Biocidal Composition with pH Buffer and Surfactant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biocides used to control microbial contamination are often ineffective and harmful to the environment, necessitating the development of more effective, environmentally friendly compositions that can reduce microbial counts on surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A biocidal composition comprising a primary biocide, a pH buffer, and a surfactant in an aqueous carrier, where the pH buffer is a biocidal, dermal, non-corrosive acid with specific conductivity and pH ranges, and the surfactant is a cationic or ionic compound, designed to enhance the delivery of the biocide while minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biocides are used to control microbial contamination, then microbial control is achieved, but environmental harm increases and efficacy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the biocide system by incorporating a pH buffer that maintains acidic conditions (pH < 2.0 at 0.1% concentration), which enhances the biocidal activity of the primary biocide while reducing environmental harm. The specific conductivity range (250-1500 mV) and proton count range (1.0×10^20 to 9.9×10^26) are optimized to achieve effective microbial control with reduced ecological impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite biocidal system combining a primary biocide with a pH buffer and surfactant in an aqueous carrier. This composite formulation synergistically enhances the biocidal efficacy while the pH buffer component specifically reduces environmental harm, resolving the contradiction between effective microbial control and environmental friendliness.
2Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used in cleaning compositions, then anti-microbial properties are achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and amounts must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameters by using smaller amounts of quaternary ammonium compounds (0.01-25% by weight) combined with a pH buffer that enhances their efficacy at lower concentrations. The pH buffer maintains acidic conditions that amplify the biocidal activity, allowing reduced environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pH buffer acts as an intermediary substance that enhances the anti-microbial properties of the quaternary ammonium compounds without directly contributing to microbial killing. This mediator allows the use of smaller amounts of the environmentally harmful biocide while maintaining effective microbial control.
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 composition effectively reduces microbial counts by 99.999% or more on various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and mold, providing a safer alternative to chlorine-based products and minimizing environmental harm.
Implementation Method 1
a pH buffer, where the pH buffer is a biocidal, dermal, non-corrosive acid composition, having a proton count range of from 1.0×10^20 to 9.9×10^26, an embodied conductivity range of from 250 mV to 1500 mV and has a pH of less than 2.0 when the pH buffer is present at a concentration of 0.1% by weight
Implementation Method 2
from about 0.01% to 4.0% by weight of a surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention is directed to compositions and methods effective in preventing microbial contamination or reducing microbial count associated with a contaminated surface, comprising a biocidal system comprised of a primary biocide, a pH buffer agent, a surfactant, all in an aqueous based carrier, wherein the compositions may be considered environmentally friendly.