as follows: n-Pentanol; 2-methyl-1-butanol; 3-methyl-1-butanol; 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol; 4-methyl-2-pentanol; 2-methyl-3-pentanol; 3-methyl-2-pentanol; 2-hexanol; 3-hexanol; phenol; 4-methylphenol; phenylethyl alcohol; and 1-phenylethanol.

[0052] Several aqueous compositions containing alcohol blends of ethanol and select C5-C8 alcohol compounds identified through database searches, n-pentanol, 2-hexanol, and 3-hexanol, were experimentally tested and / or modeled for both flash point and surface tension. Details are provided in the Examples section below. In other embodiments, aqueous compositions containing any of the above alcohol blends have flash points greater than 50°C and surface tensions less than 30 dyne / cm at 20°C, while the total alcohol concentration is at least 2.0 wt% and up to 4.5 wt% of the aqueous composition. As non-limiting examples, an aqueous composition containing 8 wt% acetic acid, 0.2 wt% ethanol, and 2.0 wt% n-propanol, and an aqueous composition containing 8 wt% acetic acid, 3.2 wt% ethanol, and 0.9 wt% n-propanol were both modeled and found to have flash points greater than 50°C and surface tensions less than 30 dyne / cm at 20°C. Thus, in other embodiments, the weight ratio of the low chain alcohol to the C5-C8 alcohol compound can range from at least 1:10 to 4:1.

[0053] In other embodiments, some alcohol blends of the present invention may contain more than two alcohol compounds. In further embodiments, the alcohol blend may further comprise isopropanol and n-butanol. As a non-limiting example, commercially available ethanol is available as a 90% (v / v) solution of isopropanol and water. In another non-limiting example, n-butanol may be used to solubilize one or more natural biocides or blends of natural biocide compounds contained within an aqueous composition. In other embodiments, either or both of isopropanol and n-butanol may comprise at least 0.1% and at most 0.5% by weight of the aqueous composition.

[0054] In other embodiments, the aqueous composition containing hydrogen peroxide can further comprise any of the above alcohol blends. In other embodiments, the aqueous composition containing hydrogen peroxide can comprise a single alcohol compound. In other embodiments, the one or more alcohol compounds comprised in the aqueous composition containing hydrogen peroxide can consist of secondary or tertiary alcohol compounds. In further embodiments, the one or more secondary or tertiary alcohol compounds can be selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, 2-butanol, t-butanol, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol; 4-methyl-2-pentanol; 2-methyl-3-pentanol; 3-methyl-2-pentanol; 2-hexanol; 3-hexanol; and 1-phenylethanol, and combinations thereof. Without being limited to a particular theory, it is believed that the use of secondary or tertiary alcohols prevents the oxidation of primary alcohols by hydrogen peroxide to form peracids. Furthermore, in contrast to primary alcohols such as ethanol and benzyl alcohol, secondary and tertiary alcohols are highly sterically hindered and are unlikely to autoxidize to form aldehydes, but may themselves be autoxidized to form carboxylic acids.

[0055] In other embodiments, additional compounds can be included in any aqueous composition to enhance or supplement the effectiveness of the peracid generated in situ on the surface to be disinfected. Such compounds can include one or more natural biocides, such as manuka honey and essential oils, and / or natural biocidal compounds typically found in manuka honey and essential oils, such as methylglyoxal, carvacrol, eugenol, linalool, thymol, p-cymene, myrcene, borneol, camphor, caryophyllin, cinnamaldehyde, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, and menthol, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of essential oils that can be included in the one or more aqueous compositions include oregano, thyme, lemongrass, lemon, orange, anise, clove, aniseed, cinnamon, geranium, rose, mint, peppermint, lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, sandalwood, cedar, rosmarin, pine, vervain fleagrass, and ratanhiae. In certain embodiments, one or more natural biocides or natural biocidal compounds, particularly essential oils and / or their chemical components, can be included in the aqueous compositions at a concentration of at least 0.001% by weight, or at least 0.005% by weight, or at least 0.01% by weight, or at least 0.05% by weight, or at least 0.1% by weight, or at least 0.25% by weight, or at least 0.5% by weight, up to 1% by weight. In other embodiments, the natural biocidal blend can have a minimum of 0.001% by weight or less, or 0.5% by weight or less, or 0.25% by weight or less, or 0.1% by weight or less, or 0.05% by weight or less, or 0.01% by weight or less, or 0.005% by weight or less, with a minimum of 0.001% by weight. Useful ranges can be selected from any value between 0.001% and 1% by weight of the aqueous composition, with non-limiting examples being at least 0.001% and at most 0.5% by weight.

[0056] An advantage of many of the above-mentioned components, particularly the peracid-reactive compounds, alcohol compounds, and natural biocide blends, is that they can be readily volatilized after sterilization is complete. Without being limited to a particular theory, if the selection of components within the aqueous composition is controlled to allow for rapid evaporation of substantially all of the reactive layer, the post-disinfection surface wiping typically required according to traditional methods can be eliminated. To formulate an aqueous composition with high volatility, non-volatile salts, surfactants, high molecular weight materials, and other additives can generally be used sparingly or omitted entirely to promote high turnover of the volumetric space containing the surface to be disinfected. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition can be formulated with a volatility such that at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight, or at least 99% by weight, or at least 99.5% by weight, or at least 99.7% by weight, or at least 99.9% by weight, or up to 100% by weight, of the reactive layer evaporates within 30 minutes.

[0057] To enhance the volatility of the aqueous composition after it has been deposited on one or more surfaces, each individual component of the aqueous composition can be selected to have a relatively high standard vapor pressure compared to non-labile components that remain on the surface for some time after disinfection. Thus, in other embodiments, one or both of the aqueous compositions can be formulated so that at least about 99.0%, at least about 99.5%, or at least about 99.9% by weight of the components have a standard vapor pressure of at least 1.0 mmHg at 20°C.

[0058] However, in other embodiments, it may be advantageous to include additional components in at least one of the aqueous compositions to supplement or enhance disinfection of a surface within the volumetric space, particularly in situations where volatility of the aqueous composition is not an issue once the aqueous composition is applied to the surface. Such additional components may include, but are not limited to, surfactants as described above, as well as polymers, chelating agents, metal colloids and / or metal nanoparticles, oxidizers, and chemical additives, and combinations thereof.

[0059] In other aspects, any of the disinfectant systems of the present invention described above can be used for a variety of user-specific biocidal purposes, including antibacterial, bleaching, or disinfecting applications. In other aspects, the disinfectant system of the present invention is effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes or Staphylococcus aureus); Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa); Catalase-positive bacteria (Micrococcus luteus or Staphylococcus epidermidis); Spore-forming organisms (Bacillus subtilis); Drug-resistant and non-drug-resistant forms of one or more of the following organisms: Acinetobacter baumannii; Enterococcus faecium; Enterobacter aerogenes; Escherichia coli; Klebsiella pneumoniae; It is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, including: Pneumoniae, norovirus; herpes simplex virus; hepatitis; human immunodeficiency virus; severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus; influenza; rhinovirus; Trichophyton interdigitale; Candida auris; Clostridium difficile; and SARS strains 1 and / or 2 (SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2). [Example]

[0060] The following examples and prophetic examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit, the claimed invention. For the avoidance of doubt, examples relating to non-claimed subject matter are included for reference only.

[0061] Example 1: Identification of C5-C8 Alcohol Compounds for Use in Alcohol Blends Monohydric alcohol compounds with a LogP of at least 1.20 to 2.00 and aqueous solubilities between 10 g / L and 30 g / L measured at 25°C were tested to identify candidates for combining into alcohol blends that could reduce the surface tension of aqueous compositions to less than 30 dyne / cm at 20°C while maintaining the composition's flash point above 50°C. Compounds were initially identified using the ChemSpider online database. Search constraints included an ACD / LogP between 1.20 and 2.00 and a single hydrogen bond acceptor, with the empirical formula C x H y O was used in succession. Alcohol compounds with 4 to 7 carbon atoms and selected C8 alcohol compounds were queried.

[0062] Generally, each search hit included the ACD / Labs predicted LogP and the experimental aqueous solubility determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EPISuite™; some entries included experimental LogP and / or solubility values ​​for alcohol compounds. However, in a study evaluating the accuracy of predicted LogP values ​​for nonionic compounds, such as alcohol compounds, the Molinspiration Property Calculation Service (MPCS) was determined to be one of the best freely available prediction suites (Hodges, G., et al., (2019) Environ, Sci. Eur. 31: 1-18, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The SMILES string of each alcohol compound identified in ChemSpider was inserted as a query in MPCS to determine its predicted Molinspiration LogP value. If the ChemSpider entry for a particular alcohol compound did not include an experimentally measured aqueous solubility, its aqueous solubility at 25 °C was modeled by generating a standard curve of several alcohol compounds with known LogP and solubility values, regardless of the number of carbon atoms present. The alcohol compounds included in the standard curve, along with their LogP and water solubility values, are shown in Table 1 below.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] The plot of LogP as a function of aqueous solubility, shown in Figure 1, shows a hyperbolic relationship, with an R of >95%. 2 indicates a good fit. Although alcohol compounds with more complex structures than those in Table 1, particularly alicyclic, aromatic, or unsaturated alcohol compounds, may deviate at least somewhat, and in some cases significantly, for some alcohol compounds, it can nevertheless be seen that the equation from the best fit of the hyperbola can reasonably predict the aqueous solubility of many alcohol compounds from the MPCS LogP.

[0065] In Table 2 below, ACD / Labs predicted LogP and MPCS predicted LogP are listed along with the estimated aqueous solubilities of 158 alcohols. Each compound in the table has an estimated aqueous solubility between 10 g / L and 30 g / L when measured at 25°C. If the LogP or solubility of the alcohol compound has been experimentally determined, it is also listed.

[0066] [Table 2] TIFF2026004479000005.tif152119 TIFF2026004479000006.tif153118 TIFF2026004479000007.tif131118

[0067] Of the 158 compounds listed in Table 2, 13 alcohol compounds had both predicted and experimental aqueous solubilities between 10 and 30 g / L: n-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, 2-methyl-3-pentanol, 3-methyl-2-pentanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol, phenol, 4-methylphenol, phenylethyl alcohol, and 1-phenylethanol. Of these, aqueous compositions with alcohol blends containing n-propanol, 2-hexanol, and / or 3-hexanol were formulated and tested for flash point and surface tension.

[0068] Example 2: Aqueous Compositions for Flash Point and Surface Tension Measurements Two separate aqueous compositions were prepared, one containing acetic acid and the other containing hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous composition with acetic acid was prepared as the first aqueous composition and contained both the alcohol blend and the natural biocide blend. The composition with hydrogen peroxide was prepared containing only a single alcohol compound, isopropanol.

[0069] [Table 3]

[0070] Based on the concentration of the natural biocide blend in the first aqueous composition of 0.3 wt%, the total concentration of n-butanol in the composition was 0.2 wt%. Both compositions were homogeneous and did not show any visible lens formation. Both compositions were placed in separate containers for further testing.

[0071] Example 3: Flash point measurement of aqueous compositions The flash point of the aqueous composition of Example 2 was measured using a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point Test conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D93, Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens, which can be used to measure the flash point of petroleum products in the temperature range of 40°C to 360°C.

[0072] The observed flash point temperatures were corrected using the formula FP = T + 0.033(760 - P), where T = observed flash point temperature (°C) and P = barometric pressure (mmHg). The actual flash point of the sample was then reported as the corrected temperature. The corrected temperature was rounded to the nearest 0.5°C.

[0073] Two samples of the first aqueous composition of Example 2 were tested. The observed flash points were 56°C (+ / - 1°C) and 55°C (+ / - 1°C), corrected to 56.5°C (+ / - 1°C) and 55.5°C (+ / - 1°C), respectively. Two samples of the second aqueous composition of Example 2 were also tested. The observed flash points for both samples were 63°C (+ / - 1°C), both corrected to 63.5°C (+ / - 1°C).

[0074] Example 4: Measurement of surface tension of aqueous compositions The surface tension of the aqueous composition of Example 2 was measured by measuring the height of the liquid column of the composition in a capillary tube. Typically, several drops of the composition were pipetted into one or more wells in a multi-well porcelain spot plate until the cavity was filled to within 1 mm of the top surface. A capillary tube, such as a microhematocrit capillary tube, was dipped into the center of the cavity to draw up the liquid, and the bottom of the tube was sealed with sigmoid wax and placed in a capillary tube holding tray. Several additional samples were prepared from other cavities in the spot plate using additional capillary tubes. The height of the liquid in each tube, from the top of the wax seal to the meniscus of the liquid in the middle, was measured using a caliper or other measuring device capable of reading in 0.01 mm increments.

[0075] The column heights of compositions in multiple capillary tubes in the same test set were compared to each other to determine the mean and standard deviation across the data set. Most data sets included at least six tubes. Data points more than two standard deviations from the mean were discarded. Each data set also included standards, typically consisting of deionized water compositions (72 dyne / cm at 20°C) and pure ethanol (22 dyne / cm at 20°C). The inclusion of two standards in each data set allowed the generation of temperature-corrected curves of surface tension change as a function of ethanol concentration using the surface tension reported by Vasquez et al., supra.

[0076] The method was validated by comparing the column heights of experimentally prepared dilutions of isopropanol using deionized water and 100% (w / w) isopropanol compositions as two standards, respectively. Using data from Vasquez et al., a standard curve of surface tension for diluted isopropanol compositions of known concentration was constructed. The line of best fit was determined by the R, as shown in Figure 2. 2The correlation coefficient was a sixth-order polynomial with a value of 99.8%. The column heights of the two standards were plotted against the isopropanol concentration (0% w / w or 100% w / w) to generate an equation determining the linear relationship between the liquid height in each capillary tube and the liquid's surface tension. Several sets of dilute aqueous isopropanol compositions in water were formulated and tested according to the procedure described above, with each set testing a different concentration of isopropanol. Each set contained six tested samples. The average column height of each set was fitted to the column height / surface tension equation to determine the average surface tension for each set. The average surface tension for each set was then plotted against the isopropanol concentration of the samples in each set to generate a curve that could be superimposed on the curve generated from literature data. The superimposed curves, shown in Figure 2, demonstrate that the surface tension curve generated by the capillary test method described herein closely matches the surface tension curve generated by Vasquez et al. As a result, the capillary test method can be used to determine the surface tension of any of the aqueous compositions described herein.

[0077] The surface tension of the compositions prepared in Example 2 was evaluated using a capillary tube test. A standard curve correlating the column height of the liquid in the capillary tube as a function of surface tension was constructed using deionized water and 100% (w / w) ethanol as standards. Each set contained six samples, and the room temperature was approximately 22°C. Using the capillary tube test, the surface tension of the first aqueous composition in Example 2 was measured to be 25 dyne / cm, while the surface tension of the second aqueous composition was measured to be 43 dyne / cm. Surprisingly, the surface tension of the first aqueous composition, 25 dyne / cm, is nearly equal to the surface tension of a composition containing 80% (w / w) ethanol, even though the total alcohol concentration in the first aqueous composition was approximately 3.2% (w / w). Based on the data disclosed in Vasquez et al., the difference in the surface tension of the compositions is expected to be minimal when measured at 20°C. Thus, the first aqueous composition of Example 2, containing both the alcohol blend and the natural biocidal blend, was found to have both a flash point greater than 50°C and a surface tension less than 30 dyne / cm, consistent with the modeling of Example 3 above.

[0078] Example 5: Multidimensional analysis of surface tension and flash point of aqueous compositions of selected alcohols A study was conducted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure to predict the surface tension and flash point of aqueous compositions containing one or more alcohol compounds at various concentrations of each alcohol compound. The known physical properties of several alcohols were compiled into JMP, a statistical analysis software available from SAS Institute, Inc., which can analyze, model, and visualize data across several variables and determine correlations between variables across several dimensions. JMP was utilized to model the effect of the identity and concentration of the alcohol compounds within a blend or individually on the surface tension or flash point of the aqueous composition.

[0079] The alcohol compounds studied in JMP were methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, t-butanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol, 2-methylbutan-1-ol, 3-methylbutan-1-ol, 2-methylbutan-2-ol, and 3-methylbutan-2-ol. Acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide were also included in the JMP model. Physical properties for each compound compiled in JMP included the following: molecular weight, primary carbon number, secondary carbon number, tertiary carbon number, effective carbon number, total carbon number, alcohol group position, boiling point, density, flash point, surface tension, and aqueous solubility. The physical properties statistically correlated by JMP with changes in surface tension or flash point can then be used to predict the surface tension or flash point of an aqueous composition with a user-specified concentration of one or more alcohol compounds.

[0080] The statistically correlated variables in determining the surface tension of a composition were: water concentration, alcohol concentration by type (primary, secondary, or tertiary); and acetic acid concentration in acetic acid-containing compositions. The statistically correlated variables in determining flash point were water concentration and alcohol concentration by type.

[0081] The concentrations of alcohol compounds in the first aqueous composition of Example 2 were examined to determine the concentration limits that could result in a flash point greater than about 50°C + / - 0.5°C. Generally, the concentration of n-butanol contained within the natural biocide blend was maintained at a constant 0.2% (w / w). Additionally, the concentration of isopropanol in the composition was maintained at about 5% of the total ethanol concentration, based on a 95:5 blend of ethanol and isopropanol used as the ethanol stock solution. JMP modeling indicated that while maintaining a constant n-pentanol concentration of 0.9% (w / w), the ethanol and isopropanol concentrations within the first aqueous composition could be increased to 3.2% (w / w) and 0.16% (w / w), respectively, to obtain a predicted flash point of about 49.8°C. The predicted surface tension of a composition having 3.2% (w / w) ethanol, 0.16% (w / w) isopropanol, 0.2% (w / w) n-butanol, and 0.9% (w / w) n-pentanol (total alcohol concentration of approximately 4.5% (w / w)) was 24.5 dyne / cm.

[0082] Similarly, while holding the concentrations of ethanol and isopropanol constant at 1.9% (w / w) and 0.1% (w / w), respectively, the concentration of n-pentanol can be increased to 1.6% (w / w) to obtain a predicted flash point of approximately 49.5° C. The predicted surface tension of a composition having 1.9% (w / w) ethanol, 0.1% (w / w) isopropanol, 0.2% (w / w) n-butanol, and 1.6% (w / w) n-pentanol was 21.7 dyne / cm.

[0083] Example 6: Antibacterial efficacy of in situ formed peracids against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida auris A study was conducted in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure to determine the antimicrobial killing of peracid formed in situ within the reaction bed against selected microorganisms known to cause hospital-acquired infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida auris. Antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC #6538) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC #15442) was determined using the Official Agricultural Chemists Germicidal Spray Method (AOAC 961.02). Exposure to the test substance consisted of three sprays of the first aqueous composition of Example 2 from a first hand sprayer, followed by three sprays of the second aqueous composition of Example 2 from a second hand sprayer. After exposure, the carriers were transferred to a vessel containing a neutralized subculture medium containing Letheen Broth, 0.28% (w / w) lecithin, 2.0% (w / w) Tween 80, 0.2% (w / w) sodium thiosulfate, and 0.05% (w / w) catalase. The subculture medium was incubated at 20°C for 48 hours and assayed for survival. Appropriate culture purity, viability, organic soil load sterility, neutralized subculture medium sterility, carrier sterility, carrier population, and neutralization confirmation controls were performed in parallel.

[0084] Glass carriers inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC #6538) were exposed to the reaction layers formed by the first and second aqueous compositions for 9.5 minutes before transferring the carriers to subculture medium. 120 glass carriers were inoculated, 60 supplemented with FBS and 60 not supplemented with FBS. The average number of colony-forming units (CFU) per carrier was 3.87 x 10 5 From 6.5x10 5 (Log 10 All 60 carriers without FBS and 59 of the 60 carriers with FBS showed no bacterial growth in subculture medium, and 119 of the 120 carriers showed greater than log-5 kill of S. aureus after 9.5 minutes of contact with the peracid-containing reaction layer.

[0085] A set of 60 glass carriers inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC #15442) was exposed to the reaction layers formed by the first and second aqueous compositions for multiple time points: 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 4 minutes, and 9.5 minutes, before transferring the carriers to subculture medium. All 300 glass carriers were supplemented with FBS. The average number of CPUs per carrier was 1.7x10 5 From 8.2x10 6 was in the range of (Log 10 = 5.23-6.50). All carriers (180 total) exposed to the peracid-containing reaction layer for 60 seconds, 4 minutes, or 9.5 minutes showed no bacterial growth in the subculture medium, greater than log-5 kill, and in some cases, a log-6 kill of P. aeruginosa in these carriers after at least 60 seconds of exposure. 57 of 60 carriers exposed to the peracid-containing reaction layer for 45 seconds showed no bacterial growth in the subculture medium, and 56 of 60 carriers exposed to the peracid-containing reaction layer for 30 seconds showed no bacterial growth. Bacterial growth in the subculture medium showed greater than log-5 kill, and in some cases greater than log-6 kill, of P. aeruginosa in these carriers.

[0086] Antibacterial efficacy against Candida auris (CDC#AR-0381) was determined using the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Quantitative Method for Evaluating the Efficacy of Liquid Antibacterial Agents. The test procedure was similar to that described above for determining efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Glass carriers inoculated with Candida auris and supplemented with 5% (w / w) FBS were exposed to a peracid-containing reaction layer formed by combining the first and second aqueous compositions from Example 2 on the carrier surface; these carriers were transferred to subculture, and the growth of CPUs in the subculture medium was evaluated. 25 μL of each aqueous composition was separately dispensed onto the carrier surface and mixed to form a reaction layer on the carrier. The subculture medium used to evaluate Candida auris growth was the same as the subculture medium described above. The average number of CPUs per carrier was 3.02 x 10 5 and (Log 10= 5.48), each carrier was exposed to a peracid-containing reaction layer for 9.5 minutes. 59 of the 60 carriers showed no bacterial growth in the subculture medium, and greater than log-5 kill was observed on these carriers within 9.5 minutes.

Claims

1. A disinfectant system comprising a first aqueous composition and a second aqueous composition, wherein the first and second aqueous compositions are separately applied to a surface to be disinfected, combined on the surface, and a peracid composition is formed in situ, thereby disinfecting the surface. The first aqueous composition (i) Having a first peracid reaction compound which is either hydrogen peroxide or acetic acid, (ii) A first alcohol selected from the group of low-chain alcohols consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, and combinations thereof, comprising 0.05 to 5% by weight. At least 99.5% of the components of the first aqueous composition have a vapor pressure of at least 1.0 mmHg at 20°C. The second aqueous composition (i) Having a second peracid reaction compound which is the other of the first peracid reaction compound, (ii) (a) The first alcohol, and (b) A second alcohol having a maximum of 2.5% by weight of the second aqueous composition. It contains 2.0 to 4.5% by weight of an alcohol blend having the following properties: The mass ratio of the first alcohol to the second alcohol is 1:10 to 4:1, and the second alcohol is selected from the group consisting of n-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, 2-methyl-3-pentanol, 3-methyl-2-pentanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol, phenol, 4-methylphenol, phenylethyl alcohol, and 1-phenylethanol, and combinations thereof. The disinfectant system wherein at least 99.5% by weight of the components of the second aqueous composition has a vapor pressure of at least 1.0 mmHg at 20°C, the second aqueous composition has a flash point of at least 50°C, and a surface tension of less than 30 dyne / cm at 20°C.

2. The disinfectant system according to claim 1, wherein the first aqueous composition has a surface tension of less than 50 dyne / cm at 20°C.

3. The disinfectant system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first aqueous composition contains up to 25% by weight of hydrogen peroxide, the second aqueous composition contains up to 50% by weight of acetic acid, and the pH of the second aqueous composition is less than 7.

0.

4. The disinfectant system according to claim 3, wherein the first aqueous composition contains 0.5 to 10% by weight of hydrogen peroxide and up to 4.5% by weight of isopropanol, and the second aqueous composition contains 0.5 to 10% by weight of acetic acid, 1.0 to 3.5% by weight of ethanol, and 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of an alcohol compound selected from the group consisting of 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol, and mixtures thereof.

5. The disinfectant system according to claim 4, wherein the first aqueous composition contains 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of isopropanol and the first aqueous composition further contains 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of n-butanol.

6. Either the first aqueous composition or the second aqueous composition is made of manuka honey, oregano oil, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, lemon oil, orange oil, anise oil, clove oil, aniseed oil, cinnamon oil, geranium oil, rose oil, mint oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, sandalwood oil, cedar oil, rosmarin oil A disinfectant system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of a natural biocidal blend having one or more natural biocides or natural biocidal compounds selected from the group consisting of oil, pine oil, verbena oil, rattan oil, methylglyoxal, carvacrol, eugenol, linalool, thymol, p-cymene, myrcene, borneol, camphor, caryophyllin, cinnamaldehyde, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, and menthol, and combinations thereof.

7. A disinfectant system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first aqueous composition is first applied to a surface to be disinfected, and the second aqueous composition is applied separately and combined with the first aqueous composition on the surface.

8. The disinfectant system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second aqueous composition is first applied to a surface to be disinfected, and the first aqueous composition is applied separately and combined with the second aqueous composition on the surface.

9. The disinfectant system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the peracid composition formed in situ on the surface exhibits an antimicrobial effect against at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC #6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC #15442), and Candida auris (CDC #AR-0381), the antimicrobial effect of the peracid composition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being measured according to the AOAC Germicidal Spray Method 961.02 protocol, and the antimicrobial effect of the peracid composition against Candida auris being measured according to the OECD Quantitative Method for Evaluating Efficacy of Antimicrobials protocol.

10. The disinfectant system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the disinfectant system is packaged and configured to prevent contact between the first aqueous composition and the second aqueous composition until both of the first aqueous composition and the second aqueous composition come into contact with the surface that requires disinfection.

Images