Low pH Hypochlorous Acid Solution Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard Free Available Chlorine (FAC) water solutions have a short shelf-life and are ineffective in the presence of organic loads, limiting their use as disinfectants and wound treatments due to their reactivity and non-selective nature.
Innovation Solution
Low pH antimicrobial solutions comprising hypochlorous acid and water, with a pH between 4 and 6, are produced using chemical or electrochemical processes, which include a buffering agent to stabilize hypochlorous acid content and maintain antimicrobial activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard FAC water solutions are used as disinfectants, then rapid and highly antimicrobial activity is achieved, but shelf-life becomes extremely limited (only a few hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the solution to a specific range (pH 4.0-6.0) and controlling the concentration of free available chlorine (5-200 ppm) to achieve optimal stability and antimicrobial activity. This resolves the contradiction by finding the right parameter balance that maintains both effectiveness and shelf-life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solution containing multiple components: free available chlorine (hypochlorous acid and/or hypochlorite ions), buffering agents (such as phosphates, citrates, or acetates), and optionally hydrogen peroxide. This composite formulation enhances stability while maintaining antimicrobial activity, resolving the shelf-life limitation.
2Reliability
If standard FAC water solutions are used for wound treatment, then antimicrobial effect is achieved, but effectiveness is limited due to inactivation by organic load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter to a lower range (4.0-6.0) which enhances the stability of the active chlorine species against inactivation by organic loads. This parameter adjustment allows the solution to maintain antimicrobial effectiveness even in the presence of wound exudate and organic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of organic load (which normally inactivates FAC solutions) into a beneficial context by adjusting the pH and composition to create a solution that is specifically designed to resist inactivation. The buffering agents and optimized pH create a system where organic load does not compromise effectiveness.
3Reliability
If standard FAC water solutions are produced, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but production equipment must be located in close proximity to usage site due to short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a stable composite formulation that can be manufactured in advance and stored. The inclusion of buffering agents and optimized composition allows the solution to be produced centrally and distributed to multiple locations, eliminating the need for on-site production equipment and reducing device complexity at usage sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary production and storage of the disinfectant solution. By formulating a stable version that maintains antimicrobial properties over an extended period, the solution can be prepared in advance and stored ready for use, eliminating the need for on-site generation equipment and allowing advance preparation and distribution.
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 low pH solutions provide stable antimicrobial activity for extended periods, effectively disinfecting surfaces and treating impaired tissue without being inactivated by organic loads, offering a longer shelf-life and improved performance compared to standard FAC solutions.
Implementation Method 1
One inventive process comprises a chemical procedure wherein chlorine gas is added to a buffer solution containing a buffering agent and water
Implementation Method 2
In another embodiment, the low pH antimicrobial solutions can be produced using an electrochemical process
Implementation Method 3
The inventive low pH antimicrobial solutions have a pH from about 4 to about 6 and may further comprise a buffer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to low pH antimicrobial solutions comprising hypochlorous acid, water, and, optionally, a buffer. The inventive low pH antimicrobial solutions have a pH from about 4 to about 6 and are useful for treating impaired or damaged tissue and for disinfecting surfaces. Chemical processes for the production of the low pH antimicrobial solutions are also provided wherein chlorine gas is added to a buffer solution containing a buffering agent and water. The present invention also provides an electrochemical process for the production of the low pH antimicrobial solutions.