Chemical composition and method of use of antibacterial odor control additive for pet litter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition and method for controlling odor in pet litter. The composition includes benzoic acid, a generally recognized safe acid, and a wetting liquid. The composition can act as both an antimicrobial agent and an odor control preservative for the pet litter. The benzoic acid and the liquid can be mixed together or added to the litter material to combat odors emanating from the contents of the pet litter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 286,064, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on December 5, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling odors caused by pet litter, and more particularly to compositions and methods using dual action antimicrobial odor control additives for litter materials. [Background technology]

[0003] Many indoor pets use litter boxes to collect their feces and urine. The main problem with litter boxes is the odor they produce. In addition to their inherent odor, litter boxes are a breeding ground for bacteria, which produce odors through their metabolic processes. To mitigate this odor, households currently use odor-absorbing substances like baking soda, odor-masking fragrances, and antibacterial agents like octhilinone (OIT) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT), which are effective against bacterial odors. While baking soda can neutralize acidic odors like sour milk or cheese, it has little effect on feces and urine odors. Furthermore, current antibacterial agents used for this purpose are toxic and can cause skin sensitization.

[0004] To combat the persistent odor and bacterial growth created by litter boxes, better and safer odor control solutions are desired by pet owners. The present invention addresses and provides a solution to this need. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to pet litter products and chemical compositions for use with pet litters, as well as methods for making, using, and / or testing the same. The present invention utilizes benzoic acid, a "Generally Regarded As Safe" (GRAS) acid, as an antimicrobial odor control additive in litter materials. Benzoic acid functions as both an antimicrobial agent and an odor-absorbing preservative. As an acid, benzoic acid directly binds odors generated by waste. As an antimicrobial agent, benzoic acid prevents bacterial growth and thus prevents odors generated by bacteria. Current technologies used to mask odors in pet litter, unlike benzoic acid, cannot chemically capture ammonia-based odors and require the use of antimicrobial agents with different toxicity, resulting in the need for two separate additives for antimicrobial and odor absorption. By way of background, the current traditional approach to controlling odors in pet litter generally involves using antimicrobial agents to control microbial growth in pet litter, with the expectation that fewer active microorganisms will result in fewer malodors generated by microbial action.

[0006] Furthermore, benzoic acid has low water solubility, which means that the acid's reaction with the litter material is very limited. The use of benzoic acid does not alter the surface properties of the litter and therefore does not affect the absorption properties of the litter material.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The following description is provided herein by way of example only, for the purpose of providing an enabling disclosure of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope or content of the invention.

[0009] Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure and the appended claims is intended to mean an inclusive "or," rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrase "X uses A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase "X uses A or B" is satisfied by X using A, X using B, or X using both A and B. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an," as used in this specification and the appended claims, should generally be construed to mean "one or more," unless otherwise specified or unless the context clearly indicates that a singular form is intended. Throughout this specification and the appended claims, the following terms have at least the meanings expressly associated therewith herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings specified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrations of the terms. The meanings of "a," "an," and "the" may include plural references, and the meaning of "in" may include "in," "at," and / or "on," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment," as used herein, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0010] Described herein are various embodiments, including compositions and methods for testing and controlling odors caused by pet litter.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a product is provided for use as a pet litter, which prevents bacterial growth and controls odors that occur after animals defecate and / or urinate on the pet litter.

[0012] The products of the present invention include litter materials that have been treated with or mixed with GRAS acids. The litter materials can be composed of a variety of ingredients, including, but not limited to, various types of clays, plant materials (which may include corn, pine sawdust, etc.), fragrances, mineral oils, and other materials.

[0013] The abbreviation "GRAS" is used by federal regulatory agencies to indicate substances that are considered "Generally Recognized As Safe" when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices. For example, regulations such as 21 CFR 182, 21 CFR 184, and 21 CFR 186. Examples of GRAS ingredients or compounds include, but are not limited to, food preservatives. As a classification, food preservatives may be suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention because they are classified as minimal hazard disinfectants while providing antimicrobial efficacy. Examples of GRAS acids are organic acids. GRAS acids include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0014] In the present invention, the GRAS acid is preferably benzoic acid. However, benzoic acid may be used in combination with one or more GRAS acids. Benzoic acid is used as a dual-action antimicrobial and odor-absorbing additive in litter materials. As an acid, benzoic acid directly binds with the inherent odor generated by excrement. As an antimicrobial agent, benzoic acid prevents bacterial growth and thus prevents the odor generated by bacteria. Benzoic acid may be in powder or liquid form.

[0015] A liquid may be used in combination with the GRAS acid and / or litter material. The liquid may be selected from the group consisting of glycol, mineral oil, water, alcohol, and combinations thereof. The GRAS acid and liquid may be present in a GRAS acid to alcohol ratio ranging from 1:100 to 100:1. The liquid may include one or more alcohols, such as aromatic alcohols. The aromatic alcohol is preferably a phenylpropanoid family derivative alcohol. The phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol may be, for example, 3-phenylpropanol.

[0016] A synergistic antimicrobial effect was unexpectedly discovered between GRAS antimicrobials / preservatives and 3-phenylpropanol, which allows for the use of lower levels of the antimicrobial and for use on materials where it would not otherwise be feasible.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a combination of benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol is used, the ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol may range from 1:100 to 100:1, preferably from 10:1 to 1:10.

[0018] Benzoic acid may be present in an amount of 0.01% to 3% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, where the weight percentage is based on the weight of the litter material. 3-Phenylpropanol may be present in an amount of 0.01% to 3% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, where the weight percentage is based on the weight of the litter material.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, a chemical composition is provided. The chemical composition includes a GRAS acid and a liquid. Preferably, the GRAS acid is benzoic acid. The benzoic acid may be used in combination with one or more other GRAS acids. The liquid may be selected from the group consisting of glycol, mineral oil, water, alcohol, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the alcohol comprises an aromatic alcohol, and the aromatic alcohol is phenylpropanol. The GRAS acid and the liquid may be present in a ratio ranging from 1:100 to 100:1. The chemical composition can act as both an antimicrobial agent and an odor-controlling preservative for the litter material.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing an odor control chemical composition for pet litter is provided. The method includes mixing benzoic acid (preferably in powder form) with litter material (preferably in granular form) and using a liquid to help the acid evenly coat the granules. Examples of liquids include, but are not limited to, glycol, mineral oil, water, and / or alcohol. The benzoic acid can be dispersed / dissolved in the liquid and added to the litter material all at once, or it can be added separately at different appropriate points in the process by spraying, tumbling, or mixing the chemical composition with the litter material.

[0021] Test methods include, but are not limited to, test method ATCC TM211-2021, which measures bacterial odor reduction in antimicrobially treated products. This method was developed as a direct means of quantifying odor generation due to microbial action. The test utilizes a Dräger column, a visually evident detection method, to measure ammonia generated by bacterial activity. Advantages of ATCC TM211-2021 include its ability to directly and quantitatively measure ammonia generation without relying on bacterial survival as an indicator of odor control, its rapid results, and its inexpensive and reproducible nature. Quantitative microbial testing may be performed using ASTM E2180.

[0022] The test method using ATCC TM211-2021 involves adding 1 g of litter to a 5 ml volumetric flask. Then, 1 ml of culture medium containing nutrients and bacteria is added to the litter, and the mixture is incubated at 36°C for 18 hours to allow the bacteria to generate ammonia. Alternatively, the test conditions can be modified, such as by incubating the litter for a longer period at room temperature to simulate real-life litter conditions. At the end of the incubation period, a Dräger column is inserted into the test vessel for ammonia quantification.

[0023] What is unique about this invention is that the combination of benzoic acid with the appropriate adjuvants can provide efficacy comparable to the more potent and toxic isothiazalinone-based packages.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Benzoic acid and phenylpropanol were added separately to cat litters. Samples were incubated at room temperature with synthetic urine using Proteus vulgaris as the challenge bacteria according to the modified AATCC 211-2021 method. After 7 days of incubation, ammonia Dräger tubes were inserted and ammonia levels were read 1.5 hours after the untreated samples reached their maximum levels. As shown by the data in Table 1 below, the amount of ammonia generated in the benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol-treated cat litters was significantly less than that generated in the untreated control cat litters. Furthermore, the combination of benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol generated the same amount of ammonia compared to currently used, more toxic, isothiazolone-based treated cat litters.

[0026] Table 1 - Ammonia generated after a 7-day challenge test using Proteus vulgaris and synthetic urine. [Table 1]

[0027] Quantitative bacterial testing was performed using ASTM E 2180, using Proteus vulgaris as the challenge bacteria. Nutrients were added along with synthetic urine and incubated at room temperature for 14 days. The data in Table 2 below show that cat litters treated with benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol repeatedly contained significantly fewer viable bacteria than untreated control litters. Furthermore, the log reductions for cat litters treated with benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol ranged from 4.2 to 4.8, demonstrating efficacy comparable to that of cat litters treated with more toxic isothiazolones.

[0028] Table 2 - Quantitative bacteriological results according to ASTM E 2180 after a 14-day challenge test with Proteus vulgaris and synthetic urine. [Table 2]

[0029] Example 2

[0030] Table 3 - GRAS Cat Litter Treatment Formulations 1 [Table 3]

[0031] GRAS Cat Litter Treatment Formulation 1 was added to cat litter, and samples were incubated at room temperature with synthetic urine under the modified AATCC 211-2021 method using Proteus vulgaris as the challenge organism. Ammonia Dräger tubes were inserted and ammonia levels were read after 2 hours, the time it takes for untreated samples to reach maximum levels, after 7 and 14 days of incubation.

[0032] Table 4 - Ammonia generated after 7 and 14 day challenge tests with Proteus vulgaris and synthetic urine. [Table 4]

[0033] As shown in Table 4, cat litters treated with Formulation 1 were found to be as effective at reducing ammonia emissions as the more potent and toxic isothiazalinone-based treated litters after 7 and 14 days of incubation. Furthermore, ammonia emissions were significantly lower in the litters treated with Formulation 1 compared to the untreated control cat litters.

[0034] Quantitative bacterial testing was performed using ASTM E 2180 test method. Synthetic urine was added along with nutrients and incubated at room temperature for 14 days. The data in Table 5 show that the number of viable bacteria in the cat litter treated with Formulation 1 was significantly lower than the untreated control litter, with log reductions ranging from 2.1 to 2.9. This demonstrates that the present invention functions to inhibit microbial growth and supports the antimicrobial claims.

[0035] Table 5 - Quantitative bacteriological results according to ASTM E 2180 after a 14-day challenge test with Proteus vulgaris and synthetic urine. [Table 5]

[0036] Example 3

[0037] Table 6 - GRAS Cat Litter Treatment Formulations 2 [Table 6]

[0038] Quantitative bacterial testing was performed using ASTM E 2180 testing method. Synthetic urine was added along with nutrients and incubated at room temperature for 14 days. As shown in Table 7 below, the number of viable bacteria in cat litter treated with Formulation 2 was significantly lower than in the untreated control litter, with a log reduction range of 4.6 to 5.2. This demonstrates the antibacterial and odor control effects of Formulation 2 of the present invention.

[0039] Table 7 - Quantitative bacteriological results according to ASTM E 2180 after a 14-day challenge test with Proteus vulgaris and synthetic urine. [Table 7]

[0040] Thus, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is capable of widespread utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those described herein, as well as numerous variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent or reasonably suggested from the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described in detail herein in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative and aids in the understanding of the invention and is made solely for the purpose of providing a complete and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended, and should not be construed, to limit the invention or to exclude other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements. The following items are the contents of the claims at the time of international application. (Item 1) Products containing litter material treated with or mixed with GRAS acids. (Item 2) 2. The product of claim 1, wherein the GRAS acid is benzoic acid. (Item 3) 3. The product of claim 2, wherein the benzoic acid is used in combination with one or more other GRAS acids. (Item 4) 2. The product of item 1, further comprising a liquid. (Item 5) 5. The product of claim 4, wherein the liquid comprises at least one alcohol. (Item 6) 6. The product of claim 5, wherein the liquid further optionally comprises glycol, mineral oil, water, or a combination thereof. (Item 7) 6. The product of claim 5, wherein the at least one alcohol comprises an aromatic alcohol. (Item 8) 8. The product of claim 7, wherein the aromatic alcohol is a phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol. (Item 9) 9. The product of item 8, wherein the phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol is 3-phenylpropanol. (Item 10) the GRAS acid is benzoic acid; The liquid includes 3-phenylpropanol. Products listed in item 4. (Item 11) Item 11. The product according to item 10, wherein the benzoic acid is used in a ratio of benzoic acid to 3-phenylpropanol ranging from 10:1 to 1:10. (Item 12) the benzoic acid is present in an amount of 0.01% to 3% by weight; Item 11. The product of item 10, wherein the weight percentage is based on the weight of the litter material. (Item 13) the benzoic acid is present in an amount of 0.05% to 0.5% by weight; Item 13. The product of item 12, wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the litter material. (Item 14) the 3-phenylpropanol is present in an amount of 0.01% to 3% by weight; Item 11. The product of item 10, wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the litter material. (Item 15) the 3-phenylpropanol is in the range of 0.05% to 0.5% by weight; Item 15. The product of item 14, wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the litter material. (Item 16) A chemical composition comprising a GRAS acid and a liquid. (Item 17) 17. The chemical composition of claim 16, wherein the GRAS acid is benzoic acid. (Item 18) 18. The chemical composition according to item 17, wherein the benzoic acid is used in combination with one or more other GRAS acids. (Item 19) 17. The chemical composition of claim 16, wherein the liquid comprises at least one alcohol. (Item 20) 20. The chemical composition of claim 19, wherein the liquid further optionally comprises glycol, mineral oil, water, or a combination thereof. (Item 21) 20. The chemical composition of claim 19, wherein the at least one alcohol comprises an aromatic alcohol. (Item 22) 22. The chemical composition according to item 21, wherein the aromatic alcohol is a phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol. (Item 23) 23. The chemical composition according to item 22, wherein the phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol is 3-phenylpropanol. (Item 24) 17. The chemical composition of claim 16, wherein the GRAS acid and the liquid are present in a ratio of GRAS acid to liquid ranging from 1:100 to 100:1. (Item 25) 17. The chemical composition of claim 16, wherein the chemical composition is capable of acting as both an antimicrobial agent and an odor control preservative for litter materials. (Item 26) 1. A method for producing pet litter, the method comprising: Providing benzoic acid and a liquid; applying the benzoic acid and the liquid, either together as an additive package or separately, to the litter material during treatment; Including, method. (Item 27) 27. The method of claim 26, wherein applying is by spraying, tumbling, mixing, or a combination thereof. (Item 28) 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the liquid comprises at least one alcohol. (Item 29) 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one alcohol comprises an aromatic alcohol. (Item 30) Item 30. The method according to item 29, wherein the aromatic alcohol is a phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol. (Item 31) 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the phenylpropanoid derivative alcohol is 3-phenylpropanol. (Item 31) 10. A method of testing comprising testing the litter material of item 1 according to test method ATCC TM211-2021 or ASTM E2180.

Claims

1. A pet litter product, comprising: a litter material comprising 0.01% to 3% by weight of benzoic acid, based on the weight of the litter material, and 0.01% to 3% by weight of 3-phenylpropanol, based on the weight of the litter material; the ratio of said benzoic acid to said 3-phenylpropanol is in the range of 1:2 to 1:4; the litter material is solid; Pet litter products.

2. 10. The pet litter product of claim 1, wherein the benzoic acid is used in combination with one or more other GRAS acids.

3. The pet litter product of claim 1, further comprising glycol, mineral oil, water, or a combination thereof.

4. the benzoic acid is present in an amount of 0.05% to 0.5% by weight; 10. The pet litter product of claim 1, wherein said weight percentages are based on said weight of said litter material.

5. the 3-phenylpropanol is in the range of 0.05% to 0.5% by weight; 10. The pet litter product of claim 1, wherein said weight percentages are based on said weight of said litter material.

6. The pet litter product described in claim 1, wherein the pet litter product consists of the litter material, the benzoic acid, and the 3-phenylpropanol.

7. 1. A method for producing pet litter, the method comprising: providing benzoic acid and 3-phenylpropanol; applying said benzoic acid and said 3-phenylpropanol together as an additive package or separately during treatment of litter material; Including, the benzoic acid is present at 0.01% to 3% by weight based on the weight of the litter material; the 3-phenylpropanol is present at 0.01% to 3% by weight, based on the weight of the litter material; the ratio of said benzoic acid to said 3-phenylpropanol is in the range of 1:2 to 1:4; the litter material is solid; method.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the applying is by spraying, tumbling, mixing, or a combination thereof.

9. 10. A method of testing comprising testing the litter material of claim 1 according to test method ATCC TM211-2021 or ASTM E2180.

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