Enzymatic Peracid Composition for Stable On-Demand Sanitizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aqueous peracid solutions, such as peracetic acid, pose handling, storage, and logistical challenges due to their corrosive and fire-accelerating properties, and require significant energy and resources for safe production and use, while also causing corrosion issues with stainless steel containers.
Innovation Solution
Development of stable compositions that enzymatically generate peracids in aqueous solutions using a perhydrolase enzyme, a hydrogen peroxide source, and an ester substrate, which are highly stable and can produce effective peracid concentrations upon activation with water, reducing the need for caustic chemicals and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional chemical or electrochemical methods are used to prepare aqueous peracid solutions, then peracid generation is achieved, but the solutions exhibit corrosive and fire-accelerating properties that cause handling, storage, and transport problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peracid generation system into three separate stable components: (1) a perhydrolase enzyme, (2) a hydrogen peroxide source, and (3) an ester substrate. These components can be stored individually without hazard, and only generate peracid when combined and activated, eliminating the need to handle corrosive peracid solutions during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares all necessary components (enzyme, hydrogen peroxide source, and ester substrate) in advance in stable, non-corrosive forms. The peracid is generated in situ when these pre-prepared components are combined and activated, eliminating the need to store and handle the harmful peracid solution itself.
2Reliability
If commercial aqueous peracid solutions are used, then decontamination effectiveness is achieved, but significant energy and resources are required for safe production, handling, and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an enzymatic system where the perhydrolase catalyst enables the components to self-generate peracid in situ without requiring external energy input or complex industrial production processes. The enzyme facilitates the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and ester substrate to produce peracid on-demand at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using biodegradable ester substrates and enzymatic catalysis instead of traditional chemical methods. This results in peracid generation under milder conditions with lower energy requirements and environmentally benign byproducts that require minimal disposal treatment.
3Quantity of substance
If peracid solutions with high acetic acid content are used, then peracid concentration is achieved, but corrosion of stainless steel containers is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the problematic high acetic acid content from the system by using alternative ester substrates that produce minimal corrosive acid byproducts. The peracid is generated from esters that do not release excessive acetic acid, thereby maintaining peracid effectiveness while reducing container corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable ester substrates that are consumed in the reaction to generate peracid, replacing the need for storing and handling large quantities of corrosive acetic acid. The substrates are converted to useful peracid in situ, minimizing the presence of corrosive materials.
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 enzymatic system provides a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for generating peracids, offering improved stability, ease of use, and reduced storage and transport burdens, with the ability to maintain peracid generating activity for extended periods and generate effective concentrations of peracetic acid for decontamination and sanitizing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides stable compositions, systems, and kits that enzymatically generate peracids in aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
an enzyme with perhydrolase activity, a hydrogen peroxide source, and an ester substrate that efficiently generate aqueous peracid solutions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides stable compositions comprising a perhydrolase enzyme, a hydrogen peroxide source, and an ester substrate that efficiently generate aqueous peracid solutions. The generated peracid solutions are suitable for decontaminating and/or sanitizing a wide range of materials and equipment contaminated with pathogens or toxic chemicals. In one preferred embodiment, the stable composition comprises an acyl transferase enzyme, sodium percarbonate, and propylene glycol diacetate, and is stable for 30 days or longer. Upon addition to water, the composition is activated and generates an aqueous solution with a high ratio of peracetic acid to acetic acid.