Two-Component Alkanolamine-Enzyme Kit for Medical Instrument Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and disinfecting medical and surgical instruments using alkaline compositions are inefficient, as they can damage sensitive surfaces, leave residues, and pose environmental and safety hazards due to hazardous substances, and enzyme-based cleaners have stability issues during storage.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising two components: a high-concentration alkanolamine and complexing agent component and an enzyme component, which are used in a 1:1 ratio to create a low-volume, effective cleaning solution for medical and surgical instruments, allowing for stable storage and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If alkaline cleaning compositions are used to clean medical instruments, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but harmful effects on sensitive surfaces and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into two separate components: Component A containing alkaline cleaning agents and Component B containing enzymes. These components are mixed in equal volumes at the point of use, allowing the alkaline agents to break down organic soils while enzymes handle protein degradation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the need for harsh chemicals throughout the entire cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameters by using highly concentrated Component A (at least 15 wt% alkanolamine and at least 10 wt% complexing agent) and Component B (at least one enzyme), which are then diluted 1:1 with water during use. This parameter change allows effective cleaning with reduced overall chemical usage and minimized environmental impact while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If enzyme-containing cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but stability during prolonged storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into two separate components: Component A containing alkaline cleaning agents and Component B containing enzymes. These components are mixed in equal volumes at the point of use, allowing the alkaline agents to break down organic soils while enzymes handle protein degradation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the need for harsh chemicals throughout the entire cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit format with separate components acts as an intermediary system that protects the enzyme from degradation during storage. Component B with enzymes can be stored stably until use, at which point it is mixed with Component A. This intermediary approach allows the enzyme to remain stable during storage while still providing effective cleaning when activated.
3Productivity
If hazardous alkaline cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety hazards and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the concentration parameters by using highly concentrated Component A (at least 15 wt% alkanolamine and at least 10 wt% complexing agent) and Component B (at least one enzyme), which are then diluted 1:1 with water during use. This parameter change allows effective cleaning with reduced overall chemical usage and minimized environmental impact while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit is designed for single-use preparation, where Component A and Component B are mixed in equal volumes to create a fresh cleaning solution. This approach minimizes the need for storing large quantities of hazardous chemicals and reduces environmental pollution from waste disposal, as the cleaning solution is prepared only when needed and used immediately.
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 kit achieves effective cleaning and disinfecting with significantly reduced active ingredient and volume usage, minimizing environmental impact and avoiding the hazards associated with traditional alkaline cleaners, while maintaining high cleaning activity and compatibility with sensitive surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,546, EP-A-0 481 663, and EP-A-0 730 024 disclose enzyme-containing cleaning compositions which are able to bring about enzymatic degradation of blood proteins in particular.
Implementation Method 2
a first component which comprises at least 15 wt % of alkanolamine and at least 10 wt % of complexing agent
Implementation Method 3
The disinfectant causes the blood to coagulate, and the active disinfecting ingredient causes denaturing of the protein constituents present in the blood.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for mechanically cleaning and/or disinfecting medical and/or surgical instruments and/or devices, the kit containing a first component containing at least 15 wt. % alkanolamine and at least 10 wt. % complexing agent, and a second component containing at least one enzyme; and a method of cleaning such instruments and devices using the components of the kit.