Compositions, kits, methods and uses for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing and/or treating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods for medical devices, especially heat-sensitive ones, are harsh and reduce their lifespan, while existing sterilization processes are unsuitable for such devices, leading to increased medical costs and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection composition comprising hypochlorous acid and metallic particles or metal salts, along with a phosphate buffer, which stabilizes hypochlorous acid and enhances its efficacy, allowing for lower concentrations and extended device lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional disinfection processes are used on heat-sensitive medical devices, then the devices can be cleaned without high temperature, but the disinfectants are destructive to the medical device and reduce its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the disinfectant by using hypochlorous acid with specific pH control (pH 2-6) and specific concentration ranges (0.1-10% w/v). This parameter optimization allows effective disinfection while reducing damage to medical devices compared to conventional disinfectants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phosphate buffers as intermediary substances that stabilize hypochlorous acid and control the disinfection process. This intermediary approach allows the disinfectant to work effectively while being less harsh on medical devices, thus extending their lifespan.
2Reliability
If sterilization processes with high temperature and pressure are used, then all microbial life is destroyed, but heat-sensitive medical devices cannot withstand these conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical sterilization method (high temperature and pressure) with a chemical disinfection method using hypochlorous acid. This substitution achieves microbial elimination without subjecting heat-sensitive devices to damaging temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from physical parameters (temperature, pressure) to chemical parameters (hypochlorous acid concentration, pH level) to achieve sterilization effectiveness while protecting heat-sensitive medical devices.
3Productivity
If higher concentrations of disinfectant are used to improve cleaning efficacy, then the disinfection effectiveness increases, but the harshness to the medical device increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of hypochlorous acid to specific ranges (0.1-10% w/v) and controls pH (2-6) to achieve effective disinfection at lower concentrations compared to conventional disinfectants, thereby reducing device damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phosphate buffers as intermediaries that stabilize hypochlorous acid and enhance its disinfection efficacy at lower concentrations, allowing effective cleaning while reducing harshness on medical devices.
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 stabilized hypochlorous acid composition effectively cleans and disinfects medical devices and surfaces with reduced harshness, extending their lifespan and reducing infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
A composition is disclosed comprising hypochlorous acid or free available chlorine and one or more metallic particles
Implementation Method 2
A composition disclosed herein can further comprise one or more metal salts and/or a phosphate buffer like calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of hypochlorous acid or free available chlorine in combination with one or more metallic particles, one or more metal salts, or any combination thereof. The present specification further discloses a kit comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a one or more containers including a composition disclosed herein or components which make up such compositions as well as methods and uses for such compositions and kits.