WO2012037615A1

WO2012037615A1 - An improved antimicrobial agent and method of maintaining microbial control

Info

Publication number: WO2012037615A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Pemberton
Original assignee: Global Future Solutions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-22
Filing date: 2011-09-22
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

An improved antimicrobial agent has a silane base molecule anchored by covalent bonds for bonding the antimicrobial agent to a surface through cross-links and polymerisation with the molecules of the surface, a centrally located, positively charged nitrogen atom for attracting negatively charged cell membranes of pathogens towards an active surface of the antimicrobial agent, where upon contact with the nitrogen atom, the negatively charged cell membrane of the pathogens is electrocuted and destroyed, and a long molecular chain attached to the nitrogen atom which pierces the cell membrane of pathogens that come into contact with it causing lysis, wherein the process of lysis transfers no electrons or atoms between the antimicrobial agent or pathogens. Upon application to a surface, the antimicrobial agent dries quickly, adheres to the surface rapidly and remains active upon a treated surface for an extended period of time. The antimicrobial agent may be easily applied to any number of domestic, commercial or industrial uses.

Description

AN IMPROVED ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT AND METHOD OF MAINTAINING MICROBIAL CONTROL

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to antimicrobial agents and methods for maintaining microbial control using such agents.

Background of the Invention

SanitisatiOQ and disinfection of articles, domestic and commercial apparatus and property is known to reduce the costs of absenteeism from workplaces as a result of bacterial and viral infections of staff, to lengthen the life of household consumables including food and domestic items which are susceptible to mould and fungus deterioration and to maintain the health of employees and a hygienic working environment. Many antimicrobial treatments are known to have many advantages over chemical based disinfectants and antibacterial treatments which employ toxic chemicals to poison pathogens. Some of the disadvantages of chemical based sanitation include that such applications:

Kill by poisoning the cells

leach

are non-selective

Bleed harmful toxins into the environment May be carcinogenic

Encourage resistance and mutations of pathogens which may lead to the emergence of "super bugs"

Short lifespan (in seconds)

Permit cross contamination

Unpleasant odours

Mostly highly toxic and corrosive No adhesion to surfaces One such example of an antimicrobial agent which overcomes some of the above disadvantages is set out in US Patent No. 6,613,755. Existing antimicrobial agents and

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU methods for their application suffer however from a low life span thereby reducing the effective usefulness of the agents. Further deficiencies of prior art antimicrobial agents include the length of time required to enable the agent to bond to a surface to be treated, the degree to which such agent evaporates upon contact with surfaces and generally in respect to the s pathogenic kill rate. There is therefore a demand for an improved antimicrobial agent which has a long life and which can remain in place upon surfaces.

There is a requirement for an improved antimicrobial agent which overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art and which has at least some of the following characteristics: 10 Physically kills pathogens which come into contact with it

Non leaching

Selective action

Environmentally stable Non Carcinogenic

l s Impossible to mutate Colourless

Long life invisible shield Prevents cross contamination

Single application antimicrobial solution

Odourless

Non-toxic to humans and animals

20 Non-corrosive

Adheres to any surface

The improved antimicrobial agent should be effective to kill or deactivate a wide range of pathogens including Gram positive bacteria, Or m negative bacteria, viruses, protozoa 25 parasites, fungi, algae, mould, yeast, and spores.

The improved antimicrobial agent should be relatively easy to use and able to be used in a wide range of applications. There is a requirement for an improved antimicrobial agent that minimises or overcomes at least one of the disadvantages referred to above, or to provide the public with a useful or commercial choice. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, there is provided an improved antimicrobial agent having

- a silane base molecule anchored by covalent bonds for bonding the antimicrobial agent to a surface through cross-links and polymerisation with the molecules of the surface,

• a centrally located, positively charged nitrogen atom for attracting negatively charged cell membranes of pathogens towards an active surface of the antimicrobial agent, where upon contact with the nitrogen atom, the negatively charged cell membrane of the pathogens is electrocuted and destroyed, and

- a long molecular chain attached to the nitrogen atom which pierces the cell membrane of pathogens that come into contact with it causing lysis,

wherein the process of lysis transfers no electrons or atoms between the antimicrobial agent or pathogens.

Preferably, upon application to a surface the antimicrobial agent will dry quickly, will adhere to the surface rapidly and will be capable of remaining active upon a treated surface for an extended period of time.

Preferably, the antimicrobial agent may be easily applied to any number of domestic, commercial or industrial uscs.Prcfcrably, surfaces to be treated using the antimicrobial may be treated by pump or mist spraying the antimicrobial agent in solution upon the surface, by dipping or soaking the item to be treated in a solution containing the antimicrobial agent. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent may be diluted with water or with other liquids according to the nature of the various applications, the surface to be treated, the length of time in which the antimicrobial agent is to remain upon the surface and depending upon the level of toxicity permitted in relation to the application.

5

Preferably the antimicrobial agent is capable of killing or deactivating pathogens which are resistant to bactericides or sanitisers as a result of mutagenesis.

Preferably the antimicrobial agent does not increase mutagenicity of pathogens.

10

In another aspect there is provided a composition comprising the antimicrobial agent of the invention and a carrier.

In a further aspect there is provided a method for maintaining pathogenic control in controlled l s or semi controlled environments and apparatus by disinfecting a surface or the apparatus used in the environment with the antimicrobial agent or a composition of the invention,

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to antimicrobial technology to combat pathogens such as0 bacteria, fungi, mould, viruses and parasitic protozoa. The antimicrobial agent of the invention is a natural, chemical free, water based product which can be used on almost any surface including fabrics, carpet, upholstery, drapes, linens, wood, plastics, stone, porcelain and metals. The antimicrobial agent is also suitable for use as a hand sanitiser and for food related antimicrobial applications as it is non-toxic to humans and animals.

The antimicrobial agent inactivates and kills pathogens through the process of lysis, wherein contact of the pathogen's cellular wall with the antimicrobial film produces cellular wall disruption. The contacting cellulnr wall is broken or ruptured and the pathogenic microbe is no longer able to control its internal hydrostatic pressure, resulting in implosion or explosion of0 the species, depending on ambient pressure. No transfer of chemical or chemical residues occurs during this process. The antimicrobial film is not depleted and will continue to lyse pathogenic cells.

The basic active antimicrobial agent compound of the present invention is: Octadecyldimemyl(3-trihydroxysU chloride ("ODTA")The chemical

Structure of ODTA is as follows:

[(HO),SiCH₂C¾C¾N^CH3)₂(C_lsH37)] ClODTA is classified as an organic functional trihydroxysilane as it contains a functional organic group (quaternary nitrogen) covalently bound to a silicon atom. Organosilane denotes a minimum of one carbon-silicon bond. Trihydroxy describes die number of hydroxy groups bound to the silicon atom. Preparation of Silases

ODTA Preparation

Cl(CH₂)iSi(OMe)3 + C_1SH,₇N(CH₃)2 = (ODTA)

The antimicrobial agent of the present invention is prepared as a trialkoxysilane. Trialkoxysilancs undergo a wide variety of chemical reactions including transesterification, acetylation, halogenation, condensation and hydrolysis to name but a few. The most important of these reactions are hydrolysis (which is used to prepare the antimicrobial agent) and condensation, (which is required for the antimicrobial agent to bond to surfaces and form polymeric films). Hydrolysis of ODTA to antimicrobial agent:

A. On contact with water molecules, the methoxy groups attached to the silicon atom in the ODTA molecule will react in a step- ise manner to form silanols.

MeOH

(In dilute aqueous solution, a stable solution is formed). B. The Silanol moieties are very reactive and will react through a condensation type reaction with a wide variety of hydroxylated surfaces including cellulose, metals, sand, silica, zeolites, etc.

C. Silanol containing antimicrobial agents undergo auto condensation reactions with other Silanol substituted antimicrobial agent molecules and with the surface of a substrate, eliminating water.

OH OH R OH RS OHh + RSi(OW½^- R— S Ti— O— S I .I— R ♦ R— S .i— 0 {SK.))_n .— R

OH OH OH OH OH

Autocondensation occurs across the surface of substrates to produce 3-dimensional, cross- linked polymers being on the average 10-30 molecules thick, depending on the substrate.

Drying after application produces a durable, non-leaching, bonded, antimicrobial surface.

Substrate

"where R *

CT

It can be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the use of organosilane quaternaries is known in the art, improvements to the manner in which such antimicrobial agents act are not only possible but highly desirable. The inventor has produced an improved organosilane quaternary which is capable of rapidly and securely binding to the substrates of a wide range of surfaces including the skin of living organisms and remaining active for extended periods of time upon the surfaces. General Reactivity of the Antimicrobial Agent of the Invention

Bonding and Deposition on Surfaces

The antimicrobial agent of die present invention will react with oxide and hydroxyl containing surfaces through a condensation reaction. The bonds formed are covalent and are resistant to rehydration. Coatings on siliceous materials (glass, sand) are removed by thermal means £>250°C) or concentrated chemical treatment (K.OH, NaOH, HF). Durable coatings on metal are dependent on (he metal substrate. Coatings incorporating the antimicrobial agent have been applied to textile fibres including cotton, cellulose acetate, polyester, nylon, wool, rayon, acrylon, etc.

Durable coatings are readily applied to various natural and plastic surfaces including cotton, cellulose, wool, nylon, PVC, polyester, rayon, etc. Evaporation of the application media promotes T-resin film formation on the substrate. Electrostatic or H-bonding interactions provide bonding. Uniform film formation occurs through even "wetting" of the plastic surface. Durable films arc achieved on nylon, fibreglass, epoxy, polyester, PVC substrates. Less durable films are obtained on PE and PP. Film formation on PTFE and other fluorirtated substrates have not been reported. Antimicrobial Chemistry

The antimicrobial agent of the present invention is a unique antimicrobial material. It forms a water stable solution at low concentrations. There are no additives in the antimicrobial agent of the invention added to promote stability. This solution has the antimicrobial properties of typical aqueous solutions of quaternary ammonium compounds. On application to surfaces, the material reacts to produce a bonded antimicrobial coating. On evaporation of the water solvent, a durable bonded coating is produced which has improved and sustained antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial agent, when applied to a surface, transforms from a water soluble monomelic species to an insoluble, macromolecular antimicrobial film. This film is stable and durable. Pathogens Inactivated By The Antimicrobial

The antimicrobial agent has been demonstrated effective against a wide range of pathogens which are either killed or inactivated following application of the antimicrobial agent to various substrates and materials (in this regard see U.S. Patent No. 6,613,755). Pathogens which are killed or inactivated by the antimicrobial agent of the present invention include:

Gram Positive Bacteria

Bacillus sp. (vegetative cell)

Corynebacterium diptheriae

Micrococcus lutea

Micrococcus sp,

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium smegmatis

Propionibaciertum acnes

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Streptococcus faecalis

Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus pneumonia

Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram Negative Bacteria

Acinctobacter calcoaceticus

Aeromorm hydrophilia

Citrobacter deversus

Citrobacter fireundi

Enterobacter aerogenes

Enterobacter aglomerans

Enterobacter cloacae

Enterococcus

Escherichia coli

Klebsiella oxyloca Klebsiella pneumoniae Klebsiella terriena

Legionella pneumophila Morganella morganii

5 Proteus mirabilis

Proteus vulgaris

Fseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas fluorscens Salmonella cholera suis l o Salmonella typhi

Salmonella typhtmurium Serratia liqulfaciens

Serratia m rcescens

Xanthomonas campestris

15

viruses.

Adenovirus Type II & IV

Bovine Adenovirus Type I & IV

Feline pneumonitis

20 Herpes Simplex Type I

Herpes Simplex Type II

HIV-1 (AIDS)

Influenza A2 (Aichi)

Influenza Λ2 (Asian)

25 Influenza B

Mumps

Parin luenza (Sendai) Rous Sarcoma

Reovirus Type I

30 Simian Virus 40

Vaccinia MS2

PRDI

Fungi. Alaac Mould. Ycaat. Spores Altercmia alternate

Aphanizomenon sp,

Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus niger

Aspergillus sydowi

Aspergillus terreus

Aspergillus versicolor

Aspergillus verrucaria

Aweobasidium pullans

Candida albicans

Candida pseudotropo alis

Chaetomium globsum

Cladosporiu cladosporloides Chlorella vulgaris

Dreschslera australiensis

Epidermophyton sp.

Gliomastix cerealis

Qloeophyltwn trabeum

Microsporum sp.

Microsporum audouinii

Monili agrisea

Oscillatorta

Pertic lium chrysogemm

Pencillium commune

Penicillium fimiculosum

Penicillium pinophilium

Penicillium variable Phom flmett

Ptihomyces chartar m

Poria placenta

Scenedesntus

Saccharonyces cerevfsiae

Scolecobasidt m humicola

Selenastrum sp.

Trichoderma viride

Trichophyton interdigitale

Trichophyton maidson

Trichophyton mentogrophytes

Trichophyton sp.

Protozoa Parasites

Cryptosporidium parvum (oocysts)

(The above list does not reflect the activity of the antimicrobial agent in the liquid form).

Multiple Applications

The characteristics of the antimicrobial agent mean that it is suitable for use in making any number of industry sector environments considerably healthier including the following:

Healthcare and Aged Care

Military

Marine Industry

Entertainment

Transport

Animal Healthcare

Childcare

Food Preparation

Sports Facilities

Past Pood areas

Travel and Hospitality Domestic Houses Compositions of the Invention

While the antimicrobial agent may be used neat, it may also be incorporated in an antimicrobial agent together with a carrier.

Suitable carriers are known in the art, for example, water or aqueous carriers such as aqueous alcohol comprising water and an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol or propanol. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises other components such as other antimicrobial agents and antisceptics, surfactants, fragrances, colouring agents and the like, as known in the art.

Examples of other antimicrobial agents include but are not limited to peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide and benzalkonium chlorides such as N-octyl-N-ben2 l-N,N- dimethylammonium chloride, N-decyl-N-benzyl-N,N-dimethylaromonium chloride, N- dodecyl-N-benzyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride, N-tctradecyl-N-benzyl-N,N- dimcthylamroonium chloride, N-hexadecyl-N-benzyl-N,N-dimethylarnmonium chloride and N-octadecyl-N'benzyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride. Suitable antisceptics include bisbiguanidra and polybiguanides such as alexidine, chlorhexidine and polyhexamethylencbiguanide or salts or mixtures thereof.

Suitable surfactants include ethoxylated alcohols such as poly(oxy-l,2-ethanediyl-alpha- (nonyl-phenyl)-omega-hydroxy ethoxylated alcohol.

Exemplary compositions of the invention include but are not limited to hand sanitisers and disinfectants.

The antimicrobial agent of the invention can be diluted according to the requirements of the particular application. For example, the antimicrobial agent may be used as an improved hand sanitiscr which is gentle to the user's hands and protects the user from pathogens for periods of at least 24 hours. In such applications the active antimicrobial agent is diluted as follows:

Hand Sanitiser - Composition 1

Octadecyldimethyl(3-trihydroxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride 1.0%

chloropropyltrihydroxysilane 0.02%

methanol 0.56%

benzalkonium Chloride 2.00%

ethyl alcohol 18%

fragrance 0.01%

water 78.41%

Hand Sanitiser - Composition 2

Octadecyldimcmyl(3-trihydroxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride 0.4%

Chloropropyltrihydroxysilane 0.02%

Methanol 0.56%

Ethyl alcohol 18%

Fragrance 0.01%

Water 81.01%

When applied as a hand sanitiser, the antimicrobial agent forms a protective antimicrobial barrier on the skin. The antimicrobial protection remains through a minimum of ten hand washings and may be effective for 24 hours or longer. The solution gently moisturizes the skin as it protects and prevents drying, redness and chapping. The hand sanitiser application offers long lasting protection against pathogenic organisms including viruses, fungi and bacteria including staphylococci, streptococci and E.coli and will kill all strains of Staphylococcus aureus including drug resistant MRSA.

The hand sanitiser application of the antimicrobial agent may be quickly and easily applied using a spray applicator. It is a colourless product which is invisible on application and will not stain skin or clothing. An additional benefit of employing the antimicrobial agent as a hand sanitiser is its ability to kill viruses that are commonly found in the workplace or in domestic environments where people gather, for instance, swine flu.

Application to the skin not only eliminates and inactivates bacteria, viruses and fungi but 5 also prevents re-infection by maintaining the protective barrier for up to 24 hours. Whereas other hand sanitisers on the market are primarily ethyl or isopropyl alcohol formulations which are largely antibacterial in nature, they only provide protection for a few minutes due to evaporation of the alcohol.

10 The antimicrobial agent is also highly suitable for application as an hospital grade disinfectant as it provides a highly durable antipathogenic coating that inhibits the growth of bacteria fungi, and algae on a variety of surfaces and which lasts up to 28 days. In such applications the active antimicrobial agent is diluted as follows: l S Hospital Grade Disinfectant · Composition I

Octadecyldirnethyl(3-trmydroxysirylp- pyl)arnmoruum chloride (72%) 1.5%

Poly(oxy- 1 ,2-ethanediy 1 ),alpha-(nonyl phenyl)-omega- hydroxy ethoxylated alcohol 5.0%

Benzalkonium Chloride (50%) 1.0%

0 PoryhexamethyleneBiguanide Hydrochloride (20%) 5.0%

water 87.5%

Hospital Grade Disinfectant - Composition 2

Octadccyldimemyl(3-trihydro^ chloride 0.71%

25 CWoropropyltrihydrox silane 0.04%

Methanol 1 0%

Hydrogen peroxide 3.0%

Water 95.25%

30 It has been shown that the hospital grade disinfectant application of the present invention kills 99% of viruses, bacteria, mould, fungus and algae found in hospital environments, Thc antimicrobial agent is non-toxic to humans, animals and the environment It is non- corrosive, will not stain any surface and is odourless. Moreover it has been found to be resistant to new superbugs which is particularly important in a hospital setting. The antimicrobial agent is safe for food contact surfaces and may be effective protection against pathogens for at least 28 days.

Pood grade applications of the antimicrobial agent have also been shown to be very effective protection against pathogens. Pood based applications may require greater dilution according to permissible toxicity levels in order to retain a food grade rating. The antimicrobial is suitable for a wide range of both household and commercial uses. Household uses may include:

In bathrooms and restrooms to prevent mould, mildew, disease and odour-causing bacteria for months at a time

In the kitchen to protect counters, sponges even cutting boards and meat slicers.

Protecting sheets, towels, aprons, uniforms and other fabrics against germs for extended periods

Treat HVAC filters and returns, carpets and draperies for cleaner, fresher-smelling rooms

Keeping outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and canopies clean and mould free

Commercial uses of the antimicrobial agent may include:

Restaurants and food preparation areas

Public areas such as toilets, hand rails, chairs, taps

Food packaging areas, quality control, conveyor belts, machine levers and buttons, sorting surfaces Decrease employee's sick leave due to reduced spread of pathogens throughout the workforce

The antimicrobial agent of the invention can be applied to both organic or inorganic substrates by brushing, dipping, padding, soaking, spraying, fogging or by using foam finishing techniques. After application the agent bonds with the substrate of the surface upon which it is applied and forms a protective film upon the surface.

Application to dry substrates at temperatures f om ambient to a maximum of 160° C to effect complete condensation of silanol groups and to remove water, solvents and/or traces of methanol from hydrolysis. Optimum application and drying conditions, such as time and temperature, may be determined for each application before use so as to enable the most efficacious use of the antimicrobial. If necessary, the antimicrobial film can be reapplied every month or when odour, staining and discolouration due to bacteria, mould stains, and mildew stains return.

Accordingly in another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for maintaining pathogenic control in controlled or semicontrolled environments and apparatus by disinfecting a surface or the apparatus with the antimicrobial agent of the invention or a composition containing the antimicrobial agent of the invention.

Commercial and Industrial applications

Suitable commercial applications of the antimicrobial agent includes use in homes, offices, automobiles and institutions e.g., schools, hospitals, day care centres, banks, churches, correctional facilities, hotels, cruise and freight liners.

The active antimicrobial agent is effective against odour causing bacteria, bacteria which cause staining and discolouration, fungi (mould and mildew) and algae as a static agent and can be used as a final bacteriostatic finish on, for example, the following items to impart bacteriostatic/fungi static (mould and mildew) activity:

· Air filters and air filter material for furnaces, air conditioners and air purification systems, automobiles, recirculating air handling systems, vacuum cleaner filters, aq ariums

• Air filters/materials

• Apparel recreational gear, outwear, sportswear, sleepwear, socks, hosiery, undergarments, gloves and uniforms

• Aquarium filter material

• Athletic gear and sports equipment

• Automotive and vehicular parts

• Awnings

• Building materials and components: siding, insulation and non-food contact cabinetry, wallboard, wood and wood components: interior structural wood as defined as only wood needed for basic building structure as found in the dried in stage of construction, wood dried in contact with foundations, interior and exterior wall sill plates, wood studs, wood or celJulosic sheathing, floor joists and sub- flooring. Although should not to be used in association with in-ground contact applications, landscape timbers, docks, boardwalks, and deck furniture or other dimensional lumber.

• Blankets

• Bedspreads

• Bed sheets, blankets, and bedspreads

• Bathroom and non-food contact kitchen hardware

• Book covers and pictures

• Buffer pads (abrasive and polishing)

• Carpets, carpet underlay and draperies

• Ceiling Tiles

• Cloth for sails

• Conveyor belts, humidifier belts

• Curtains

• Draperies

• Non-food contact counter tops

• Concrete products

• Concrete additive for sewer pipes, manholes and concrete sewer structures; not to be used in treatment of storm drains

Non-food contact conveyor or humidifier belts

Non-woven disposable diapers

FibrefiU for upholstery, sleeping bags, apparel, where the fibre is cotton, natural down, nylon, polyester, rayon, or wool

Fire hose fabric

Fabrics - bed sheets, blankets, bedspreads, curtains, draperies (washable only), underwear, socks, intimate apparel, hosiery, throw rugs, towelling, toilet tank covers, shower curtains, shoe insoles, outerwear apparel (jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, raincoats, overcoats, jerseys, ponchos).

Fabrics (natural and synthetic, woven and non-woven) made of acetates, acrylics, cotton, fibreglass, linen, Lycra, nylon, orlon, polyester, polyethylene, polyolcfins, polypropylene, rayon, silk, spandex, vinyl, and wool.

Fibreglass duct board for air handling systems at point of manufacture

Filling and ticking

Fire hose fabric

Flooring

Floor covering

Foam for packing and cushioning in non-food contact applications

Footwear (boots, shoes and components)

Furniture

General purpose ( non-food contact) containers

Hard Surfaces such as tubs, glazed tiles, vanity tops, shower curtains, shower stalls, sinks, washable walls, wall paper for non-food contact, floors, window sills, cabinets, garbage cans, appliances, refrigerators (exterior), fibreglass, formica, glazed tile, glazed porcelain, synthetic marble, synthetic quartz, synthetic granite, plastic, vinyl

Interior non food contact hard surfaces: floors, walls, ceiling tiles, ceramic, tile, concrete, chrome, stainless steel, vinyl, porcelain, paper wall covering, wood and glass fixture, marble, aluminium, book covers, pictures and furniture;

Leather (natural and synthetic) Mattresses - Mattress pad and mattress ticking and upholstery composed of acetates, acrylics, cotton, fibreglass, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyolefins, polypropylene, rayon, spandex, vinyl, wool, fibrefill to be used in upholstery, sleeping bags, apparel, where the fibre is cotton, natural down, nylon, rayon or wool

Mats

Men's underwear and outerwear

Non-woven disposable diapers

Non-woven polyester

Outerwear apparel Gackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, raincoats, overcoats, jerseys, ponchos)

Disposable polyurethane foam cushions

The antimicrobial can be used in paints and coatings as an "in can" preservative for protection of paint film and coating film. Types of paints and coatings include: latex indoor/outdoor paints and stains, wood stains, architectural paints, lacquer and maintenance coatings, films, laminates and finishes including alkyd, urethane, enamel, epoxy, siloxalinc, amino resins, textile coatings, extrusion coatings, architectural coatings and overlays, anticorrosion coatings, fire-resistant coatings, aliphatic coatings, vinylestcr and polyester coatings, gel coatings, amino resins, resins used as additive mixes for cement, epoxy laminating resins, and blends and copolymers thereof;

Pillow covers

Plumbing supplies and fixtures

• Polyurethane and cellulose foam for household, industrial, and institutional sponges and mop

Polyurethane and polyethylene foam, when covered

Polyurethane foam for packaging and cushioning in non-food contact applications Polyurethane foam used as a growth medium for non-food crops and plants Pre-moistened towelettes and tissue wipes (these do not impart pesticidal properties)

Quilts and pillows Roofing materials - defined as shingles, roofing granules, tiles, membranes, underlay wood shakes, felt, stone and synthetic overcoats

Ropes

Rugs

Sheet and formed glass

Sand bags, tents, tarpaulins, sails, and ropes

Athletic and casual shoes

Shoe insoles

Shower curtains

Socks comprised of nylon, nylon orlon, cotton nylon, linen/Lycra, acrylic polypropylencAiylon Lycra, wool/silk/nylon/Lycra and wool/acrylic/nylon Lycra

Sponges and Pads - Buffer pads (polishing and abrasive), Polyurcthane and cellulose foam for household sponges and mops, vacuum cleaner bags, umbrellas, casual shoes, athletic shoes

Tarps

Tents and other outdoor equipments

Throw rugs

Towelling made of 100 percent cotton, 100 percent polyester, and blends of the two fibres

Toilet tank and seat covers

Umbrellas

Upholstery made of acetates, acrylics, cotton, fibrcglass, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyolefins, polypropylene, rayon, spandex, vinyl, wool

Vacuum cleaner bags and filters

Vinyl paper-wallpaper for non-food contact surfaces

Disposable wiping cloths that can be used for multiple purposes such as dusting or washing furniture, cars, walls, windows, floors, appliances, dishes, counter tops Women's hosiery

Women's intimate apparel T U2011/001229

- 21 -

Directions for application

Conventional commercial applications of the antimicrobial agent include use in homes, offices, automobiles and institutions e.g., schools, hospitals, day-care centres, churches, correctional facilities, hotels, cruise and freight liners.

Although the antimicrobial agent is non-toxic to humans and animals, for the sake of occupational health and safety and overall precaution, the user should wear protective eyewear (goggles or face shield) and gloves when using the antimicrobial in large volumes. Areas and articles to be treated should be clean and dry before applying the antimicrobial to them. Children and pets should be removed from the treated area until it is completely dry.

The methods by which the antimicrobial may be applied include:

Pump Spray Application: Completely spray the surface to be treated using a pump sprayer held approximately between 100mm to 150mm from the surface ensuring that the surface is completely covered with the antimicrobial agent. Permit the sprayed on solution to stand for 3 minutes and then wipe the surface dry with a cloth or sponge. If spotting occurs, wipe with a moist cloth or sponge. Possible staining susceptibility and colour- fastness of fabrics and carpets may be tested prior to application by treating and drying a small, concealed area. When treating coarser substrates, a higher volume of the antimicrobial agent may be required due to absorption. A fan may be used to assist in drying carpets.

Commercial Spray Application: For commercial application equipment (i.e. carpet upholstery steamers, rotary jet extraction cleaners, pressure sprayers) the antimicrobial agent may be applied without dilution and then let to stand until dry or let to stand for 3 minutes before and wiping dry with a cloth or sponge. If spotting occurs, wipe with moist cloth or sponge. Test for staining and colour-fastness of fabrics and carpets by treating and drying a small, concealed area prior to application. When treating coarser substrates, a higher volume of the antimicrobial agent may be required due to absorption. Dry carpet areas and surfaces before re-entry and normal use. A fan may be used to assist in drying carpels.

Dipping/Soaking Application: Use appropriate sized wash basin or tub for dipping soaking the item to be treated. Enough of the antimicrobial agent should be used so as to completely submerge the item, The item should be completely submerged in solution for 3 minutes, then removed and dried. For larger items (e.g., bedspreads, curtains, draperies), place in washing machine on spin cycle to aid in the removal of excess liquid. Test for staining and colourfastness of fabrics and carpets by treating and drying a small, concealed area prior to application. Do not reuse solution after dipping soaking, The substrate can be dried at room temperatures or at temperatures to a maximum of 160* C (320°F), for example in a clothes dryer. Remove excess liquid before attempting to dry in clothes dryer. The antimicrobial agent can be reapplied every three months, if necessary, or when odour, staining and discolouration due to bacteria, mould stains, and mildew stains return.

Throughout the specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

The applications for the antimicrobial agent of the invention referred to above arc not exhaustive and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An improved antimicrobial agent having

5 - a centrally located, positively charged nitrogen atom for attracting negatively charged cell membranes of pathogens towards an active surface of the antimicrobial agent, where upon contact with the nitrogen atom, the negatively charged cell membrane of the pathogens is electrocuted and destroyed, and

- a long molecular chain attached to the nitrogen atom which pierces the cell membrane l o of pathogens that come into contact with it causing lysis,

2. The antimicrobial agent of Claim 1 wherein upon application to a surface, the antimicrobial agent will dry quickly, will adhere to the surface rapidly and will be capable of

13 remaining active upon a treated surface for an extended period of time.

3. The antimicrobial agent of Claim 1 or 2 wherein the antimicrobial may be easily applied to any number of domestic, commercial or industrial uses.

4. The antimicrobial agent of any of the preceding claims wherein surfaces to be treated using the antimicrobial may be treated by pump or mist spraying the antimicrobial in0 solution upon the surface, by dipping or soaking the item to be treated in a solution containing the antimicrobial.

5. The antimicrobial agent of any of the preceding claims wherein the antimicrobial agent may be diluted with water or with other liquids according to the nature of the various applications, the surface to be treated, the length of time in which the 5 antimicrobial agent is to remain upon the surface and depending upon the level of toxicity permitted in relation to the application.

6. The antimicrobial agent of any of the preceding claims wherein the antimicrobial agent is capable of killing or deactivating pathogens which are resistant to bactericides or sanitisers as a result of mutagenesis.

7. The antimicrobial agent of any of the preceding claims wherein the antimicrobial agent does not increase mutagenicity of pathogens.

8. The antimicrobial agent comprising octadecyldimethyl(3- trihydroxysiIyIpropyl)ammonium chloride.

9. A composition comprising the antimicrobial agent of any one of claims 1 to 8 and a carrier.

10. The composition according to claim 9 further comprising one or more of other antimicrobial agents, antisceprJcs, surfactants, fragrances and dyes.

11. The composition of claim 10 wherein the other antimicrobial agent is selected from hydrogen peroxide or alkylbenzlkonium chlorides or mixtures thereof.

12. The composition of claim 10 wherein the antiseptic is a bisbiguanide or polybiguanide or salts thereof.

13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the polybiguanide is polyhexamethylcnebiguanide hydrochloride.

14. The antimicrobial composition of claim 9 comprising octadecyldimethyl(3- trihydroxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride, chloropropyltrihydroxysUane, methanol, ethyl alcohol, fragrance and water,

IS. The antimicrobial composition of claim 14 further comprising benzalkonium chloride.

16. The antimicrobial composition of claim 9 comprising octadecyldimethyl(3- trihydroxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride, chloropropyltrihydroxysilane. methanol, hydrogen peroxide and water.

17. The antimicrobial composition of claim 9 comprising octadecyldimethyl(3- trihydroxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride, polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, chloropropyltrihydroxysilane, benzalkonium chloride and water.

18. A method for maintaining pathogenic control in controlled or semi controlled environments and apparatus by disinfecting a surface or the apparatus used in the environment with the antimicrobial agent of any one of claims 1 to 8 or a composition of any one of claims 9 to 17.