WO2020103997A1

WO2020103997A1 - Eco-friendly long-term protection compositions and uses

Info

Publication number: WO2020103997A1
Application number: PCT/DK2019/050364
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher James LÜSCHER; Lars Schmidt HANSEN; Daria WAGNER
Original assignee: ACT.Global A/S
Priority date: 2018-11-23
Filing date: 2019-11-22
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: DK180059B1; DK201800907A1

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions comprising a) an antimicrobial agent, which is selected from the group consisting of lactic acids, comprising L(+) optical isomer of lactic acid and/or a racemic lactic acid, and one or more polymer binder b) selected from the group of polyethylenimines. The polyethylenimines is effective as a booster for the antimicrobial properties of lactic acid isomers and their mixtures. Compositions can further comprise c) a tensid, and d) a primer for tensid, resulting in better distribution of tensid in the bulk composition, a synergetic effect of b), c) and d) on the biocidal properties of a) is achieved, allowing for a long-term synergetic biocidal effect of our eco-friendly solution at very low biocide concentration. The uses of the disclosed compositions for manufacturing of various biocidal formulations and as various biocidal formulations are claimed.

Description

ECO-FRIENDLY LONG-TERM PROTECTION COMPOSITIONS AND USES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to biocidal compositions comprising an L-lactic acid isomer and/or racemic lactic acid as an antimicrobial agent in combination with a polyethyleneimine. The effect of polyethyleneimine as a booster for biocidal properties of said antimicrobial agent can be further improved by a tensid and a stabilising agent (primer) for the tensid .

BACKGROUND

US 2016/0262382 A1 by LAN, T. et al describes a disinfectant formulation comprising two biocidal compounds, lactic acid and the polymeric compound, which may be

polyethyleneimine when several selections for possible groups are made according to their formula. Both compounds can be present in amounts of 0.05% to 10% b.w. It is mentioned that weak acids such as lactic acid as biocidal compound have been shown to be particularly effective in bathroom cleaners. The formulation further comprises a surfactant in an amount of 0.01% to 10% b.w. However, US 2016/0262382 Al does not disclose any specific embodiments directed towards compositions comprising only one biocide, being selected from racemic or L-lactic acid . It provides no hints to select the specific combination of lactic acid and polyethyleneimine.

W013124784 Al by PURSCHWITZ et al. discloses composition comprising a) a biocidal agent, which is selected from the group consisting of biocides containing halogen atoms and/or containing phenolic moieties, formic acid, chlorine dioxide, chlorine dioxide generating compounds, dialdehydes; components containing a biocidal metal such as silver, and b) a polyethyleneimine. The polyethyleneimine is effective as a booster for the biocidal agent. Though lactic acid and its salts is mentioned in description part of W013124784 in a big bulk group of possible biocides, and also listed under further additives, improving the biocidal effect of the biocide, and even as an antioxidant example later on, there is no mentioning in W013124784, that especially one of the two optical isomers or a racemic lactic acid would perform better than the other isomer, and lactic acid is not claimed as a biocide, either. Our selection invention discloses that by using the specific isomer of lactic acid or a racemic lactic acid as a biocide, a long-lasting and eco-friendly protective effect can be achieved using much lower concentration of biocide than claimed by W013124784. The use of a surfactant is disclosed by W013124784. However, we disclose that by using a tensid for stabilising polyethyleneimine, and by using a further additive (a tensid primer) ensuring a better distribution of the tensid in the composition, a surprising synergetic effect is achieved, boosting the biocidal properties of our specifically selected biocide.

Other examples of polyamines for boosting biocide properties, suitable for our inventive compositions, can be these disclosed by SCHONEMYR et al in US2007042198,

US2008286225 and IN04627DN2007, all disclosing polyamines, having polyethyleneimine precursors with various structural and functional modifications.

SUMMARY

Throughout this disclosure, the term "an antimicrobial agent" is interchangeable with its scientific and regulatory synonyms comprising : a pesticide (in USA), a biocide, a disinfectant.

In a first aspect, a composition is claimed, comprising an antimicrobial agent a) in an amount of 0.1 to 1 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, said anti microbial agent being selected as one or more from the group consisting of L-lactic acid isomer and racemic lactic acid, and one or more polymer binder b) selected from

polyethyleneimines.

In an embodiment of the invention, the biocidal effect can be further enhanced and prolonged by using a tensid and a primer, where tensid stabilizes the polyethyleneimine compound, and said primer ensures an even distribution of the tensid in the composition. The use of a polyethyleneimine compound b), a tensid c) and a primer d), individually or in any combination for promoting the biocidal effect of our selected antimicrobial agent a), being an L-lactic acid isomer or racemic lactic acid, is claimed. The collective use of a

polyethyleneimine compound b), a tensid c) and a primer d) provides a synergetic enhancing of biocidal properties of our specific antimicrobial agent a), allowing for a reduction of the antimicrobial agent concentration needed for satisfactory disinfection levels.

In a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of the compositions according to the first aspect of invention for manufacturing of various products, such as, for the manufacture of home care formulation, such as a biocide, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, fabric conditioner, product for disinfection and sanitization of hard surfaces, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bath cleaner, sanitary cleaner, hygiene rinse product for fabrics, carpet cleaner, furniture cleaner, or a product for conditioning, sealing, caring or treating hard and soft surfaces; or for the manufacture of a personal care formulation, especially a deodorant, skin care preparation, bath preparation, cosmetic care preparation, foot-care preparation, light- protective preparation, skin-tanning preparation, depigmenting preparation, insect-repellent, anti- perspirant, preparation for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, hair-removal preparation, shaving preparation, fragrance preparation, cosmetic hair-treatment

preparation, antidandruff preparation, oral care composition. In a forth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of the compositions according to the first aspect of invention as various products, such as home care formulation, such as a biocide, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, fabric conditioner, product for disinfection and sanitization of hard surfaces, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bath cleaner, sanitary cleaner, hygiene rinse product for fabrics, carpet cleaner, furniture cleaner, or a product for conditioning, sealing, caring or treating hard and soft surfaces; or for the manufacture of a personal care formulation, especially a deodorant, skin care preparation, bath preparation, cosmetic care preparation, foot-care preparation, light-protective preparation, skin-tanning preparation, depigmenting preparation, insect-repellent, anti- perspirant, preparation for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, hair-removal preparation, shaving preparation, fragrance preparation, cosmetic hair-treatment preparation, antidandruff preparation, oral care composition.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

In the context of the present invention, the term "surfactants" and "surface active agent" refers to the same and should be understood as the same. The terms "surfactant" and "surface active agent" may be used interchangeably.

In an embodiment of the invention, the antimicrobial agent a) is present in the composition in an amount of 0.01 to 1 wt-%, such as 0.05 to 1 wt-%. Most preferably the antimicrobial agent is present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 1 wt-%.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the polymer binder b) is present in the composition in an amount of up to 0.5 wt% of the total weight of the composition. For example, the polymer binder selected from polyethyleneimines is present in the composition in the amount of 0.001 to 0.5 percent b.w (wt-%), such as 0.01 to 0.5 wt-%, preferably 0.05 to 0.4 wt-%, more preferably 0.07 to 0.3 wt-%.

The composition of the present invention surprisingly provides long-lasting biocidal effect at environment-friendly concentrations. In an embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises an antimicrobial agent a) selected from the group of L-lactic acid isomer or racemic lactic acid and one or more polymer binder b) selected from polyethyleneimines having a molecular weight higher than 400 g/mol, and preferably has a number-average molecular weight in the range from 500 to 2 000 000 g/mol, especially 750 g/mol to 100 000 g/mol, said polyethyleneimine is a homopolymer, or an oligomer or polymer grafted with 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of ethylene oxide on 1 part by weight of the polyethyleneimine, most preferably, the

polyethyleneimine is a branched polyethyleneimine homopolymer, whose uncharged form conforms to the empirical formula -(CH2-CH2-NH)n- wherein n ranges from approximately 10 to 100000, or is a grafted variant thereof, shows very good performance. A test based on the European standardized test for Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics was conducted, namely, Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity in the medical area- (DS/EN 13727:2012+A2:2015). In this test, 8ml of solution is taken and mixed with a premix of 1ml of test organisms and 1 ml of interfering solution. After the addition, the mixture was shortly mixed on a vortex mixer and is left until the contact time being tested has passed. After contact time, 1 ml of the mixture is transferred to a solution comprising 8 ml neutralizer and 1 ml of water, and vortexed again. After 5 mins of neutralization, samples are taken from the mixture and diluted to 10 ⁵ and 10 ⁶ and added to a petri dish (size 90- 100 mm). These petri dishes are incubated for 20-24 hours at 36-37 degrees Celsius, and the colony forming units are counted, afterwards, the plates are incubated for another 20-24 hours, and the colony forming units are recounted. If the number of colonies has increased, the higher number will be used.

Our tests showed that the compositions comprising a) and b) especially being the two PEI products A-200 by Appeartex AB and Lupasol FG by BASF, showed up to full reduction (100wt.%) of test organisms at concentrations of a) below lwt.% and a contact time of 1 min. The compound a) alone showed a lower efficacy of logl .3 (96.55wt.% reduction) at a concentration of lwt.% and a contact time of 1 min. At a contact time of 5 min the mixture of a) and b) specifically A-200 by Appeartex AB showed a log7 or higher reduction at dilutions of 1 : 10 of the original test. Compound a) alone at 3wt.% concentration and a contact time of 5 mins achieved a log7 or higher reduction, but only without dilution.

The interaction of a) and b) is considered to give a synergetic effect that amplifies to biocidal activity of a). Compound b) is a cationic polymer and affects the composition by being an attachment promoter, first of this means that a) will lay close and attach with b). Further, because of the attachment promotion the outer surfaces of cells will attract to b) and therefore b) will facilitate strong attachment to microorganisms, allowing a) to effectively kill them.

In a further embodiment of the invention, compound c) stabilises the formulation of a) and b) and upholds a uniform distribution of a) and b). It further lowers the surface tension of the composition, allowing for a higher contact area between a), b) and the surfaces. Compound d) gives a synergetic effect with c) which leads to an improved product it has a positive effect on the rheology of c) in the composition which leads to an even better distribution in the composition. Further, d) leads to a dermatological improvement of the composition and has a positive effect on the foam building of c). When the composition is applied to a surface, an even distribution of a) and b) through c) and d) assures that a) and b) is distributed evenly over the whole surface and doesn't accumulate in clusters. Compound b) binds a) to the target surface and allows for the release of a) when needed. When applied to a surface, b) creates a strong bond to almost any type of surface, even surfaces that are normally difficult to adhere to, including certain plastic types or inorganic materials, such as glass and tiles.

The strong bond makes the product stick to the surface, even when the surface is subjected to a mechanical stress, e.g. rinsing with water. A range of test where done where the composition solutions was applied to a stainless steel surface and left for a set amount of time between 3 hours and 14 days. After the set time has passed, a known amount of test organisms was pipetted onto the surface and left there for the set contact time. After the contact time, the stainless steel plates where added to a neutralizer, in a tube with glass beads, and the mixture was vortexed to let the glass beads release the test organisms from the surface. After 5 mins of neutralization, samples were taken and diluted (to concentration of 10 ³ and 10 ⁴) and added to a petri dish (size 90-100mm) and incubated for 20-24 hours at 36-37 degrees Celsius. After incubation, the petri dish was counted for colony forming units. The plates are further incubated for another 20-24 hours, and the colony forming units are recounted. If the number of colonies has increased, the higher number is used.

The composition comprising a), b), c) and d) applied to a surface, showed efficacy even 14 days after application. The compound a) alone showed no long-term efficacy, as after 3 days, there was no detectable biocidal effect on a surface where a) was applied alone, at out test concentration.

In an aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of the compositions according to the first aspect of invention for manufacturing of various products, such as, for the manufacture of a formulation for use in facilities in industry, hotel, sport, food, beverage, pool, transportation vehicle, educational area and home care, such as a biocidal composition for cleaning industrial production facilities (cooling, refrigerating and freezing devices, equipment for food processing and beverage production, etc.), or as an antifouling composition and care formulations, such as a biocidal compositions, antifouling compositions, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, fabric conditioner, product for disinfection and sanitization of hard surfaces, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bath cleaner, sanitary cleaner, hygiene rinse product for fabrics, carpet cleaner, furniture cleaner, or a product for conditioning, sealing, caring or treating hard and soft surfaces; or for the manufacture of a personal care formulation, especially a deodorant, skin care preparation, bath preparation, cosmetic care preparation, foot-care preparation, light-protective preparation, skin-tanning preparation, depigmenting

preparation, insect-repellent, anti- perspirant, preparation for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, hair-removal preparation, shaving preparation, fragrance preparation, cosmetic hair-treatment preparation, antidandruff preparation, oral care composition.

In a further aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of the compositions according to the first aspect of invention as various products, such as formulations for use in facilities in industry, hotel, sport, food, beverage, pool, transportation vehicle, educational area and home care, such as a biocidal composition for cleaning industrial production facilities (cooling, refrigerating and freezing devices, equipment for food processing and beverage production, etc.), or as an antifouling composition, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, fabric conditioner, product for disinfection and sanitization of hard surfaces, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bath cleaner, sanitary cleaner, hygiene rinse product for fabrics, carpet cleaner, furniture cleaner, or a product for conditioning, sealing, caring or treating hard and soft surfaces; or for the manufacture of a personal care formulation, especially a deodorant, skin care preparation, bath preparation, cosmetic care preparation, foot-care preparation, light-protective preparation, skin-tanning preparation, depigmenting preparation, insect-repellent, anti- perspirant, preparation for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, hair-removal preparation, shaving preparation, fragrance preparation, cosmetic hair-treatment preparation,

antidandruff preparation, oral care composition.

Specific embodiments of the invention

The invention has been described with reference to a number of embodiments and aspects. However, the person skilled in the art may amend such embodiments and aspects while remaining within the scope of the appended patent claims. Our claimed biocide is Lactic Acid at concentrations of 0.1-lwt.%, in the form of the L-lactic acid isomer, for example from the product series Purac by Corbion, or 80wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid by Merck or L(+)-Lactic Acid by Jungbunzlauer, or the racemic lactic acid, DL-Lactic acid, for example from the product series Purac by Corbion or 85wt.% DL-Lactic Acid by Merck or DL-Lactic Acid by Wilke International Inc.

The polyethyleneimine is from the group of polyethyleneimines of molecular weight higher than 400 g/mol, and preferably has a number-average molecular weight in the range from 500 to 2 000 000 g/mol, especially 750 g/mol to 100 000 g/mol, said polyethyleneimine is a homopolymer, or an oligomer or polymer grafted with 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of ethylene oxide on 1 part by weight of the polyethyleneimine, most preferably, the

polyethyleneimine is a branched polyethyleneimine homopolymer, whose uncharged form conforms to the empirical formula -(CH2-CH2-NH)n- wherein n ranges from approximately 10 to 100000, or is a grafted variant thereof, for example, PEI from the Lupasol group of products by BASF, or from the polyethyleneimine group of products form Merck, or the modified PEI by Appeartex AB.

The tensid (compound c) is chosen from the group of non-ionic tensides, produced using an environment-friendly production, for example, Plantacare product line.

The primer is a Cocamidopropyl Betaine, chosen from the Dehyton group by BASF.

Some specific novel and inventive formulations in this scope that have proven efficacy are disclosed in the following embodiments:

EMBODIMENT 1

Compositions comprising 0.1-1 wt.% of a) L(+)-Lactic Acid; 0.0001-0.2wt.% of b) modified PEI (for example, A-200 by Appeartex AB); 0.1-5wt.% of c) D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides(for example, Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.01-lwt.% of d) Cocamidopropyl Betaine (for example, Dehyton PK45 by BASF).

EMBODIMENT 2

Compositions comprising 0.1-1 wt.% of a) DL-Lactic Acid; 0.0001-0.2wt.% of b) modified PEI (for example, A-200 by Appeartex AB); 0.1-5wt.% of c) D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (for example, Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.01-lwt.% of d)

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (for example, Dehyton PK45 by BASF).

EMBODIMENT 3

Compositions comprising 0.1-1 wt.% of a) L(+)-Lactic Acid; 0.0001-0.2wt.% of b) modified PEI (for example, A-200 by Appeartex AB); and 0.1-5wt.% of c) D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (for example, Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EMBODIMENT 4

Compositions comprising 0.1-1 wt.% of biocide a) DL-Lactic Acid (for example, Purac by Corbion); 0.0001-0.2wt.% of b) modified PEI (for example, A-200 by Appeartex AB) and 0.1- 5wt.% of c) D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (for example, Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EMBODIMENT 5

Compositions comprising 0.1-1 wt.% of a) DL-Lactic Acid (for example, by Corbion); 0.0001- 0.5wt.% of b) PEI (for example, Lupasol FG by BASF); and 0.1-5wt.% of c) D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (for example, Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EMBODIMENT 6

Compositions comprising 0.1-1 wt.% of a) L(+)-Lactic Acid; 0.0001-0.5wt.% of b) PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF); and 0.1-5wt.% of c) D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EXAMPLE 1

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (Purac from Corbion), 0.1wt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.1wt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF).

EXAMPLE 2

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0.1wt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.1wt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF).

EXAMPLE 3

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Corbion), 0.1wt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.1wt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF).

EXAMPLE 4

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0, lwt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.1wt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF). EXAMPLE 5

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (Purac by Corbion), 0.1wt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EXAMPLE 6

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0. lwt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) .

EXAMPLE 7

A composition comprising 0.9 wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Corbion), 0. lwt.% modified PEI (A- 200 by Appeartex AB) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EXAMPLE 8

A composition comprising 0.9 wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0. lwt.% modified PEI (A-200 by Appeartex AB) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) .

EXAMPLE 9

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (Purac from Corbion), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides

(Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0. lwt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF) .

EXAMPLE 10

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0. lwt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF).

EXAMPLE 11

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Corbion), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0. lwt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF). EXAMPLE 12

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF), 0.9wt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) and 0.1wt.% Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Dehyton PK45 by BASF). EXAMPLE 13

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (Purac by Corbion), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EXAMPLE 14

A composition comprising 0.9wt.% L(+)-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) .

EXAMPLE 15

A composition comprising 0.9 wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Corbion), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF).

EXAMPLE 16

A composition comprising 0.9 wt.% DL-Lactic Acid (by Merck), 0.25wt.% PEI (Lupasol FG by BASF) and lwt.% D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides (Plantacare 810UP by BASF) .

Claims

1. Composition comprising an antimicrobial agent (a) in an amount of 0.01 to 1 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, said antimicrobial agent being selected as one or more from the group consisting of L-(+)-lactic acid (this isomer is also called (S)- lactic acid) and racemic lactic acid (also called DL-lactic acid, comprising a mixture of the two optical isomers in equal amounts), and one or more polymer binder (b) selected from polyethyleneimines.

2. Composition of claim 1, wherein selected polyethyleneimines have molecular weight higher than 400 g/mol, and preferably has a number-average molecular weight in the range from 500 to 2 000 000 g/mol, especially 750 g/mol to 100 000 g/mol, said polyethyleneimine is a homopolymer, or an oligomer or polymer grafted with 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of ethylene oxide on 1 part by weight of the polyethyleneimine, most preferably, the

polyethyleneimine is a branched polyethyleneimine homopolymer, whose uncharged form conforms to the empirical formula -(CH2-CH2-NH)n- wherein n ranges from approximately 10 to 100000, or is a grafted variant thereof.

3. Composition according to any of claims 1 to 2, which composition contains 0.001 to 1 percent b.w. of the polyethyleneimine (b), preferably, 0.001 to 0.5 percent b.w. , most preferably, 0. 1 percent b.w. of the polyethyleneimine compound (b) relative to the total weight of the composition.

4. Composition according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one further component (c) selected from the group consisting of tensids, surface active agents, hydrotropic agents, further additives that may improve the antimicrobial effect, and stabilising antimicrobial agent (a) and/or polyethyleneimine, especially selected from surfactants such as the group consisting of tensids, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants; preferably, component (c) is comprising Coco glucoside.

5. Composition according to claim 4, which composition contains 0.001 to 1 percent b.w. of a surfactant (c), relative to the total weight of the composition.

6. Composition according to claim 4 or 5, comprising at least one further component (d) for stabilising and more evenly distributing component (c), the component (d) being a fatty acid amide derivative with Betaine Structure, most preferably, Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

7. Use of any of components (b), (c) and (d) in a composition as described in claims 1 - 6 as a booster for the antimicrobial agent (a) for a synergetic effect.

8. Use of a composition according to any of claims 1 to 6 for the manufacture of a

formulation for use in facilities of industry, hotel, sport, food, beverage, pool, transportation vehicle, educational area and home care s, such as a biocidal composition for cleaning industrial production facilities (cooling, refrigerating and freezing devices, equipment for food processing and beverage production, etc.), or as an antifouling composition, care formulation, such as a biocide, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, fabric conditioner, product for disinfection and sanitization of hard surfaces, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bath cleaner, sanitary cleaner, hygiene rinse product for fabrics, carpet cleaner, furniture cleaner, or a product for conditioning, sealing, caring or treating hard and soft surfaces; or for the manufacture of a personal care formulation, especially a deodorant, skin care preparation, bath preparation, cosmetic care preparation, foot-care preparation, light- protective preparation, skin-tanning preparation, depigmenting preparation, insect-repellent, anti- perspirant, preparation for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, hair-removal preparation, shaving preparation, fragrance preparation, cosmetic hair-treatment preparation, antidandruff preparation, oral care composition.

9. Use of a composition according to any of claims 1 to 6 as a formulation for use in facilities in industry, hotel, sport, food, beverage, pool, transportation vehicle, educational area and home care formulation, such as a biocidal composition for cleaning industrial production facilities (cooling, refrigerating and freezing devices, equipment for food processing and beverage production, etc. ), or as an antifouling composition, care formulation, such as a biocide, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, fabric conditioner, product for disinfection and sanitization of hard surfaces, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bath cleaner, sanitary cleaner, hygiene rinse product for fabrics, carpet cleaner, furniture cleaner, or a product for conditioning, sealing, caring or treating hard and soft surfaces; or as a personal care formulation, especially a deodorant, skin care preparation, bath preparation, cosmetic care preparation, foot-care preparation, light- protective preparation, skin-tanning preparation, depigmenting preparation, insect- repellent, antiperspirant, preparation for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, hair- removal preparation, shaving preparation, fragrance preparation, cosmetic hair-treatment preparation, antidandruff preparation, oral care composition.