Stable Hypochlorous Acid via Sodium Hypochlorite Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hypochlorous acid, a potent biocide, is highly unstable and requires onsite generation, posing challenges in storage stability and pH-dependent degradation, which limits its use due to the formation of toxic byproducts like chlorine gas and hypochlorite anions.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing stable hypochlorous acid compositions by mixing compounds that generate protons and hypochlorite anions in an air-free environment, avoiding electrolysis and chlorine gas, resulting in a stable formulation with mild buffering capacity, suitable for long-term storage and safe use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypochlorous acid is produced by electrochemical activation of brine or disproportionation of chlorine gas, then effective biocide activity is achieved, but storage stability deteriorates and toxic byproducts are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using preformed sodium hypochlorite solution instead of generating hypochlorous acid in-situ. This parameter change allows the product to be stored stably as a sodium hypochlorite solution while maintaining biocide effectiveness when applied to the aerodigestive tract, where it converts to hypochlorous acid at the site of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sodium hypochlorite as an intermediary substance that can be stored stably and then converts to hypochlorous acid at the point of application. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction between storage stability and biocide effectiveness, as the sodium hypochlorite solution is stable for storage but converts to active hypochlorous acid when applied to biological tissues.
2Reliability
If pH of hypochlorous acid solution becomes more acidic (pH below 3), then chlorine gas is formed, but if pH becomes more basic (pH above 8), then hypochlorite anions are formed which are toxic to people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the pH of the sodium hypochlorite solution within a safe range (pH 7-10) for stable storage and delivery, avoiding the formation of chlorine gas at low pH. The solution is formulated to deliver hypochlorous acid at the site of use without creating harmful byproducts, as the conversion occurs locally in the aerodigestive tract rather than in the storage container.
3Reliability
If hypochlorous acid is used for treating aerodigestive infections, then effective treatment is achieved, but the need for onsite generation limits storage and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sodium hypochlorite solution as a stable intermediary that can be manufactured once and stored for extended periods. This eliminates the need for onsite generation equipment while maintaining treatment effectiveness, as the sodium hypochlorite converts to hypochlorous acid at the point of application in the aerodigestive tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the hypochlorous acid generation action in advance during manufacturing by creating a stable sodium hypochlorite solution, rather than generating it at the point of use. This preliminary action allows the product to be stored and distributed easily while still providing effective treatment when applied to the aerodigestive tract.
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 produces a highly pure and stable hypochlorous acid that can be stored for several months to a year, eliminating the need for onsite generation and maintaining safety by controlling pH, thereby expanding its applications across various industries.
Implementation Method 1
mixing in water, a compound that generates a proton (H+) in water and a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl−) in water to thereby produce air-free hypochlorous acid
Implementation Method 2
The resulting composition has a buffering capacity from about pH 6 to about pH 8
Data Source
AI summary
Disinfecting compositions containing hypochlorous acid and acetic acid are useful for treating biofilms in or on tissue, including treating and regulating the aerodigestive tract. The compositions are useful for treating a variety of types of tissue, both on the surface on beneath the surface of tissue. Compositions are provided having various concentrations for different types of infections. Compositions may be provided in droplet, aerosol, gel, or powder form.