Stabilized Hypochlorous Acid Solution via Aged Stock Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing hypochlorous acid solutions lack stability, leading to degradation of available chlorine concentration over time, which affects their antimicrobial efficacy and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the dilution of an aged stock solution containing sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, and water, with specific pH and oxidation reduction potential adjustments, to create an antimicrobial hypochlorous acid solution that maintains at least 75% available chlorine for six to twelve months when stored in the dark at ambient temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to produce hypochlorous acid solutions, then the solution can be prepared, but the available chlorine concentration degrades over time, reducing antimicrobial efficacy and shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the pH value (between 3.5 and 4.5) and oxidation reduction potential (between 850 and 1450 mV) of the hypochlorous acid solution. These specific parameter ranges stabilize the available chlorine concentration, preventing degradation over time and extending shelf life while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by preparing and aging a stock solution before final formulation. The stock solution is aged for a specific period to allow stabilization of chemical components, and then diluted to the desired concentration. This preliminary aging process ensures that the final product maintains stable available chlorine concentration throughout its shelf life.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hypochlorous acid solution is stored for extended periods, then shelf life is extended, but the antimicrobial efficacy decreases due to concentration degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains antimicrobial efficacy during extended storage by controlling the oxidation reduction potential within a specific range (850-1450 mV). This parameter control ensures that the hypochlorous acid remains chemically stable and retains its antimicrobial properties throughout the shelf life period, preventing efficacy degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through quality control measures that monitor and adjust the solution's pH and oxidation reduction potential during storage. This feedback ensures that the solution maintains stable characteristics throughout its shelf life, preserving antimicrobial efficacy while extending storage duration.
3Reliability
If the solution is made more concentrated to enhance antimicrobial activity, then efficacy is improved, but stability and shelf life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the concentration within a specific range and controlling the oxidation reduction potential (850-1450 mV). This parameter optimization allows the solution to maintain both high antimicrobial activity and chemical stability, preventing decomposition while preserving efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing a stabilized stock solution with controlled concentration and oxidation reduction potential before final formulation. This preliminary stabilization process ensures that the final product maintains both high antimicrobial activity and chemical stability throughout its shelf life.
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 a stable antimicrobial hypochlorous acid with extended shelf life and enhanced stability, ensuring effective disinfection and bacteriostatic properties for up to 24 hours, without toxicity and skin irritation, while being fully biodegradable.
Implementation Method 1
a process involving the dilution of an aged stock solution containing sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, and water
Implementation Method 2
Hypochlorous acid is an unstable compound that is highly reactive and known to be the strongest of the hypo halogenated acids and one of the most powerful oxidizing agents among chlorate oxacids
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a stabilized antimicrobial hypochlorous acid solution by diluting an aged stock solution to provide a hypochlorous acid solution at a concentration of about 50 to about 7000 ppm at a pH range of about 2.8 to about 4.0. The antimicrobial hypochlorous acid solution maintains at least 75 percent of the available chlorine present over a period of about 6 months to about 12 months. The antimicrobial hypochlorous acid solution has medical applications in humans and veterinary practice, both prophylactic and therapeutic. The solution can also be used for non-medical applications in antisepsis and sterilization of surfaces.