Hard Surface Disinfecting Composition Using Peroxymonosulfate and Alcohol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial compositions for hard surfaces either have limited efficacy against biofilm-forming microorganisms, require harsh chemicals, or pose health risks due to high pH levels or the need for protective equipment during repeated applications.
Innovation Solution
A composition that is lethal to a broad spectrum of microorganisms, capable of repeated applications without damaging hard surfaces, and does not require significant personal protective equipment. The composition includes a solvent component with at least 67% water and a lesser amount of an organic liquid, a solute component with a weak acid, its conjugate base, an electrolyte oxidizing agent, and an ionic surfactant, maintaining a pH of ≥2.5 and an effective solute concentration of at least 2.5 Osm/L.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If harsh chemicals (high pH>12 or low pH<2) or halogen-containing ions are used to achieve broad spectrum lethality against microorganisms, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but health risks and safety concerns increase requiring significant PPE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from extreme values (>12 or <2) to a moderate range (2.5-4.8), and adjusts the oxidizing agent concentration to achieve effective antimicrobial action without requiring significant PPE. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between efficacy and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high oxidizing capacity into a beneficial effect by using peroxymonosulfate anion at controlled concentrations (3-3.8 g/L) combined with specific solvents (C2-C4 alcohols) that enhance efficacy while reducing the need for extreme pH adjustments, thereby achieving biofilm destruction without excessive health risks.
2Reliability
If extreme pH levels (>12 or <2) are used to achieve lethality against biofilm-forming microorganisms, then antimicrobial strength is improved, but damage to hard surfaces and requirement for PPE increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes pH to a moderate range (2.5-4.8) that is effective against biofilm but safe for repeated applications on hard surfaces without requiring significant PPE, resolving the contradiction between lethality and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite disinfecting system combining peroxymonosulfate anion with C2-C4 alcohol solvents and specific concentrations (3-3.8 g/L oxidizing agent), which together achieve biofilm destruction at moderate pH levels, avoiding the need for extreme pH that would damage surfaces or require PPE.
3Reliability
If high concentrations of oxidizing agents are used to achieve endospore lethality, then antimicrobial strength is improved, but health concerns increase requiring increased safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the oxidizing agent concentration to a specific range (3-3.8 g/L per liter of composition) that achieves endospore lethality while maintaining safety for use without significant PPE, resolving the contradiction between antimicrobial strength and health safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high oxidizing capacity into a beneficial effect by using peroxymonosulfate anion at controlled concentrations combined with C2-C4 alcohol solvents, achieving endospore destruction without excessive health risks or need for extreme pH adjustments.
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 achieves extremely large reductions in microbial populations, including biofilm-forming bacteria, with short dwell times, and does not necessitate skin protective PPE for users, ensuring safety and efficacy in repeated applications.
Implementation Method 1
The solute component includes a weak acid, a conjugate base of that acid, an electrolyte oxidizing agent, and an ionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
The solute component includes a weak acid, a conjugate base of that acid, an electrolyte oxidizing agent, and an ionic surfactant
Implementation Method 3
The solute component includes a weak acid, a conjugate base of that acid, an electrolyte oxidizing agent, and an ionic surfactant. The composition is acidic but has a pH≥2.5
Data Source
AI summary
A composition, lethal to a broad spectrum of microorganisms and capable of repeated applications to hard surfaces, includes solvent and solute components. The solvent component includes water and a lesser amount of at least one organic liquid, while the solute component includes a weak acid, a conjugate base of that acid, an oxidizing electrolyte, and an ionic surfactant. The composition is acidic but has a pH of at least 2.5 and an effective solute concentration of at least 2.5 Osm/L.