MXPA98005658A - Disinfectant compositions and procedures for disinfecting superfic - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the disinfection of surfaces with a liquid disinfectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial active of essential oil or mixtures thereof.

Description

SANITIZING COMPOSITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR DISINFECTING SURFACES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions that can be used to disinfect and clean various surfaces including animated surfaces (eg, human skin, mouth and the like) and inanimate surfaces including but not limited to, hard surfaces such as walls. tiles »table tops» glass »bathroom surfaces» kitchen surfaces and dishes »as well as fabrics» clothes »rugs and the like.

BACKGROUND Antimicrobial / antibacterial compositions include materials that have the ability to disinfect. It is generally recognized that a de-fecting material greatly reduces or even eliminates the microorganisms »for example» bacteria »that exist on a surface. Compositions based on halogen-containing compounds such as hypochlorite or based on quaternary compounds have been extensively described in the art for disinfection purposes. Compositions that comprise peroxide bleach are also known as defecting compositions.

However. Compositions that comprise hydrogen peroxide as the only agent in my crobi anum > typically at a level of 7% by weight of the total composition "are not completely satin actors when used at high levels of dilution" eg, at a dilution level of 1:50 (composition) to disinfect clean surfaces. that is to say. surfaces that are substantially organic and / or inorganic waste. In this way »it is necessary to provide desizing compositions that provide excellent disinfection on clean surfaces» even when used under highly diluted conditions. The document W088 / 00795 is representative of the prior art. and discloses liquid disinfectant compositions comprising a compound selected from the group of organic acids »perborates» peracids and their salts »together with other antimicrobial compounds such as a quaternary ammonium salt and an essential oil. However, a disadvantage associated with liquid compositions comprising a bleaching agent and an essential oil is that said liquid compositions tend to be chemically unstable during prolonged storage periods. In fact »traditional essential oils are made by a mixture of components that include terpenes. asters »aromatic components» ketones. aldehydes and the like. These essential oils are sensitive to peroxygen bleaches. In other words, said essential oils show significant instability in the presence of percxigen bleach and tend to decompose or inhibit said peroxide bleach, thereby leading to a decrease in the total level of available oxygen in a composition comprising a bleach. peroxygen with consequent chemical stability problems during long periods of storage. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid disinfectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach that is chemically stable for long periods of storage while providing excellent disinfecting performance on clean surfaces when used under highly diluted conditions. It has now been discovered that this can be achieved by providing a liquid composition containing peroxygen bleach which comprises on top of said peroxygen bleach »an antimicrobial active of essential oil or mixtures thereof. It has been particularly found that the peroxygen bleach-containing liquid compositions of the present invention and comprising said active antimicrobial of essential oil exhibit improved chemical stability over long storage periods as compared to the same compositions comprising antimicrobial essential oils instead of said antimicrobial active of essential oils; while providing excellent disinfection on clean surfaces, ie. surfaces that are free of any organic and / or inorganic dirt, even at high levels of dilution, ie. nor the dilution levels of 1: 100 (composition: water). An advantage of the present invention is that excellent disinfection is provided over a wide range of pure bacterial strains including Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains and more resistant microorganisms such as fungi. Another advantage of the compositions of the present invention is that apart from the disinfection properties provided, adequate cleaning is also provided, especially in the embodiment of the present invention wherein the compositions herein further comprise a surfactant and / or a surfactant. solvent. Similarly. the compositions according to the present invention are suitable for use on all types of surfaces including animated surfaces (eg, human skin and / or mouth) when used as an oral preparation or toothpaste) as well as inanimate surfaces. In fact, this technology is particularly suitable in hard surface applications as well as in laundry applications, e.g., as a laundry detergent or laundry additive in a so-called "soaking mode", "washing mode. "Or even as a laundry pre-cleaner in a" pre-treatment mode ". Very particularly, the compositions according to the present invention are suitable for use safely on delicate surfaces including those surfaces in contact with food and / or babies. In fact, when the compositions according to the present invention are used in wet conditions, the amount of chemical residues left on a surface disinfected with them is reduced. In this way, it may not be necessary to rinse a hard surface, for example, after the compositions of the present invention have been applied thereto under diluted conditions. EP-B-28S 639 discloses a hard surface liquid comprising effective antimicrobial amounts of pine oil and at least one soluble organic oil. No other antimicrobial compounds are mentioned »much less a peroxygen bleach. EP-241390 discloses that textiles contaminated with bacteria can be disinfected by first treating with a detergent and then with a peroxide bleaching agent in an aqueous bath at pH 9-13 in the presence of uncoated calcium. No other antimicrobial compounds are described »much less active anti-microbial essential oils. Document EU-4,404,191 discloses that per-compounds such as monopersul ate have bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties. The document EU-4,404,191 s describes that compositions comprising monopersul ate can be used in diluted form to treat hard surfaces. However, no other anti-microbiological compounds are mentioned, let alone active against my core assets. Document EU-5403.5B7 discloses aqueous antimicrobial compositions which can be used to sanitize »disinfect and clean hard surfaces. Very particularly, the EU-5 document. 03,587 discloses aqueous compositions (pH 1 to 12) comprising essential oils (0.02% to 5%), which exhibit efficacy in antimicrobial properties, such as thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil and the like, and an agent Sufficient ubiquitous or dispersing sol to form an aqueous solution or dispersion of said essential oils in a water vehicle. Said compositions may further comprise other antimicrobial ingredients such as phenolic compounds and quaternary ammonium compounds; Nevertheless. no betaine surfactants or their 1-iane are described. or perogen bleaches. J-60038497 discloses a two-component foam-generating detergent composition comprising (a) an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (0.5¾-50¾). (b) an alkaline compound containing an alkaline substance having 0.1¾ to 50% alkalinity expressed in terms of NaOH. such as NaOH. KOH Na2C03. Likewise, at least one of components (a) and (b) comprises a tensile agent and / or at least one compound (0.001% to 10%) selected from terpene alcohols, cyclic terpene alcohols and his esters- v.gr menthol and geranium !. This composition is designed to clean dirt on hard materials such as plastics. joints and gaps and corners that are particularly difficult to clean. There is no reference to disinfection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention encompasses a liquid de-inerting composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial active of essential oils or mixtures thereof. with the exception of aqueous compositions comprising from 0.5% to 50% by weight of 1 to the total composition of hydrogen peroxide. as said peroxygen bleach. and from 0.001% to 10% by weight of a terpene alcohol. cyclic terpene alcohol or esters thereof, as the only antimicrobial active of essential oils. The present invention also encompasses a method for disinfecting a surface in which a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial active of essential oil, or a mixture thereof, is applied on said surface. The present invention also encompasses a liquid disinfectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an essential oil antimicrobial active "or mixtures thereof" packaged in a spray dispenser "as well as a cloth impregnated with a liquid disinfectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an active microbial essential oil »or mixtures thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The liquid disinfectant compositions according to the present invention comprise a peroxygen bleach and an essential oil antimicrobial active "with the exception of aqueous compositions comprising from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the total composition of hydrogen peroxide and 0.001% to 10% by weight of a terpene alcohol »cyclic terpene alcohol or ester thereof» as the sole antimicrobial active of essential oils. Consequently, as an essential element, the compositions according to the present invention comprise a peroxygen bleach or mixtures thereof. The preferred peroxygen blancher is hydrogen peroxide or a water soluble source thereof or mixtures thereof. It is more preferred to use hydrogen peroxide in the compositions according to the present invention. It is believed that the presence of said peroxygen bleach »especially hydrogen peroxide» persulfate and the like. in the compositions of the present invention it contributes to the de-fection properties of said compositions. In fact, said peroxygen bleach can attack the vital function of the cells of the microorganism »for example. it can inhibit the assembly of ribosome units within the cytoplasm of the cells of the organism. Similarly. said peroxygen bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide, is a strong oxidant that generates hydroxyl free radicals that attack proteins and nucleic acids. Even more. the presence of said peroxygen bleach. especially hydrogen peroxide, provides strong stain removal benefits that are particularly noticeable for example in laundry applications and hard surface cleaning. As used herein, a source of hydrogen peroxide refers to any compound that produces hydrogen peroxide when said compound is in contact with water. Suitable water soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide for use herein include percarbonates. 1-persulfate persulfates such as monopersul ate, perborates and peroxyacids such as diperoxydodecanoic acid (DPDA), magnesium perphthalic acid and mixtures thereof. In addition, other kinds of peroxides can be used as an alternative for hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide sources, or in combination with hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide sources. Suitable classes include dialkyl peroxides, d-1-peroxides, pre-formed percarboxylic acids. organic and inorganic peroxides and / or droperoxides. Typically, the compositions herein comprise at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition of said peroxygen bleach or mixtures thereof. pre-fermente lly from 0.1% to 15%, and very preferably from 1% to 10%. As a second essential ingredient >; The compositions according to the present invention comprise an antimicrobial active of essential oil, or mixtures thereof. Typically, the compositions herein comprise at least 0.003% by weight of the total composition of said antimicrobial essential oil active ingredient or mixtures thereof preferably from 0.006% to 10%, most preferably from 0.2% to 4%, and more preferably from 0.2% to 2%. Antimicrobial assets of essential oils suitable for use in the compositions herein include any essential oil ingredient exhibiting antimicrobial activity. It is speculated that said anti-microbial assets of essential oils act as protein denaturing agents. Likewise, said antimicrobial actives of essential oils are compounds of natural origin that contribute to the safety profile of the compositions of the present invention when they are used to disinfect any surface. An additional advantage of said essential oil actives is that they can impart a pleasing odor to the disinfecting compositions of the present invention without the need to add or permeate. In fact, the disinfecting compositions according to the present invention provide not only excellent disinfecting properties on the clean surfaces to be disinfected, but also a good aroma. Said essential oil assets include. but they are not limited, the antimicrobial assets obtained from thyme oil »lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)» citrus, lemons, oranges »anise, clove, anise seed, cinnamon, geranium, roses, mint. lavender »citronella, eucalyptus, spearmint, camphor» sandalwood »cedar and mixtures thereof. In this way, the essential oil assets that will be used herein include, but are not limited to, thymus! (present for example in thyme oil), eugenol (present for example in cinnamon oil and clove oil), he said! (present for example in mint oil), geraniol (present for example in geranium oil and rose oil), verbenone (present for example in vervain oil), eucalyptus! and pinocarvone (present for example in eucalyptus oil), cedrol (present for example in cedar oil), anethole (present for example in anise oil), carvacrol, hinoquitiol, berberi na, terpineol, l moneno, Rotania and mixtures thereof. The essential oil assets that are preferred to be used here are thymus, eugenol »verbenone» eucalyptus !, carvacrol »limonene and / or geraniol. The scam! may be commercially available for example from Aldrich »eugenol may be commercially available for example from Sigma» Systems - Bioindustries (SBI) - anheimer Inc. It has now been discovered that a liquid composition comprising peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial active of Essential oils or mixtures thereof exhibit improved chemical stability during prolonged storage periods while providing excellent disinfection performance on clean surfaces "even when used under highly diluted conditions" as compared to the chemical stability obtained with the same composition as it comprises the corresponding antibacterial essential oil instead of said antimicrobial essential oil active. In fact, the chemical decomposition of the peroxygen bleach present in a liquid composition is reduced in the presence of said antimicrobial active of essential oil such as eugenol »in comparison with the presence of the essential oil such as cinnamon oil and / or clove oil. The chemical stability of the compositions herein can be evaluated by measuring the concentration of available oxygen (commonly abbreviated as Avo > at a certain storage time after the compositions have been manufactured.) The concentration of available oxygen can be measured by means of of chemical titration known in the art "such as the iodometric method", the thiosulfatimetric method, the perrnanganometric method and the cerimetric method. Said methods and the criteria for choosing the suitable method are described for example in "Hydrogen Peroxide". W. C. Schumb. C. IM. Satterfield and R. L. Wentworth. Reinhold Publishing Corporation »New York. 1955 and "Organic Peroxides". Daniel Swern Wiley Int. Science Editor »1970. Excellent disinfection is obtained with the compositions of the present invention on a variety of microorganisms including Gram-positive bacteria such as Staph lococcus aureus" and Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. as well as on fungi such as Candida albicans »present on clean surfaces» that is to say »any surface that is substantially free of organic and / or inorganic dirt» even if they are used under highly diluted conditions. The disinfecting properties of a composition can be measured by the bactericidal activity of said composition. A suitable test method for evaluating the bactericidal activity of a composition on clean surfaces is described in European Standard prEN 1040. CEN / TC 216 IM 7B. November 1995 »issued by the European Committee for Regulation, Brussels. European Standard prEN 1040. CEN / TC 216 N 78 specifies a test method and requirements for the minimum bactericidal activity of a disinfectant composition. The test is passed if the bacterial colonies that form units (cfu) are reduced from 107 cfu (initial level) to 102 cfu (level -final after contact with the disinfectant product) »that is, a reduction of 10e of the viability. The compositions according to the present invention pass this test under clean conditions, even if they are used under highly diluted conditions. Another suitable test method for evaluating the bactericidal activity of the present compositions on clean surfaces is AFWOR T72-190R and T72-301"* The compositions according to the present invention are liquid and aqueous cleaning compositions. they have a pH preferably no greater than 12.0, very preferably from 2 to 6. and more preferably from 3 to 5. The pH of the compositions can be adjusted using organic acids such as citric acid, succinic acid. acetic acid, aspartic acid, lactic acid and sims, or inorganic acids or alkalizing agents The compositions of the present invention may further comprise surfactants known to those skilled in the art, including nonionic, anionic surfactants. Cationic, zwitterion, and / or amphoteric, said stressing agents are desirable, since they contribute to the cleaning performance of the compositions. of the present, typically. The compositions according to the present invention comprise up to 50% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant. or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.01% to 30% and very preferably from 0.1% to 25%. In consecuense. The compositions of the present invention may preferably comprise an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. Amphoteric surfactants suitable for use herein include betaine and sulfobetane tensile agents derived therefrom or mixtures thereof. Said betaine or sulfobetaine surfactants are preferred here because they contribute to the disinfecting properties of the compositions herein. In fact »they help disinfection by increasing the permeability of the bacterial cell wall» thus allowing other active ingredients to enter the cell. Moreover, due to the mild action profile of said stress agents of betaine or sulphobetaine. The compositions of the present invention which comprise them may be particularly suitable for cleaning delicate surfaces, that is to say delicate laundry or surfaces in contact with food and / or babies. The betaine and sulphobetaine surfactants are also extremely gentle on the skin and / or surfaces that will be treated. The betaine and sulfobetaine surfactants suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention are the beta-na / su-1-betaetaine and beta-betaine detergents in which the molecule contains both basic and acidic groups which form an internal salt which It gives the molecule cationic and anionic hydrophilic groups on a wide range of pH values. Some common examples of these detergents are described in the patents of E.U.A. Nos. 2,082,275 »2,702,279 and 2,255,082. incorporated herein by way of reference. Preferred betaine and sulphobetaine surfactants are in accordance with the formula: R 2 - R 1 - N * - (CH 3) n - Y - R 3 wherein R 1 is an alkyl radical containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms »preferentially from 8 to IB and very preperably from 12 to 14. wherein R2 and R3 contain from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and preferably 1 carbon atom, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to S and most preferably is 1, And it is selected from the group consisting of carboxyl and sulfonyl radicals, and wherein the sum of the radicals R 1, R 2 and R 3 is from about 14 to about 24 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable particulate betaine surfactants include C 1 -C 1 1 1 d meth i 1 beta beta such as cocobeta and the 1-betaine of C 10 -CKS such as 1 au 1 betaine. Cocobetaine is available commercially to the Seppic under the trade name of Amon 1 2S5R. The 1"beta beta" is commercially available from Albright S Wilson under the trade name Empigen BB / L. "Other suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include amine oxides or mixtures of the same. Amine oxides are preferred here because they contribute to the disinfecting properties of the compositions herein In fact, they assist in disinfection by breaking the membrane / cell wall of the bacterial allowing other antimicrobial agents to enter the cell. cell and attack for example the inner part of the cell.Amine oxides suitable for use herein have the following formula R.sub.R.-R.sub.3 NO.sub.n wherein each R.sub.2 R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently a hydrocarbon chain linear or branched and saturated containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms The amine oxides suitable for use according to the present invention are the amine oxides having the following formula R ^ R -jjRgNO in 1 to which Rl is a hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms »preferably from G to 20 carbon atoms» very preferably from S to 14 and more preferably from B to 10 »and where R2 and R3 are independently substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched hydrocarbon chains containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and very preferably are methyl groups. R1 can be a straight or branched and saturated hydrocarbon chain. a The amine oxides which are preferred to be used here are, for example, the amine oxides of CB-C10 of natural mixture »as well as the commercially available C12-C1G amine oxides of Hoec st. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the compositions herein are particularly suitable for the disinfection of a hard surface, the surfactant is typically a surfactant system comprising an amine oxide and a bean surfactant. or your! phobetaine »preferably in a weight ratio of amine oxide to betaine or sulfobetaine from 2: 1 to 100: 1» very preferably from 6-1 to 100: 1 and more preferably from 10: to 50: 1 The use of such a surfactant system in the compositions herein suitable for disinfecting a hard surface, provides an effective cleaning performance and provides gloss on the cleaned surfaces, i.e., the amount of film / grain formation left on the surface. Cleaned surface that has been treated with such compositions is minimal. The compositions herein may also preferably comprise an anionic surfactant or mixtures thereof. Particularly suitable ionic surfactants which will be used herein include the water soluble salts or acids of the formula ROS03 wherein it is preferably a hydrocarbon of e-Ca-j, preferably alkyl or hydroxyalkyl which has an alkyl component of Ca-C20 »very preferably an alkyl or hydroxyl that of Ce-C1e and M is H or a cation, e.g. > an alkali metal cation (v.gr sodium, potassium »lithium). or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl- and trimethylammonium cations) and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetra-1-ammonium cations and di-piperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine. trieti 1 ami na and mixtures of them »and if my love). Other suitable ammonia tensioactive agents for use herein include the alkyls Idifeni 1-ether sulphates and alky1 carboxylates. Other anionic surfactants may include salts (including, for example »sodium salts» potassium »ammonium and substituted ammonium such as salts of mono-» di- and tri-ethanol amine »of soap» to which 1 C3-C20 linear aluminates. to the primary or secondary labels of Ce-C22, oleic acid sulphonates prepared by the sulphonation of the product piro! raising of alkaline earth metal citrates, v.gr .. as described in British Patent No. 1,032,179, to which Ce-Cea pol-glycol ethersulfates (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide); to which 1-sterols such as methyl estersulmates of 4-γ-1-γ-acyl glycol sulfonates, fatty acid sulfonates, ethylene oxide ether sulfates of alkylphenol, paraphysulphonates, atos »Isethionates such as the acyl setionates» N-aci taurates, alkyl succinates and sulphosuccinates »sulphosuccinate monoesters (especially saturated and unsaturated C12-C1a monoesters) di sulfate esters (especially di esters) of C ^ - ^ saturated or nsaturated) »acyl sarcosi natives> sulfates of which 1 to remove two such as the sulfates of the polyol glycoside (the non-sulphonated non-ionic compounds being described later). branched primary sulphons "to which 1 pol i ethoxy carboxy 1 such as those of the formula RO (CH-, 0) RCH2C0O-M * where R is an alkyl of Ce-C22» K is an integer from 0 to 10 »and M is a suitable salt-forming cation. Hydrogenated resin are also suitable. such as rosin »hydrogenated rosin and hydrogenated resin acids and resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil. Additional examples are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A variety of such surfactants are also generally described in the US patent. No. 3,929 »67B» issued on December 30, 1975 to Laughlin »et al. column 23 »line 58 to column 29. line 23. The anionic tensile agents that are preferred to be used in the compositions herein are those which are CB-C16 isulfonates to the sulfates of CB-C16, alkyl sulfates alkoxylates of CB-C1G (e.g., alkyl ethoxylated sulphates of CB-C1G) and mixtures thereof. Such anionic surfactants are preferred here because they have been found to contribute to the disinfecting properties of a disinfectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and / or an essential oil antimicrobial active. For example, the CB-C16 aliquot acts by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane by "inhibiting enzymatic activities" and by interrupting cell transport and / or denaturing cell proteins. In fact, it is speculated that the improved disinfection performance is associated with the addition of an anionic surfactant specifically to a CB-C1S bisulfate. a C8-C16 alkyl sulfate and / or an alkoxyalkyl side of CB-C1S. for example in a composition of the present invention »multiply the mode of attack of said surfactant against bacteria. In this way, another aspect of the present invention is the use of an anionic surfactant, specifically a CB-C1S-sulphonate, a CB-C1G alkyl sulfate and / or an alkoxylated alkylsulfate. CS-C16 in a de-active composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and / or an essential oil antimicrobial active "to improve the disinfecting properties of said composition on gram-negative and / or gram-positive bacteria. Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein are the ethoxylated and / or propoxylated fatty alcohols which are commercially available with a variety of fatty alcohol chain lengths and a variety of degrees of ethoxylation. In fact, the HLB values of said alkoxylated nonionic surfactants depend essentially on the length of the fatty alcohol chain, the nature of the alkoxylation and the degree of alkoxylation. Catalogs of tensile agents that list a number of tensile agents are available. including nonionic surfactants »together with their respective HLB values. Particularly suitable for use herein as non-ionic surfactants are non-ionic hydrophilic surfactants having a HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) below 1 ° preferably below 15 and very prefer below 14. It has been found that these non-ionic hydrophobic surfactants provide suitable fat cutting properties. The non-ionic hydrophobic surfactants that will be used in the compositions according to the present invention are the surfactants having an HLB below 1S and which are in accordance with the formula R0- (CzH ^ 0) "(CaHlS0 ) mH. where R is an alkyl chain from Ce to Ca2 or a chain to 1 qu 1 benzene from Ce to C2e »and where n + m is from 0 to 20 and n is from 0 to 15 and m is from 0 to 20» preferably n + m is from 1 to 15 and »n and m are from 0.5 to 15», most preferably n + m is from 1 to 10 and »n and m are from 0 to 10. The R chains which are preferred to be used here are the alkyl chains of Ce to C2Z. In consecuense. the non-ionic hydrophobic tensile agents suitable for use here are Dobano 1 R91-2.5 <; HLB = B.l; R is a mixture of alkyl chains of Ce and -iA »n is 2.5 and is not 0), or Lutensol" TD3 (HLB = B; R is an alkyl chain of C13 n is 3 and m is O), or Lutensol "A03 (HLB = 8; R is a mixture of alkyl chains of C13 and Cie. N is 3 and m is 0) »or Tergitol" 25L3 (HLB = 7.7; R is on the scale of alkyl chain length of C12 to C1 (S n is 3 and m is O) »to Dobano i" 23-3 (HLB = Bi; R is a mixture of alkyl chains of Ci2 and C13> n is 3 and m is 0) o DobanolR 23-2 (HLB = 6.2, R is a mixture of alkyl chains of C12 and Cia> n is 2 and m is O), or Dodanol "45-7 (HLB = 11.6, R is a mixture of alkyl chains of Ci2 and CiB" n is 7 and m is 0), oo Dobanol "23-6.5 <HLB = 11.9, R is a mixture of alkyl chains of and C13- n is 6.5 and m is O)» or Dobanol "25-7 (HLB = 12; R is a mixture of alkyl chains of Cia and C1B »n is 7 and m is 0)» or Dobanol "91-5 (HLB = 11.G; R is a mixture of alkyl chains of c® Cia.rn is 5 and m is 0), or Dobanol "91-6 (HLB = 12.5; R is a mixture of chains at what of C9 and C1; L »n is G and m is 0). o Dobano 1"91-a (HLB = 13.7; R is a mixture of alkyl chains of ce cÜ 'n is 8 and m is O)> Dobano 1" 91-10 (HLB = 14.2; R is a mixture of chains C9 alkyl and rn is 10 and m is 0). or mixtures thereof. Dobano 1B 91-2.5 is here preferred. or Lutensol * T03 »or Lutensol" A03"or Tergitol® 25L3 or Dobanol" 23-3 or Dobanol® 23-2 or mixtures thereof. These Dobano ™ surfactants are commercially available from SHELL These Luternsol surfactants are commercially available from BASF and these Tergito surfactants are commercially available from CARBIDE UNION. the conventional soaps of CS-C20 (alkali metal salt of a C6-C20 fatty acid, preferably sodium salts) The compositions according to the present invention may comprise, as a preferred optional ingredient »additional antimicrobial ingredients Such ingredients include parabens such as ethylene glycol, propylparaben, methoparaben, gluthaldehyde, or mixtures thereof. The compositions herein can comprise the antimicrobial activity of the compositions of the present invention. in addition a chelating agent as a preferred optional ingredient.The suitable chelating agents can be Any of those known to those skilled in the art such as those selected from the group comprising phosphonate chelating agents. Ami or osphonate chelating agents »Substituted heteroaromatic chelating agents» Ammoniacarboxylate chelating agents »Other carboxylate chelating agents, functionally substituted poly-aromatic chelating agents» Bi-degradable chelating agents is like ethylenediamine-N »l '-disuccinic or mixtures thereof. Onset chelating agents suitable for use herein include etidronic acid (1-hydroxyethi-1-d-phosphonic acid (HEDP)) and / or alkali metal ethane-1-hydroxy-diphosphonates. Ami no-Phosphonate chelating agents suitable for use herein include ammonium-1 -poly (1-chloro-1-phosphonates). ni tr lotrisí met len) tri osphonates > eti lendiami o-tetrameti 1 enfosfonatos and / or dieti 1 entriami nopentameti 1 en-fosatos. The amine phosphonate chelating agents that are preferred to be used herein are the di et 1 entr ami nopentamet 1 inosphonates. These phosphonate / aminophosphonate chelating agents can be present either in their acid form or as salts of different cations on some or all of their acid functionalities. Such phosphonate / ammonophosphonate chelating agents are commercially available from Monsanto under the trade name DEQUEST. "The substituted heteroaromatics chelating agents to be used here include N-oxide or N-oxide or a derivative thereof. suitable hydroxyl oxides and derivatives thereof for use in accordance with the present invention are in accordance with the following formula: where X is nitrogen »Y is one of the following groups: oxygen, -CHO, -OH» - < CH2) -COOH t wherein n is an integer from 0 to 20. Preferably from 0 to 10 and most preferably is O. and wherein Y is preferably oxygen. Accordingly, the particularly preferred hydroxypyridine oxides and derivatives thereof for use herein is the 2-hydroxy pyridine oxide. The N-oxides of hydroxyr d na and derivatives thereof are commercially available to the mind of Sigma. The aromatic polyacrylating agents universally substituted in the compositions herein can also be useful. See the patent of E.U.A. No. 3 »812, 044, issued May 21, 1974 to Connor and others. Compounds of this type that are preferred in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-d-sulfobenzene. A preferred chelating agent which is preferred to be used here is the eti-1-amide-N, IM'-di succinate acid or the alkali metal-alkali earth salts. ammonium or substituted ammonium thereof or mixtures thereof. The acids et lend ami or -N.N'-disuccinic, especially the isomer (S.S) have been extensively described in the patent of E.U.A. 4,704,233. November 3, 19B7 to Hartman and Perkins. The eti-lendiamino-N-disuccinic acid is commercially available, for example, under the tradename ssEDDSR from Palmer Research Laboratories. The acid eti 1 endi ami no-N, N'-di succ i ni co is particularly suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention. The agents that! Suitable and useful amy nocarboxyl cell atachlores herein include the lendiamino-tetraacetates. díeti 1 entri am opentaacetatos, diet 1 entr amino-pentoacetato CDTPA), N-hidroxieti leti 1 endi arni notri acetatos. nor trilotri acetates, ethyl endi ami no etraprop i onatos, tr eti 1 entetraam ohexaacetatos. ethanol d g 1 ace, prop lendiaminotetraacático acid (PDTA) and acid i i g 1 i c od ace i co (MGDA). both in their acid form or in their alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salt forms. Particularly suitable for use herein are dietriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). prop lendi am notetraacetic acid (PDTA) which is commercially available from BASF under the tradename Tr Ion FSR and meti 1 gl cinodiacetic acid (MGDA). Additional carboxylate chelating agents for use herein include malonic acid. acid chloride salt, glycine. Aspartic acid. glutamic acid or mixtures of the same. Such chelating agents, especially phosphonate chelating agents, such as diethyl-1-amyntanmethate, are particularly preferred in the compositions according to the present invention, since they have been found to contribute to the disinfection properties of hydrogen peroxide. In this way, another aspect of the present invention is the use of an chelating agent, especially a phosphone chelating agent or such as di et i 1 entri a nopentamet 1 enf osf onato »in a descting composition comprising hydrogen peroxide. to improve the disinfecting properties of said composition in gram negative and / or gram positive bacteria. Typically, the compositions according to the present invention comprise up to 5% by weight of the total composition of a chelating agent or mixtures thereof. Preferably from 0.002¾ to 3% by weight and very preferentially from 0.002% to 1.5¾. The compositions herein may comprise a radical scavenger as a preferred optional ingredient. Suitable radical scavengers for use herein include the well-known mono- and substituted hydroxybenzenes and derivatives thereof, alkyl- and carbohydrates and mixtures thereof. The radical scavengers that are preferred to be used herein include di-tert-butyl-1-hydroxy toluene (BHT). p-h d i tol eno. hydroquinone (HQ). di-tert-butyl hydroquinone (DTBHQ), mono-tert-butyl-1-hydroquinone (TBHQ). ter-but i 1 -hydro anisole (BHA). p-hydroxy aniso !. benzoic acid. 2.5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. 2, 5-dihydroxy acid such as toluic acid. catechol, t-butyl catechol. 4-al 1-catechol, 4-acetyl catechol. 2-methoxy-f-enol. 2-ethoxy-phenol, 2-methoxy-4- <; 2-propeni 1) phenol. 3, 4-dihy droxy benzal dehyde. 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, benzylamine, 1, 1,3-tr is (2-met 1-4-hydrox i-5-t-but i Ifeni 1> utan, tert-buty 1-idroxiam "1 ina. Hydroxyaniline &nt as well as n-propyl gallate It is highly preferred here to use di-tert-butyl hydroquinolone which is commercially available for example from SHELL under the tradename IONOL CP "and / or ter These radical scavengers further contribute to the stability of peroxygen bleach-containing compositions herein Typically, the compositions according to the present invention comprise up to 5% by weight of the total composition of a radical scavenger or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.001% to 1.5% by weight and very preferably from 0.01% to 1% .. The compositions herein can comprise as a preferred optional ingredient a solvent or mixtures thereof. are used, the solvents will offer a greatly increased cleaning capacity. to the compositions of the present. Suitable solvents for incorporation into the compositions according to the present invention include propylene glycol derivatives such as n-butoxy propanol or n-butoxypropoxypropanol. solvents CA BITOL * soluble in water or solvents CELLOS0LVER soluble in water. The water-soluble CA BITOL solvents are compounds of the 2- (2-alkoxyethoxy) ethanol class in which the alkoxy group is derived from ethyl, propyl or butyl, A water-soluble carbitol which is preferred is 2- (2- butoxyethoxy) ethanol, also known as buti 1 carbi tol CELLOSOLVE "water-soluble solvents are compounds of class 2-to ethanol and ethanol. preferring 2-butoxyethoxyethanol. Other suitable solvents are benzyl alcohol! methanol ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and diols such as 2-ethi 1-1.3-hexanediol and 2, 2, 4-tr i met 1-1, 3-pentanediol and mixtures thereof. The solvents which are preferred to be used here are n-butoxypropanol ipropanol, but 1 carbol tol R "benzyl alcohol» isopropanol and mixtures thereof. The solvents that are most preferred to use here are buti 1 cab ol R. benzyl alcohol and isopropanol. Solvents may typically be present in the compositions of the invention at a level of up to 15% by weight, preferably from 2% to 1V% by weight of the composition. The compositions herein may further comprise a variety of other optional ingredients such as pH regulators (eg borate pH regulators), builders, detergents, stabilizers, bleach activators, soil suspending agents, transfer agents, etc. dyes »brighteners, perfumes» anti-dusting agents, enzymes »d spersants, dye transfer inhibitors, pigments» perfumes and dyes.

Packing Form of Compositions The compositions herein can be packaged in a variety of suitable detergent packages known to those skilled in the art. Liquid compositions of the present may desirably be packaged in manually operated spray dispensing containers. which are normally made of plastic polymeric organic and synthetic materials. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses liquid disinfecting compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial essential oil active packaged in a spray dispenser. Preferably in a trigger spray dispenser or a pump spray dispenser. These liquid compositions may further comprise optional entities as specified hereinabove. In fact. said spray-type dispensers allow uniformly applying to a relatively large area of a surface to be distilled, a liquid de-infecting composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial active of essential oil, thus contributing to the disinfecting properties of said composition. . Said spray-type dispensers are particularly suitable for disinfecting vertical surfaces. Spray-type dispensers suitable for use in accordance with the present invention include manually operated trigger-type foam dispensers sold for example by Specialty Pac aging Products. Inc. or Continental Sprayers, Inc. These types of dispatchers are described. for example, in EU-4,701,311 to Dunning and others, and EU-4 »G46» 973 and EU-4.53B »745 Arabas to Focarracc. It is particularly preferred to use spray dispensers such as T S500R or T 3900"available commercially from Continental Spray Internat onal or T 8100" commercially available from Canyon. North Ireland. In said dispenser »the liquid composition is divided into small liquid and fine droplets that result in a spray that is directed on the surface to be treated. In fact? in said spray-type dispenser »the composition contained in the body of said dispenser is directed through the head of the spray-type dispenser by means of an energy communicated with a pumping mechanism by the user while said user activates said pumping mechanism. Very particularly »in said head of the spray type dispenser. the composition is forced against an obstacle »eg a grid or a cone or the like, thus providing shocks to help atomize the liquid composition» ie to assist in the formation of small drops of liquid. The present invention also covers disinfection wipes. By "rags" is meant here disposable towels »eg» disposable paper towels »impregnated with a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an essential oil antimicrobial active» eg: said rags can be moistened with said composition. These liquid compositions may further comprise optional ingredients such as those specified hereinbefore. Preferably »said rags are packed in a plastic box» the advantage of this embodiment is a faster use of a disintegrating composition by the user, even outside the home »that is, it is not necessary to pour the liquid compositions of according to the present invention on the surfaces to be treated / deflated and dried with a cloth. In other words »the rags allow the disinfection of surfaces in one step.

The disinfection process In its broadest aspect, the present invention encompasses a method for disinfecting surfaces "wherein the composition used is a liquid defecting composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial active of essential oils" or mixtures thereof. same. By "surface" we mean here any surface »including an animated surface such as human skin» mouth, teeth and inanimate surfaces. Inanimate surfaces include >; but they are not limited to »hard surfaces typically found in houses such as kitchens, bathrooms or in car interiors» for example »tiles» walls »floors» chrome »glass, smooth wall» any plastic, wood, plastic. table tops »sinks, tableware» sanitary ware such as washbasins »shower heads» shower curtains, toilets and the like, as well as fabrics that include clothes »corsets» upholstery »blankets, tablecloths, sleeping bags, cottages campaign, upholstered furniture and similar, and carpets. The inanimate surfaces also include household items that include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens, microwave ovens, dishwashers and so on. In the process of disinfecting surfaces according to the present invention, said liquid compositions can be applied to the surface to be disinfected in its concentrated form or in its diluted form. By "dilute form" it is meant herein that the liquid compositions to be used in the disinfection process herein can be diluted by the user typically up to 100 times their weight of water, preferably by 80 to 30 times their weight. water, and very preperably 60 to 40 times. In the preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention wherein said liquid composition is applied to a hard surface that will be disinfected in its dull form, it is not necessary to rinse the surface after the composition has been applied, in fact there are no visual waste on the surface. The present invention will be further illustrated by means of the following examples.

EXAMPLES The following compositions were made by mixing the ingredients listed in the proportions listed (percentages by weight unless otherwise specified). These compositions passed the prEN 1040 test of the European regulatory committee. These compositions provide excellent disinfection when used diluted or concentrated »v.gr .. at dilution levels of i: i00i 1:25. 1:50 »on clean surfaces, while providing excellent surface safety and exhibiting excellent stability during extended storage periods.

Compositions 1 11 111 IV V VI Hydrogen peroxide 7.0 S.O - S.O S.O 2.0 Monopersul fato - - 2.0 - - - Thymus! 0.5 - - - 0.5 - Eugenol - 1.0 - - - 0.1 H-.S0 ,, up to pH 4 Compositions Vil vi 11 IX x Hydrogen peroxide 7.0 S.O - 1.0 Monopersulfate - - 2.0 - 3S Thymus! Eugenol / eucalyptus ptol (1 1.0 0.05 Gerani or 1 0.5 Eucalyptus iptol 0.5 Water and smaller comps Up to 100¾ H, S0 ^ up to pH 4 XI compositions? XI? XIV XV Hydrogen peroxide 7.0 s.o 1.0 1.0 Monopersul f ato 2.0 Alqui CIO Isulfate 4.0 3.0 1.5 0.9 CIO amine oxide 1.5 0.5 O.G 0.9 Lauryl betaine 0.05 Ti mol 0.03 Eugeno "I / eucal iptol (1 1.0 0.5 0.05 Geranium! 0.5 Eucalyptus ptol 0.5 0.02 Water and comp. Minor -Up to 100% -H-, S0 ^ up to pH 4

Claims (9)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A liquid desi ectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an essential oil anti-microbial active ingredient, or mixtures thereof, with the exception of aqueous compositions comprising from 0.5 to 50% by weight of the total composition of hydrogen peroxide. as said peroxygen bleach. and from 0.001% to 10% by weight of a terpene alcohol. cyclic terpene alcohol or ester thereof. as the only antimicrobial active of essential oils.

2. - A composition according to re-indication 1, wherein said composition is packed in a spray dispenser.

3. - A composition in accordance with any of the preceding indications. wherein said peroxygen bleach is hydrogen peroxide or a water soluble source thereof, selected from the group consisting of percarbonates. persi 1 icatos. persulphates. perborates. peroxi ác two. dialki Iperoxides. diaci lperoxides. percarboxy acids 1 preformed acids. organic and inorganic peroxides, organic and inorganic hydroperoxides and mixtures thereof. and pre-eminently is hydrogen peroxide.

4. - A composition in accordance with any 3B of the foregoing indications »wherein said composition comprises at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition of said peroxygen bleach or mixtures thereof» preferably from 0.1½ to 15% and most preferably from 1% to 10 - / ..

5. - A composition according to any of the preceding indications, in which said antimicrobial active of essential oil is thymus! »Eugenol» menthol. geranium! , verbenone. eucalyptus! »pinocarvone» cedar 1 »carvacrol» anethole »hinoquithol» berberine »terpineol» limonene »rotations or mixtures thereof, and is preferentially thymus! »Eugenol» verbenone, eucalyptus !. carvacrol. limonene and / or geranium! .

6. - A composition according to any of the preceding indications, wherein said composition comprises at least 0.003% by weight of the total composition of said antimicrobial active of essential oil or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.006% to 10%. % and very preerably from 0.2% to 4¾.

7. A composition according to any of the preceding claim, wherein said composition further comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants. amphoteric tensile agents. zwitterionic stressing agents and mixtures thereof; and where said agent 39 Surfactant is present up to a level of 50% by weight of the total composition »preferably at a level of 0.01% to 30% and very preferably from 0.1% to 25%. S. - A composition according to claim 7, wherein said surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant or a mixture thereof, preferably a beta na or sulphobetaine surfactant. or a derivative thereof »or a mixture thereof according to the following formula: wherein R 1 is an alkyl radical containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 and most preferably 12 to 14, wherein R 2 and R 3 contain 1 to 3 carbon atoms and preferably 1 carbon atom Wherein n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to S and most preferably is 1 and is selected from the group consisting of carboxyl and sulfon radicals "lo" and wherein the sum of the radicals Rl. R2 and R3 is from about 14 to about 24 carbon atoms and / or an amine oxide in accordance with the formula R RaRal \ IO wherein each of R.sub.2 R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently a straight or branched and saturated hydrocarbon chain that it contains from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20. and wherein R2 and R3 are linear or branched, independently substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chains containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3. carbon atoms and very preferably are methyl groups. 9. A composition according to any of the foregoing references, wherein said composition further comprises a chelating agent selected from the group consisting of phosphonate chelating agents. aminophosphonate chelating agents >; substituted heteroaromatic chelating agents »am ocarbox 1 ato chelating agents. other carboxylate chelating agents »functionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, eti 1 -amino-non-N-1-d-succinic acid and mixtures thereof. 10. A composition according to any of the preceding re vindications "wherein said composition further comprises at least one optional ingredient selected from the group consisting of radical scavengers, solvents, pH regulators. detergency builders. Stabilizers »bleach activators, dirt sus- pensioners» dye transfer agents »brighteners» perfumes, anti-dusting agents »enzymes» dispersants »dye transfer inhibitors» pigments, perfumes »dyes and mixtures of the same. 11. - A composition according to any of the preceding claims "wherein said composition further comprises another antimicrobial ingredient selected from the group consisting of glutraldehyde and paraben. 41 propi 1 paraben, metilparaben and mixtures thereof. 12. - A composition according to any of the preceding claims wherein said composition has a pH of not more than 12"preferably below 7", very preferably from 2 to 6 and more preferably from 3 to 5. 13. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition is packed in a spray dispenser. 14. - A composition according to re-indication 13"wherein said peroxygen bleach is hydrogen peroxide or a water-soluble source thereof" selected from the group consisting of percarbonates »pers 1 i cates» persulphates »perborates» Peroxyacids dial iperóx dos »diaci lperoxidos» percarboxi'licos acid preordered »organic peroxides and inorganic» hi droperó two organic and inorganic and mixtures thereof »and preferably is hydrogen peroxide. 15. A cloth impregnated with a liquid disinfectant composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and an essential oil antimicrobial active or mixtures thereof. 16. - A rag according to the refinement 15. wherein said liquid composition comprises at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition of said peroxygen bleach or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.1% to 15% and most preferably from 1% to 10%; and wherein said bleach 42 of peroxygen is hydrogen peroxide or a water-soluble source thereof selected from the group consisting of percarbonates »pers 1 i cates > persulphatesi perborates »perox acids. Say to which 1 peró i dos »di ac 1 peróx dos. precarbonate il cos pre-armed acids, organic and inorganic peroxides, organic and inorganic hydroperoxides and mixtures thereof. 17. - A rag according to any of the redictions 15 or 16 wherein said liquid composition comprises at least 0.003% by weight of the total composition of said antimicrobial active of essential oil or mixtures thereof. from 0.00G% to 10% and most preferably from 0.2% to 4%; and wherein said active antimicrobial essential oil is thymol »eugenol» ment 1 »geranium!» verbenone »eucalyptol» pinocarvone »cedar! , carvacrol »anethole» hinoquitiol »berberine. terpineol. limonene »rotations or mixtures thereof. 1

8. - The use of a chelating agent. Preferably from a phosphonate chelating agent, most preferably from Di I i lentriami nopentame i 1 in osphonate F in a composition containing peroxygen bleach to improve the disinfecting properties of said composition in gram negative and / or gram positive bacteria. 1

9. - The use of an anionic surfactant. especially a 1 to 1 sulphonate of C8-C1S, an alkylsulfate of C8-C1S and / or an alkylammonium side of C8-C1S. in a disinfectant composition comprising a bleach of 43 peroxygen and / or an antimicrobial active essential oil "to improve the disinfecting properties of said composition in gram negative and / or gram positive bacteria.