EP1448055A1

EP1448055A1 - Agent for reducing the microbial content in water in order to achieve quality of consumption

Info

Publication number: EP1448055A1
Application number: EP02785068A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Heimo Wessollek
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-15
Filing date: 2002-11-15
Publication date: 2004-08-25
Also published as: WO2003045144A1; AU2002350397A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an agent for reducing the microbial content in water and for stabilising water and aqueous solutions in order to achieve quality of consumption, especially for air humidification. Said agent contains at least one food preserving substance, at least one peroxide and at least one essential oil. The invention also relates to a method for reducing the microbial content in air and to the use of said agent.

Description

Means for reducing the bacterial count of water in food quality

The invention relates to an agent for reducing the bacterial count and stabilizing water and aqueous solutions in food quality, in particular for air humidification, as well as a method for reducing the bacterial count in air and the use of the agent.

The contamination of the indoor air is a fundamental problem both in private households as well as in commercial rooms and in the manufacturing sector, especially in food processing companies. The packaging is also subject to exogenous and endogenous germs.

A particular problem arises in rooms in which droplet infection must be feared - for example during the cold and wet season with flu and other virus infections, especially in waiting rooms, hospitals, during epidemics with diseases communicable via droplet infection, but also in public rooms, ticket halls, consulting rooms Etc..

An attempt is often made to limit such contamination by rapid air exchange or the use of air filter systems. However, the effect achieved in this way is insufficient, in particular the filter systems used here can serve as a source for the distribution of microorganisms in the ambient air, even due to contamination.

In nature, the sun, with its UV radiation and oxygen ions or naturally formed per-compounds, provides for air disinfection. This type of disinfection is not possible in closed rooms or air conditioning systems. Aggressive gases or other toxic substances must not be used. In food sales and production, the number of bacteria is often reduced by means of specially designed UV generators, which has the disadvantage that the air is only disinfected in the vicinity of the lamp, has no aftereffect and therefore no universally applicable solution to reduce the number of bacteria exists. The range of effectiveness of such sterilization devices is usually not sufficient to sterilize entire air systems - even in larger building complexes. Air disinfection devices have also become known which treat air with bactericidal solutions. Bactericidal water is used to humidify the air, which means that the bactericidal aqueous solution is then in the air humidity and acts there.

A large number of agents for reducing the bacterial count and for stabilizing water are known. The most important active ingredient groups are those based on active oxygen, such as ozone, peroxides or potassium permanganate, or those with a high oxidation potential, such as chlorine or hypochlorite. The oxidation of the germs in the water results in a strong reduction in the number of germs in the short term - due to the decrease in the oxidation potential, the effect of these agents is only temporary, so that later germination of the sterilized water or air cannot be prevented.

A distinction is made between agents for reducing the bacterial count and stabilizing water according to the intended use, namely for drinking water or air disinfection. They should be bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporicidal for a short time.

For this purpose, chlorination of water has usually been used in the past, i.e. a process in which chlorine gas is passed into water and decomposes there into hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. Ozone has often been used as a disinfectant. Both substances have the disadvantage that they are in the gaseous state and therefore require complex systems for their use. In addition, both substances are extremely toxic and therefore require increased precautionary measures. Finally, due to the fact that these are gaseous materials, their duration of action in the water is short, so that "re-chlorination" must be carried out continuously.

It was extremely difficult in the private sector to work with chlorine systems. There were also accidents in which chlorine leaked. Finally, it should be noted that chlorine allergies are also becoming increasingly common, so that such baths cannot be used by many users. This is particularly important for buildings that are used for therapeutic purposes, such as baths, hospitals, etc., where sensitive people in particular come into contact with them come, that they could not be used due to allergies.

Of particular interest in this context are all the more agents which, while being highly effective in combating microorganisms against humans and animals, are non-toxic and can therefore be used in air filter systems or air conditioning systems. It is also important that the inhibition of germ growth has a longer effect in order to prevent uninhibited germ growth of remaining germs in the water or air freed from competing germs.

Germination in open air systems, such as air conditioning systems, is particularly problematic, since disinfected air can constantly become contaminated again by supplying additional, new air, which can lead to mass infection. Such problematic germs include, for example, the contamination of air and air conditioning systems with anthrax, which, when taken up through the respiratory tract, leads to the fatal pulmonary anthrax - but also legionella infections, which spread via the air humidity and dust particles. The same applies to flu viruses and other germs from pathogens.

Another problem was that various germs became resistant to antibiotics very quickly, so that their dosage was constantly increased or new infections constantly occurred.

DE-A-40 31 664 has disclosed a means of reducing bacterial growth in water, with benzoic acid or its derivatives being used to preserve water. From EP 00103554.2 a means for air disinfection has already become known which treats air in an environmentally friendly manner by aerosols with active substances.

To avoid repetition, reference is made in full to the aforementioned patents.

It is an object of the invention to treat aqueous solutions, in particular for the treatment of air and air conditioning systems, in such a way that the number of bacteria in them is reduced and this state is stabilized. The object is achieved according to the invention by an agent with at least one food preservative, at least one peroxide, and at least one essential oil.

This agent preferably has a content of at least one non-toxic acid, the pH of the water containing the agent being adjusted by acid such that it is in the slightly acidic to neutral range (pH 4-7.5).

Suitable food preservatives should be slightly water-soluble. For example, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid, formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, methoxybenzoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid and its derivatives, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid and their derivatives, salts and mixtures thereof are advantageously suitable.

The at least one peroxide can be selected, for example, from the readily available hydrogen peroxide, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium peroxide, peracids and their derivatives, such as perborate perphosphate, percarbonate - but other peroxides can also be used, depending on availability and suitability. be used.

It may be favorable to select the at least one essential oil from oils of lemon balm, coriander, cardamom, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lemon grass, lemon, citronella, neem tree, citrus plants, orange, lime oregano, thyme, rosemary, clove, fennel , Tangerine, anise, tarragon, allspice; Lavender; Mustard, onion, garlic, pepper, peppermint, caraway, dill, nutmeg, sage, tea tree, fennel, lemon balm oil, mandarins, anise, cascarilla, tarragon, allspice, lavender, bitter orange, caraway, dill, sandalwood, pine needles, pine and spruce needles and their individual components, such as eugenol, thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, camphor, cineol etc.

The essential oils are usually used in dilutions, especially in those that are soluble in water in order to be able to develop their full effect. Lemon oil is generally known to have germicidal, antiseptic properties and to strengthen the immune system and is also used in aromatherapy. turns. Eucalyptus oil, in particular its most important component, antiseptic cineol, is also used for colds, for example, and is well tolerated by the animal and human respiratory tract. Tea tree oil, for example, was used 4000 years ago by the Australian natives, among other things, because of its germicidal and antiseptic properties. It works against bacteria, fungi and viruses.

The agent used according to the invention can, for example, 0.1-10g, preferably 0.2-6g and particularly preferably 0.3-4g sodium benzoate and 0.1-10g, preferably 0.2-5g and particularly preferably 0.3-3g sorbic acid per liter of water and essential oil in water-soluble quantities.

Typical amounts of essential oil for thyme oil are between 0.05-0.5% by weight; for sage oil 0.1-0.5% by weight of the solution. Due to his specialist knowledge, the person skilled in the art is familiar with a change in quantity in accordance with the requirements of the premises.

In a special embodiment for air atomization there is a solution for atomization in air with 0.25-2% by weight sodium benzoate, 0.025-0.2% by weight sorbic acid, 1-5% by weight 50% HO = and 0.01 0.5% by weight of essential oil in water has been found to be suitable, but the invention is by no means restricted to this exemplary composition.

The invention. Process for reducing the bacterial count in air, involves introducing a solution of the agent according to the invention in water into an evaporation / atomization plant; Evaporation / atomization of the solution and transfer of the saturated vapor to the closed room.

The desired effect can usually be achieved by evaporating from 0.001 to 1 ml per cubic meter of air per hour of the solution.

The agent can generally be used to reduce the number of bacteria in air, water, on surfaces, in drinking and industrial water, in baths, hospitals, for example in drinking and industrial water, in baths, hospitals, animal experiments, animal breeding plants and animal husbandry and / or food production plants, pharmaceutical and cosmetic production plants; Greenhouses, civil and military transportation.

According to the invention, an agent is specified that is non-toxic and easy to use, and avoids accidents such as can occur with aggressive gaseous disinfectants, such as air or ozone. The term "non-toxic" used here means materials that are not toxic in the dilutions present in water.

Surprisingly, it was found that the germ content in the ambient air can be changed significantly by dividing / atomizing the special composition according to the invention. In addition, only extremely low concentrations of the agent are required for the effectiveness of the agent, so that this does not impair the persons in the room or the products stored here. Thus, food processing companies, such as sausage manufacturing companies or even large bakeries, can be successfully protected against germs via the airways with the agent according to the invention. A particularly preferred application is also the introduction of air treated with the agent according to the invention as a protective atmosphere in the packaging of nuts, bread rolls, oatmeal etc. The agent according to the invention can at least delay the development of fungi or microbial decomposition and thus the durability of the Product will be extended. Because the agent has such an anti-microbial effect, it is able to ensure a better shelf life than the nitrogen used hitherto, which, although not itself contaminated, also has no anti-microbial effect.

The peroxide content of the solution is important, which also contributes to the destruction of germs:

The fact that food preservative is used makes it possible to use a substance which is non-toxic to humans and animals in the amounts used, but which develops a sufficient inhibitory effect against the growth of germs. The combination according to the invention keeps the water at a slightly acidic to neutral pH, especially when buffering salts of weak acids or free weak acids. The remedy is therefore longer Exposure time is well tolerated, skin-friendly and respiratory-friendly compared to known materials.

One of the preferred food preservatives, sorbic acid, is a food preservative with growth-inhibiting effects on microorganisms and has a specific spectrum of activity on molds; but it can also suppress the development of yeasts and catalase-positive bacteria. Sorbic acid is approved as a preservative up to 10 g per kg of food.

The skin is also well tolerated when used externally, since the skin is more resistant to weakly acidic pH; The skin, mucous membrane / lung surface reacts particularly sensitively when alkali is exposed to it for a long time and is also less resistant to the penetration of germs - since it swells up more. Furthermore, the acid coat of the skin is not alkaline destroyed by the water disinfected with the agent according to the invention, but is supported and a stable pH is adjusted. In contrast, known, in particular alkaline agents severely impair the acid coat of the skin and thereby intensify any existing sensitivities, such as allergies.

Even when the agent according to the invention is used in solutions as an aerosol, there is good tolerance; neither lungs nor bronchial tubes are damaged by inhalation of the air or aerosols. As a result, air disinfection is a particularly interesting application. The agent according to the invention can, for example, be metered into the air of air conditioning systems. It also has the additional beneficial effect of avoiding unpleasant odors and pleasantly scenting the room if appropriate essential oils are used, such as peppermint oil, thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil and the like. Like. By selecting the essential oils, it is also possible to influence the limbic system in a favorable manner.

By using one or more food preservatives, also in combination with an essential oil, a reduction of the germ growth is achieved, whereby both the essential oil and the non-toxic acid I the growth conditions for microorganisms deteriorate and create a favorable environment for skin and mucous membranes.

The agent according to the invention with completely non-toxic behavior is particularly suitable for reducing the number of bacteria in air and solutions for air conditioning systems. The disinfected air remains in the west. tasteless and odorless and the humidifying solution is indistinguishable from ordinary tap water.

Because one or more food preservatives can also be used according to the invention in combination with an oxidizing agent and an essential oil, which also produces a pH value that is friendly to the mucous membrane, some of the germs are initially oxidized - it being noted that germs do not develop any resistance to oxidizing agents can - and subsequently achieve a favorable influence on the (possibly still remaining) bacterial growth through the non-toxic preservative; these non-toxic compounds unexpectedly worsen the growth conditions for microorganisms. Preferably about 15-0.1 g, more preferably 10-0.1 g of agent are added per liter of water.

The solution of the agent used according to the invention preferably has 0.001-1% by volume H ₂ O ₂ (calculated on pure H ₂ O ₂ ), 0.1-10g, preferably 0.2-6g and particularly preferably 0.3-4g sodium benzoate and 0.1-10g, preferably 0.2-5g and particularly preferably 0.3-3g sorbic acid per liter of water, and optionally stabilizers for the peroxide compound. Phosphoric acid can preferably be added to stabilize the peroxide compound.

About 1000-10 ml of the solution of the agent according to the invention are added per m ^{3 of} water, preferably 200-10 ml of the solution of the agent per m ^{3 of} water. For veterinary purposes approx. 100 ml / m ³ , for wells 200 ml / m ³ and for drinking water approx. 25 - 50 ml / m ³ are added to the water to be treated; the dosage depends on the amount of bacteria in the water and the intended use for stabilizing or reducing the number of bacteria in the dampening water. The agent according to the invention can also be used to stabilize water in swimming pools, whirlpools, plunge pools and the like, with about 100 ml, preferably 80 ml, of agent per m ^{3 of} water being added for the first dose and then with about 25 to 10 ml of agent per m ³ is continued. The combination according to the invention makes it possible to conserve water and the air humidified with it in a simple and inexpensive manner. The agent according to the invention can be in solid form or as a solution in water. It is preferred to use the atomized or ultrasonically atomized agent as an aerosol, this is particularly advantageous in rooms or air conditioning systems. Since the agent is non-toxic and also does not have to be assigned to any other hazard class, transportation is easy and inexpensive. This is particularly beneficial for use when traveling. There is no need for time-consuming boiling of tap water; a large amount of water - e.g. also pools or other water reservoirs - can be disinfected at short notice. In contrast to conventionally used agents for reducing the number of bacteria, such as permanganate, the completely non-toxic agent according to the invention can be used in a relatively large amount without hesitation.

The agent according to the invention can i.a. are used in solutions to reduce the number of germs in the air and for air conditioning systems. A decrease in anthrax bacteria and stabilization of the air could even be observed. This avoids the transmission of pathogens and the spread of infections caused by air circulation in air systems such as air conditioning systems, air filter systems etc., since bacteria and viruses always need air humidity and dust particles for transport. There is also no need to add expensive and harmful doses of pharmaceuticals to the dampening solution.

In contrast to the previous use of chlorine or ozone, the agent according to the invention is thus a biologically harmless, easy-to-use agent, which is surprisingly superior to the previous disinfectants and, depending on the concentration, is used to disinfect air and solutions for air conditioning systems.

It is noteworthy that after six months the agent according to the invention still provides practically unchanged favorable values in aqueous solution and thus easily ensures stability over a longer period of time if there are no negative external influences, such as the influx of bacteria-contaminated materials. In the In contrast to previously used agents for reducing the number of bacteria and stabilizing water, the agent according to the invention is a biologically harmless, easy-to-use agent which is surprisingly superior to the previous agents for reducing the number of bacteria and stabilizing water.

Because of its completely non-toxic properties, the agent according to the invention can even be consumed by humans and animals and can even be sold in tablet form, as a powder or as a solution. The agent according to the invention can therefore be used in indoor air, air conditioning, hospitals, schools, animal testing, animal breeding and animal husbandry.

The invention is explained below by way of example using exemplary embodiments to which it is in no way restricted.

example 1

Air conditioning fluid for humidifying the air

A clear, colorless, aqueous liquid was prepared from the following ingredients: 4 g sodium benzoate; 0.8 g sorbic acid; 12 ml of a 30% H ₂ O ₂ solution (made by diluting commercially available hydrogen peroxide solution), 5 drops of tea tree oil - all dissolved in 1 liter of water.

The liquid showed no skin-corrosive effects in a concentration of less than 5% for 1 liter of water. The liquid is odorless. It belongs to water hazard class 0, so it is not hazardous to water. The pH value of the concentration level 5% in water of standardized hardness (WSR) was 6.3 (measured electrometrically). Sodium benzoate is a food preservative with growth-inhibiting effects on microorganisms. Sodium benzoate is approved as a preservative up to 10 g per kg of food.

Hydrogen peroxide reacts as an oxidizing agent and has a disinfecting effect due to its oxidation. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water. Hydrogen peroxide solutions below 6% are not corrosive.

Example 2 Studies of the effectiveness of the agent against B. Anthracis spores

Efficacy against spores of Bacillus anthracis, strain no. 238th

A B. anthracis spore suspension (1010 cfu) was prepared, which had been obtained by incubation in a special medium for 4 weeks. With this suspension 8 paper strips (surface: semi-rough), size approx. 1.5 x 1.5 cm2, 4 pieces of wood - / surface rough) size 1, 5 x 1, 5 cm ² and coins (smooth metal surface) were inoculated. After the spore suspension had been roughly dried for about 5 minutes, a piece of each material was placed on blood agar for about 5 seconds (zero control). The remaining pieces of material were glued into different corners of a workbench (glass wall) switched to the sleeping position, the inoculated area pointing into the workbench.

700 ml of a solution according to the invention consisting of 12.6 g of sodium benzoate; 1.4 g sorbic acid; 4 drops of thymol; 2 drops of sage oil; 42 ml of 30% aqueous H ₂ O ₂ solution and 655 ml of water are introduced into a commercially available nebulizer, type BonAS 3171 (available from Piaton AG, Wiedenau, Switzerland) and the nebulizer is operated at the lowest power level. After atomization, the carrier material with inoculated spores was examined for surviving spores after 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes of residence time in the aerosol. The test was carried out by placing the inoculated material surfaces on the surface of a blood agar plate for 15 minutes and then removing them. The blood agar plate treated in this way was then incubated at 36 ° C. for 18 h. The zero controls were treated as well. The zero control contained after about 10 ^{8 to} 10 ⁹ colony forming units (cfu). The materials with smooth surfaces (coins) showed a complete destruction of the spores after only 30 minutes in the air with nebulized disinfectant; rough surfaces already showed a strong reduction in the germs after 60 minutes - a complete killing took place after 90 minutes.

The results are clearly summarized in the following table: Material microbial content survivors (cfu) after exposure

Time 30min 60 min 90 min

Wood 10 ⁸ -10 ⁹ ; 10 ⁷ 2 0

Metal 10 ⁸ -10 ⁹ 0 0 0

Paper 10 ⁸ -10 ⁹ 10 ⁵ -10 ⁷ 1 0

* Indication of the number of bacteria per piece of material

Example 3

Investigation of various recipes for air humidification

The effectiveness of the air humidification solutions on test germs was examined in the agar diffusion test. The cylinder test was used for the check. Thereby, the inoculated nutrient agar plates are treated locally with the solution to be examined by means of cylinders of a certain diameter. The solutions diffuse into the infected nutrient agar and create a growth inhibition zone (= inhibition zone). The inhibitory effect is then given as the inhibitory radius in mm.

In the present case, 0.1 ml of the disinfectant solution to be tested was applied to nutrient agar plates inoculated with test germs (Staph. Aureus and E. coli) in a cylinder test (V2A cylinder with a diameter of 8 mm).

The antibacterial effect of the formulations on gram-positive (Staph. Aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria can then be assessed from the zone of inhibition. The results are shown in the following table:

Means NaBenzoat Sorbins. ^' Thymol sage oil eth. Oil peroxide R (+) R (-) mm mm

A 0.25% 0.025% - - - 2.0% 12 10

B 0.12% 0.012% - - - - 1.5% 10 8

C 0.10% 0.010% - 1.0% 5 3

D 0.10% 0.010% - - - 2.0% 4 0

E 0.25% 0.025% 0.15% - 2.0% 25 24

F 0.25% 0.025% 0.15% 0.15% 2.0% 28 25

G 0.25% 0.025% 0.15% 0.15% 0.10% 2.0% 31 30

H 0.12% 0.012% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 1.0% 26 25

J 0.10% 0.012% 0.10% 0.10% 0.20% 1.0% 28 25

K 0.12% 0.012% 0.10% 0.10% 0.25% 0.5% 27 25

L 0.10% 0.010% 0.10% 0.10% 0.3% 0.5% 25 23

M 0.10% 0.010% 0.2% 0.1% 0.5% - 28 26

N 0.20% 0.1% 0.2% - 0 0

O - - 0.20% 0.15% 0.25% - 0 0

P - - 0.20% 0.15% 0.25% 0.10% 2 0

Q - - 0.20% 0.2% 0.3% 0.10% 4 0

R 0.10% 0.010% 0.20% 0.1% - - 0 0

S 0.15% 0.015% 0.20% 0.1% - - 5 2

From all this it follows that a high effectiveness against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by using H ₂ O ₂ in the range of 0.5 - 2.0% together with a high proportion of essential oils, sage oil and thymol (approx. 0.3 - 0, 4%) as well as food preservatives. Without peroxide, only a weak effect was observed (experiment S); while just as little effect was observed without essential oils / sage oil / thymol (A - D). Essential oils alone were also not effective (N and O).

Accordingly, a synergy between the individual components can be observed in the combination according to the invention, which exceeds the effect of the individual components.

Example 4:

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing in a production room for baked goods, 10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight ascorbic; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ , O, 25% by weight clove oil. There was a clear antimicrobial growth effect for both molds and germs in general (see Fig. 1).

Example 5

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing the vegetable counter in a supermarket: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight eucalyptus oil. A significant germ growth-preventing effect was shown - both for bacteria and especially for molds (see FIG. 2).

Example 6:

The following mixture in water was used for nebulization in a horse stable with 12 boxes, 10% by weight sodium benzoate: 0.010% by weight sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ .0.25% by weight cinnamon oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown, both for molds and for bacteria (see FIG. 3).

Example 7

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing in the publicly accessible consulting room of an administrative authority with party traffic: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight lemongrass oil. There was a clear inhibitory effect on germ growth - molds were also reduced. (Fig. 4)

Example 8

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the room in a kindergarten lounge with an average of 16 children and one adult: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight lemon oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect for fungi and bacteria was shown. (Fig. 5)

Example 9

The following mixture in water was used for atomizing the gymnasium of a high school (average occupancy: 24 pupils, 1 teacher): 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight citronella; A significant germ growth-preventing effect was shown (Fig. 6).

Example 10

The following mixture in water was used to nebulize the cold store in a fish shop: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight neem oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown (FIG. 7)

Example 11

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing a conference room with / without occupancy of an office building: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight orange oil. A significant germ growth-preventing effect was shown (FIGS. 8 and 8a)

Example 12

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing the wet cell of a car wash: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight lime oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown (FIG. 9)

Example 13

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing the wet cell of a car wash: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight oregano oil. A significant germ growth-preventing effect was shown (FIG. 10).

Example 14

The following mixture in water was used in the living room of an apartment with an occupancy of 2 adults and one child for room nebulization, 10% by weight) sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight rosemary oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown (FIG. 11).

Example 15 The following mixture in water was used to nebulize the room in a hotel kitchen in which 4 people were working: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight of fennel oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown (FIG. 12).

Example 16:

The following mixture in water was used to nebulize the room in a conference room for 40 people: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ..0.25% by weight mandarin oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown. (Fig. 13)

Example 17:

The following mixture in water was used in an exhibition room of a shepherd museum with animal preparations for nebulizing the room: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight anise oil. A significant germ growth-preventing effect was shown (Fig. 14).

Example 18: The following mixture in water was used to nebulize the waiting room

Veterinary practice used: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid;

1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight tarragon oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown.

Example 19:

The following mixture in water was used for nebulization in a test room cell: The test setup of the test room cell was as follows: A 10 m ³ room cell with a length of 2 m, a width of 2 m and a height of 2.5 m was separated using PVC films and sealed to the outside. Flour dust was introduced as a germ carrier to contaminate the room air. The spectrum of germs consisted of yeast and mold spores (800 - 1000 colony-forming units / m ³ ) and total germs (3000 - 3600 colony-forming units / m ³ ). The air germ measurement was carried out using a so-called air germ collector from Biotest Hycon, type "AIRSAMPLER RCS Plus" with corresponding air germ indicators. The germ count was determined after a incubation period of 3 to 5 days for yeast and mold at 20 ° C and for the total germs after 1 to

2 days at 36 ° C. After a treatment period of 3 days with 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight of H ₂ O ₂ 0.25% by weight of allspice oil showed a clear germ-growth-preventing effect. A yeast and mold reduction of 90.5% and a total germ count of 87.5% were measured.

Example 20:

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing in the test room cell described in Example 19 and evaluated as described there: 0.10% by weight of sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight lavender oil. After a treatment period of 1 day, the yeasts and mold were reduced by 100% and the total germs by 95.5%.

Example 21:

The following mixture in water was used to nebulize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid The following mixture in water was used to atomize the room in the test room cell described in Example 19 and evaluated as described there:

1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight mustard oil. After a treatment period of 1 day, the yeast and mold were reduced by 90% and the total germs by 91.5%.

Example 22:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight onion oil. There was a 90.5% reduction in total germs and 80% in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day.

Example 23:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight of H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight of garlic oil. There was a 90% reduction in total germs and 66% in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day. Example 24:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight peppermint oil There was a 72.5% reduction in the number of fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day.

Example 25:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight caraway oil. There was a 69% reduction in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day.

Example 26:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight dill oil. There was a 50.5% reduction in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day.

Example 27:

The following mixture in water was used for atomizing the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.010% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.025% by weight sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.025% by weight nutmeg oil. There was a 50% reduction in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day.

Example 28:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.2% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.15% by weight tea tree oil. There was a 89% reduction in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day. Example 29:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight lemon balm oil, there was a 97.65% reduction in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day.

Example 30

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.25% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.2% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight cascarilla oil. There was a 97% reduction in the fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day and the total number of germs by 98%.

Example 31:

The following mixture in water was used for nebulizing the food production, 10% by weight methoxybenzoic acid; 0.010% by weight lactic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight anise oil. There was a 98.5% reduction in the fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day and the total number of germs by 98.7%.

A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown.

Example 32:

The following mixture in water was used to avoid the growth of germs in a test cell according to Example 19, 15% by weight of salicylic acid; 0.10% by weight hydroxybenzoic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight tarragon oil. There was a 89.2% reduction in fungi - yeast and mold - after a treatment period of 1 day and a total of 92% in the total number of germs.

Example 33:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight of benzoic acid; 0.010% by weight propionic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ .0.3% by weight allspice oil. There was a 98.4% reduction in the number of fungi (yeast and mold) after a treatment period of 1 day and in the total number of germs by 98.7%. Example 34:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, was evaluated: 0.20% by weight) sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight propionic acid; 1% by weight of H ₂ O ₂ 0.25% by weight of bitter orange oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown.

Example 35:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight of H ₂ O ₂ 0.25% by weight of sandalwood oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown.

Example 36:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1 wt% H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight of pine needle oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown.

Example 37:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight of sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ ; 0.25% by weight mountain pine oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown.

Example 38:

The following mixture in water was used to atomize the test room cell described in Example 19 and, as described there, evaluated: 0.10% by weight sodium benzoate; 0.010% by weight sorbic acid; 1% by weight H ₂ O _2; 0.25% by weight of spruce needle oil. A clear germ growth-preventing effect was shown. Example 39:

Bactericidal activity against a multi-resistant staph. Auraeus strain

Staphylococcus aureus is a multi-pathogenic staphylococcal species, which as a typical pus on the skin leads to pyroderma, furunculosis and other more or less local inflammatory skin symptoms. By so-called exotoxins they are in generalized diseases such as. B. in toxic shock syndrome to bacterial food poisoning (enterotoxins) or purulent bone marrow inflammation (osteomyelitis) pneumonia, and to find diverse abscess formation as a pathogen. Recently, especially in the clinical field, staphylococcal strains have developed which are effective against many antibiotics, such as penicillin derivatives (methicillin) and others. resistant and therefore unsuitable for therapy. Such a multi-resistant strain (MRSA) from clinical material was used for the experiment.

The following agent was used: 1.8% by weight sodium benzoate, 0.18% by weight sorbic acid, 1% by weight H ₂ O ₂ , 0.15% by weight thymol; 0.1% by weight sage oil, the rest water.

Concentration after 5 min after 15 min after 30 min n; after 45 min

10% by weight ++ 0 0 0

5% by weight ++ 0 0 0

2.5 wt. +++ ++ 0 0

1.0% +++ +++ ++ +

+ = indicated bactericidal, reduced growth

++ = moderate bactericidal, marked growth

+++ = no bakery equipment, unhindered growth

0 = bactericidal, no growth

Obviously, the composition according to the invention is also effective against resistant staphylococci.

In summary, it can be stated that the person skilled in the art is of course familiar with various modifications of the above description based on his specialist knowledge, so that the invention is by no means limited to the abovementioned. Examples is limited.

Claims

claims

1. Means for reducing the bacterial count and stabilizing water and aqueous solutions in food quality, in particular for air humidification, characterized by a content of: at least one food preservative, at least one peroxide, and at least one essential oil.

2. Agent according to claim 1, further characterized by a content of at least one non-toxic acid, the pH of the water containing the agent being adjusted by acid so that it is in the slightly acidic to neutral range (pH 4-7.5) lies.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the food preservative is selected from benzoic acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid, formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, methoxy-benzoic acid, hydroxy-benzoic acid and their derivatives, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid , Malic acid, its derivatives, salts and mixtures thereof.

4. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one peroxide is selected from hydrogen peroxide, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium peroxide, peracids and their derivatives, such as perborate perphosphate, percarbonate.

5. Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one essential oil is selected from oils of lemon balm, coriander, cardamom, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lemongrass, lemon, citronella, neem tree, citrus plants, orange, lime , Oregano, thyme, rosemary, clove, fennel, mandarin, anise, tarragon, allspice; Lavender; Mustard, onion, garlic, pepper, peppermint, caraway, lemon balm oil, dill, nutmeg, sage, tea tree, fennel, mandarins, anise, cascarilla, tarragon, allspice, lavender, bitter orange, caraway, dill, sandalwood, pine needles, pine and spruce needles and their individual components, such as eugenol, thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, camphor, cineol.

6. Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agent for atomization in air 0.1-0.25% by weight, preferably 0.2-0.25% by weight sodium benzoate, 0.01-0.25 % By weight, preferably 0.025-0.2% by weight of sorbic acid, 1-5% by weight of 50% H _* O _* and 0.01-0.5% by weight of essential oil in water.

7. A method for reducing the number of bacteria in air, characterized by: introducing a solution of the agent according to one of the preceding claims in water into an evaporation / atomization system; Evaporation / atomization of the solution and transfer of the saturated steam into the room to be sterilized.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized by evaporation from 0.001 to 1 ml per cubic meter of air per hour.

9. Use of the agent according to claim 1-6 for reducing the number of bacteria in air, water, on surfaces, in drinking and industrial water, in baths, hospitals.

10. Use of the agent according to claim 9 in drinking and industrial water, in baths, hospitals, animal testing, animal breeding plants and animal husbandry and / or food production plants, pharmaceutical and cosmetic production plants; Greenhouses, civil and military transportation.