HK1196772A - Antimicrobial compositions - Google Patents

Description

Antimicrobial compositions

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/316,575 filed on 23/3/2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide antimicrobial compositions and methods for disinfecting a surface, wherein the method comprises contacting the surface with a composition comprising Lauric Arginate (LAE) and one or more selected antimicrobial agents or preservatives.

Background

There is a need to provide environmentally friendly products for hand and skin sanitizers and surface sanitizers. There is also a need for fast, broad spectrum efficacy.

Many products contain ingredients that can harm the skin, especially when used repeatedly. Thus, there remains a need for products that are highly effective and milder to the skin. Other desirable improvements include products with reduced environmental impact.

Environmentally benign (environmentally friendly) products have less of a detrimental environmental impact in their raw materials, manufacture, use and disposal. The desired improvements include products with reduced concentrations of synthesis components, lower flammability, and reduced volatile organic compounds.

Lauric Arginate (LAE) is a food grade cationic surfactant. It has been described as an effective preservative and combined with various components to enhance the preservative effect. LAE is sometimes referred to as lauroyl arginine ethyl ester, lauryl arginine ethyl ester, and lauramide arginine ethyl ester.

U.S. patent No. 7,074,447 describes a combination of LAE with potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate or sorbic acid, and a method of preserving food products.

U.S. patent No. 7,196,117 describes the use of LAE with an antimicrobial agent such as triclosan, phenoxyethanol, or chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in deodorants and oral care.

Us patent No. 7,758,851 describes the use of LAE in a preservative system suitable for cosmetics.

U.S. patent application publication No. 2009/0326031 describes the use of LAE for the treatment of viral infections, wherein an almost complete reduction of herpes virus type 1, vaccinia virus and bovine parainfluenza 3 is observed after 5 to 60 minutes.

However, a fast, broad spectrum efficacy in 1 minute or less exposure time is required for the purpose of disinfecting hands, skin and other surfaces.

Summary of The Invention

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising a cationic surfactant and certain antimicrobial agents or preservatives.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising Lauric Arginate (LAE) and an antimicrobial or preservative selected from C_1-6Alcohol, C_6-101, 2-alkanediols and mixtures thereof. Advantageously, the pH of the composition may be adjusted to about 3.5 to about 9.5.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method for disinfecting a surface, wherein the method comprises contacting the surface with a composition comprising LAE and a compound selected from C_1-6Alcohol, C_6-101, 2-alkanediols and mixtures thereof, has been adjusted to a pH of from about 3.5 to about 9.5.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method for preparing an antimicrobial composition, wherein the method comprises contacting LAE with a compound selected from C_1-6Alcohol, alcohol,C_6-10An anti-biotic or preservative for the 1, 2-alkanediol is mixed and the pH of the composition is adjusted to about 3.5 to about 9.5.

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments

In one or more embodiments, the present methods provide environmentally beneficial antimicrobial compositions having broad spectrum efficacy and reduced skin irritation. The physical form of the antimicrobial composition is not particularly limited, and in one or more embodiments, the composition can be presented as a liquid, gel, aerosol, or foam (including aerosol and non-aerosol foams) that is poured, pumped, sprayed, or otherwise dispensed. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition may be presented as a wipe (wipe), i.e., a fabric (tissue) or cloth that can wipe a surface. In addition to being effective as a sanitary hand cleaner, the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can be used on a wide variety of surfaces or substrates, including skin, porous and non-porous surfaces. The antimicrobial composition may be a leave-on or a rinse-off product.

In one or more embodiments, the composition comprises a cationic surfactant and an antimicrobial or preservative. Advantageously, it has been found that antimicrobial compositions comprising cationic surfactants (e.g., cationic surfactants derived from the condensation of fatty acids and esterified dibasic amino acids) have enhanced efficacy against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, particularly when enhancers, such as certain antimicrobial agents or preservatives, are also present.

As described below, it has been unexpectedly found that the efficacy of the composition is enhanced when the pH of the composition is raised to a pH of about 3.5 to about 9.

In one or more embodiments, the cationic surfactant is derived from the condensation of a fatty acid and an esterified dibasic amino acid. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the cationic surfactant may be prepared from naturally occurring materials.

In one or more embodiments, the cationic surfactant may be represented by the formula:

wherein R is¹Is selected from

R²Is an aromatic or alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, m is from about 8 to about 14, and n is from 0 to about 4.

In one or more embodiments, X is chloride, bromide, or a counter ion derived from an organic or inorganic acid or phenolic compound. Examples of acids that can be sources of the counter ion X include acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, gluconic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, carbonic acid, glutamic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and thiocyanic acid.

Examples of phenolic compounds that may be sources of the counter ion X include Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butyl hydroquinone, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, and butyl paraben.

In one or more embodiments, the cationic surfactant is Lauric Arginate (LAE), which may be prepared from the naturally occurring substances L-arginine and lauric acid. LAE is commercially available, for example, from Vedeqsa inc.

The preparation of LAE has been described in the literature, for example in Spanish patent application ES-A-512643. The synthesis of cationic surfactants such as LAE is further described in U.S. patent nos. 5,780,658, 7,087,769, and 7,399,616, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, the amount of cationic surfactant is at least about 0.02 wt.%, in another embodiment at least about 0.05, and in yet another embodiment at least about 0.1 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition) of the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. Useful amounts of cationic surfactants are generally from about 0.02 to about 30 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In one embodiment, the LAE is present in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 30 weight percent, in another embodiment, the LAE is present in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 10 wt.%, in another embodiment, the LAE is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, in yet another embodiment, from about 0.15 to about 1 wt.%, and in yet another embodiment, from about 0.2 to about 0.75 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). It will be understood that larger amounts of cationic surfactant may be used if desired and are expected to perform at least as well.

In certain embodiments, the cationic surfactant is added to the antimicrobial composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the cationic surfactant may be premixed with the carrier to form a solution or emulsion, provided that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the disinfecting properties of the composition. Examples of such carriers include water, alcohols, glycerol, glycols such as propylene glycol or ethylene glycol, ketones, straight and/or cyclic hydrocarbons, triglycerides, carbonates, silicones, olefins, esters such as acetates, benzoates, fatty esters, glycerides, ethers, amides, polyethylene glycols and PEG/PPG copolymers, inorganic salt solutions such as saline, and mixtures thereof. Advantageously, the carrier may be selected from naturally derived compounds. It will be understood that when the cationic surfactant is premixed to form a solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion added to the antimicrobial composition is selected such that the amount of cationic surfactant falls within the ranges described herein. In one embodiment, the LAE is added to the antimicrobial composition together with glycerin as a carrier.

Certain antimicrobial agents and preservatives enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the LAE. EnhancementExamples of agents include those selected from C_1-6Alcohol, C_6-121, 2-alkanediols, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolic compounds and 2-methyl-1, 2-thiazol-3-one compounds.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE and C_1-6An alcohol. C_1-6Alcohols, i.e. alcohols containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, sometimes referred to as lower alkanols, examples of which include methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, and isomers and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, C_1-6The alcohol comprises ethanol, propanol or butanol, or isomers or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, C_1-6The alcohol comprises ethanol.

The antimicrobial composition generally comprises at least about 1% by weight (wt.%) C_1-6Alcohol (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 2% by weight of C_1-6Alcohol, and in another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 10% by weight C_1-6Alcohol, and in another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 20% by weight of C_1-6Alcohol, and in another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 40% by weight C_1-6Alcohol, and in another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 50% by weight C_1-6Alcohol, and in another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 60% by weight C_1-6Alcohol, and in another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 65% by weight of C_1-6Alcohol, and in yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 70% by weight C_1-6Alcohol, and in yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 78 weight percent C_1-6Alcohol (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In some examples, more or less alcohol may be required, depending on the other ingredients used in the composition and/or their levels.

Advantageously, rapid and broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy is observed at lower alcohol concentrations in the presence of LAE than in the absence of LAE. Thus, in certain embodiments, the amount of alcohol can be significantly reduced compared to conventional antimicrobial compositions. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises less than about 90% by weight alcohol, in other embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises less than about 60% by weight alcohol, in other embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises less than about 50% by weight alcohol, and in yet other embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises less than about 40% by weight alcohol (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE and from about 2 to about 20wt.% ethanol.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more C_6-10Alkanediols, i.e. diols having a chain length of 6 to 10 carbons. In one or more embodiments, the diol comprises 1, 2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1, 9-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1, 10-decanediol, or mixtures thereof. In one or more embodiments, the diol comprises 1, 2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, or mixtures thereof. 1,2-octanediol (1,2-octanediol) is sometimes referred to as octanediol (caprylyl glycol). 1,2-decanediol (1, 2-decanodiol) is sometimes referred to as decanediol (decylene glycol). In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE and 1, 2-octanediol. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE, about 2 to 20wt.% ethanol, and 1, 2-octanediol. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the alkanediol enhances the rapid, broad spectrum efficacy of the cationic surfactant and/or the lower alkanol.

In one embodiment, the efficacy-enhancing amount of glycol is at least about 0.02 wt.%, in another embodiment at least about 0.05 wt.%, and in yet another embodiment at least about 0.1 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition) based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

The efficacy-enhancing amount of the glycol is typically from about 0.02 to about 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In one embodimentThe diol is present in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 5 weight percent, in another embodiment the diol is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, in yet another embodiment from about 0.15 to about 0.8 wt.%, and in yet another embodiment from about 0.2 to about 0.75 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). It will be understood that greater amounts of diol may be used if desired, and are expected to perform at least as well. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises about 0.02 to about 30 wt.% C, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition_6-10An alkanediol.

In certain embodiments, the glycol is added to the antimicrobial composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the glycol can be premixed with the carrier to form a glycol solution or emulsion, provided that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the disinfecting properties of the composition. Examples of carriers include water, alcohols, glycols such as propylene glycol or ethylene glycol, ketones, linear and or cyclic hydrocarbons, triglycerides, carbonates, silicones, alkenes, esters such as acetates, benzoates, fatty esters, glycerides, ethers, amides, polyethylene glycols and PEG/PPG copolymers, inorganic salt solutions such as saline, and mixtures thereof. It will be understood that when the glycols are premixed to form a glycol solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion added to the antimicrobial composition is selected so that the amount of glycol falls within the ranges described above.

Advantageously, certain quaternary ammonium compounds enhance the efficacy of the antimicrobial composition. The quaternary ammonium enhancing agent comprises NR₄ ⁺A quaternary ammonium compound of the structure wherein R is an organic group. Exemplary quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agents that can be used in the present invention include quaternary ammonium ion-15, benzethonium chloride (BZT), benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and benzozylammonium chloride.

In one or more embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound includes quaternary ammonium ion-15. The quaternary ammonium ion-15 is sometimes referred to as 1- (3-chloropropenyl) -3,5, 7-triaza-1-nitrogen chlorideAdamantane and chlorineChemosynthesis of N- (3-chloropropenyl) hexamineHexamethylene tetramine chloropropenyl chloride, 3,5, 7-triaza-1-NAdamantane or 1- (3-chloropropenyl) -chloride. Which is commercially available, for example, under the trade name Dowicil.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE, at least one selected from C_1-6Alkanol, C_6-101, 2-alkanediol compounds and mixtures thereof, and further comprising quaternary ammonium ion-15.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE and benzalkonium chloride, and optionally further comprises at least one C_1-6Alkanol, C_6-101, 2-alkanediols and mixtures thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the efficacy-enhancing amount of a quaternary antimicrobial agent is from about 0.02 to about 0.2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

Advantageously, certain phenolic antimicrobial agents and preservatives enhance the efficacy of the antimicrobial composition. Phenolic antimicrobials include triclosan, chlorophenols (ortho-, meta-, para-), 2, 4-dichlorophenol, p-nitrophenol, picric acid, xylenol, p-chloro-meta-xylenol, cresols (ortho-, meta-, para-), p-chloro-meta-cresol, catechol, resorcinol, 4-n-hexylresorcinol, pyrogallol, phloroglucinol, carvacrol, thymol, p-chlorotheol, o-phenylphenol, o-benzylphenol, p-chloro-o-benzylphenol, phenol, 4-ethylphenol, 4-phenolsulfonic acid, hexachlorophenol, tetrachlorophenol, dichlorophenol, 2, 3-dihydroxy-5, 5 ' -dichlorodiphenyl sulfide, 2' -dihydroxy-3, 3 ', 5,5 '-tetrachlorodiphenyl sulfide, 2' -dihydroxy-3, 5 ', 5, 5', 6,6 '-hexachlorodiphenyl sulfide and 3, 3' -dibromo-5, 5 '-dichloro-2, 2' -dihydroxydiphenylamine.

The phenolic preservatives include 2-phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, sodium methylparaben, sodium propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. Combinations of phenolic preservatives are commercially available.

In one or more embodiments, the phenolic enhancer includes one or more of 2-phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. In one or more embodiments, the efficacy-enhancing amount of the phenolic enhancer is from about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

In one or more embodiments, the enhancer includes 2-methyl-1, 2-thiazol-3-one. The antimicrobial agent is commercially available, for example, from Rohm and Haas under the tradename Kathon.

In one or more embodiments, the efficacy-enhancing amount of 2-methyl-1, 2-thiazol-3-one is from about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt.% based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

The LAE may be combined with conventional antimicrobial agents, such as 2,4,4 '-trichloro-2' -hydroxy-diphenyl ether (triclosan), 3,4, 4-trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), 2-phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine salts (CHG), Parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX), hexetidine, and cetylpyridiniumSalt combination. On the other hand, antimicrobial agents such as triclosan, CHG, and PCMX may be stimulants and are not generally considered natural ingredients. Advantageously, these antimicrobial agents are not required for the present invention. Thus, in one embodiment, 2,4,4 '-trichloro-2' -hydroxy-diphenyl ether (triclosan), 3,4, 4-trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), 2-phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine salts (CHG), Parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX), hexetidine, and cetylpyridiniumThe amount of each of the salts is less than about 0.1 wt.%, and in another embodiment, less than about 0.05 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition does not comprise 2,4,4 '-trichloro-2' -hydroxy-diphenyl ether (triclosan), 3,4, 4-trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), 2-phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine salts (CHG), Parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX), hexetidine, and cetylpyridiniumAnd (3) salt.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the antimicrobial activity of the combination of LAE and certain antimicrobial agents and preservatives is higher than the activity exhibited by each component when used alone at the same dose. Thus, the amount may be reduced from that which is generally suggested according to previous studies. Since the amount of these antimicrobial agents can be reduced, the detrimental toxic effects and/or irritation and/or allergenicity exhibited by the antimicrobial system can also be reduced. As explained above, products containing reduced amounts of synthetic materials are environmentally benign or "greener".

The observed synergy with LAE is not predictable from the preservative effects that LAE has shown in the past. Other preservatives do not show this same synergistic effect. For example, when LAE is combined with potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate, a decrease in antimicrobial efficacy is observed.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition has a pH of from about 1.5 to about 10, in another embodiment from about 3.5 to about 9.5, in another embodiment from about 4.5 to about 9, in another embodiment from about 5 to about 8.5, and in another embodiment from about 7 to about 8. Advantageously, in contrast to the suggestions in the art for compositions comprising LAE, the pH of the antimicrobial composition can be adjusted from fairly acidic to more skin-friendly and neutral ranges of about 5 to about 9 without reducing its efficacy. In fact, in one or more embodiments, the efficacy of the antimicrobial composition is improved when its pH is adjusted upward to about 5 to about 9.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition can be formulated as a foamable composition. One or more foaming agents may optionally be included in the composition.

Any foaming agent may be used provided that it does not adversely affect the antimicrobial efficacy of the composition. In one or more embodiments, the foaming agent includes a non-ionic foaming agent such as decyl glucoside (decyl glucoside) or an amphoteric foaming agent such as cocamidopropyl betaine. In one or more embodiments, the amount of nonionic or amphoteric foaming agent is from about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt.%, and in other embodiments from about 1 to about 3 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In one or more embodiments, the amount of decyl glucoside or cocamidopropyl betaine is about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt.%, and in other embodiments about 1 to about 3 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition).

Suitable foaming agents for alcohol-containing compositions (i.e., wherein the amount of alcohol is greater than about 40 wt.%) include silicone polymer surfactants and are further described in co-pending U.S. patent application publication No. 2007/0148101, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Examples of silicone polymer surfactants include dimethicone PEG-7 undecylenate, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone, perfluorononyl Ethyl carboxydecyl PEG-10, PEG-20/PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG-11 methyl ether dimethicone, bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 dimethicone, silicone quaternary ammonium compounds, PEG-9 dimethicone, PPG-12 dimethicone, fluoro PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG 23/PPG 6 dimethicone, PEG 20/PPG 23 dimethicone, PEG17 dimethicone, PEG5/PPG3 methicone (methicone), bis-PEG 20 dimethicone, PEG/PPG20/15 dimethicone copolyol and sulfosuccinate blends, PEG-8 dimethicone/dimer acid blend, PEG-8 dimeticone \ fatty acid blend, PEG-8 dimeticone \ cold-pressed vegetable oil \ polyquaternary ammonium ion blend, random block polymer and mixture thereof. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE, at least about 40 wt.% ethanol, a foaming agent selected from PEG-10 dimethicone and PEG-12 dimethicone, and optionally 1, 2-octanediol.

The amount of silicone polymer blowing agent is not particularly limited, so long as there is an effective amount to produce foaming. In certain embodiments, the effective amount to produce foaming may vary, depending on the amount of alcohol and other ingredients present. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 0.002 wt.% of a silicone polymer blowing agent, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In further embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 0.01 wt.% of a silicone polymer blowing agent, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises at least about 0.05 wt.% of a silicone polymer blowing agent, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

In one embodiment, the foaming agent is present in an amount of about 0.002 to about 4 weight percent based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In another embodiment, the foaming agent is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. It is contemplated that higher amounts are also effective in generating foam. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the level of activity, and therefore, do not include by-products or carriers that commercially available materials may contain, unless otherwise specified.

In other embodiments, it may be desirable to use higher amounts of blowing agent. For example, in certain embodiments wherein the foamed antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cleaning or disinfecting product that is applied to a surface and then washed away, higher amounts of foaming agent may be used. In these embodiments, the amount of blowing agent is present in an amount up to about 35 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In one or more embodiments, the foaming agent is added directly to the antimicrobial composition. In other embodiments, the foaming agent is added to the antimicrobial composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the foaming agent may be pre-mixed with the carrier to form a foaming agent solution or emulsion, provided that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the foaming properties of the antimicrobial composition. Examples of carriers include any of the carriers described above for the cationic surfactant enhancer. It will be appreciated that when the foaming agent is pre-mixed to form a foaming agent solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion added to the antimicrobial composition can be selected such that the amount of foaming agent falls within the ranges described above.

In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention further comprise at least one foam booster. In one embodiment, the foam boosting agent comprises a cationic oligomer or polymer, a collagen amino acid, amaranthin, or a soluble elastin. Foam boosters are further described in co-pending U.S. patent application publication No. 2008/0207767, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can be formulated as aerosol or non-aerosol foamable compositions and can be used in any type of dispenser commonly used for foamed products. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition is used in a dispenser that uses a foaming pump that mixes ambient air or an inert gas with the antimicrobial composition in a mixing chamber and passes the mixture through a screen.

In one or more embodiments, the viscosity of the non-aerosol foamable composition is less than about 100 mPas, in one embodiment less than about 50 mPas, and in another embodiment less than about 25 mPas.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition includes a non-aerosol foamable alcoholic composition comprising LAE, greater than about 40 wt.% ethanol, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition, and a silicone polymer surfactant. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises LAE, about 2 to about 20wt.% ethanol, and about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt.% decyl glucoside (all based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition).

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition can be formulated as an antimicrobial gel. In these embodiments, the antimicrobial composition may further comprise a thickening agent in addition to the LAE and the selected antimicrobial or preservative enhancing agent described above.

In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more thickeners and optionally one or more stabilizers. Examples of thickeners and stabilizers include hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and ammonium acryloyldimethyl taurate/VP copolymer. In one embodiment, wherein the thickening or stabilizing agent is starch-based, the thickening or stabilizing agent is present in an amount of up to about 10% by weight, in another embodiment in an amount of about 0.1 to about 5% by weight, and in yet another embodiment in an amount of about 0.2 to about 1% by weight (all based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In other embodiments, wherein the thickener or stabilizer is a synthetic polymer, the thickener or stabilizer is present in an amount of up to about 15% by weight, in another embodiment in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, and in yet another embodiment in an amount of from about 1 to about 2% by weight (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition).

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial compositions may be thickened using polyacrylate thickeners (e.g., polyacrylate thickeners conventionally available and/or known in the art). Examples of polyacrylate thickeners include carbomers, acrylates/C_10-30Alkyl acrylate crosslinked polymer, acrylic acid and alkyl (C)₅-C₁₀) Copolymers of acrylic esters, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic anhydride, and mixtures thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the polymeric thickener includes from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of a cross-linking agent. Examples of crosslinking agents include polyalkenyl polyethers.

Commercially available polyacrylate type polymers include those sold under the trade name Carbopol、Acrysol ICS-1、Polygel、Sokalan、Carbopol 1623、Carbopol695. Ultrez 10 and PolygelPolymers sold by DB.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial gel composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric thickener to adjust the viscosity of the antimicrobial gel to a viscosity range of about 1000 to about 65000 centipoise. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial gel has a viscosity of from about 5000 to about 35,000, and in another embodiment, from about 10,000 to about 25,000. Viscosity was measured by Brookfield RV viscometer using RV and/or LV spindle at 22 oC +/-3 oC.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the effective amount of the thickening agent can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the amount of alcohol and other ingredients in the antimicrobial gel composition. In one or more embodiments, an effective amount of thickener is at least about 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial gel composition. In other embodiments, the effective amount is at least about 0.02 wt.%, in yet another embodiment at least about 0.05 wt.%, and in yet other embodiments at least about 0.1 wt.%. In one embodiment, the effective amount of thickener is at least about 0.5 wt.%, and in another embodiment, at least about 0.75 wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial gel. In one or more embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise up to about 10% by weight of the total composition of a polymeric thickener. In certain embodiments, the amount of thickener is from about 0.01 to about 1 wt.%, in another embodiment from about 0.02 to about 0.4 wt.%, and in another embodiment from about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial gel. In one embodiment, the amount of thickener is from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, in another embodiment from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, and in another embodiment from about 0.75% to about 2% wt.%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial gel.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial gel can further comprise a neutralizing agent. Examples of neutralizing agents include amines, alkanolamines, alkanolamides, inorganic bases, amino acids and salts, esters, and acyl derivatives thereof. Co-pending International application publication No. WO 2009/058802, which is incorporated herein by reference, further describes examples of commonly used neutralizing agents.

The antimicrobial gel compositions of the present invention may be used in any type of dispenser commonly used for gel products, such as pump dispensers. A wide variety of pump dispensers are suitable. The pump dispenser may be secured to a bottle or other freestanding container. The pump dispenser may be incorporated into a wall-mounted dispenser. The pump dispenser may be activated manually by hand or foot pump, or may be activated automatically. Useful dispensers include those available from GOJO Industries under the name NXTAnd TFX^TMThe resulting dispenser is a bag-in-box dispenser (bag-in-box dispenser) as well as a conventional bag-in-box dispenser. Examples of dispensers are described in U.S. patent nos. 5,265,772, 5,944,227, 6,877,642, 7,028,861 and U.S. published application nos. 2006/0243740 a1 and 2006/0124662 a1, which are all incorporated herein by reference. In one or more embodiments, the dispenser comprises an outlet, such as a nozzle, through which the antimicrobial gel composition is dispensed.

The antimicrobial composition can be prepared by simply mixing the components together. In one or more embodiments, the LAE is added after the other ingredients have been mixed and the pH has been determined to be between about 3 and about 7. A pH adjuster may be used if desired. Buffers may also be used.

In one embodiment, the antimicrobial gel composition is prepared by a method comprising dispersing the polymeric thickener in alcohol and slowly to moderate agitation, adding water, followed by the addition of any optional ingredients, measuring the pH of the mixture, adjusting it to about 3 to about 7 if necessary, adding LAE, and mixing until the mixture is homogeneous. As is known in the art, the polymeric thickener may be neutralized and a gel formed using a neutralizing agent. If the thickener is one that swells when mixed with water or alcohol, a gel may be formed without a neutralizing agent.

As noted above, the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention comprise a cationic surfactant such as LAE, one or more certain antimicrobial agents and a preservative. In one or more embodiments, the balance of the antimicrobial composition includes water or other suitable solvent. In one embodiment, one or more volatile silicone-based materials are included in the formulation to further aid the evaporation process. Exemplary volatile silicones have a lower heat of vaporization than alcohols. In certain embodiments, the use of a silicone-based material can reduce the surface tension of the fluid composition. Which provides greater contact with the surface. In one embodiment, a silicone-based material, such as cyclomethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate (trimethloxysilicate), or a combination thereof, may be included in the formulation at a concentration of from about 4 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, and in another embodiment from about 5 wt.% to about 35 wt.%, and in yet another embodiment from about 11 wt.% to about 25 wt.% (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial gel composition).

The composition may further comprise a wide variety of optional ingredients, provided that it does not deleteriously affect the disinfecting efficacy of the composition. By detrimental is meant that the log reduction according to FDA TFM healthcare worker hand washing tests is not negligible (de minimus) or in other words, the log reduction is not reduced by more than about 0.5. The CTFA international cosmetic ingredient dictionary and manual (eleventh edition, 2005) and 2004 CTFA international customer guide describe a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry that are suitable for use in the present compositions, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Page 537 of this reference describes a non-limiting example of a functional class of components. Examples of these functional categories include: abrasives, anti-acne agents, anti-caking agents, antioxidants, binders, biological additives, fillers, chelating agents, chemical additives, colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, external analgesics, film formers, fragrance components, humectants, opacifying agents, plasticizers, preservatives (sometimes referred to as antimicrobials), propellants, reducing agents, skin bleaching agents, skin conditioning agents (emollients, miscellaneous and occlusive), skin care agents, solvents, surfactants, foam boosters, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents, suspending agents (non-surfactants), sunscreens, ultraviolet light absorbers, detackifiers, and viscosity increasing agents (aqueous and non-aqueous). Other functional classes of useful materials herein known to those of ordinary skill in the art include solubilizing agents, sequestering agents, keratolytic agents, topically active ingredients, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more humectants. Examples of humectants include propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1, 4-dihydroxyhexane, 1,2, 6-hexanetriol, sorbitol, butylene glycol, propylene glycol, such as methyl propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol (glycerin), polyethylene glycol, ethoxy diglycol, polyethylene sorbitol, and combinations thereof. Other humectants include glycolic acid, glycolate, lactate, lactic acid, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate, hyaluronic acid, chitin, and the like. In one embodiment, the humectant is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In another embodiment the humectant is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 8% by weight, in another embodiment from about 2 to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

In these or other embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more conditioning or moisturizing esters. Examples of esters include cetyl myristate, cetyl myristoleate (cetyl myristoleate) and other cetyl esters, diisopropyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate. In one embodiment, the ester is present in an amount up to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In another embodiment the ester is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5% by weight, in another embodiment from about 1 to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more emulsifiers. Examples of emulsifiers include stearyl alcohol, sorbitan oleate trideceth-2, poloxamer and PEG/PPG-20/6 dimethicone. In one embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of up to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition. In another embodiment the emulsifier is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to 5% by weight, in another embodiment from about 0.5 to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more solubilizing agents. Examples of the solubilizer include PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate-80, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, cetostearyl polyoxyethylene ether-20, oleyl polyoxyethylene ether-20, PEG-4 and propylene glycol. The amount of solubilizer is not particularly limited so long as it does not adversely affect the disinfecting efficacy of the composition.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises one or more antiviral agents or antiviral enhancers. Examples of antiviral agents include plants such as rosmarinic acid, tetrahydrocurcuminoids, oleuropein, oleanolic acid, red shrub (aspalathus linearis) extract, white tea, black tea, green tea extract, neem oil limonoids, coleus blumei oil, licorice extract, sanguisorba officinalis, ginger and cinnamon extract, alpha-glucan oligosaccharides, perilla leaf powder, camphor, camellia oleifera leaf extract, ginger, menthol, eucalyptus, silanol (calillisil hc), methylsilanol hydroxyprolinate aspartate (hydroxyphenolisorane cn), sandalwood oil/resin, calendula oil, rosemary oil, lime/orange oil, and hop acid. When used, the antiviral agent is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition.

Examples of antiviral enhancers include proton donors, cationic oligomers and polymers, chaotropic agents, and copper and zinc compounds. Co-pending U.S. patent application publications 2007/0184013, 2007/0185216, and 2009/0018213, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, further describe antiviral enhancers.

Advantageously, the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can limit certain ingredients that have been designated as key substances for current antimicrobial compositions. For example, if desired, the sulfones, antimicrobial metals, antibiotics, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, and sorbic acid may be limited to less than about 0.5 wt.% each, or in another embodiment less than about 0.1 wt.% each (based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition). In another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition is free of one or more of sulfones, antimicrobial metals, antibiotics, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, and sorbic acid.

As noted above, the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can take various forms, including liquids, gels, or foams. In one embodiment where the antimicrobial composition is in the form of a liquid, the percent solids of the antimicrobial composition is less than about 6%, in another embodiment, less than about 5%, in yet another embodiment, less than about 4%, in yet another embodiment, less than about 3%, in another embodiment, less than about 2%, and in yet another embodiment, less than about 1%. Percent solids can be determined by various methods known in the art.

Unexpectedly, rapid antimicrobial activity enhancement, i.e., synergy, is achieved when LAE is combined with certain antimicrobial agents or preservatives of the present invention. In one or more embodiments the antimicrobial composition is effective at killing gram negative and gram positive bacteriaBacteria, fungi, parasites, non-enveloped and enveloped viruses. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition has activity against bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus: (a)Staphylococcus aureus) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coliEscherichia coli) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and (B)Pseudomonas aeruginosa) Serratia marcescens (A), (B), (C)Serratia marcescens) and fungi such as Candida albicans (C.albicans)Candida albicans) And Aspergillus nigerAspergillus niger) Rapid antimicrobial efficacy. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial composition has rapid efficacy against skin microbiota, including both resident and transient skin microbiota.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for killing or inactivating surface microorganisms comprising applying to a surface an effective amount of an antimicrobial composition described herein. An effective amount generally refers to an amount sufficient to contact the entire surface. The antimicrobial compositions can be used on a wide variety of surfaces or substrates, including skin, porous and non-porous surfaces. The test was performed after a contact time of about 15 seconds according to ASTM E2783-10, "standard test method for assessing antimicrobial activity of water-miscible compounds using the time-kill procedure" (international ASTM 2011) (formerly ASTM E2315), which provides for testing against e.coli, s.aureus, e.faecium: (a) ((r) escherichia coli, (b) staphylococcus aureus, (b) enterococcus faecium: (b))Enterococcus faecium) And serratia marcescens (group 1) in at least 2, in some embodiments at least 3, and in other embodiments at least 4, said test methods being incorporated herein by reference.

Tested after a contact time of about 15 seconds according to ASTM E2783-10, the method provides a test against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Proteus mirabilis ((MRSA))P. mirabilis) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae) ((B))K. pneumoniae) And Staphylococcus epidermidis: (S. epidermidis) The log reduction of the mixture of (group 2) is at least 2, in some embodiments at least 3, and in other embodiments at least 4.

The present invention further provides a method for inactivating viruses on a surface comprising applying an effective amount of an antimicrobial composition described herein to the surface. The "standard test method for efficacy of antimicrobial agents against suspended viruses" (international ASTM 2002), which test method provides a log reduction against rotavirus and influenza a virus of at least 2, in some embodiments at least 3, in other embodiments at least 4, tested after a contact time of about 30 seconds, the test method being incorporated herein by reference.

It is contemplated that the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention may be used as a hand sanitizer for health care workers. The present invention is expected to provide antimicrobial compositions that will meet the criteria of the FDA Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare antibacterial Drug Products (TFM) for Healthcare personnel hand washing (Federal Register 59 [116],1994, 6, 17: 31402, page 31452), which is incorporated herein by reference.

It is contemplated that the antimicrobial compositions and methods of the present invention will provide the sustained efficacy needed to make them useful as surgical scrubbing compositions. The requirements for in vitro and in vivo testing of surgical scrubs are outlined in the final monograph of FDA Tentative (TFM) for healthcare antibacterial drug products (Federal Register 59 [116], 6.17.1994: 31445, 31448). The in vivo testing procedure described starting at page 31445 will be referred to hereinafter as the FDA TFM surgical hand scrub test. The antimicrobial efficacy of the surgical scrub may also be tested by any recognized appropriate test to demonstrate adequate disinfection of the resident skin flora. Examples of such tests are ASTM E1115-10, "Standard test methods for evaluating surgical hand scrub formulations" (International ASTM 2010) and EN12791:2005, "chemical disinfectants and antiseptics, surgical hand sanitization" (CEN-Comite Europ EN de Normalisation, Brussels, Belgium), both test methods being incorporated herein by reference.

It is envisaged that the antimicrobial compositions and methods of the present invention will provide the rapid, broad spectrum efficacy required to make the compositions useful as skin formulations as described and tested herein, ASTM E1173-01 provides "standard test methods for assessing pre-operative, pre-catheterization or pre-injection skin formulations" (international ASTM 2009) and FDA Tentative Final Monograph (TFM) for health care antimicrobial drug products (Federal Register 59 [116],1994, 6 months 17: page 31402-.

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention will meet one or more of the following criteria: EN 1040:2005 for basic bactericidal activity, titled "chemical disinfectants and antiseptics-quantitative suspension test for evaluating basic bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics"; EN 1275:2005 for basic fungicidal activity, titled "chemical disinfectants and antimicrobials — quantitative suspension test to evaluate basic fungicidal or basic fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antimicrobials"; EN 1500:1997 for the activity of products used as sanitary hand wipes (handrub), titled "chemical disinfectants and antiseptics-sanitary hand wipes"; EN 1499:1997 for sanitary hand sanitizers, titled "chemical disinfectants and antiseptics-sanitary hand sanitizers; EN 14348:2005 for tubercidin (tuberculodal) killing activity, titled "chemical disinfectants and antimicrobials — quantitative suspension test to assess mycobacterial killing activity of chemical disinfectants in the medical field, including instrument disinfectants"; EN 14476:2005+ a1:2006 titled "chemical disinfectants and antibacterials-virucidal quantitative suspension test for chemical disinfectants and antibacterials for use in human medicine" for virucidal activity; and EN12791:2005 for surgical hand disinfection, entitled "chemical disinfectants and antibacterials — surgical hand disinfection". All of the above standards are published by the european standardization Committee (CEN) and are incorporated herein by reference.

Advantageously, in one or more embodiments, the present invention further provides compositions having rapid antimicrobial efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi and broad spectrum virucidal efficacy against one or more enveloped or one or more non-enveloped viruses. Examples of enveloped viruses include herpes viruses, influenza viruses, paramyxoviruses, viruses,Respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, SARS-CoV and togavirus. Non-enveloped viruses, sometimes referred to as "naked" viruses, include the following families: picornaviridae (Picornaviridae) Reoviridae (A), (B) and (B)Reoviridae) Caliciviridae (A) and (B)Caliciviridae) Adenoviridae (a)Adenoviridae) And parvoviridae (Parvoviridae). Members of these families include rhinoviruses, polioviruses, adenoviruses, hepatitis a viruses, Norovirus (Norovirus), papillomaviruses, and rotaviruses.

To illustrate the practice of the invention, the following examples were prepared and testedApplying (a) toFor example. However, the described embodimentApplying (a) toThe examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The claims will serve to define the invention.

Examples

Examples 1-9 contained 10 wt.% ethanol/water. As summarized in the table below, examples 1-9 also contained 0.1 wt.% of a substance known to have preservative efficacy. Example 9 (and all of the following examples containing LAE) was prepared using Aminat-G (commercially available from Vedeqsa inc. and which contains 20wt.% LAE/glycerol). The pH of examples 1-8 is within the recommended range for these preservatives. The pH of example 9 was adjusted to between 7-9 using sodium hydroxide.

The in vitro efficacy of these compositions was measured against a mixture of E.coli, S.aureus, E.faecium (class 1) and Serratia marcescens. This test was performed according to the method of ASTM E2315, the "standard guidelines for evaluating antimicrobial activity using the time-kill procedure", which is also consistent with ASTM E2783-10, the "standard test method for evaluating antimicrobial activity using the time-kill procedure" for water-miscible compounds. The contact time was 15 seconds. The results are summarized in the following table. It can be seen that LAE exhibits an unexpected efficacy that is significantly greater than other preservatives.

TABLE 1

¹Germaben II-propylene glycol, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and diazolidinyl urea obtained from International Specialty Products

²Merguard 1200-Methylbromidinitrile (and) phenoxyethanol from Nalco

³Kathon-5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one

Examples 10-13 contained 0.1 wt.% LAE. Examples 11 and 13 also contained 10 wt.% ethanol. The pH of examples 12 and 13 was adjusted to about 5 using sodium hydroxide. The in vitro efficacy of these compositions against a mixture of staphylococcus aureus and serratia marcescens was measured. The test was carried out as described above for examples 1-9, with a contact time of 15 seconds. The results are summarized in the following table. For control purposes, the 10 wt.% ethanol composition without LAE had a log reduction of less than 0.1 for both staphylococcus aureus and serratia marcescens. Ethanol was seen to enhance the efficacy of LAE. Unexpectedly, the efficacy is greater at higher pH 5.

TABLE 2

Examples 14-28 contained 0.1 wt.% LAE and 0.4 wt.% glycerol (obtained from Aminat-G). Examples 14-28 also included one or more enhancers, as summarized in the table below.

The in vitro efficacy of these compositions was measured against a mixture of E.coli, S.aureus, E.faecium and Serratia marcescens (class 1). The test was carried out according to the procedure described above for examples 1-9. The contact time was 15 seconds. The results are summarized in the following table. It can be seen that LAE exhibits unexpected efficacy in the presence of certain enhancers.

Some data have shown that up to about 2-3 wt.% nonionic and amphoteric surfactants can be used without deleteriously affecting antimicrobial efficacy. However, the data in table 3 indicate that higher amounts of the nonionic surfactant decyl glucoside and the amphoteric surfactant cocoamidopropyl betaine negatively impact antimicrobial efficacy.

TABLE 3

Efficacy was also measured against a mixture of staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), proteus mirabilis, klebsiella pneumoniae and staphylococcus epidermidis (group 2). The test was carried out according to the procedure described above for examples 1-9. The contact time was 15 seconds. Examples 28-34 contained 0.1 wt.% LAE and 0.4 wt.% glycerol (prepared using Aminat-G). Examples 29-34 also include one or more enhancers, as summarized in the following table. Examples 31-34 also contain 1 wt.% each of an Active byte available from Active Organics under the trade name Soap WartActiphyte with Soap BarkTwo natural foam extracts were obtained.

TABLE 4

Antiviral efficacy was tested according to ASTM 1052, "standard test method for efficacy of antimicrobial agents against suspended viruses" (international ASTM 2002). The compositions were tested at an exposure time of 30 seconds and a concentration of 90%. Example 35 was prepared from Aminat-G, SDA ethanol and water, which contained 0.75 wt.% LAE, 3 wt.% glycerol, and 10 wt.% ethanol. The results are shown in the following table.

TABLE 5

Broad spectrum efficacy was tested against serratia marcescens, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Corynebacterium dipetheriae), Enterococcus faecalis (Enterococcus faecalis), escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae (Klebsiella pneumoniae), Acinetobacter baumannii (Acinetobacter baumannii), pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella choleraesuis (Salmonella choleraesuis). Examples 36-38 contained 10 wt.% ethanol, 2 wt.% decyl glucoside, and varying amounts of LAE. Example 36 contained 0.1 wt.% LAE, example 37 contained 0.25 wt.% LAE, and example 38 contained 0.5 wt.% LAE. Examples 36-38 were adjusted to a pH of about 5.5. Example 39 is available under the trade name Provon^tmA commercially available hand sanitizer, and comprises about 3 wt.% triclosan.

Examples 36-38 obtained a log reduction of greater than 4 for all tested organisms except corynebacterium diphtheriae, with a log reduction of greater than 3.5 for corynebacterium diphtheriae. Example 39 a log reduction of more than 4 for all organisms was obtained, except for corynebacterium diphtheriae (log reduction of more than 3.5 for corynebacterium diphtheriae) and serratia marcescens (log reduction of less than 2).

Using a pigskin sample instead of a human hand to simulate the FDA healthcare worker hand sanitizer test, examples 39-43 contained 10 wt.% SDA ethanol, 3 wt.% glycerin, and varying amounts of LAE (as shown in the table below) and balance water.

Fresh pig back integral skin fat was obtained and cut into approximately 1.5 inch cubes. Fat was cut from the skin so that the sample was no more than 0.25 inches thick. The skin squares were soaped, rinsed with water, patted dry, and sterilized with 70% ethanol for about 1 minute. The skin squares were placed overnight in a hydration chamber containing glycerol and water. The samples were inoculated with bacteria and allowed to dry for 2 minutes. Using a micropipette, 25 μ L of the test product was added to the middle of the skin fragment and rubbed for about 30 seconds. The sample was allowed to dry for 2 minutes. Two more times the additional test product was added, rubbed, and dried. The samples were placed in Butterfield phosphate buffered saline containing a neutralizing agent (BPB +) and sonicated for 60 seconds to remove bacteria from the skin samples. The solution was serially diluted and plated according to industry standard procedures. The mean log reduction from baseline was determined, see table 6 below. The "control" sample was a commercially available product that had been shown to pass the FDA TFM test for healthcare worker hand sanitizer, with 0.13 wt.% benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient.

TABLE 6

The compositions of the present invention were tested according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sanitization test for inanimate surfaces, DIS/TSS-10 (1976). Examples 44-45 contained 10 wt.% SDA-3C ethanol, 1 wt.% glycerol, 0.25 wt.% LAE, 0.75 wt.% decyl glucoside, 0.015 wt.% lactic acid, and 50 wt.% sodium lactate. Example 44 was tested as a spray, while example 45 was applied to an SMS wipe with about 500% loading. Samples were tested against staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and klebsiella pneumoniae (aberrated, ATCC 4352) according to the EPA method. The contact time was 5 minutes. The results are shown in Table 7 below.

TABLE 7

Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to only the illustrative embodiments described herein.

Claims (32)

1. An antimicrobial composition comprising:

a cationic surfactant represented by the following formula

Wherein R is¹Is selected from

R²Is an aromatic or alkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, m is from about 8 to about 14, n is from 0 to about 4, X is chloride, bromide, or a counter ion derived from an organic or inorganic acid or phenolic compound;

at least one of the following: (i) from about 2 to about 90 wt.% C, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition_1-6An alcohol, (ii) about 0.02 to about 30 wt.% of C, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition_6-10A1, 2-alkanediol, and (iii) a mixture of (i) and (ii); wherein the antimicrobial composition has a pH of about 3.5 to about 9.5.

2. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein X is a counter ion derived from acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, gluconic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, carbonic acid, glutamic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, or thiocyanic acid.

3. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein X is a counter ion derived from Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary-butylhydroquinone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben.

4. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition has a pH of from about 5 to about 9.

5. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition has a pH of from about 7 to about 8.

6. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises an antimicrobial composition based on the total weight of the antimicrobial compositionAbout 0.02 to about 10 wt.% C_6-101, 2-alkanediols.

7. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein C is_6-10The 1, 2-alkanediol is 1, 2-hexanediol or 1, 2-octanediol.

8. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein C is_6-10The 1, 2-alkanediol is 1, 2-octanediol.

9. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises about 2 to about 20wt.% C, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition_1-6An alcohol.

10. The antimicrobial composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises about 40 to about 90 wt.% C, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial composition_1-6An alcohol.

11. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition further comprises an antimicrobial or preservative selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolic compounds, and 2-methyl-1, 2-thiazol-3-one.

12. The antimicrobial composition of claim 11, wherein the antimicrobial or preservative comprises one or more of the following: quaternary ammonium ion-15, benzalkonium chloride, 2-phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, sodium methylparaben, sodium propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben.

13. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition further comprises a foaming agent selected from silicone polymeric surfactants.

14. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition further comprises a foaming agent selected from the group consisting of nonionic and amphoteric foaming agents.

15. The antimicrobial composition of claim 12, wherein the non-ionic foaming agent comprises decyl glucoside.

16. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition further comprises a thickener.

17. An antimicrobial composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cationic surfactant is lauric arginate.

18. The antimicrobial composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises less than about 0.5 wt.% of any of sulfones, antimicrobial metals, antibiotics, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, and sorbic acid, based on the total weight of the composition.

19. The antimicrobial composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises less than about 0.1 wt.% of any of 2,4,4 '-trichloro-2' -hydroxy-diphenyl ether (triclosan), 3,4, 4-trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), 2-phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine salts (CHG), Parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX), hexetidine, and cetylpyridinium based on the total weight of the compositionAnd (3) salt.

20. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a surgical hand scrub, wherein the surgical hand scrub is tested according to the FDA TFM surgical hand scrub test.

21. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a surgical hand scrub, wherein the surgical hand scrub is tested according to standard test method EN12791: 2005.

22. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a surgical hand scrub, wherein the surgical hand scrub is tested according to standard test method ASTM 1115-10.

23. Use of a composition according to any of the preceding claims as a pre-operative, pre-catheterization or pre-injection skin preparation, wherein the skin preparation is tested according to standard test method ASTM 1173-01.

24. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a chemical disinfectant and antimicrobial agent for essential bactericidal activity, wherein the chemical disinfectant and antimicrobial agent is tested according to standard test method EN 1040: 2005.

25. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a chemical disinfectant and antibacterial agent for essential fungicidal activity, wherein the chemical disinfectant and antibacterial agent are tested according to standard test method EN 1275: 2005.

26. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a sanitary wipe, wherein the sanitary wipe is tested according to standard test method EN 1500: 1997.

27. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a sanitary hand sanitizer, wherein the sanitary hand sanitizer is tested according to standard test method EN 14348: 2005.

28. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a disinfectant for devices, wherein the disinfectant for devices is tested according to standard test method EN 14348: 2005.

29. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim as a virucidal composition, wherein the virucidal composition is tested according to standard test method EN 14476: 2005.

30. A method for disinfecting a surface, the method comprising the steps of:

contacting the surface with a composition comprising LAE and a compound selected from C_1-6Alcohol, C_6-10 An antimicrobial agent or preservative of 1, 2-alkanediol and mixtures thereof, wherein the composition has a pH of from about 3.5 to about 9.5.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the method provides a log reduction of at least 2 against a mixture of e.coli, s.aureus, e.faecium, and serratia marcescens (group 1) when tested according to ASTM E2783-10 at a contact time of about 15 seconds.

32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein the method provides a log reduction of at least 2 against a mixture of staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), proteus mirabilis, klebsiella pneumoniae, and staphylococcus epidermidis (group 2) when tested according to ASTM E2783-10 at a contact time of about 15 seconds.