Stabilized Hypohalous Acid Solutions Using Bicarbonate Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hypohalous acid solutions, such as Dakin's solution and Microcyn, face stability issues and are either irritating to humans or have limited biocidal effectiveness, limiting their commercial use in medical and other settings.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized hypohalous acid solution is developed with a stabilizing amount of dissolved inorganic carbon, such as bicarbonate or carbonate, maintaining high available free chlorine content and pH stability for extended periods, allowing for convenient packaging and storage, and is produced by electrolysis of saline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypohalous acid solutions are prepared for immediate use, then biocidal effectiveness is maintained, but stability and shelf life are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-stabilizing the hypohalous acid solution with bicarbonate buffer system before use, allowing the solution to be prepared in advance and stored for extended periods while maintaining biocidal effectiveness. The bicarbonate buffer is added to maintain pH stability, which prevents decomposition of hypochlorous acid into less effective forms.
2Reliability
If Dakin's solution is used for wound care, then disinfection is achieved, but irritation and pain occur due to high pH
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting and maintaining the pH of the hypohalous acid solution within the physiological range of 5.5-6.5 using a bicarbonate buffer system. This pH adjustment maintains disinfection effectiveness while eliminating the irritation and pain caused by high pH solutions like traditional Dakin's solution. The bicarbonate buffer ensures pH stability throughout storage and use.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hypohalous acid solutions are stabilized for long-term storage, then convenience and shelf life are improved, but biocidal effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the bicarbonate buffer system to continuously maintain pH within the optimal range of 5.5-6.5 during storage. The buffer system automatically compensates for pH changes that occur during storage, ensuring that hypochlorous acid remains in its effective form and biocidal effectiveness is maintained throughout the extended shelf life of the solution.
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 maintains biocidal effectiveness and stability for at least one month, with some embodiments stable for up to a year, and is non-irritating, making it suitable for medical and commercial applications without the drawbacks of existing alternatives.
Implementation Method 1
The solution is prepared by electrolysis of saline
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a stabilized hypohalous acid solution (or formulation thereof), which may be conveniently packaged for sale, or stored for later use on demand. The invention further provides methods of making the stabilized hypohalous acid solution, as well as methods of use for disinfecting mammalian tissue, including wounds and burns, disinfecting or cleansing surfaces, or treating and/or preserving food products and cut flowers, among other uses.