A composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination and a method thereof

Abstract

A composition (100) for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination is disclosed The composition includes a plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) including at least one of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid. The composition further includes a plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) including natamycin. A weight ratio of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components to the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components is in the range of 10:2 to 10:1. The composition is placed at a distance from a target surface to inhibit microbial growth on the target surface by releasing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components into a surrounding air. The target surface is exposed to microbial contaminants. moisture and humidity.

Description

[0001] A COMPOSITION FOR INHIBITING GROWTH OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND A METHOD THEREOF

[0002] EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

[0003] This Application claims priority from a Provisional patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202411034920, filed on May 02, 2024, and titled “A COMPOSITION FOR INHIBITING MOLDS, MILDEWS AND FUNGI AND A METHOD THEREOF”.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of microbial control compositions and more particularly, a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination and a method thereof.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Inhibiting the growth of microbial contamination is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of various products and environments, preventing the transmission of diseases, and reducing economic losses. Microbial contaminants may include mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, and the like.

[0008] Mold and mildew are commonly found in buildings and homes, especially in areas with high moisture levels such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or plumbing, or where flooding has occurred. Humid, tropical, and coastal regions provide particularly favorable conditions for their growth. These microorganisms thrive on materials like paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood, as well as dust, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpets, fabrics, and upholstery. Mold and mildew are present both indoors and outdoors. They may enter buildings through open windows, doors, vents, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Spores from outdoor air may also attach clothing, shoes, or pets, and be brought indoors. When the spores settle in damp environments, such as leaking pipes, potted plants, or flood-affected areas, they may quickly grow and spread. Many building materials, particularly those made of cellulose (e.g., paper, wood, cardboard), provide ideal conditions for their proliferation.

[0009] Mold and fungus may also grow on food items stored at home, including those in refrigeration if they are left too long. Fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, apples, and cucumbers are especially vulnerable. Contaminated items may cause crossspoilage and, if consumed, may lead to serious health concerns.

[0010] Exposure to mold and damp environments may cause a range of health effects, particularly in sensitive individuals. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, wheezing, itchy eyes or skin, and aggravated conditions in people with asthma or mold allergies. Occupational exposure to high concentrations of mold, such as in agriculture or construction settings may result in severe reactions like fever or respiratory distress.

[0011] There are many sprayable products available in markets which are mostly used for mold removal, these are often corrosive, toxic, and must be applied directly to affected surfaces. Preventative sprays exist, but they require application to every exposed surface, which is not always practical. Additionally, fabric-based or inaccessible areas are difficult to treat, allowing mold to persist and spread.

[0012] Hence, there is a need for a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination and a method thereof which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).

[0013] OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION An objective of the invention is to provide a composition for inhibiting the growth of microbial contamination, including molds, mildews, fungi, and bacteria, particularly in environments susceptible to high humidity and moisture.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for using the composition for inhibiting the growth of microbial contamination, comprising both volatile inhibition and vapor phase inhibition.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination is provided. The composition includes a plurality of volatile antimicrobial components including at least one of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid. The potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are selected based on volatility property. The composition further includes a plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components including natamycin. The natamycin is selected based on non-volatility property and vapor-phase inhibition property. A weight ratio of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components to the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components is in the range of 10:2 to 10:1. The composition is placed at a distance from a target surface to inhibit microbial growth on the target surface by releasing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components and the plurality of nonvolatile antimicrobial components into a surrounding air. The target surface is exposed to microbial contaminants, moisture and humidity.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination is provided. The method includes delivering the composition in the form of the aerosol, the fine powder mixture, the briquette, the pellet, the coating, and the solution on the target surface exposed to microbial contamination. The method includes placing the composition at a distance from a target surface exposed to microbial contamination. The method includes allowing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components to disperse into the surrounding air to inhibit growth of microbial contaminants on the target surface.

[0018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for using a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0027] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination is provided. The composition includes a plurality of volatile antimicrobial components including at least one of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid. The potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are selected based on volatility property. The composition further includes a plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components including natamycin. The natamycin is selected based on non-volatility property and vapor-phase inhibition property. A weight ratio of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components to the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components is in the range of 10:2 to 10:1. The composition is placed at a distance from a target surface to inhibit microbial growth on the target surface by releasing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components and the plurality of nonvolatile antimicrobial components into a surrounding air. The target surface is exposed to microbial contaminants, moisture and humidity.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a composition (100) for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The composition (100) is particularly effective in combating a broad spectrum of microbial growth, including but not limited to molds, mildews, fungi, bacteria, and the like.

[0029] The composition (100) includes a plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) including at least one of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid. The potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are selected based on volatility property. The volatility property refers to a tendency of a substance to evaporate and become a gas at a given temperature. Volatile substances naturally tend to vaporize into the surrounding atmosphere, enabling them to act remotely from a site of application. Such substances have been used for decades for corrosion protection and are named as volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCIs).

[0030] The vapor-phase inhibition property, on the other hand, involves substances that may not directly sublimate but can be dissolved and carried by atmospheric water vapor. These dissolved molecules are then transported and deposited on surfaces where microbial inhibition is needed, which may be important in certain storage and preservation applications. Further, Sorbic acid, has a lower dissolution rate in water vapor compared to potassium sorbate, which may influence its distribution and overall effectiveness in vapor-phase applications.

[0031] In one embodiment, potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are used as volatile mold inhibitors, wherein their molecules sublimate into the air and reach the surfaces to be protected. These substances have been selected for their non-toxic, human- and environmentally friendly nature.

[0032] The composition (100) further includes a plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) including natamycin. The natamycin is selected based on nonvolatility property and vapor-phase inhibition property.

[0033] In an embodiment, natamycin is carried through vapor phase by moisture present in the atmosphere onto the nearby surface to be protected.

[0034] In one embodiment, natamycin is delivered through vapor-phase transport, relying on the presence of atmospheric moisture to facilitate dispersion. The effective concentration required for mold prevention is as low as 1-5 ppm, making it highly efficient at very low dosages.

[0035] In another embodiment, 50% purity natamycin is used instead of pure natamycin for cost-effectiveness.

[0036] The plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) and the plurality of nonvolatile antimicrobial components (120) are food-grade, environmentally safe agents approved for use in consumable products. In one embodiment, the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) may be independently selected from a broad range of food-grade substances, provided that, when combined, they adhere to the same working principle, namely, the volatility property and the vapor-phase inhibition property.

[0037] A weight ratio of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) to the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) in the composition (100) is in the range of 10:2 to 10:1. The composition (100) is placed at a distance from a target surface to inhibit microbial growth on the target surface by releasing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) into a surrounding air. The target surface is exposed to microbial contaminants, moisture and humidity.

[0038] In some embodiments, compressed tablets consisting of potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, and natamycin or a mixture thereof are made and kept in a plastic container with openings or inside a foam or a permeable enclosure, which allows volatile substances to sublimate out of the enclosing and water vapors to come in contact with chemicals inside the container, get saturated, and transport the same back outside the container into the humid environment.

[0039] It must be noted that Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic acid and Natamycin were selected for their minimal or no direct harmful effects on human health. Among these, potassium sorbate exhibits a very low vapor pressure, which allows it to slowly sublimate and disperse into the surrounding air. The vaporized molecules may then reach and protect surfaces prone to mold growth. According to studies, an effective concentration of 1 OOppm -150 ppm of potassium sorbate in the air is required to prevent mold initiation.

[0040] In one aspect, tablets are kept inside foam enclosures or Tyvek covers. In another aspect, tablets are used as is and sprinkled in the areas to be protected. Powders could be added to water to spray on the desired surfaces. The substances, however, could also be incorporated into coating materials or coating solutions, preferably in an aqueous / organic medium.

[0041] On the other hand, natamycin is also a food preservative. However, natamycin does not sublimate under normal conditions. The effective concentration of natamycin and / or 50% natamycin salts required to prevent mold growth is as low as 1-5 ppm. In humid environments, water vapor present in the atmosphere comes into contact with natamycin, becomes saturated with it, and acts as a carrier, transporting the compound to nearby surfaces that need protection from mold and mildew.

[0042] While pure natamycin is relatively expensive, 50% purity salts such as natamycin 50% lactose or natamycin 50% NaCl are cost-effective alternatives. These variants maintain antimicrobial efficiency at low dosages, making them suitable for commercial applications.

[0043] In an embodiment, a mixture of potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, and natamycin could be added into the raw material for manufacturing PET containers which are used to store various berries like strawberries, cranberries, etc., and fruits which are prone to fungus growth and need to be consumed in a short time. This mixture will keep the fruits / foods fresh for a very long time.

[0044] It must be noted that the composition (100) is delivered to the target surface in the form of an aerosol, fine powder mixture, briquette, pellet, coating, and solution.

[0045] Let us consider two test scenarios conducted to evaluate the inhibition of yeast, fungi, and bacterial growth using various antimicrobial agents, both individually and in combination. The tests (Test 1 and Test 2) are designed to study the performance of selected food preservatives specifically against white, green, and black mold at various concentrations to understand the synergistic effect of volatile inhibitors like Potassium Sorbate and non-volatile inhibitors like Natamycin. A ccontrolled study is conducted using Bactaslyde Dip Slides (BS 101) to observe bacterial, yeast, and mold activity. A 2-liter transparent plastic container serves as the test chamber. Bactaslyde slides are dipped in contaminated lake water known to contain algae and microbial growth and affixed to the inner side of the container lid. The test preservatives, as listed in Table 1 , are placed or sprinkled at the bottom of the container before sealing the lid, allowing for volatile and vapor-phase interaction. The microbial growth is monitored over time, and the observations are summarized below.

[0046] Table 1 - Test 1 : Growth Observations in the Presence of Antimicrobial Preservatives The results in Table 1 indicate that a combination of Potassium Sorbate and Natamycin is effective in inhibiting the growth of various forms of fungus, mold, and mildew. In contrast, Potassium Sorbate and Natamycin are not sufficiently effective when used individually. Potassium Sorbate, as a volatile inhibitor, is not very effective even at high concentrations. Similarly, Natamycin, although non-volatile and highly effective at low concentrations, also shows limited effectiveness when used alone.

[0047] These findings demonstrate that a combination of volatile inhibitors like Potassium Sorbate, which acts quickly and non-volatile inhibitors like Natamycin which are highly effective at very low dosages and work through vapor-phase transport produces the best results only when used together. Similar results are observed when Potassium Sorbate is replaced with Sorbic Acid.

[0048] In Test 2, the concentrations of both Potassium Sorbate and Natamycin are intentionally reduced to evaluate their effectiveness at lower levels.

[0049] Table 2 - Test 2: Growth Observations in the Presence of Antimicrobial Preservatives at lower levels

[0050] The results in Table 2 indicate that the combination of Potassium Sorbate and Natamycin at lower levels is also effective in inhibiting the growth of various forms of fungus, mold, and mildew and shows better results only when used in combination. FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (200) for using a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The composition is particularly effective in combating a broad spectrum of microbial growth, including but not limited to molds, mildews, fungi, bacteria, and the like. The method (200) includes delivering the composition in the form of the aerosol, the fine powder mixture, the briquette, the pellet, the coating, and the solution on the target surface exposed to microbial contamination in step 205. The forms are selected based on the specific application environment. The composition includes a plurality of volatile antimicrobial components including at least one of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid and a plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components including natamycin.

[0051] In an embodiment, the composition is delivered in the form of the aerosol comprising a solubilizer that facilitates transport of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components with sufficient quantity and speed for mold and mildew protection.

[0052] In another embodiment, the composition is incorporated into the coating material or the solution and applied to the target surface selected from fabric.

[0053] The method (200) includes placing the composition at a distance from a target surface exposed to microbial contamination in step 210. This step is critical because it allows the composition, particularly the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components such as potassium sorbate or sorbic acid, to act through vapor-phase dispersion. By positioning the composition at the distance, it ensures that the antimicrobial agents may evaporate and travel through the surrounding air to reach and protect the target surface without requiring direct contact.

[0054] The method (200) includes allowing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components to disperse into the surrounding air to inhibit growth of microbial contaminants on the target surface in step 215.

[0055] Various embodiments of the composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination and a method thereof as described above, offer several advantages. The composition effectively inhibits the growth of microbial contaminants such as molds, mildews, fungi, and bacteria, particularly in environments with high humidity and moisture. As both the volatile and non-volatile antimicrobial components in the composition are food-grade, environmentally safe, and approved for use in consumable products, the composition is suitable for applications in food packaging, storage, and preservation. Furthermore, the composition may be formulated as aerosols, powders, tablets, or coatings, offering flexibility in methods of application. The antimicrobial components are also biodegradable and environmentally safe, reducing the reliance on harsh chemical preservatives.

[0056] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0057] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0058] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A composition (100) for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination, comprising: a plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) comprising at least one of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid, wherein potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are selected based on volatility property; characterized in that, a plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) comprising natamycin, wherein the natamycin is selected based on non- volatility property and vapor-phase inhibition property, wherein a weight ratio of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) to the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) is in the range of 10:2 to 10: 1, wherein, the composition (100) is placed at a distance from a target surface to inhibit microbial growth on the target surface by releasing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) into a surrounding air, wherein the target surface is exposed to microbial contaminants, moisture and humidity.

2. The composition (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the microbial contaminants comprise mold, mildew, fungus, and bacteria.

3. The composition (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components (110) and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components (120) are food-grade, environmentally safe agents approved for use in consumable products.

4. The composition (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition (100) is delivered to the target surface in the form of an aerosol, fine powder mixture, briquette, pellet, coating, and solution.

5. A method (200) for using a composition for inhibiting growth of microbial contamination, comprising: delivering the composition in the form of the aerosol, the fine powder mixture, the briquette, the pellet, the coating, and the solution on the target surface exposed to microbial contamination; (205) placing the composition at a distance from a target surface exposed to microbial contamination; and (210) allowing the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components and the plurality of non-volatile antimicrobial components to disperse into the surrounding air to inhibit growth of microbial contaminants on the target surface. (215)6. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition is delivered in the form of the aerosol comprising a solubilizer that facilitates transport of the plurality of volatile antimicrobial components with sufficient quantity and speed for mold and mildew protection.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition is incorporated into the coating material or the solution and applied to the target surface selected from fabric.

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