Aqueous Acidic Sterilization Solution for Safe Microbial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low pH compositions used in various industries are often caustic, contain non-GRAS components, or result in environmental pollutants, posing risks to humans, animals, and water bodies, and lack effective, safe, and non-toxic alternatives for antimicrobial applications.
Innovation Solution
A low pH acidic aqueous solution composed of monobasic hydrochloric acid and polybasic citric acid, with a pH of less than one, is created by dissolving citric acid in water and admixing hydrochloric acid, resulting in a non-toxic, environmentally friendly antimicrobial agent suitable for multiple applications without the need for protective gear or special skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional low pH compositions are used for sterilization and cleaning, then effective antimicrobial action is achieved, but the compositions become dangerously caustic to humans and animals
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines citric acid and hydrochloric acid in specific proportions to create a composite acidic solution that maintains effective antimicrobial activity while reducing caustic properties. The synergistic interaction between the two acids allows achieving sterilization effectiveness at lower individual concentrations, thereby reducing harmful effects on living tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the pH parameter to a specific range (2.0-4.0) and controls the concentration ratios of citric acid to hydrochloric acid (9:1 to 1:9) to balance antimicrobial effectiveness with safety. By precisely controlling these parameters, the solution achieves reliable sterilization while minimizing caustic damage to humans and animals.
2Reliability
If conventional low pH compositions are used for sterilization, then effective decontamination is achieved, but the compositions contain components not generally recognized as safe (non-GRAS)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts the pH parameter to fall within the 2.0-4.0 range and controls the acid concentration ratio to ensure both decontamination effectiveness and GRAS compliance. This parameter optimization allows the use of safe, recognized substances while maintaining reliable antimicrobial action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses citric acid, a GRAS substance that decomposes into harmless substances (carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen) after use. This allows effective decontamination with a substance that leaves no persistent harmful residues, meeting both effectiveness and safety requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional low pH compositions are used for sterilization, then effective microbial killing is achieved, but objectionable pollutants are released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful strong acidity into a beneficial environmental solution. Citric acid decomposes into carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen - substances that benefit the environment. The low pH provides effective microbial killing, while the decomposition products improve water quality and support aquatic life, thus converting a potential harm into a benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs citric acid, a biodegradable substance that breaks down completely into harmless and beneficial environmental components. This eliminates persistent pollutants while maintaining effective sterilization, allowing the solution to be used and disposed of without environmental harm.
4Quantity of substance
If high concentration solutions are shipped to reduce shipping costs, then labor and fuel costs are reduced, but the solutions pose catastrophic danger in case of accidental spills
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses citric acid, a non-toxic, biodegradable substance that can be safely handled and shipped in concentrated form. Even in high concentrations, accidental spills do not pose catastrophic danger because citric acid decomposes harmlessly into carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen. This allows cost-effective shipping without significant safety risks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides effective antimicrobial action, reduces eutrophication risks, is safe for human and animal consumption, and reduces shipping and insurance costs, while being innocuous to metals and suitable for use in food, medical, and industrial settings, offering room temperature sterilization and wound treatment without harsh chemical risks.
Implementation Method 1
The embodiment includes the Monobasic Hydrochloric Acid and the Polybasic Citric Acid. The invention is non-toxic to humans and animals. The disposal of this invention after use is a less objectionable pollutant into the environment. The solution provides effective antimicrobial action
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention consists of a two acid core aqueous acidic solution with a pH value of less than one that is nonreactive to human skin, can be safely ingested, and is effective as both a disinfectant and a microbial growth inhibition agent. The solution consists of hydrochloric acid admixed aqueous citric acid. The present invention further comprises a method of disinfecting food products and related surfaces during processing, preparation, and transport.