Low ph disinfectant composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection compositions often require high alcohol content and high pH levels, which can be corrosive and ineffective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, particularly spores, and may not provide long-lasting residual antimicrobial activity.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection composition comprising C1-C8 alkyl substituted with hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, thymol, [(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octadecyldimethyl-ammonium chloride, non-ionic surfactant, corrosion inhibitor, and acid, formulated to maintain a pH below 3.5, achieving high-level disinfection and long-lasting residual antimicrobial activity with reduced alcohol content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high alcohol content is used in disinfection composition, then disinfection speed is improved, but material compatibility and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by reducing alcohol content from typical high levels (70-90%) to below 50%, while adjusting pH to below 3.5 and incorporating alternative active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide (2-6%), thymol (0.05-1%), and quaternary ammonium compounds (0.25-1%) to maintain disinfection efficacy with improved material compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite disinfection formulation combining multiple active ingredients (alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, thymol, quaternary ammonium compounds, surfactants) rather than relying on high concentrations of a single ingredient, achieving synergistic effects that provide both rapid disinfection and material compatibility
2Reliability
If high pH levels are used in disinfection composition, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but corrosiveness to substrates worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using low pH (below 3.5) instead of high pH, demonstrating that effective disinfection can be achieved in acidic conditions through the synergistic combination of acidic environment with hydrogen peroxide, thymol, and quaternary ammonium compounds, thereby reducing corrosiveness to substrates
3Loss of time
If conventional disinfection composition is used, then quick kill time is achieved, but residual antimicrobial activity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuous antimicrobial action by combining ingredients that provide both immediate disinfection (alcohol, hydrogen peroxide) and long-lasting residual activity (quaternary ammonium compounds, thymol), ensuring ongoing protection against microorganism recurrence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates a composite system where different ingredients contribute at different time scales - fast-acting components provide immediate kill while slower-release components maintain residual activity, creating a multi-phase disinfection profile
4Productivity
If high alcohol-based products are used, then disinfection capability is improved, but spore growth prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical environment by using low pH (below 3.5) in combination with hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium compounds, creating conditions that are particularly effective against spore-forming bacteria, which are typically resistant to conventional high-alcohol disinfectants
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 inactivates up to 6 logs of microorganisms, including spores, in 2 minutes or less, while preventing spore growth and providing a stable residual antimicrobial effect, thus minimizing cross-contamination and maintaining effectiveness over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
2-6 wt.% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
Implementation Method 2
an antimicrobial agent comprising ([(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octadecyldimethyl-ammonium chloride) (TPAC), in 0.25-1 wt.% of the composition
Implementation Method 3
0.5-10 wt.% non-ionic surfactant
Implementation Method 4
acid, sufficient to maintain the pH below 3.5
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a low pH disinfectant composition that includes a relatively low amount of alcohol. Also provided is an article of manufacture that includes a textile and the composition, as well as methods of using the composition and article of manufacture (e.g., for reducing the number of microbes located upon a substrate, for killing or inhibiting a broad spectrum of microorganisms, for killing or inhibiting spore forming bacteria, and/or for disinfecting a substrate). The composition can optionally include a stable residual antimicrobial compound, thereby providing a combination of high-level disinfection and long-lasting residual effect.