Acidic Amine Oxide Antimicrobial Composition With Low Corrosivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial compositions face issues such as high corrosivity, toxicity, poor biodegradability, and limited efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, particularly under mild pH conditions, posing risks to food safety and water sources.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous antimicrobial compositions comprising alkyl amine oxide and an acidulant, with optional inclusion of a drying agent and water, optionally a drying agent, providing at least a 3-log microbial reduction in 5 minutes or less under mild pH conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used for broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates and environmental risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using amine oxides instead of quaternary ammonium compounds, and adjusting pH to a mild range (5-8) to achieve effective antimicrobial action while improving biodegradability and reducing environmental persistence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite antimicrobial systems combining amine oxides with other compatible agents (such as organic acids, peracetic acid, or other surfactants) to achieve broad-spectrum efficacy while maintaining environmental safety and biodegradability
2Reliability
If oxidizing chemistries are used for antimicrobial efficacy, then microbial kill is improved, but corrosivity to surfaces and materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature from strong oxidizing agents to amine oxides that function through different mechanisms (membrane disruption), and operates at mild pH levels (5-8) to eliminate corrosivity while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The amine oxide acts as an intermediary mechanism that achieves microbial kill without requiring direct oxidative damage, thereby protecting surfaces and materials from corrosive effects while still delivering effective sanitization
3Adaptability or versatility
If antimicrobial compositions are formulated for broad spectrum efficacy, then coverage of microorganisms is improved, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amine oxide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the primary antimicrobial agent, provides surfactant properties for cleaning, and maintains stability across different pH conditions, thereby achieving broad-spectrum coverage without requiring complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting pH to a universal mild range (5-8) and using amine oxides with varying chain lengths, the composition achieves broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, viruses, and fungi through a relatively simple and flexible formulation approach
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 compositions achieve broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy with reduced corrosivity and toxicity, suitable for various surfaces, including food contact and non-food contact surfaces, without damaging metals or posing risks to water sources.
Implementation Method 1
an acidic antimicrobial composition comprising: (i) an alkyl amine oxide according to the structure: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from saturated or unsaturated and straight or branched alkyl groups or aromatic groups having from 1-24 carbons; (ii) an acidulant comprising an inorganic acid, organic acid, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to compositions, including ready-to-use spray or wipe compositions, that are non-toxic, non-corrosive, biodegradable acidic antimicrobial compositions that exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, wherein the compositions comprise an amine oxide, such as an alkyl amine oxide, in combination with an acidulant. Beneficially, the acidic antimicrobial compositions are capable of achieving at least a 3-log microbial reduction within 5 minutes under relatively mild pH conditions. The compositions provide cleaning and sanitizing.