Disinfectant composition

Abstract

Provided are antimicrobial compositions containing a potentiated halogen substituted xylenol, especially para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PMCX). In particular, a quaternary ammonium compound was found to dramatically improve the efficacy of the halogen containing xylenol against various microorganisms.

Description

[0001] Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0002] DISINFECTANT COMPOSITION

[0003] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] [00011 This application claims priority to the benefit of U.S. Provisional

[0005] Application No. 63 / 679852, filed August 6, 2024, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0002] A disinfectant refers to any chemical agent / composition capable of killing, destroying, or inhibiting the growth of organisms, particularly microorganisms. Disinfectant products include hard surface cleaners, hand and skin sanitizers, hand and skin cleaners, pre-disinfectant cleaners for instruments, sterilizing and high-level disinfectant compositions, soft surface disinfection, and the like.

[0008]

[0003] Ideally, a disinfectant composition has broad-spectrum activity against all types of microorganisms. The disinfectant composition should also have high efficacy so that a minimum amount of a biocidal agent can be used to save cost and to avoid or reduce any possible adverse effects caused by the biocidal agent. Also, it is desirable that the disinfectant composition is stable to any changes in temperature encountered during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping as well as during storage. Further, an ideal disinfectant composition is physically and chemically compatible with ingredients of different application systems and compatible with the different components present in the end-use formulation so that the disinfectant composition can suitably be incorporated in various end-use products.

[0009]

[0004] One particular disinfectant that has been used in the past is para-chloro- meta-xylenol. Para-chloro-meta-xylenol is a well-known surface disinfectant that is used globally. Para-chloro-meta-xylenol, however, has a few drawbacks. For instance, para-chloro-meta-xylenol is known to have weak efficacy against disinfectant-resistant microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Para- chloro-meta-xylenol also has poor water solubility. Consequently, para-chloro- meta-xylenol is typically formulated with various solvents, solubilizers, or Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) surfactants in order to maintain para-chloro-meta-xylenol in solution either in a concentrated form or in a ready-to-use form. Due to a slow solubility, formulating para-chloro-meta-xylenol compositions brings with it added manufacturing costs and process steps in order to maintain the disinfectant in solution, which adds costs to the resulting product.

[0010]

[0005] In view of the above, a need exists for a method and composition for potentiating or increasing the efficacy of para-chloro-meta-xylenol at lower concentrations. More particularly, a need exists for a para-chloro-meta-xylenol- based composition capable of destroying disinfectant-resistant microorganisms. A need also exists for a para-chloro-meta-xylenol-based composition that requires less solvents, solubilizers, and / or surfactants in order to maintain the para-chloro- meta-xylenol in solution.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012]

[0006] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a disinfectant composition containing a halogen substituted xylenol. In accordance with the present disclosure, the halogen substituted xylenol is combined with a potentiator that is also an antimicrobial agent. For instance, in one embodiment, the potentiator can comprise a quaternary ammonium compound. Adding the quaternary ammonium compound to a halogen substituted xylenol results in various advantages and benefits. For instance, the combination of the two antimicrobial agents can increase the spectrum of efficacy against various problematic microorganisms. The presence of the quaternary ammonium compound also permits the use of the halogen substituted xylenol at relatively low concentrations that, in turn, reduces the amount of solubilizers or solvents, particularly alcohols, that are needed in order to maintain the halogen substituted xylenol in solution.

[0013]

[0007] In one aspect, the disinfectant composition further contains a blending aid that facilitates blending of the halogen substituted xylenol with the potentiator. It is believed that the blending aid can also facilitate the synergistic effect that occurs between the two antimicrobial agents. The blending aid, for instance, can comprise an alkoxylated compound that contains a hydrophilic tail. By facilitating blending of the two antimicrobial agents, the presence of the blending aid can also Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) significantly reduce the necessity of adding any other solvents, such as alcohols. For instance, the disinfectant composition can be formulated so as to contain one or more alcohols in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 .5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 % by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.5% by weight, and, in one embodiment, can be free of alcohol.

[0014]

[0008] In one aspect, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to an antimicrobial composition comprising a first antimicrobial agent. The first antimicrobial agent comprises a halogen substituted xylenol, such as para-chloro- meta-xylenol. In accordance with the present disclosure, the antimicrobial composition includes a potentiator or second antimicrobial agent comprising a quaternary ammonium compound. The first antimicrobial agent is present in relation to the second antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 50:1 to about 1 :20, such as from about 25: 1 to about 1 :15, such as from about 20:1 to about 1 :10. The antimicrobial composition exhibits a synergistic effect.

[0015]

[0009] In one aspect, the antimicrobial composition is a ready-to-use composition and the first antimicrobial agent or halogen substituted xylenol is present in the composition in an amount less than about 1 ,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 750 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 300 ppm, and in an amount greater than about 5 ppm. The ready-to-use composition can contain the second antimicrobial agent in an amount less than about 5,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 750 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 250 ppm, and in an amount greater than about 2 ppm. In one particular embodiment, the halogen substituted xylenol comprises para-chloro-meta-xylenol and is present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount less than about 300 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 100 ppm, and a quaternary ammonium compound is present in an amount less than about 50 ppm.

[0016]

[0010] The antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure is particularly effective at destroying all different types of microorganisms. For instance, the antimicrobial composition can exhibit a greater than a 2 log reduction when tested Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds. The antimicrobial composition can exhibit greater than a 4 log reduction when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds.

[0017]

[0011] In one aspect, the second antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound having the following formula:

[0018] (Formula I) wherein R1is an optionally substituted benzyl group or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group; R2and R3are independently optionally substituted alkyl groups; R4is selected from the group consisting of an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group, benzyl group, and -[(CH2)2-O]n- R5, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20 and R5is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; and X- is a chlorine ion, bromine ion, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, ethosulfate, sulfate, or nitrate. In one aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

[0019]

[0012] In one aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound, a dimethyl alkyl ammonium compound, or mixtures thereof. For example, the quaternary ammonium compound can comprise at least one dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride, such as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. In one aspect, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds is contained in the composition which can include, for instance, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. In still another aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecane dimethyl Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. In yet another aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0020]

[0013] In one aspect, the disinfectant composition can further contain a blending aid. The blending aid can comprise a surfactant. For instance, the blending aid can comprise a compound having a hydrophilic tail which can be formed from ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide units.

[0021]

[0014] For example, the blending aid can comprise an alkoxylated compound, such as an alkoxylated alcohol. In one aspect, the alkoxylated alcohol can comprise an ethoxylated C4 to C24 alcohol, such as an ethoxylated C6 to C22 alcohol. The ethoxylated alcohol can comprise a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol, or an aromatic alcohol. Particular examples of blending aids include an ethoxylated-propoxylated 2-ethylhexanol, a C9 to C11 ethoxylated alcohol, a C12 to C14 ethoxylated secondary alcohol, a C6 to C12 ethoxylated alcohol, an ethoxylated 4-nonylphenol, or mixtures thereof.

[0022]

[0015] Alternatively, the blending aid can comprise an ethoxylated quaternary compound, such as an ethoxylated cocomonium chloride. The cocomonium chloride, for instance, can contain from about 5 mols to about 25 mols of PEG.

[0023]

[0016] The blending aid can be present in the disinfectant composition in an amount from about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight, such as in an amount from about 0.3% by weight to about 2.5% by weight, such as in an amount from about 0.5% by weight to about 1 .8% by weight. The weight ratio between the blending aid and the first antimicrobial agent can be from about 10:1 to about 10,000:1 , such as from about 20:1 to about 1 ,000:1 , such as from about 25:1 to about 500: 1 , such as from about 30: 1 to about 200: 1.

[0024]

[0017] The present disclosure is also directed to a premoistened wiping product. The premoistened wiping product comprises a liquid absorbent substrate and a disinfectant composition as described above contained within the substrate. The liquid absorbent substrate can comprise a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web, for instance, can comprise a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbond web, Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded carded web, or a laminate thereof.

[0025]

[0018] The present disclosure is also directed to a method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface. In one embodiment, a liquid absorbent substrate is saturated with a disinfectant composition made in accordance with the present disclosure. The saturated liquid absorbent substrate is then applied to the hard surface. Alternatively, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be sprayed onto the adjacent surface. The disinfectant composition can destroy various different microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0026]

[0019] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028]

[0020] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029]

[0021] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a disinfectant composition. As used herein, the term “disinfectant” means a biocidal composition which is intended to be applied to a surface to destroy microorganisms which are living on the surface or can be incorporated into a product for preserving the product. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure has numerous uses and applications. The disinfectant composition can be used in any suitable industry or field where surfaces need to be essentially free of microorganisms. For instance, the disinfectant composition may comprise an institutional product, a domestic product, or a healthcare product. The disinfectant composition, for instance, may comprise a hard surface disinfectant, a hand sanitizer, a sterilizing or high-level disinfectant composition, a pre-disinfectant cleaner for instruments, a soft surface disinfectant composition, an upholstery and fabric cleaner / disinfectant, a first aid antiseptic, and the like.

[0030]

[0022] In accordance with the present disclosure, the disinfectant composition contains a first antimicrobial agent comprising a halogen substituted xylenol, such as para-chloro-meta-xylenol, in combination with a potentiator that can also Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) comprise an antimicrobial agent. The second antimicrobial agent, for instance, can comprise a quaternary ammonium compound. In one aspect, the second antimicrobial agent can increase the efficacy of the halogen substituted xylenol for increasing the efficacy of the composition against a greater number of microorganisms and / or for improving the efficacy against particular microorganisms, such as microorganisms that are relatively difficult to control. In one aspect, the second antimicrobial agent or potentiator can be added in such a way that the halogen substituted xylenol is more effective at lower concentrations. In addition, the disinfectant composition can contain a blending aid that is believed to facilitate mixing of the halogen substituted xylenol with the quaternary ammonium compound in a manner that facilitates the synergistic effect that occurs between the two antimicrobial agents. In this manner, halogen substituted xylenol disinfectant compositions can be formulated that contain minimal amounts of solvents and solubilizers, such as alcohols.

[0031]

[0023] When the halogen substituted xylenol is combined with the quaternary ammonium compound, various synergies can be observed. For instance, the combination of antimicrobial agents can have greater antimicrobial activity in the presence of certain microorganisms in comparison to the antimicrobial activity of an identical composition only containing one of the antimicrobial agents.

[0032]

[0024] For example, the antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure is particularly effective against hard to kill microorganisms such as Pseudonomas aeruginosa. In one aspect, the antimicrobial or disinfectant composition can exhibit greater than a 2 log reduction when tested against Pseudonomas aeruginosa according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds. In some embodiments, for instance, the antimicrobial composition can exhibit greater than a 2.5 log reduction, such as greater than a 3 log reduction, such as greater than a 3.5 log reduction, such as greater than a 4 log reduction when tested against Pseudonomas aeruginosa according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds.

[0033]

[0025] When tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae, the antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure can display greater than a 3 log reduction, Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) such as greater than a 3.5 log reduction, such as greater than a 4 log reduction when tested according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds.

[0034]

[0026] The above efficacy against microorganisms also occurs at relatively low concentrations of the antimicrobial agents. As described above, it was discovered that the combination of the halogen substituted xylenol with the quaternary ammonium compound produces a dramatic and surprising effect in superior antimicrobial kill at lower concentrations of both antimicrobial agents. The ability to lower the concentration of the antimicrobial agents provides lower residues on surfaces and reduces levels of antimicrobial agents needed to achieve a desired disinfection effect. Lowering the amount of the halogen substituted xylenol also produces various other advantages. For instance, by maintaining a low concentration of the halogen substituted xylenol, the amount of solvents can be minimized. In the past, for instance, disinfectant compositions containing para- chloro-meta-xylenol contained a relatively high amount of alcohols in order to maintain the para-chloro-meta-xylenol in solution. Ready-to-use compositions can be made according to the present disclosure, however, containing alcohols in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 .5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 % by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.5% by weight. In one embodiment, for instance, the antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure can be formulated with para- chloro-meta-xylenol and can contain no alcohol.

[0035]

[0027] Alcohols that were combined with para-chloro-meta-xylenol in the past included, for instance, mono-hydric alcohols and poly-hydric alcohols. Such alcohols can include, in one aspect, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol. Para- chloro-meta-xylenol compounds were also combined with glycols such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol. In one aspect, each of the above identified alcohols can be present in a ready-to-use composition made according to the present disclosure in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 .5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 % by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.3% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.08% by Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) weight. In one aspect, the composition may contain one or more mono-hydric alcohols in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 % by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.1 % by weight, while containing one or more poly-hydric alcohols in amounts greater than about 2% by weight. The polyhydric alcohols, for instance, may be added to provide other benefits and not be present in order to solubilize the para-chloro-meta-xylenol.

[0036]

[0028] The disinfectant or antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure is formulated and designed to increase the efficacy of phenolic compounds with antimicrobial properties, such as halogen substituted xylenols. One example of a halogen substituted xylenol is a para-chloro-meta-xylenol (“PCMX”). PCMX is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. PCMX is sometimes referred to by its other names, including: chloroxylenol; 4-chloro-3,5 xylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol; 2-chloro-m-xylenol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m- xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1 ,3-dimethylbenzene; 4- chlor-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl benzene; and 3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol. It is believed that PCMX compounds have a mechanism of antimicrobial action by the denaturation of proteins and inactivation of enzymes in the microorganisms.

[0037] PCMX compounds may also alter the permeability of cell membranes that could result in the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, the inhibition of active transport, and / or the loss of metabolites due to cytoplasmic membrane damage. Other halogen substituted xylenols that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure include 4-chloro-3-methylphenol or 2,4-dichloro-3,5-dimethyl- phenol, which may be used alone or in combination with para-chloro-meta-xylenol. Halogen substituted xylenols are compounds that are considered environmentally friendly.

[0038]

[0029] In a ready-to-use composition, the halogenated xylenol, such as para- chloro-meta-xylenol, can be present in the composition in an amount less than about 1 ,000 ppm. For instance, the halogenated xylenol can be present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount less than about 750 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 400 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 300 ppm. In one aspect, for instance, the Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) concentration of the halogen substituted xylenol is maintained below 300 ppm, such as less than about 275 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 225 ppm, such as less than about 200 ppm, such as less than about 175 ppm, such as less than about 150 ppm, such as less than about 125 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 75 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 40 ppm, such as less than about 30 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 15 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm, and greater than about 5 ppm.

[0039]

[0030] In accordance with the present disclosure, the potentiator for the halogen substituted xylenol antimicrobial agent comprises a quaternary compound. In one aspect, the quaternary compound can also have antimicrobial properties and can be considered a second antimicrobial agent. The quaternary ammonium compound, however, has been found to significantly and dramatically influence the antimicrobial properties of the halogen substituted xylenol in a manner that provides many benefits and advantages.

[0040]

[0031] The quaternary ammonium compound may comprise, for instance, an alkyl quaternary ammonium compound or a benzyl ammonium compound.

[0041] Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats", typically comprise at least one quaternary ammonium cation with an appropriate anion. Quats will generally have the general Formula II: (Formula II)

[0042]

[0032] The groups R1, R2, R3and R4can vary within wide limits and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds that have anti-microbial properties will be well known to the person of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, two of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are lower alkyl, meaning having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) propyl or butyl groups. In addition, two of R1, R2, R3and R4are longer chain alkyl groups of 6 to 24 carbon atoms which may be straight chained or branched, or a benzyl group. IVT is a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. Suitable anions for M' are in principle all inorganic or organic anions, in particular halides, for example chloride or bromide, carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, carbonate, a bicarbonate / carbonate or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R groups: R1is benzyl or Ce-is-alkyl, R2is C1-1 s-alkyl or — [(CH2)2 — O]nRs where n=1-20, R3 and R4 independently of one another are C1-4- alkyl, R5 is hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and M' is a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid.

[0043]

[0033] Particularly good results are obtained when the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound, a dimethyl alkyl ammonium compound, or mixtures thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a dialkyl ammonium compound, such as a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound. In one embodiment, the dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound may have between about 8 and about 12 carbon atoms, such as from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms in each of the alkyl groups.

[0034] Examples of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds which may be used include dimethyl dioctyl ammonium compounds such as dimethyl dioctyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl didecyl ammonium compounds such as dimethyl didecyl ammonium chloride and the like. Mixtures of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds may also be used and other anions, such as those described above may also be used. Commercially available dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the BARDAC™ tradename by Arxada AG.

[0044]

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a benzyl ammonium compound, such as an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound. In general, the alkyl group may contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, such as from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0045]

[0036] Examples of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds include C12 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, C14 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and C16 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. In addition, a mixture of these alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds can be used. Commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the BARQUAT® tradename by Arxada AG. These commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds are blends of C12, C14, and C16 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides.

[0046] Generally, it is preferable that the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound, when a blend, contains higher concentrations of C12 alkyl and C14 alkyl components than C16 alkyl components. It is noted that other anions, including those mentioned above, may also be used.

[0047]

[0037] In still another embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a quaternary ammonium propionate. The quaternary ammonium propionate, for instance, may comprise a poly(oxyalkyl)ammonium propionate. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the first biocide may comprise N,N- didecyl-N-methyl- poly(oxyethyl)ammonium propionate.

[0048]

[0038] In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent(s) comprises a carbonate / bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation. A quaternary ammonium carbonate can be represented by the following formula: wherein R1is a C1-C20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R2is a C8-C20 alkyl group, and preferably wherein R1is the same as R2and R1is a C8-C12 alkyl group. The corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate can have the following formula: Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) wherein R1is the same or a different C1-C20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group as above and R2is the same or a different C8-C20 alkyl group as above, but preferably wherein R1is the same as R2and R1is a C8-C12 alkyl group.

[0049]

[0039] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent contained in the composition comprises a di C8-C12 alkyl ammonium carbonate / bicarbonate. For example, in one particular embodiment, the disinfectant composition contains didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0050]

[0040] In other embodiments, however, the carbonate / bicarbonate salts of quaternary ammonium cations may be selected from dioctyldimethylammonium carbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium carbonate, benzalkonium carbonate, benzethonium carbonate, stearalkonium carbonate, cetrimonium carbonate, behentrimonium carbonate, dioctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, benzalkonium bicarbonate, benzethonium bicarbonate, stearalkonium bicarbonate, cetrimonium bicarbonate, behentrimonium bicarbonate, and mixtures of one or more such carbonate salts.

[0041] One or more quaternary ammonium compounds can be present in the disinfectant or antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure in a ready-to-use form in an amount generally less than about 500 ppm. For instance, one or more quaternary ammonium compounds can be present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount less than about 4,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 3,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 750 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 250 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 200 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 150 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 75 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 50 ppm, such as in an amount less than Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) about 25 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 20 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 15 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 10 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 8 ppm, and in an amount greater than about 2 ppm.

[0051]

[0042] The first antimicrobial agent or the halogen substituted xylenol can be present in the antimicrobial composition in relation to the potentiator or quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 50: 1 to about 1 :20. For example, the first antimicrobial agent can be present in relation to the potentiator or second antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 25:1 to about 1 :15, such as from about 20: 1 to about 1 :10.

[0052]

[0043] In addition to the first antimicrobial agent comprising a halogen substituted xylenol and a potentiator or second antimicrobial agent comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, the antimicrobial composition can also contain a blending aid that facilitates blending of the first antimicrobial agent with the second antimicrobial agent. In one aspect, the blending aid can comprise a compound with a hydrophilic tail. The hydrophilic tail, in one embodiment, for instance, can be formed through alkoxylation, wherein ethoxylated and / or propoxylated groups are attached to a compound for significantly increasing the hydrophilic properties. These particular compounds have been found to not only solubilize the halogen substituted xylenol but also serve to create better mixing between the halogenated substituted xylenol and the quaternary ammonium compound.

[0053]

[0044] In one aspect, the surfactant can comprise a nonionic surfactant with a linear or branched structure, including, but not limited to, alkoxylated alcohols. The surfactant can also comprise a cationic surfactant, such as an alkoxylated quaternary compound. In other aspects, the surfactant may comprise an amphoteric surfactant and / or a zwitterionic surfactant. In one particular embodiment, the surfactant can comprise an ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer or an alcohol that has been modified to include both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide groups.

[0054]

[0045] The surfactant selected as the blending aid, in one embodiment, can display a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance number (HLB) between about 5 and about Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0055] 20, such as greater than about 8, such as greater than about 10, such as greater than about 11 , such as greater than about 12, and less than about 20, such as less than about 18.

[0056]

[0046] In one aspect, the blending aid comprises an alkoxylated alcohol surfactant. The alcohol contained in the surfactant can comprise a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol. The alcohol can be linear, branched, or can contain an aromatic group.

[0057]

[0047] In one aspect, the alkoxylated alcohol is made with a primary alcohol. In this embodiment, the surfactant can contain between about 2 mols to about 20 mols of alkoxylation, such as from about 2 mols to about 8 mols of alkoxylation. The alcohol, which is alkoxylated, can be one or more C6 to C12 alkyl alcohols, one or more C8 to C10 alkyl alcohols, or one or more C9 to C11 alkyl alcohols. The alkoxylation may be ethoxylation. In this embodiment, the HLB can be from about 8 to about 16, such as between about 10 and 12.

[0058]

[0048] In one aspect, the surfactant can comprise an ethoxylated secondary alcohol or a mixture of ethoxylated secondary alcohols. The ethoxylated secondary alcohol may have a carbon chain length of from about C6 to about C60, such as from about C8 to about C42, such as from about C10 to about C32, such as about C8 to about C22, such as about C6 to about C12. The secondary alcohol contained in the ethoxylated secondary alcohol can be unbranched. In another aspect, the secondary alcohol contained in the ethoxylated secondary alcohol can be branched. The ethoxylated secondary alcohol can contain from about 2 mols to about 16 mols of ethylene oxide per mol of alcohol, such as from about 3 mols to about 12 mols of ethylene oxide per mol of alcohol, such as from about 4 mols to about 8 mols of ethylene oxide per mol of alcohol, such as from about 2 mols to about 4 mols of ethylene oxide per mol of alcohol. In one aspect, the ethoxylated alcohol may comprise one or more ethoxylated C12 to C14 alkyl alcohols.

[0059]

[0049] Exemplary commercially available nonionic surfactants are C11-C15 secondary alkanols condensed with 5, 7, 9, 12, 20, or 40 mols of ethylene oxide. Additional exemplary nonionic surfactants comprise reaction products of trimethyl- nonanol with ethylene oxide. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0060]

[0050] In another aspect, the blending aid can comprise an alkoxylated alcohol that includes ethylene oxide and propylene oxide groups. The alcohol that has been modified to include the EO and PO groups can be a linear alcohol, a branched alcohol, a fatty acid alcohol, or an aromatic alcohol. The alcohol can be a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol. For instance, the alcohol can contain from about 4 carbon atoms to about 28 carbon atoms, such as from about 4 carbon atoms to about 16 carbon atoms. In one aspect, the alcohol can comprise one or more C6 to C12 alcohols or one or more C12 to C14 alcohols, or blends thereof. In one aspect, the alcohol can comprise 2-ethyl hexanol.

[0061]

[0051] Particular examples of alcohols containing EO and PO groups include an EO-PO 2-ethyl hexanol containing from about 2 to about 10 mols of PO and from about 2 to about 16 mols of EO, a surfactant containing C6 to C12 alcohols containing 3 to 4 mols of PO and 4 mols of EO, a surfactant containing C6 to C12 alcohols containing 3 to 4 mols of PO and 7 mols of EO, a surfactant containing 06 to C12 alcohols containing 3 to 4 mols of PO and 9 mols of EO, and mixtures thereof.

[0062]

[0052] In another aspect, the ethoxylated alcohol can comprise an ethoxylated aromatic alcohol, such as an ethoxylated branched aromatic alcohol. The alcohol, for instance, can contain a phenol group attached to a carbon chain having a carbon chain length of from about 2 carbon atoms to about 20 carbon atoms, such as from about 6 carbon atoms to about 15 carbon atoms. The carbon chain attached to the phenol group can be linear or branched. In one aspect, the ethoxylated alcohol can comprise an ethoxylated branched 4-nonylphenol.

[0063]

[0053] In another aspect, the blending aid can comprise an ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compound that can be cationic in nature. In one aspect, the ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compound has the structure [NR5R6]+[X]-, wherein each R5 and R6 is the same or different and is optionally a substituted alkyl, ethoxyl, propoxyl, or butyloxyl group, such as — (CH2CH2O)n, where n can be 1 to 20. In some embodiments, n is 1-15, or 1-10, and [X]- is a counter anion. In some embodiments, each R5 and R6 is an optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, the ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compound has the structure [NR'R"R”’]+[X]- where each R is the same or different and is alkyl, optionally Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) substituted, R' and R" are ethoxyl groups where R' is (CH2CH2O)p and R" is (CH2CH2O)q, wherein p+q is 2-15, and [X]- is a counter anion. For example, in some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a cocoalkylmethyl amine (e.g., cocoalkylmethyl PEG-15 ammonium chloride).

[0064]

[0054] One or more blending aids can be present in the disinfectant composition generally in an amount from about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight. For instance, one or more blending aids can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.3% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 0.5% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 1 % by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 2% by weight, and in an amount less than about 5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 4% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 2.5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 .8% by weight.

[0065]

[0055] In one aspect, the weight ratio between the one or more blending aids and the first antimicrobial agent or halogen substituted xylenol can be from about 10:1 to about 10,000:1 , such as from about 20:1 to about 1 ,000:1 , such as from about 25: 1 to about 500: 1 , such as from about 30: 1 to about 200: 1.

[0066]

[0056] As described above, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be formulated, in one aspect, as a liquid concentrate that can be diluted with a solvent prior to use. In the liquid concentrate, the amount of the antimicrobial agent will be higher than typical final use amounts.

[0067]

[0057] Dilution of the disinfectant concentrate will typically be with an aqueous solvent prior to use. One particular aqueous solvent which can be used is water. Dilution can be any amount of the solvent needed to get the concentrate diluted to a desired level of active ingredient for its intended use. Is typically such that the set amount of the concentrated is added to a specified amount of the solvent. For example, one ounce of the concentrate can be added to a pint of solvent for a 1 :16 dilution rate; one ounce of concentrate can be added to a quart of a solvent for a 1 :32 dilution rate, one ounce of concentrate can be added to % gallon of solvent for a 1 :64 dilution rate; one ounce of concentrate can be added to one gallon of water for a 1 : 128 dilution rate and so one. Likewise metric dilution rates could also be used, for example 10 ml per liter for a 1 : 100 dilution rate, and the like. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0068]

[0058] The antimicrobial or disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can contain various other components in addition to the halogen substituted xylenol and the potentiator or quaternary ammonium compound.

[0069]

[0059] For example, additionally, the disinfectant composition may contain an optional sequestering agent. Sequestering agents include, for example, acetic acid derivative selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), tetrasodium EDTA. The sequestering agent may also serve to bind other metal ions that may adversely affect the effectiveness of the disinfecting components in the composition. In addition, sequestering agent may also assist in soil removal and / or preventing soil redeposition into the disinfecting composition while in use. The sequestering agents, when present in the concentrate is generally present in an amount up to about 20% by weight, and are typically present in an amount of about 2 to about 8% by weight.

[0070]

[0060] In general, suitable sequestering agents include methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), diethylenethamine-penta-methylene phosphonic acid (DETPMP) , hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), Nitrilothacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylenethaminepentamethylene-phosphonic acid (DTPMPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamineditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic acid (EDDMAL), and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP). In one aspect, the chelating agent is selected from iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) ethylenediamineditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic acid (EDDMAL) and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).

[0071]

[0061] A sequestering agent can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 % by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, such as greater than about 1 .0% by weight, and in an amount less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, such as less than about 10% by weight, such as less than about 8% by weight, such as less than about 5% by weight.

[0072]

[0062] The disinfectant composition may also contain a pH adjusting agent. Suitable pH adjusting agents include sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, monoethanol amine and other similar compounds. In the present invention, the concentrate and the final disinfectant composition will have a pH in the range of about 1 to about 14, such as in the range of about 6 to about 13. Generally, the disinfectant composition will be considered a neutral disinfecting composition if the pH is in the range of about 6 to about 8. The disinfectant composition will be considered an alkaline disinfectant composition when the pH is in the range of above 8 to about 12.

[0073]

[0063] The disinfectant composition may optionally further contain corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, auxiliaries, preservatives, fragrances, colorants and the like. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors include, for example, organic phosphorous compounds and blend of organic phosphorous compounds with a polymeric component. Exemplary auxiliaries include, for example, polyethylene glycol or other similar compounds. Colorants and fragrances may be added provided they do not interfere with the function of the composition and may serve for identifying the composition. Generally, the optional further ingredients will make up less than about 20% by weight of the composition.

[0074]

[0064] The disinfectant composition may also comprise at least one acid or salt thereof. The acid may be an inorganic acid or an organic acid. In a preferred embodiment the acid is a C1 to C8 carboxylic acid. In a particular embodiment, the acid is a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. In an additional embodiment, the acid is a hydroxyl acid, an aromatic acid, or a mixture thereof. In another additional embodiment, the acid is methanesulfonic Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) acid, phosphoric acid, etidronic acid, phytic acid, phosphoacetic acid, N- (phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylphosphonoic acid), S,S-ethylenediamine-N'N'- disuccinic acid, their alkaline salts, or any mixture thereof.

[0075]

[0065] In some embodiments, the acid is citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, 1 -hydroxyethane 1 ,1 - diphosphonic acid (HEDP), dipicolinic acid (DPA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA), their alkaline salts, or any mixture thereof.

[0076]

[0066] In one embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids. In some embodiments, the acid comprises one or more of the following organic acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid. In another embodiment, the acid comprises one or more of the following acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid, in combination with another acid. For example, citric acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, succinic acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, phosphoric acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, lactic acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0077]

[0067] The disinfectant composition may include from about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight of an organic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with another acid. In another aspect, the composition may include from about 1 % by weight to about 5% by weight of an organic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with from about 0.05% by weight to about 5% by weight of another acid. In another embodiment, the composition may include from about 2% by weight to about 4% by weight of an organic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with from about 0.1 % by weight to about 4% by weight of another acid such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and / or MSA. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0078]

[0068] Various different disinfectant compositions can be made in accordance with the present disclosure. The disinfectant composition may be used, for instance, to clean hard surfaces, to pre-clean sterilize or high-level disinfect instruments, and / or as a hand sanitizer.

[0079]

[0069] When used as a hard surface cleaner, the disinfectant composition can be delivered to a surface to be cleaned, sanitized or disinfected by conventional means such as pouring the composition on a surface; a spray; which is applied to a surface via a spray means, including but not limited to, pump spray applicators, pressurized spray applicators and the like; a saturated wipe; a rag and a bucket; a mop and bucket; a sponge and a bucket; or via automated cleaning equipment and other similar and conventional ways to apply a disinfectant composition to a surface for the purposes of sanitizing or disinfecting the surface.

[0080]

[0070] To use the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, a surface is treated with the substrate by spraying, pouring, wiping or otherwise applying the disinfectant composition to the surface. Once applied to the surface, the disinfectant composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition may be applied to the surface and allowed to dry or may alternatively be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device.

[0071] Surfaces, which may be disinfected with the compositions include, but are not limited to, those located in dairies, homes, health care facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing plants, restaurants, hospitals, institutions, and industry, including secondary oil recovery. Hard surfaces, such as glass and polished aluminum, are particularly suited for application. Specific areas targeted for application include hard surfaces in the home such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, waste cans, laundry areas, garbage pails, bathroom fixtures, toilets, water tanks, faucets, mirrors, vanities, tubs, and showers. The compositions can also be used to sanitize floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, toilet fixtures, windows, and wood surfaces, such as fence rails, porch rails, decks, roofing, siding, window frames, and door frames. The disinfectant compositions are particularly well suited for application on indirect food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, utensils, containers, dishes, wash basins, appliances, and countertops. The disinfectant compositions can be used to sanitize dairy plant Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) equipment, milking machines, milk pails, tank trucks, and the like. Areas in hospitals would include beds, gurneys, tables, canisters, toilets, waste cans, stands, cabinets, shower stalls, floors, walls or any other non-porous surface.

[0072] One particularly useful application method is to impregnate the disinfectant composition into a wipe substrate. In this embodiment, the wipe is a single use wipe that is impregnated with the disinfecting composition and is stored in a container that will dispense the wipe to a user. The container with the wipes may contain a single wipe, or several wipes. Suitable containers include a pouch containing a single wipe, such as a moist towelette which is torn open by the user or may be a pouch with a resealable opening containing several wipes in a stacked fashion, a rolled fashion or other suitable formation that would allow a single wipe to be removed from the opening at a time. Pouches are generally prepared from a fluid impervious material, such as a film, a coated paper or foil or other similar fluid impervious materials. In another way to dispense wipes of the present invention is to place the wipe into a fluid impervious container having an opening to access the wipes in the container. Containers may be molded plastic container with lids that are fluid impervious. Generally, the lid will have an opening to access the wipes in the container. The wipe in the container may be in a interleaved stack, such that as a wipe is removed from the container the next wipe is positioned in the opening of the container ready for the user to remove the next wipe. Alternatively, the wipe may be a continuous material which is perforated between the individual wipes of the continuous material. The continuous wipe material with perforations may be in a folded form or may be in a rolled form. Generally, in the rolled form, the wipe material is feed from the center of the rolled material. As with the interleaved stack, as a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is positioned in the opening for the use to remove the next wipe, when needed.

[0081]

[0073] The disinfecting composition can be impregnated into the wipe such that the wipe is pre-moistened and will express or release the disinfecting composition on to the surface as the wipe is run across the surface to be treated. Generally, the disinfecting composition is saturated into the wipe such that the wipe will release the disinfecting composition to the surface through the wiping action. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0082]

[0074] Depending on the wipe substrate, saturation was generally achieved using about 3 weight parts of the use disinfecting composition per 1 weight part of the wipe substrate to be saturated. Generally, the disinfecting composition is used from about 4 parts to 6 parts by weight per 1 part by of the wiper substrate. In these ranges, complete saturation of the substrates can be achieved. It is noted that the amount of the disinfecting solution may go up or down to achieve complete saturation of the wipe substrate, depending on the particular wipe substrate.

[0083]

[0075] Suitable wipe substrates include woven and nonwoven materials. Essentially any nonwoven web material may be used. Exemplary nonwoven materials may include, but are not limited to meltblown, coform, spunbond, airlaid, hydroentangled nonwovens, spunlace, bonded carded webs, and laminates thereof. Optionally, the nonwoven may be laminated with a film material as well. The fibers used to prepare the wipe substrate may be cellulosic fiber, thermoplastic fibers and mixtures thereof. The fibers may also be continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, staple fibers and mixtures thereof. Basis weights of the nonwoven web may vary from about 12 grams per square meter to 200 grams per square meter or more.

[0084]

[0076] In one embodiment the wipe is impregnated with a liquid component containing both active and inert ingredients within the allowable tolerance levels and the disinfecting composition expressed from the wipe contains active ingredients within the allowable tolerance levels. Once applied to the surface, the disinfecting composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition may be applied to the surface and allowed to dry or may alternatively be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device, which is preferably unused.

[0085]

[0077] When the wipe or disinfecting composition of the present invention is used to wipe a surface, disinfection is achieved in less than 4 minutes, generally 3 minutes or less, 90 seconds or less, or even 60 seconds or less. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the antimicrobial disinfecting composition remains in contact with the surface requiring disinfection for a time sufficient to cause disinfection to occur. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0086]

[0078] In yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be used as a hand sanitizer or a first aid antiseptic. When used as a hand sanitizer or a first aid antiseptic, the antimicrobial agents of the present disclosure can be combined with any of the ingredients described above.

[0087]

[0079] In one embodiment, for instance, the antimicrobial agents may be combined with a solvent, such as water and / or an alcohol. In one particular application, a foaming agent may be added that causes the composition to foam when pumped from a dispenser. The foaming agent may comprise any suitable foaming agent that is compatible with the antimicrobial agents. In one embodiment, for instance, the foaming agent may comprise a dimethicone copolyol surfactant or other similar agents that may cause the hand sanitizer to foam.

[0088]

[0080] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be used for disinfection of instruments, such as for pre-cleaning and disinfection or for terminal, high-level disinfection of a device, medical instrument or endoscope. In one embodiment, when the instrument is treated in a manual process, the disinfectant composition can be applied by immersing the instrument in the appropriate concentration of the disinfectant composition. For instance, plastic or metal containers, stainless steel sinks, or any other suitable container may be used as a vessel to hold the disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, complete immersion of the instrument or device or endoscope, including voids, lumens and hollow sections, may be necessary. When used for disinfection of instruments such as endoscopes, the channels of the endoscope and other instruments may need to be flushed. In general, after disinfection the instrument must be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with water, preferably with significant quantities of water.

[0089]

[0081] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be incorporated into many different end-use formulations or products. As used herein, “end-use formulations” or “end-use products” is intended to mean a personal care or home care product or an industrial formulation.

[0090]

[0082] The personal care or home care product formulation generally comprises a base composition to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added. The base composition may contain numerous and different Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) ingredients depending upon the end use application. The personal care or home care product formulation, for instance, may contain other solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, alkalinity builders, pH adjusting agents, auxiliaries, acids, foaming agents, colorants, LIV blocking agents, waxes, natural extracts, oils, consistency factors, conditioners, emollients, skin caring ingredients, moisturizers, thickeners, humectants, fillers, anti-oxidants, other preservatives, active ingredients, in particular dermatologically active ingredients, fragrances and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Active ingredients as mentioned herein comprise, for example, anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterials, anti- fungals and the like agents. Active ingredients suited for topical applications are particularly preferred.

[0091]

[0083] Suitable surfactants for the base composition comprise: alkyl sulfates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate; sodium cetearyl sulfate; alkyl sulfoacetates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; alkyl ether sulfates e.g. sodium laureth sulfate; sodium trideceth sulfate; sodium oleth sulfate; ammonium laureth sulfate; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates e.g. disodium laureth sulfosuccinate; alkyl glycosides e.g. decyl glucoside; lauryl glucoside; alkyl isethionates amphoterics e.g. cocamidopropyl betaine; sodium cocoamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate; disodium lauroamphodiacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium lauroamphopripionate; disodium lauroamphodipropionate; potassium or ammonium salts of the aforementioned amphoterics; capryl / capramidopropyl betaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; lauromidopropyl betaine; and fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers.

[0092]

[0084] Suitable emulsifiers for the base composition are e.g. anionics as salts of fatty acids e.g. sodium stearate or sodium palmitate, organic soaps e.g. mono-, di- or triethanolaminoeate, sulfated or sulfonated compounds e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium cetyl sulfonate, saponines, lamepones; cationics as quaternary ammonium salts; nonionics as fatty alcohols, fatty acid ester with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenesters or polyoxyethylenethers of fatty acids, polymers from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or propylene glycol, amphotherics as phosphatides, proteins as gelatine, casein alkylamidobetaines, alkyl betaines and amphoglycinates, alkyl phosphates, alkylpolyoxyethylene Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) phosphates or the corresponding acids, silicone derivatives, e.g. alkyl dimethiconecoplyol.

[0093]

[0085] Suitable consistency factors for the base composition are e.g. fatty alcohols or their mixtures with fatty acid esters, e.g. acetylated lanolin alcohol, aluminum stearates, carbomer, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG 100 stearate, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, oleic acid, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, carnuba wax, beeswax and synthetic equivalents thereof, carbomers, and the like. Suitable conditioners are e.g. alkylamido ammonium lactate, cetrimonium chloride and distearoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate and cetearyl alcohol, cetyl dimethicone, cetyl ricinoleate, dimethicone, laureth-23, laureth-4, polydecene, retinyl palmitate, quaternized protein hydrolysates, quaternized cellulose and starch derivatives, quaternized copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acid or salts, quaternized silicone derivatives.

[0094]

[0086] Suitable emollients for the base composition are e.g. cetearyl isononanoate, cetearyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, coco caprylate / caprate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, oleyl oleate, hexyl laurate, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-75 lanolin, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, petrolatum, ozokerite cyclomethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, dicaprylyl ether, butyrospermum parkii, buxus chinensis, canola, carnauba cera, copernicia cerifera, oenothera biennis, elaeis guineensis, prunus dulcis, squalane, zea mays, glycine soja, helianthus annuus, lanolin, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, sucrose cocoate, stearoxy dimethicone, lanolin alcohol, isohexadecane.

[0095]

[0087] Suitable skin care ingredients for the base composition are e.g. plant extracts, bisabolol, anti-inflammatory agents, urea, allantoin, panthenol and panthenol derivatives, phytantriol, vitamins A, E, C, D, ceramides of animal or plant origin, lecithins, and the like.

[0096]

[0088] Suitable moisturizers for the base composition are e.g. butylenes glycol, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, dimyristyl tartrate, glucose glycereth-26, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, hydrolyzed milk protein, lactic acid, lactose and other sugars, Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) laureth-8, lecithin, octoxyglycerin, PEG-12, PEG 135, PEG-150, PEG-20, PEG-8, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, phytantriol, poly quaternium-39 PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, propylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, succinoglycan, synthetic beeswax, tri-C14-15 alkyl citrate, starch.

[0097]

[0089] Suitable thickeners for the base composition are e.g. acrylates / steareth- 20 methacrylate copolymer, carbomer, carboxymethyl starch, cera alba, dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silica, silica dimethyl silylate, xanthan gum, hydrogenated butylenes / ethylene / styrene copolymer.

[0098]

[0090] Suitable humectants for the base composition are e.g. adipic acid, fumaric acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, glycerine triacetate, sodium or magnesium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylenglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, boric acid, mono-laurate or mono-palmitate, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol, talcum, calcium or magnesium salts of higher fatty acids, mono-, di- or triglycerides of higher fatty acids, polytetrafluorethylene.

[0091] Suitable antioxidants for the base composition are e.g. sulfites, e.g. sodium sulfite, tocopherol or derivates thereof, ascorbic acid or derivates thereof, citric acid, propyl gallate, chitosan glycolate, cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine plus zinc sulfate, thiosulfates, e.g. sodium thiosulfate, polyphenols and the like.

[0099]

[0092] The formulations may further contain active ingredients, e.g. antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, plant extracts, bisabolol, panthenol, tocopherol, actives for anti-stinging, anti-irritant or anti-dandruff applications, or anti-aging agents such as retinol, melibiose and the like. Other suitable actives are e.g. Medicago officinalis, Actinidia chinensis, allantoin, Aloe barbadensis, Anona cherimolia, Anthemis nobilis, Arachis hypogaea, Arnica Montana, Avena sativa, beta-carotene, bisabolol, Borago officinalis, butylenes glycol, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, camphor, Candida bombicola, capryloyl glycine, Carica papaya, Centaurea cyanus, cetylpyridinium chloride, Chamomilla recutita, Chenopodium quinoa, Chinchona succirubra, Chondrus crispus, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Citrus grandis, Citrus limonum, Cocos nucifera, Coffea Arabica, Crataegus monogina, Cucumis melo, dichlorophenyl imidazoldioxolan, Enteromorpha compressa, Equisetum arvense, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl panthenol, farnesol, ferulic acid, Fragaria Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) chiloensis, Gentiana lutea, Ginkgo biloba, glycerin, glyceryl laurate, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hamamelis virginiana, heliotropine, hydrogenated palm glycerides, citrates, hydrolyzed castor oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hypericum perforatum, Iris florentina, Juniperus communis, Lactis proteinum, lactose, Lawsonia inermis, linalool, Linum usitatissimum, lysine, magnesium aspartate, Magnifera indica, Malva sylvestris, mannitol, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita, menthol, menthyl lactate, Mimosa tenuiflora, Nymphaea alba, olaflur, Oryza sativa, panthenol, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-20M, PEG-26 jojoba acid, PEG-26 jojoba alcohol, PEG-35 castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-8 caprylic / capric acid, Persea gratissima, petrolatum, potassium aspartate, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus persica, retinyl palmitate, Ricinus communis, Rosa canina, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rubus idaeus, salicylic acid, Sambucus nigra, sarcosine, Serenoa serrulata, Simmondsia chinensis, sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, sodium cocoyl amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, sodium palmitoyl praline, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, sulfurized TEA- ricinoleate, talc, Thymus vulgaris, Tilia cordata, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, trideceth-9, triticum vulgare, tyrosine, undecylenoyl glycine, urea, Vaccinium myrtillus, valine, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate.

[0100]

[0093] The base composition of the personal care or home care product to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products.

[0101]

[0094] For instance, the personal or home care formulation may comprise a color cosmetic product, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bathing product, a sun care product, a fabric care product, a dish wash liquid product, a fragrance preparation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

[0102]

[0095] Color cosmetic products can include, but are not limited to, body color products, eye color cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, brow color, and eyeshadow, face color cosmetics such as blush, bronzer, concealer, foundation, powder, and primer, lip color cosmetics, such as lipstick and lip balm, and nail color cosmetics. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0103]

[0096] In one aspect, the eye color cosmetic is mascara. The mascara can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, consistency factors, pigments, emollients, thickeners, and film-forming agents. Particularly suitable consistency factors used in mascara include beeswax and carnuba wax. Particularly suitable emollients used in mascara include cetyl alcohol. Particularly suitable thickeners used in mascara include acacia Senegal gum.

[0104]

[0097] In another aspect, the eye color cosmetic is eyeliner. The eyeliner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, pigments, film-forming agents, emollients, thickeners, binders, solvents, and opacifiers. Particularly suitable emollients used in eyeliner include glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in eyeliner include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable solvents used in eyeliner include ethanol and particularly suitable opacifiers used in eyeliner include titanium dioxide.

[0105]

[0098] In another embodiment, the lip color cosmetic is lip balm. The lip balm can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, emollients, moisturizers, occlusives, flavoring, fragrance, sunscreen ingredients, antioxidants, healing agents, and pigment. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in lip balm include beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable occlusives used in lip balm include petroleum jelly and castor seed oil. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in lip balm include vitamin E and aloe vera extract, while particularly suitable healing agents used in lip balm include allantoin and calendula extract.

[0106]

[0099] In a particular embodiment, the personal care product is a deodorant. Deodorant products can include roll-on deodorant products, spray deodorant products, stick deodorant products, or wipe deodorant products. Although the ingredients in deodorant products can vary depending on whether the product is a stick product, a roll-on product, a gel product, a cream product, or a spray product, many of the ingredients remain consistent among all of the deodorant product formulations.

[0107]

[0100] The deodorant product, for instance, can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, antiperspirant active ingredients, odorfighting ingredients, emollients, moisturizers, thickeners, stabliziers, skin Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) conditioners, antibacterial agents, solvents, and propellants. Particularly suitable antiperspirant active ingredients used in deodorant products include aluminum compounds such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum tetrachlorohydrex glycine. Particularly suitable odor-fighting ingredients used in deodorant products include fragrance, sodium bicarbonate, and zinc compounds such as zinc ricinoleate. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable skin conditioners used in deodorant products include aloe vera and Vitamin E (e.g., tocopheryl acetate). Particularly suitable antibacterial agents used in deodorant products include triclosan and particularly suitable solvents used in deodorant products include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in deodorant products includes glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.

[0108]

[0101] Hair care products can include, but are not limited to, conditioner, shampoo, styling products, hair treatment products, and hair colorant.

[0109]

[0102] In one aspect, the hair care product is conditioner. The conditioner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, emollients, surfactants, silicones, natural oils, humectants, panthenol, fragrance, and pH adjusters. Particularly suitable emollients used in conditioners include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Particularly suitable surfactants used in conditioners include cationic surfactants such as cetrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable silicones used in conditioners include dimethicone and cyclomethicone. Particularly suitable natural oils used in conditioners include argan oil and coconut oil, and particularly suitable humectants used in conditions include glycerin. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in conditioners include citric acid.

[0110]

[0103] In another aspect, the hair care product is shampoo. The shampoo can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide DEA or cocamide MEA, conditioning agents, fragrance, citric acid, sodium chloride, glycerol distearate, and natural extracts or oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in shampoo include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Particularly suitable conditioning agents used in shampoo include polyquaternium-10 and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0111] Particularly suitable natural extracts or oils used in shampoo include aloe vera and tea tree oil.

[0112]

[0104] Oral care products can include, but are not limited to, toothpastes and mouthwashes.

[0113]

[0105] In one aspect, the oral care product is toothpaste. The toothpaste can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, abrasive agents, fluoride, detergents, humectants, binding agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, desensitizing agents, and whitening agents. Particularly suitable abrasive agents used in toothpaste include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable fluoride compounds used in toothpaste include sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate. Particularly suitable detergents used in toothpaste include sodium lauryl sulfate. Particularly suitable humectants used in toothpaste include glycerin and sorbital. Particularly suitable binding agents used in toothpaste include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in toothpaste include peppermint and spearmint. Particularly suitable sweeteners used in toothpaste include saccharin and sorbital. Particularly suitable desensitizing agents used in toothpaste include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Particularly suitable whitening agents used in toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

[0114]

[0106] In another aspect, the oral care product is mouthwash. The mouthwash can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, alcohol, antibacterial agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, colorants, pH adjusters, preservatives, fluoride, and desensitizing agents. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in mouthwash include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable antimicrobial agents used in mouthwash include cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in mouthwash include menthol and eucalyptus. Particularly suitable sweeteners used in mouthwash include saccharin and xylitol. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in mouthwash include sodium hydroxide and citric acid.

[0115]

[0107] Skin care products include, but are not limited to, body care cosmetics, eye care cosmetics, face and neck care cosmetics, foot care cosmetics, lip care cosmetics, sunscreens, after sun cosmetics, and self-tanning cosmetics. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0116]

[0108] In one aspect, the skin care product is sunscreen. The sunscreen can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, active sunprotectant ingredients, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, antioxidants, fragrance, water, and pH adjusters. Particularly suitable active sun-protectant ingredients used in sunscreen include avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Particularly suitable emollients used in sunscreen include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in sunscreen include cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. Particularly suitable thickeners used in sunscreen include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in sunscreen include Vitamin E and green tea extract. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in sunscreen include citric acid.

[0117]

[0109] Bathing products include, but are not limited to, face cleansers, body cleansers, hand cleansers, soap bars, liquid soaps, intimate hygiene products, and pre-moistened wipes.

[0118]

[0110] In one aspect, the bathing product is a face cleanser. The face cleanser can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers, humectants, preservatives, fragrance or essential oils, exfoliating agents, and anti-acne ingredients. Particularly suitable surfactants for the face cleanser include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium cocoyl isethionate. Particularly suitable emollients for the face cleanser include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers for the face cleanser include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable humectants for the face cleanser include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable exfoliating agents for the face cleanser include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Particularly suitable anti-acne ingredients for the face cleanser include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

[0119]

[0111] In another aspect, the bathing product is a body cleanser. The body cleanser can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and fragrance or essential oils. Particularly suitable surfactants for the body cleanser include sodium laureth sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients for the body cleanser include shea butter and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable humectants for the body cleanser include glycerin. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0120]

[0112] In yet another aspect, the bathing product is a hand cleanser. The hand cleanser may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, alcohol compounds, water, emollients and humectants, thickeners, and fragrance. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in the hand cleanser include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants used in the hand cleanser include aloe vera and glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the hand cleanser include carbomer.

[0121]

[0113] In another aspect, the bathing product is a soap bar. The soap bar may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, sodium tallowate or sodium palmate, sodium cocoate, fragrance or essential oils, and colorants.

[0122]

[0114] In one aspect, the bathing product is a liquid soap. The liquid soap may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and fragrances or essential oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in liquid soap include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in liquid soap include glycerin and shea butter. Particularly suitable humectants used in liquid soap include propylene glycol.

[0123]

[0115] The disinfectant composition may also be incorporated into home care products as well, such as fabric care products, dish wash liquid, hard surface cleaners, and toilet care products. The home care product formulation may comprise all-purpose cleaners and other similar formulations that are used around the home.

[0124]

[0116] Fabric care products include, but are not limited to, fabric conditioners, laundry detergent liquids, laundry detergent pods or capsules, ironing aids, stain removal liquids, carpet cleaners, washing machine cleaning solutions, and fabric brightening solutions.

[0125]

[0117] In one aspect, the fabric care product is a laundry detergent. Although the ingredients in laundry detergents can vary depending on whether the product is a liquid, pod, or capsule, many of the ingredients remain consistent among all of the laundry detergent product formulations.

[0126]

[0118] Therefore, in another embodiment, the laundry detergent can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, dyes, Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) hueing dyes, chelants, stabilizers, radical scavengers, perfumes, fluorescent whitening agents, suds-supressors, soil-suspension polymers, soil release polymers, dye-transfer inhibitors, fabric softening additives, rheology modifiers, washing or cleaning adjuvants, and other polymers.

[0127]

[0119] Particularly suitable surfactants used in laundry detergents include nonionic surfactants, such as alkoxylate fatty alcohol nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, such as beta-n-alkylaminopropionic acids, n-alkyl-beta- iminodipropionic acids, imidazoline carboxylates, amine oxides, sultaines, betaines, phosphocholines, proprionates, di-propionates, sodium cocamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 3-[(3- Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1 -propanesulfonate (CHAPS), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPtdCho), sodium lauroamphocetate, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0128]

[0120] Particularly suitable enzymes used in laundry detergents include proteases, amylases, cellulose enzymes, lipases, mannanases, pectate lyases, subtilisin, and mixtures thereof.

[0129]

[0121] Particularly suitable hueing dyes used in laundry detergents include Basic Violet 3 (Cl 42555) and Basic Violet 4 (Cl 426000), both commercially available from Standard Dyes.

[0130]

[0122] Particularly suitable chelants used in laundry detergents include DTPA, HEDP, DTPMP, GLDA, MGDA, a citrate, EDTA, IDS, dipicolinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0131]

[0123] Particularly suitable radical scavengers used in laundry detergents include trimethoxybenzoic acid.

[0132]

[0124] Particularly suitable fluorescent whitening agents used in laundry detergents include Tinopal CBS-X.

[0133]

[0125] Particularly suitable suds suppressors used in laundry detergents include non-fatty acid suds suppressors, such as silica / silicone, silicone oil, alcohols such as branched alcohols, dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[0134]

[0126] Particularly suitable soil suspension polymers used in laundry detergents include PEI ethoxylate, HDMA diquate ethoxylates, sulfonated derivates, and hydrophobically modified copolymers. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0135]

[0127] Particularly suitable soil release polymers used in laundry detergents include PET alkoxylate short block copolymer.

[0136]

[0128] Particularly suitable dye transfer inhibitors and dye fixatives included in laundry detergents include polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide, copolymers of N-viny-2-pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole and mixtures thereof.

[0137]

[0129] Particularly suitable fabric softening additives used in laundry detergents include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, ester quaternary ammonium compounds, bentonite, silicones, cationic silicones, and mixtures thereof.

[0138]

[0130] Particularly suitable rheology modifiers used in laundry detergents include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar gum, succinoglycan, and trihydroxystearin.

[0139]

[0131] Particularly suitable wash or cleaning adjuvants used in laundry detergents include ethanol amine citrate, ethanol amine laurate, ethanol amine palmitate, ethanol amine oleate, ethanol amine stearate, C16 to C18 fatty acids, C18 unsaturated fatty acids, pentasodium pentetate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristate, sodium oleate, sodium palmitate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium stearate, and mixtures thereof.

[0140]

[0132] Particularly suitable stabilizers and blending aids used in laundry detergents include calcium formate, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, an alcohol, ethanol amine, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, monoethanol amine citrate, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium formate, sodim silicate, trimethylsiloxy silicate, or mixtures thereof.

[0141]

[0133] Hard surface cleaners include, but are not limited to, general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, cleaning creams, floor cleaners, and furniture care products.

[0142]

[0134] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a general purpose cleaner. The general purpose cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, emulsifiers, pH adjusters, and fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants used in general purpose cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and decyl glucoside. Particularly suitable solvents used in general purpose cleaners include isopropyl alcohol and ethanol. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0143] Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in general purpose cleaners include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in general purpose cleaners include citric acid and sodium hydroxide.

[0144]

[0135] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a bathroom cleaner. The bathroom cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, acid compounds, surfactants, fragrance, and thickeners. Particularly suitable acid compounds used in bathroom cleaners include hydrochloric acid and citric acid.

[0145]

[0136] In yet another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a kitchen cleaner. The kitchen cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, solvents, degreasers, fragrance, and antimicrobial agents. Particularly suitable degreasers used in kitchen cleaners include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0146]

[0137] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a cleaning cream. The cleaning cream may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an abrasive agent, surfactants, emollients, and fragrance. Particularly suitable abrasive agents used in cleaning creams include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable emollients used in cleaning creams include glycerin.

[0147]

[0138] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a floor cleaner. The floor cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, fragrance, and pH adjusters.

[0148]

[0139] Dishwashing liquids include, but are not limited to, hand wash liquids, machine dish wash liquids, dishwash capsules, rise aids, and dish washing cleaning solutions.

[0149]

[0140] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a hand dish wash liquid. The hand dish wash liquid may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, solvents, and fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants used in hand dish wash liquid include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in hand dish wash liquids include glycerin. Particularly suitable solvents used in hand dish wash liquids include isopropyl alcohol. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0150]

[0141] In another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a machine dish wash liquid. The machine dish wash liquid may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, antiredeposition agents, and rinse aids. Particularly suitable enzymes used in machine dish wash liquids include protease and amylase. Particularly suitable builders used in machine dish wash liquids include sodium carbonate and sodium citrate. Particularly suitable bleaching agents used in machine dish wash liquids include sodium percarbonate. Particularly suitable antiredeposition agents used in machine dish was liquids include polyacrylate.

[0151]

[0142] In yet another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a dishwash capsule or pod. The dishwashing capsule or pod may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, rinse aid, and solvents. Particularly suitable solvents used in dishwash capsules or pods include PEG-75 and PEG-150.

[0152]

[0143] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a rinse aid. The rinse aid may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, acidifiers, chelating agents, and anti-foaming agents. Particularly suitable acidifiers used in the rinse aid include citric acid. Particularly suitable chelating agents used in the rinse aid include tetrasodium EDTA.

[0153]

[0144] Toilet care products include, but are not limited to, toilet cleaners and toilet fresheners.

[0154]

[0145] In one aspect, the toilet care product is a toilet cleaner. The toilet cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, surfactants, thickeners, fragrance, colorants, corrosion inhibitors, bleaching agents, thickening agents, solvents, and antibacterial agents. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the toilet cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the toilet cleaners include xanthan gum and sodium chloride. Particularly suitable thickening agents used in the toilet cleaners include sodium hydroxide and sodium polyacrylate. Particularly suitable solvents used in the toilet cleaners include isopropanol. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0155]

[0146] The base composition of the industrial formulation to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products. For instance, the industrial formulation can comprise paints, coatings, varnishes, sealing compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coating agents, plasters, adhesives, sealants, caulks, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizes, or agricultural pesticide formulations.

[0156]

[0147] Within these various types of products, the disinfectant composition and the base composition can be formulated differently depending on the function of the end-use product. For instance, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be used in emulsions (both oil-in-water and water-in-oil), in aqueous solutions, in PIT (phase inversion temperature) emulsions, in oily solutions, in foaming cosmetic formulations (foams), and in so-called multiple emulsions, e.g. in triple emulsions (such as water / oil / water emulsions).

[0157]

[0148] Typically, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may be added to an end-use formulation to be preserved in an amount from about 0.001 % to about 15% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.005% to about 12% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.01 % to about 10% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the formulation, or any range therebetween. More particularly, the composition may be added to an end-use formulation or product in an amount from about 0.1 % to about 5.0% by weight of the formulation.

[0158]

[0149] Various different microorganisms may be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure. For instance, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can control gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, and the like. In addition to bacteria, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can also kill and control the growth of various other microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, spores, mycobacteria, and the like. Examples of particular microorganisms that may be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) hirae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Pluralibacter gergoviae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Burholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, Kocuria rhizophila, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium funiculosum, Eupenicillium levitum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium avium, Poliovirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus, Vaccinia virus, Influenza virus, Hepatitis B virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus, Human papilloma virus, or mixtures thereof.

[0159]

[0150] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following example.

[0160] Example No. 1

[0161] Description of test methods

[0162] Anti-Microbial High Throughput Screening Efficacy

[0163]

[0151] Test compounds were screened using a suspension challenge test. Challenge organisms used were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacteria were stored at -80 °C using Microbank™ beads (Prolab diagnostics). Cultures were prepared in 250 ml_ baffled shake flasks with 25 mL of Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) using one bead. After 18 + / - 8 hours incubation at 37 °C and 150 rpm, the inocula are prepared for the test.

[0164]

[0152] The challenge inocula was prepared by diluting the bacteria to 2.5 x 106 CFU / mL in BSA to achieve a final test soil level of EN dirty. Test compounds are prepared in OECD 375 ppm hardwater. Five levels of each test compound were prepared by serial two-fold dilution in same hardwater. For each biological rep, the test compounds were tested at 5 levels in quadruplicate with one quadruplicate control with no test compound.

[0165]

[0153] The test is performed by mixing the test compounds with the challenge inocula (80:20 test compound: inocula) and allowing 5 minutes before neutralizing the reaction by 10-fold dilution in Letheen broth. After neutralization of the challenge test, a further s ten-fold dilutions are made. The 6 dilutions are incubated at 35° C for 24h + / - 1h. Neutralization is verified separately.

[0166]

[0154] The Log reduction is calculated using the 6 dilutions. Each suspension test is scored 0-6 where no growth is 0 and growth in the last dilution is 6. Test Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) compound scores from the 4 replicates are averaged and subtracted from the average score of all the controls to determine the log reduction achieved.

[0167]

[0155] This method is used to demonstrate synergy between to biocides, where a 2-log increase in log kill compared with the most active constituent is considered synergistic.

[0168]

[0156] In a first set of experiments, para-chloro-meta-xylenol was tested at relatively low concentrations in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. The following results were obtained:

[0169] Table No. 1

[0170]

[0157] As shown above, para-chloro-meta-xylenol at a concentration of less than about 300 ppm has little effect on the above two microorganisms.

[0171]

[0158] In the next set of experiments, para-chloro-meta-xylenol was combined with a quaternary ammonium compound and tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The quaternary ammonium compound was also tested by itself for purposes of comparison. The following results were obtained:

[0172] Table No. 2 Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0173] *- 40% by weight octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 16% by weight dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and 24% by weight didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride

[0174]

[0159] As shown above, the quaternary ammonium compound dramatically improved the efficacy of the para-chloro-meta-xylenol against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[0175]

[0160] Similar experiments were then conducted against Klebsiella pneumoniae. In particular, para-chloro-meta-xylenol was combined with a quaternary ammonium compound to determine potentiation. The following results were obtained:

[0176] Table No. 3 Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0177] Table No. 4 Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)

[0178]

[0161] As shown above, the presence of the quaternary ammonium compound dramatically improved the efficacy of para-chloro-meta-xylenol at very low concentrations.

[0179] Example No. 2

[0180]

[0162] A blending aid in accordance with the present disclosure was combined with PCMX to determine if the blending aid was capable of dissolving the PCMX.

[0181]

[0163] The following surfactants were tested:

[0182]

[0164] In the above test, each sample contained 2% by weight PCMX, 80% by weight surfactant, and 18% by weight water. The PCMX was observed to easily dissolve in the sample.

[0183]

[0165] Another set of experiments was conducted to observe the effect of the blending aid when combined with PCMX and a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent. The quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent comprised 20% by weight dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, 15% by weight octyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 6% by weight dioctyldimethyl ammonium chloride, and 9% by weight didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0184]

[0166] The quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent was added in an amount of 10% by weight, the PCMX was added in an amount of 2% by weight, and the Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) blending aid was added in an amount of 88% by weight. The blending aids tested included 2-ethylhexanol EO-PO nonionic surfactant, a surfactant containing ethyoxylated C9 to C11 alcohols, and a surfactant containing C12 to C14 ethoxylated secondary alcohols.

[0185]

[0167] After the three components were combined together, it was observed that a homogeneous composition was produced that did not contain any suspended matter.

[0186]

[0168] Diluting the above composition at 1 :64 provides a disinfectant composition containing 312 ppm PCMX and 781 ppm quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent and a dilution at 1 :80 provides a disinfectant composition containing 250 ppm PCMX and 625 ppm of the quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent.

[0187]

[0169] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

1. Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)What is claimed is:1 . An antimicrobial composition comprising: a first antimicrobial agent comprising a halogen substituted xylenol; a second antimicrobial agent comprising a quaternary ammonium compound; a blending aid comprising a surfactant, the surfactant comprising a compound with a hydrophilic tail; and wherein the first antimicrobial agent is present in relation to the second antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 50: 1 to about 1 :20 and wherein the antimicrobial composition exhibits a synergistic effect.

2. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the halogen substituted xylenol comprises para-chloro-meta-xylenol.

3. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first antimicrobial agent is present in relation to the second antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 25:1 to about 1 :15, such as from about 20: 1 to about 1 :10.

4. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is a ready-to-use composition and the first antimicrobial agent is present in the composition in an amount in an amount less than about 1 ,000 ppm, such as less than about 750 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 300 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, and in an amount greater than about 5 ppm.

5. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is a ready-to-use composition and the second antimicrobial agent is present in an amount less than about 5000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 750 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 250 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 50 ppm, and in an amount greater than about 2 ppm.

6. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a concentrate that is from about 5 times to about 100 times more concentrated than a ready-to-use composition.Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)7. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition exhibits greater than a 2 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds.

8. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 7, wherein the first antimicrobial composition is present in the composition in an amount of less than 300 ppm and the second antimicrobial composition is present in the composition in an amount of less than about 750 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm.

9. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition exhibits greater than a 4 log reduction when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds.

10. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 9, wherein the first antimicrobial composition is present in the composition in an amount of less than 300 ppm and the second antimicrobial composition is present in the composition in an amount of less than about 400 ppm, such as less than about 300 ppm, such as less than about 200 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm.

11. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second antimicrobial agent comprises a compound having the formula (I):(Formula I) wherein R1is an optionally substituted benzyl group or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group;R2and R3are independently optionally substituted alkyl groups;R4is selected from the group consisting of an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group, benzyl group, and -[(CH2)2-O]n-R5, wherein n is anAttorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) integer from 1 to 20 and R5is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; andX- is a chlorine ion, bromine ion, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, ethosulfate, sulfate, or nitrate.

12. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 11 , wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

13. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 11 , wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride.

14. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 11 , wherein the least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

15. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 11 , wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

16. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 11 , wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

17. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 11 , wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or mixtures thereof.

18. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the blending aid comprises an alkoxylated compound, such as an alkoxylated alcohol.

19. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 18, wherein the alkoxylated alcohol contains at least one C4-C24 alcohol, such as a C6-C22 alcohol.Attorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00)20. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 18, wherein the alkoxylated alcohol comprises an alkoxylated secondary alcohol.21 . An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 18, wherein the alkoxylated alcohol comprises an alkoxylated aromatic alcohol.

22. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the blending aid comprises an ethoxylated-propoxylated 2-ethylhexanol, a C9 to C11 ethoxylated alcohol, a C12 to C14 ethoxylated secondary alcohol, a C6 to C12 ethoxylated alcohol, an ethoxylated 4-nonylphenol, or mixtures thereof.

23. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 1 or 18, wherein the blending aid comprises an ethoxylated quaternary compound, such as an ethoxylated cocomonium chloride.

24. An antimicrobial composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the blending aid is present in the composition in an amount from about 0.1 % by weight to about 5% by weight, such as in an amount from about 0.3% by weight to about 2.5% by weight, such as in an amount from about 0.5% by weight to about 1 .8% by weight.

25. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein a weight ratio of the blending aid to the first antimicrobial agent is from about 10:1 to about 10,000:1 , such as from about 20:1 to about 1 ,000:1 , such as from about 25:1 to about 500: 1 , such as from about 30: 1 to about 200:1 .

26. An antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition contains one or more alcohols in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 % by weight, such as in an amount less than about 0.5% by weight, and, in one embodiment, is alcohol free.

27. An antimicrobial composition comprising: a first antimicrobial agent comprising a halogen substituted xylenol; a second antimicrobial agent comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprising a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound, a dimethyl alkyl ammonium compound, or mixtures thereof; andAttorney Docket No.: ARXPC-299-PCT (LP3719PC00) wherein the first antimicrobial agent is present in relation to the second antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 50: 1 to about 1 :20 and wherein the antimicrobial composition exhibits a synergistic effect.

28. An antimicrobial composition comprising: a first antimicrobial agent comprising a halogen substituted xylenol; a second antimicrobial agent comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound; and wherein the first antimicrobial agent is present in relation to the second antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 50: 1 to about 1 :20 and wherein the antimicrobial composition exhibits a synergistic effect and exhibits greater than a 2 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds and exhibits greater than a 4 log reduction when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to Test EN 1276 after a contact time of 60 seconds.

29. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface comprising: saturating a liquid absorbent substrate with an antimicrobial composition, the antimicrobial composition as defined in any of the preceding; and applying the saturated liquid absorbent substrate to a hard surface.

30. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein the microorganisms are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, slimes, and a combination thereof.

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