Stabilized Hypohalous Acid Solutions Using Bicarbonate Buffers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, making them unsuitable for commercial and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized hypohalous acid solution with a high available free chlorine content, incorporating dissolved inorganic carbon in the form of bicarbonate or carbonate, which maintains stability for extended periods and is non-irritating to humans, prepared by electrolysis of saline with a pH range of 4.0 to 7.5.
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 or carbonate buffers before use, allowing the solution to be prepared in advance and stored for extended periods while maintaining its biocidal effectiveness. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the solution to be ready beforehand without losing its active properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the solution by adding bicarbonate or carbonate, which stabilizes the hypohalous acid at a controlled pH level. This parameter change allows the solution to maintain both stability during storage and effectiveness upon use, resolving the contradiction between stability and biocidal power.
2Reliability
If Dakin's solution is used for wound care, then disinfection is achieved, but skin irritation and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter by formulating the solution with bicarbonate or carbonate buffers to achieve a neutral or near-neutral pH. This parameter change eliminates the skin irritation and pain associated with high-pH solutions like Dakin's, while maintaining disinfection effectiveness through the hypohalous acid's biocidal properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bicarbonate or carbonate as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hypohalous acid and human tissue. This intermediary buffers the solution to a skin-friendly pH, reducing harmful effects while preserving the disinfection capability of the hypohalous acid.
3Reliability
If hypohalous acid concentration is increased for better biocidal effect, then microbial kill rate improves, but solution stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter by adding bicarbonate or carbonate buffers, which stabilizes the hypohalous acid even at higher concentrations. This allows the solution to maintain both high biocidal effectiveness and improved stability, resolving the contradiction between concentration and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bicarbonate or carbonate as an intermediary that stabilizes high concentrations of hypohalous acid. This intermediary prevents decomposition and maintains solution stability while allowing the high concentration needed for effective biocidal action.
4Stability of the object's composition
If solution pH is reduced for increased hypohalous acid stability, then solution shelf life improves, but skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter by using bicarbonate or carbonate buffers to achieve a neutral or near-neutral pH. This optimized parameter setting simultaneously improves solution stability and reduces skin irritation, resolving the contradiction between stability and safety.
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 provides long-term stability and high biocidal effectiveness, maintaining activity even in the presence of high organic loads, making it suitable for medical, agricultural, and industrial applications without causing irritation.
Implementation Method 1
The solution may contain hypochlorous acid, and 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.