Solid Peroxyalphahydroxycarboxylic Acid Generation via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating peroxyhydroxycarboxylic acids, such as peroxylactic acid, face challenges including low antimicrobial efficacy, stability issues, and the need for on-site generation due to high vapor pressure and odor concerns, as well as inefficiencies in reaction time and safety risks for workers.
Innovation Solution
Development of solid compositions containing a lactone precursor of alphahydroxycarboxylic acid, an alkalinity source, and a hydrogen peroxide-generating substance that react to form peroxyalphahydroxycarboxylic acids quickly and safely, with low vapor pressure and odorless properties, suitable for direct food contact and antimicrobial applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peracetic acid is used as a sanitizer, then broad antimicrobial efficiency is achieved, but high vapor pressure and strong pungent odor cause safety issues and worker irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The peracetic acid sanitizer is segmented into two separate components: a carboxylic acid component and a hydrogen peroxide component. These components are stored separately and mixed only at the point of use, preventing the formation of peracetic acid vapor during storage and handling, thereby eliminating odor and vapor pressure issues while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy when mixed.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mixing system is introduced between the storage containers and the application point. This intermediary device combines the carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide components in controlled proportions, generating peracetic acid only when needed and in controlled amounts, thus avoiding the harmful effects of storing concentrated peracetic acid while preserving its antimicrobial properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If peroxycarboxylic acids are shipped in special containers under DOT guidelines, then storage stability is maintained, but excess reagents must be present causing decomposition risks and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stable peroxycarboxylic acid composition is segmented into multiple separate components (carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and stabilizers) that are stored in different containers. Each component can be stored stably under normal conditions without requiring special DOT-guideline containers, eliminating the need for complex handling procedures while maintaining overall composition stability through proper component separation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alphahydroxycarboxylic acids are used as antimicrobials, then low vapor pressure and no irritative odor are achieved, but antimicrobial efficacy is relatively low requiring percentage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial efficacy parameter is enhanced by chemically transforming the alphahydroxycarboxylic acid into its peroxycarboxylic acid derivative through in-situ reaction with hydrogen peroxide. This parameter change converts a compound with low efficacy at high concentrations into one with high efficacy at low concentrations, while the low vapor pressure and odor-free properties are inherited from the hydroxycarboxylic acid structure.
4Reliability
If lactic acid is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide to produce peroxylactic acid, then antimicrobial efficacy is boosted, but the reaction requires high concentrations and takes hours to days
Solution Approach 1:
The carboxylic acid component is prepared in advance with stabilizers and formulation agents that optimize the oxidation reaction conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the hydrogen peroxide oxidation to proceed rapidly and efficiently when mixed, reducing the reaction time from hours or days to minutes while achieving high peroxycarboxylic acid concentrations for effective antimicrobial activity.
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 method enables the rapid and safe generation of peroxyalphahydroxycarboxylic acids with enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, improved stability, and reduced safety risks, allowing for effective on-site production and use in food processing environments without toxic residues or strong odors.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen peroxide-generating substance that react to form peroxyalphahydroxycarboxylic acids
Implementation Method 2
a lactone precursor of alphahydroxycarboxylic acid
Implementation Method 3
an alkalinity source, and a hydrogen peroxide-generating substance that react to form peroxyalphahydroxycarboxylic acids
Implementation Method 4
leaves no toxic residues as it decomposes into acetic acid, water and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
Peroxyhydroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions and methods for forming peroxyhydroxycarboxylic acids, preferably in situ, using the peroxyhydroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. Methods of using the peroxyhydroxycarboxylic acids, including for treating a surface or a target in need of antimicrobial or sanitizing treatment are also disclosed. Particular applications of using odor-free, low volatility peroxyhydroxycarboxylic acid sanitizers for direct food contact are disclosed.