Antimicrobial Cleaning Agent Formulation for Hard Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning agents for hard surfaces in damp rooms, such as bathrooms, are inadequate in providing both effective antimicrobial treatment and long-term cleanliness, particularly against harmful molds like Aspergillus niger, and tend to become soiled again due to lime soap residue, which can harbor germs.
Innovation Solution
A surfactant-containing aqueous cleaning agent comprising an amphoteric polymer, a quaternary ammonium compound, and formic acid, with specific concentrations of these components, which effectively combats a range of pathogens and maintains surface cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning agents are used for hard surfaces in damp rooms, then basic cleaning is achieved, but antimicrobial effectiveness against harmful molds like Aspergillus niger is insufficient and surfaces become re-soiled with lime soap residue that harbors germs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent combines multiple active ingredients (quaternary ammonium compounds, formic acid, and surfactants) with specific polymers to create a composite formulation that simultaneously provides antimicrobial activity against molds like Aspergillus niger and prevents lime soap residue formation, thereby addressing both cleaning and protection functions in one product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise concentration ranges for formic acid (0.1-10% by weight) and quaternary ammonium compounds (0.01-5% by weight) to optimize both antimicrobial effectiveness and cleaning performance. These parameter optimizations ensure the agent effectively kills germs while preventing surface re-soiling that harbors pathogens
2Reliability
If the cleaning agent contains sufficient antimicrobial ingredients to kill germs, then antimicrobial effectiveness improves, but the formulation becomes more complex and harder to stabilize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specific surfactants and polymers as intermediary substances that facilitate the compatibility and stability of the active ingredients (formic acid and quaternary ammonium compounds) in the aqueous formulation. These intermediaries help maintain a stable pH range (2-5) and ensure uniform distribution of antimicrobial agents without requiring overly complex formulation structures
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 agent demonstrates high antimicrobial effectiveness against bacteria and mold, including Aspergillus niger, and improves cleaning performance, reducing the likelihood of surfaces becoming re-soiled with germ-breeding residues.
Implementation Method 1
the agent according to the invention has a high antimicrobial effectiveness against germs such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger
Implementation Method 2
a surfactant-containing aqueous agent which comprises at least one amphoteric polymer, a quaternary ammonium compound and formic acid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an surfactant-containing aqueous antimicrobially effective cleaning agent for hard surfaces, comprising at least one amphoteric polymer, one quaternary ammonium compound, and formic acid, that can be used for cleaning and/or antimicrobially treating hard surfaces, in particular in damp rooms such as bathrooms.