WO2023062523A1

WO2023062523A1 - Sanitizing/cleaning and disinfectant formulation

Info

Publication number: WO2023062523A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/059725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Renato COZZI
Original assignee: 99 Holding S.A.R.L.
Priority date: 2021-10-11
Filing date: 2022-10-11
Publication date: 2023-04-20

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting composition and to an aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type which comprises it. The composition is characterized in that it comprises at least one complexing agent, at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of a linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol, and succinic acid in combination with at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid. The invention also relates to the use of the composition or device for sanitizing and, preferably, also simultaneously disinfecting/cleaning a surface, said surface preferably being a hard porous surface, preferably a surface in an interior environment, more preferably a surface inside a vehicle, even more preferably an automobile, a camper van, a caravan, a train, a plane, a bus, or a ship, or the surface of a medical device. The surface can also be human or animal skin, preferably the skin of the hands. The invention also relates to a method for sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting said surface with said composition or said device.

Description

“Sanitizing/cleaning and disinfectant formulation”

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DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aqueous sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, disinfectant composition. The invention also relates to an aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type comprising the composition and the use thereof for sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting a surface or human or animal skin.

STATE OF THE ART

In the field of disinfection, the use of hydrogen peroxide- and/or silver ion-based aqueous solutions as disinfectant/antibacterial compositions has been known for some time.

As described, for example, in WO2015/104687 and WO2016/005922 of the same Applicant, there are known disinfectant compositions comprising hydrogen peroxide, optionally at least one quaternary ammonium salt, and optionally phosphate ions, which are employed in methods for the disinfection of environments, in particular hospital rooms, laboratories, ambulance compartments and the like, by diffusion of the composition in the form of a dry mist or steam, or by means of manual delivery devices or clean-in-place methods. Though the disinfection of such rooms also includes disinfection of the objects contained therein, such compositions are not designed, however, for frequent sanitization/cleaning and disinfection of hard porous surfaces, such as, for example, the interior surfaces of vehicles and surfaces of medical devices, which, being surfaces that are frequently touched and used, require a more localized and specific disinfection and sanitization.

As regards other disinfectant compositions present on the market for specific use in the frequent, portable, and precise disinfection of surfaces, they are used by means of spray cans with a propellent. However, such spray cans are not optimal for use in a healthcare setting, as the propellent used to create the spray may contaminate the surfaces to be sanitized and/or ruin them, by compromising their main structural characteristics, as well as, in some cases, causing a certain flammability and explosion risk.

In this sector there thus remains a need to find a disinfectant and sanitizing composition that not only has a high biocidal power but is also suitable for frequent, precise disinfection and sanitization of surfaces, preferably surfaces of medical devices, more preferably of surfaces of non-invasive medical devices. Furthermore, the disinfectant/cleaning and sanitizing composition should also be suitable for treating human or animal skin, preferably of the hands.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned compositions comprise active ingredients that are hardly, or not all, environment-friendly (such as, for example, oxalic acid, EDTA, DTPA, chlorides, bromides, phosphonic acids and phosphonates), and are in fact disadvantageous and potentially harmful for the environment, besides offering unsatisfactory performances in terms of surface wetting capacity and hence the capacity to penetrate into all the nooks and crannies of said surfaces.

The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a composition which, by virtue of the specific combination of active ingredients, shows not only to have an optimal disinfectant, cleaning and sanitizing power, but also to be environment-friendly at the same time. Furthermore, the composition is specifically formulated so that it can be used by means of an aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type, which enables a homogeneous distribution over all surfaces through the formation of an extremely thin film with uniform biocidal activity, an optimal wetting capacity, and no risk of contamination, as it does not comprise within it traditional propellent gases (such as, for example, hydrocarbon gases), unlike the spray cans traditionally applied in the disinfection sector. The known compositions, as they have a formulation and a combination of active ingredients differing in large part from those of the present composition, are not in fact suitable for being distributed by means of that type of delivery, since they do not enable, for example, an effective distribution over the surfaces to be sanitized or an effective formation of the aforesaid film.

The composition of the present invention lends itself to being optimal for the sanitization, also frequent, of vehicle compartments since: it does not produce foam, is not greasy and does not ruin materials; it thus shows a high compatibility with surfaces and enables a rapid, effective sanitization of hard porous surfaces while simultaneously eliminating odors. Moreover, the sanitization/cleaning and, preferably, disinfection process is also safe for those who carry it out, as the spray has no hydrocarbon gases as propellants (fewer risks of inhaling toxic substances and fewer flammability/explosion risks).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an aqueous sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfectant composition comprising at least: hydrogen peroxide and a glucosidic surfactant, said composition being characterized in that it comprises: at least one biocompatible complexing agent, at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of a linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol, and succinic acid in combination with at least one additional C2- C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid.

In one embodiment, in order to increase the sanitizing/cleaning and disinfectant power of the composition, a source of silver ions (Ag⁺) and a quaternary ammonium salt compatible with silver ions may be present.

In one embodiment, the source of silver ions (Ag⁺) and a quaternary ammonium salt compatible with silver ions may also be absent.

The composition is further characterized in that it does not comprise at least one of: oxalic acid, EDTA, DTPA, chlorides, bromides, phosphonic acids and phosphonates.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to an aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type, comprising the aqueous composition according to the present invention and characterized in that it does not comprise hydrocarbon-based propellant gases, but rather comprises an inert gas selected in the group consisting of: air, nitrogen, or a combination thereof.

The present invention also relates to the use of said aqueous composition or said device for sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting, a surface, said surface preferably being a hard porous surface, preferably a surface in an interior environment, more preferably a surface inside a vehicle, even more preferably selected in the group consisting of an automobile, a camper van, a caravan, a train, a plane, a bus, and a ship. The surface can also be the surface of a non-invasive medical device or human or animal skin, preferably the skin of the hands.

Furthermore, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a method for sanitizing/cleaning and/or disinfecting a surface, comprising the steps of:

(a) applying the composition of the invention on the surface, preferably by spray delivery of the composition in aerosol form, more preferably by means of the above-described device;

(b) mechanically removing any residual dirt, preferably with a cloth.

According to this embodiment, step (b) is carried out immediately after step (a), i.e. without waiting for a pre-established contact time.

The subject matter of the present invention further relates to a method for sanitizing/cleaning and disinfecting a surface, comprising the steps of:

(a’) applying the composition of the invention on the surface, preferably by spray delivery of the composition in aerosol form, more preferably by means of the above-described device; (b’) waiting for a pre-established contact time until obtaining the formation of a biocidal film on the surface, such as to obtain the desired degree of sanitization and disinfection; (c’) optionally mechanically removing any residual dirt, preferably with a cloth, so as to obtain the optimal degree of cleaning.

According to one embodiment, in the event that the surface has a significant amount of dirt, said method comprises a preliminary surface cleaning step (i) (to be carried out before said step (a)), said preliminary cleaning step preferably being a step of mechanically removing dirt by using a cloth, more preferably by using a cloth and a sanitizing composition compatible with the composition according to the present invention, even more preferably by using a cloth and the composition according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows the results of tests for evaluating the biocidal effectiveness of the aqueous composition according to the present invention b) compared with a known commercial composition c) and with a positive control sample a), as described in Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of the present invention, the expression “disinfection” indicates the activities aimed at making certain environments and/or surfaces and/or adjoining areas sanitary by killing or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms.

For the purposes of the present invention, the expression “sanification” indicates a series of professional operations aimed at making certain environments and/or surfaces sanitary through cleaning and/or disinfection and/or disinfestation activity.

For the purposes of the present invention, the expression “sanitization” is to be understood as synonymous of “cleaning”, which means a series of operations that have the aim of removing dirt, or of cleaning away dirt, and thus making the environment and/or the surface therein hygienic.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “composition with biocidal activity” is to be understood as a composition capable of “killing”, or destroying, eliminating and/or rendering harmless live organisms, thereby preventing their action, particularly in the case of microorganisms such as spores, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and mycobacteria, but also algae, mites or insects.

In other words, “biocidal activity” can also be understood as synonymous of “bactericidal and/or fungicidal and/or sporicidal and/or virucidal and/or mycobactericidal activity”. For the purposes of the present invention, the “aqueous composition” described is to be understood as an “aqueous solution” and the two expressions are thus used as interchangeable synonyms.

For the purposes of the present invention, the expression “C1-C22 alkyl group” indicates a linear or branched alkyl residue comprising from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted, for example, with phenyl, carbonyl, ester or ether groups or the like.

For the purposes of the present invention, the expression “linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol” indicates an alcoholic organic compound having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms selected, for example, in the group consisting of: methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and the like.

The term “aryl group” indicates an aromatic residue with 6 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with alkyl, ester or ether groups.

The term “degree of ethoxylation” OE (or “degree of propoxylation” OP) indicates the number of moles of ethoxide -(CH2CH2O)- (or of propoxide -CH2CH(CH3)-O-) present in a mole of an epoxylated (and/or propoxylated) derivative.

The term “fatty alcohols” indicates straight-chain aliphatic alcohols having from 8 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably having an even number of carbon atoms).

The expression “quaternary ammonium salt” indicates an ammonium salt that has a nitrogen atom carrying a positive charge, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C22 aliphatic and/or aromatic functional groups.

The expression “quaternary ammonium salt compatible with silver ions” indicates an amine salt capable of being mixed in the aqueous composition of the invention without causing precipitations due to the interaction between the salt and silver ions. The ammonium salt is characterized by having a counterion that permits the presence of the ammonium derivative and the silver salt within the composition of the invention in the form of an aqueous solution, without giving rise to precipitation phenomena, as would occur if the counterion were not compatible with silver ions, as is the case, for example, with the chloride counterion (Ch) or the like.

The term “aqueous composition” means a liquid composition obtained by dissolving or mixing the various components in water, said composition being an aqueous solution, that is, a solution that is substantially free of residues due, for example, to precipitates, suspensions or the like.

The term “deionized water” indicates a water from which the saline component has been extracted and preferably having a conductivity < 0.1 pS/cm. The chemical compound “tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate” is also indicated, for the purposes of the present invention, as “GLDA” or “Dissolvine GL 38”.

For the purposes of the present invention, the notation “% by weight” or “% w/w” is used interchangeably.

For the purposes of the present invention, the concentrations of the compounds comprised within the aqueous composition, such as, for example, “a concentration of between 30% and 70 % w/w of a linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol”, means that the compound is present within the composition in a concentration equal to any value comprised between the aforesaid two extremes, such as, for example, 30%, 31 %, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41 %, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51 %, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61 %, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, and 70%.

Similarly, this reasoning should be applied to all the other amounts of each compound mentioned herein.

The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising:

• hydrogen peroxide (H2O2),

• at least one glucosidic surfactant, preferably at least one alkyl polyglucoside,

• said composition being characterized in that it comprises:

• - at least one complexing agent selected in the group consisting of: glutamate and derivatives thereof, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA), trisodium N-(1-carboxylatoethyl)iminodiacetate (MGDA), iminosuccinate, and a combination thereof;

• at least 30% w/w, preferably at least 50% w/w of a linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol, and

• - succinic acid in combination with at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise a source of silver ions. Preferably, a source of silver ions (Ag⁺) is understood as a salt selected in the group consisting of: nitrate, citrate, hydroxide or a combination thereof, more preferably nitrate (AgNOs).

In one embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one quaternary ammonium salt containing C1-C22 alkyl and/or alkyl aryl groups identical to or different from one another, said quaternary ammonium salt having a counterion selected from saccharinate, nitrate, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, propionate, chloride, bromide and hydroxide.

Said at least one quaternary ammonium salt is preferably selected in the group consisting of: benzalkonium saccharinate, benzalkonium nitrate, didecylmethyl ammonium carbonate, didecylmethyl ammonium bicarbonate, didecylmethyl polyoxyethyl ammonium propionate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, or a combination thereof; more preferably, said at least one quaternary ammonium salt is selected in the group consisting of: benzalkonium saccharinate, didecylmethyl polyoxyethyl ammonium propionate and a combination thereof.

The benzalkonium ion manifests itself as a heterogeneous mixture of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium ions, wherein said alkyl group is a linear alkyl group containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably containing an even number of carbon atoms. Benzalkonium saccharinate (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate - CAS No 68989-01 -5), wherein the linear alkyl group contains from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, is particularly preferred. Benzalkonium saccharinate is commercially available.

As regards the propionate derivative, N,N-didecyl-N-methyl poly(oxyethyl)ammonium propionate - CAS: 94667-33-1 - is particularly preferred and is likewise commercially available.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, said quaternary ammonium salt is didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (BAC1010).

Said at least one glucosidic surfactant is preferably an alkyl polyglucoside selected in the group consisting of: coco-glucoside, milcoside 101 and caprylyl capryl glucoside.

For the purposes of the present invention, said at least one glucosidic surfactant is a surfactant having wetting and cleaning action.

Preferably, said at least one complexing agent is glutamate and derivatives thereof, more preferably tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA).

Advantageously said at least one glucosidic surfactant and said at least one complexing agent are respectively a surfactant and a biodegradable complexing agent and thus advantageous for the environmental sustainability of the aqueous composition of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol is selected in the group consisting of: ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and mixtures thereof, preferably ethanol, more preferably denatured ethanol. According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention comprises at least 30% w/w, preferably an amount of between 30 and 70% w/w, more preferably between 40 and 70% w/w, even more preferably < 55% w/w of said linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol.

According to another embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention comprises between 40 and 60% w/w, preferably between 42 and 64% w/w of said linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol, more preferably at least 50% w/w of said alcohol. Said linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol is preferably ethanol, more preferably denatured ethanol.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture of ethanol and isopropanol, preferably denatured ethanol and isopropanol, more preferably said mixture being present in an amount of at least 40% w/w, more preferably at least 45% w/w, even more preferably an amount of between 45 and 80% w/w.

Said at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid used in combination with succinic acid is preferably selected in the group consisting of: salicylic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, or a combination thereof, preferably citric acid and/or salicylic acid, more preferably citric acid.

According to one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention essentially consists of the above-described compounds (also considering water).

Preferably, the composition according to the present invention consists of the abovedescribed compounds (also considering water).

Without wishing to be bound to a specific theory, the Applicant has found that the combination of said at least one additional C2-C12 organic acid with succinic acid is particularly advantageous in terms of inhibiting the enzyme catalase, which would otherwise result in the destruction of a large amount of hydrogen peroxide molecules within the composition of the invention. The combination of hydrogen peroxide together with succinic acid and at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid, by contrast, makes it possible to have an advantageous synergistic effect, since together with the simultaneous biocidal activity of the aforesaid compounds, there is also a synergistic inhibition of the enzyme catalase, produced for defensive purposes by numerous microorganisms, such as, for example, Staphylococci, and thus a consequent increase in the biocidal activity of the hydrogen peroxide itself, which, in the absence of the aforesaid combination, would not be able to fully perform its biocidal action. According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one Cs-C-is, preferably C10-C14, ethoxylated or propoxylated alcohol, having a degree of ethoxylation OE and/or of propoxylation OP between 2 and 10 mol and preferably >2 and <8 mol.

Preferably, the aqueous composition according to the present invention comprises at least one Cs-Ci 8 ethoxylated alcohol having a degree of ethoxylation OE between 2 and 10 mol and preferably >2 and <8 mol, said at least one ethoxylated alcohol preferably being ethoxylated decan-1 -ol.

Without wishing to be bound to a specific theory, the Applicant has found that the presence of the aforesaid at least one ethoxylated or propoxylated alcohol makes it possible to ensure a high wettability of the aqueous composition according to the present invention, in synergy with the alcohols provided for in the formulation, whose action tends to fade away over time due to the expected rapid evaporation.

For the purposes of the present invention, said at least one ethoxylated or propoxylated alcohol is also defined as a wetting agent. Once the composition is applied on a surface to be sanitized, and, preferably, also to be disinfected, preferably by spray delivery of the composition itself in aerosol form on the surface, the presence of said at least one wetting agent within the aqueous composition of the present invention, preferably in combination with the at least one quaternary ammonium salt, enables the formation of larger drops, thus facilitating the aggregation of adjacent drops until a thin film having effective biocidal action is formed.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one humectant selected in the group consisting of: monopropylene glycol (MPG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), glycerine, and a mixture thereof. Preferably, said at least one humectant is present within the composition according to the present invention in an amount of between 0.05% w/w and 0.6% w/w, preferably between 0.1 % w/w and 0.4% w/w.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one emulsifying detergent selected in the group consisting of: polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, cocoamphoacetate, betaine, and a combination thereof.

Preferably, said at least one emulsifying detergent is present within the composition according to the present invention in an amount of between 0.001 % w/w and 0.02% w/w, preferably between 0.001 % w/w and 0.005% w/w. In one embodiment, the emulsifying detergent is not present in the composition.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition of the present invention is further characterized in that it does not comprise at least one of: oxalic acid, EDTA, DTPA, chlorides, bromides, phosphonic acids and phosphonates.

Preferably, the aqueous composition of the present invention according to any one of the above-described embodiments is characterized in that it does not comprise at least two, preferably at least three, even more preferably at least four, even more preferably at least five, even more preferably at least six of: oxalic acid, EDTA, DTPA, chlorides, bromides, phosphonic acids and phosphonates.

Preferably, the aqueous composition of the present invention is characterized in that it does not comprise EDTA, more preferably in that it does not comprise EDTA and DTPA, even more preferably in that it does not comprise EDTA, DTPA and oxalic acid.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the aqueous composition of the present invention is characterized in that it does not comprise: oxalic acid, EDTA, DTPA, chlorides, bromides, phosphonic acids and phosphonates.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition of the present invention is further characterized in that it does not comprise phosphorous (i.e. in that it does not comprise, for example, the phosphate ion deriving from the acid preferably used to obtain the optimal, desired pH according to one embodiment of the present invention).

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention preferably comprises the following amounts of ingredients:

- at least 30% w/w, preferably between 30 and 70% w/w, more preferably between 40 and 70% w/w, more preferably < 55% w/w, or between 40 and 70% w/w, preferably between 42 and 64% or at least 50% w/w of said linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol;

- hydrogen peroxide preferably in an amount of between 0.1 % and 8% w/w, more preferably between 0.5% and 3.5% w/w;

- optionally at least one source of silver ions (Ag⁺), preferably in an amount of between 0.001 % and 0.05%, more preferably between 0.005% and 0.03% w/w;

- optionally at least one quaternary ammonium salt, preferably in an amount of between 0.001 % and 0.5% w/w, more preferably between 0.002% and 2% w/w, preferably between 0.004% and 0.6% w/w;

- succinic acid, preferably in an amount of between 0.01 % and 0.3% w/w, preferably between 0.01 % and 0.1 % w/w;

- at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid, preferably in an amount of between 0.01 % and 0.5% w/w, preferably between 0.02% and 0.2% w/w;

- at least one glucosidic surfactant in an amount of between 0.05% and 2% w/w, preferably between 0.1 % and 1 % w/w;

- at least one complexing agent in an amount of between 0.004% and 0.1 % w/w, preferably between 0.01 % and 0.08% w/w,

- water q.s. to 100% w/w.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention preferably comprises the following amounts of:

- at least one wetting agent (i.e. at least one Cs-C-is ethoxylated or propoxylated alcohol, 2-10 mol EO with >2 and <8 mol EO) preferably in an amount of between 0.1 % and 0.8% w/w.

Advantageously, within the aqueous composition according to the present invention, the amount of water, preferably present in an amount not too dissimilar from the amount of the at least one linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol, makes it possible to assure that the composition, once applied on a surface, remains for a sufficient time to perform both the sanitizing/cleaning activity and, preferably, also the disinfectant activity.

The aqueous composition according to the present invention preferably comprises water and the at least one linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol in a wateralcohol ratio by weight of between 2 and 0.5, preferably between 1 .2 and 0.8.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition of the invention further comprises a base or an acid, wherein the base is preferably selected from sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, whereas the acid is preferably selected from phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, and mixtures thereof, q.s. to a pH greater or less than 4 ± 0.3, preferably between 4 ± 0.3 and 6 ± 0.3, even more preferably greater or less than 5 ± 0.3, more preferably between 1 ± 0.3 and 4 ± 0.3, even more preferably between 2 ± 0.3 and 3,5 ± 0.3, even more preferably equal to 5.5 or 3.5 ± 0.3.

The pH of the aqueous composition according to the present invention is adjusted to values that enable the formation of a solution buffered to a slightly acidic pH and in particular to a pH value whereby the hydrogen peroxide is more stable and has a particularly high oxidizing power, but at the same time does not result in any particular problems of corrosion on surfaces, or in the event of contact with human skin.

According to one embodiment, the aqueous composition according to the present invention can further comprise at least one essence, preferably for the purpose of characterizing the product from an olfactory standpoint, selected in the group consisting of: menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, tea tree oil and a combination thereof.

Preferably, the at least one essence is present within the aqueous composition according to the present invention in an amount of between 0.005% and 0.5% w/w, preferably between 0.02% and 0.2% w/w.

According to one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention essentially consists of the above-described compounds.

Preferably, the composition according to the present invention consists of the abovedescribed compounds.

Without wishing to be bound to a specific theory, the Applicant has found that the presence, in association with hydrogen peroxide, of at least one quaternary ammonium salt as described above according to an optional embodiment of the present invention is surprisingly capable of imparting to the composition not only particularly great sanitizing/cleaning properties, but also effective disinfectant properties, associated with a rapid speed of action, while at the time same ensuring the absence of sediments or precipitates, which would interfere with the functioning of the formulation.

The aqueous composition according to the present invention is thus particularly suitable for sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting surfaces, preferably porous and/or hard surfaces, preferably surfaces in an interior environment, more preferably surfaces inside a vehicle, even more preferably selected in the group consisting, for example, of an automobile, a camper van, a caravan, a train, a plane, a bus, and a ship. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention is used to sanitize and disinfect human or animal skin, preferably the skin of the hands.

According to one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a dry residue in an amount less than or equal to 2.5% by weight, preferably less than or equal to 1 or 0.5% by weight.

The subject matter of the present invention also relates to an aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type comprising a container and a delivery nozzle provided with a valve, wherein said container comprises a hermetic bag welded to said valve, said bag comprising the aqueous composition according to any one of the abovedescribed embodiments, and wherein said container is filled with a pressurized gas under positive pressure entirely surrounding said bag.

For the purposes of the present invention, said device is also definable as a “spray can” of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type adapted for the delivery of an aerosol spray. In other words, the device according to the present invention is a device in which the aqueous composition according to the present invention is introduced inside a bag made of polymeric material, preferably, polyethylene and/or polypropylene and/or PET, which is in turn inserted into an outer casing, preferably made of aluminium, and welded to the aforesaid valve. Said composition is delivered by means of a compressed (i.e. pressurized) gas, which is outside the bag and surrounds it.

The gas is preferably selected in the group consisting of: air, nitrogen, or a combination thereof. The gas is therefore an inert gas.

The device according to the present invention is preferably characterized in that it does not comprise hydrocarbon-based gases such as, for example, gases selected in the group consisting of: butane, propane, isobutane, or a combination thereof.

By virtue of the inert nature of the gas contained inside the container, the device according to the present invention assures a reduced toxicity for the user.

Furthermore, thanks to the specific amount of linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol present within the aqueous composition of the invention and, consequently, thanks to the specific water/alcohol ratio, as well as, preferably, the absence of hydrocarbon-based gases, the composition according to the present invention, once delivered, preferably by means of the device of the present invention, is capable of remaining on the surfaces on which it is applied, without evaporating, for a sufficient contact time to enable it to perform its sanitizing/disinfectant action.

Furthermore, the absence of hydrocarbon gases reduces the risk of inhaling the aerosol created by the device (thereby resulting in a reduced toxicity) while at the same time enabling a larger amount of composition to be delivered onto surfaces, thus increasing the efficiency of the cleaning/sanitizing and, preferably, also disinfection process.

The absence of flammable propellants such as, for example, hydrocarbon gases, moreover, reduces the risk of flammability and the occurrence of possible explosions linked thereto.

By virtue of its specific formulation of ingredients, the aqueous composition according to the present invention, when used by means of the aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve type as described above, is evenly distributed and deposited on surfaces so as to form a thin film with optimal wetting power, without leaving residues and/or moisture and without forming foam, and penetrates effectively into any nooks and crannies and/or pores of the surfaces treated. The device according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention as described above enables the aqueous composition contained inside to be evenly dispersed over every exposed surface in the range of action, even if hidden. Furthermore, the device of the present invention enables a complete emptying of the bag comprising the composition, thus preventing any waste of the product, which would instead result from its excessive diffusion in the air, as occurs in the case of many products present on the market, with the associated toxicological problems, which in this manner are minimized to a considerable degree.

As already mentioned, furthermore, the composition according to the present invention, by virtue of the specific combination of the above-described active ingredients, makes it possible not only to effectively eliminate odors (generated by microorganisms and organic matter deposited on surfaces), but also to obtain an optimal sanitization and, preferably, also disinfection of surfaces without risks of deterioration (e.g. corrosion) thereof, thus also enabling frequent use.

The composition according to the present invention and the device that comprises it are thus advantageous both for sanitization, and, preferably, also for disinfection in particular in the case of frequent, precise sanitization and, preferably, also disinfection.

The present invention also relates to the use of the aqueous composition or device as described above for sanitizing and, preferably, also disinfecting a surface.

Said surface is preferably a hard and/or porous surface. More preferably, said surface is a surface in an interior environment.

Even more preferably, said surface is a surface inside a vehicle, preferably selected in the group consisting, for example, of: an automobile, a camper van, a caravan, a train, a plane, a bus, and a ship. The surface can also be human or animal skin, preferably the skin of the hands.

Said use has all the advantages described above.

Preferably, the sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfection, takes place by spray delivery of the composition in aerosol form onto the surface, more preferably by means of the device according to the present invention as described above.

The subject matter of the present invention further relates to a method for sanitizing/cleaning a surface, preferably a surface of a device, preferably a medical device, even more preferably of a non-invasive medical device, comprising the steps of: (a) applying the aqueous composition of the present invention according to any one of the above-described embodiments on the surface, preferably by spray delivery of the composition in aerosol form, more preferably by means of the device according to the present invention as described above;

(b) mechanically removing any residual dirt, preferably with a cloth.

According to this embodiment, step (b) is carried out immediately after step (a), i.e. without waiting for a contact time.

The subject matter of the present invention further relates to a method for sanitizing/cleaning and simultaneously disinfecting a surface as described above, comprising the steps of:

(a’) applying the aqueous composition of the present invention according to any one of the above-described embodiments on the surface, preferably according to the embodiment further comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt, preferably by spray delivery of the composition in aerosol form, more preferably by means of the device according to the present invention as described above;

(b’) waiting for a pre-established contact time until obtaining the formation of a biocidal film on said surface, so as to obtain the desired degree of sanitization or disinfection;

(c’) optionally, mechanically removing any residual dirt, preferably with a cloth.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sanitization method or the method for sanitization and simultaneous disinfection as described above can be integrated, that is performed before or after the disinfection method described in WO201 5/104687 and WO2016/005922 of the same applicant.

According to one embodiment, if the surface has a significant amount of dirt, said method comprises a preliminary surface cleaning step (i) (to be carried out before said step (a)). The preliminary step is advantageously carried out before the actual disinfection in the event of dirt, more preferably in the event of visible dirt, present on the surface in order to be able to obtain an effective disinfection and sanitization of the surface according to steps (a) and (b) of the method of the present invention. Said preliminary cleaning step (i) is preferably a step that comprises mechanically removing dirt where present to a significant degree on the surface by using a cloth, more preferably by using a cloth and applying a sanitizing composition compatible with the composition according to the present invention, even more preferably by using a cloth and applying the composition according to the present invention.

For the purposes of the present invention a “sanitizing composition compatible with the composition according to the present invention” is to be understood as a sanitizing composition that does not interfere with the stability and/or disinfecting and sanitizing power of the composition according to the present invention.

As already mentioned above, the Applicant has found that the composition according to the present invention, thanks to the specific combination of ingredients described above, preferably in the case of the composition also comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt, possesses a high biocidal action, which is also performed without the need for any required mechanical action (such as, for example, scrubbing with a cloth and/or rinsing). In other words, once the composition according to the present invention is applied on a surface according to the sanitization method of the present invention and a certain contact time is allowed for the simultaneous disinfection as described above, said surface is immediately reusable even without the need to use a cloth and/or rinsing. In addition, the composition according to the present invention has a high sanitizing and, preferably, also disinfectant effectiveness with a broad spectrum of action and moreover enables the odors generated by microorganisms and organic matter deposited on surfaces to be effectively eliminated.

Furthermore, the composition according to the present invention makes it possible to assure optimal compatibility with a whole variety of materials, and in particular with the materials of which the surfaces as described above are generally made, but it also avoids leaving the aforesaid surfaces greasy and/or degrading them and moreover does not form foam.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Test on spraying efficiency

Spraying efficiency was assessed by comparing the bag-on-valve compressed air device comprising the composition according to the present invention with various sanitizing/disinfectant products present on the market. The products present on the market that were tested comprise water-alcohol based compositions inside traditional spray cans with a propellant.

Each test was carried out by quantifying how much composition actually reaches the surface on which the spray of the device is applied compared to the amount delivered. The tests were performed according to the following procedure:

1 . All the tested products (spray cans) were weighed prior to use.

2 . Aluminium foil was inserted inside the scale.

3 . The product was sprayed directly onto the aluminium foil and the measured weight was recorded. 4 . The spray can used was then weighed again.

5 . The procedure of steps 1-4 was repeated 7 times for all the products under examination. Table 1

Table 2 - Composition according to the present invention

Table 3

Based on the tests performed it appears clear that the device according to the present invention, by virtue of its characteristics in combination with the optimal wettability properties deriving from the specific formulation of the aqueous composition according to the present invention contained inside it, advantageously makes it possible to obtain a spraying efficiency and an amount of aqueous composition that actually manages to reach the surface and deposit on it that are extremely high (> 70%) compared to similar commercially available products.

Example 2 - Effectiveness test Tests were carried out to assess the biocidal effectiveness of the composition according to the present invention. In order to be able to have a comparison, the same tests were also carried out with a water-alcohol based composition present on the market.

The tests were performed according to the following experimental setup: Microorganisms tested:

Biological indicators, ACE TEST: 100-1000 CFU of bacterial spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus.

Procedure:

1 . The indicators are positioned in triplicate on the surface

2 . The Tyvek membrane is removed.

3 . The disinfectant products are evenly sprayed on the indicators for 3 seconds (about 2 g of product).

4 . After a contact time of 10 minutes, the indicators are introduced into culture media and incubated at 55-60 °C for 24 hours.

As appears clear from the change in the color of the test tube compared to the positive control, as can be seen in Figure 1 , the composition according to the present invention proves to be effective (reduction > 2 Log), whereas the commercial composition does not pass the effectiveness test.

Example 3

A composition according to the present invention was prepared; it comprised the following compounds in the following amounts:

Table 1 - Composition according to the present invention

Claims

1. An aqueous composition comprising:

- hydrogen peroxide,

- at least one glucosidic surfactant, preferably at least one alkyl polyglucoside, said composition being characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one complexing agent selected in the group consisting of: glutamate and derivatives thereof, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA), trisodium N-(1 -carboxylatoethyl)iminodiacetate (MGDA), iminosuccinate, and a combination thereof;

- at least 30%, preferably at least 50% of a linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol, and

- succinic acid in combination with at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid.

2. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one complexing agent is tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA).

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one ethoxylated or propoxylated Cs-C-is alcohol, 2-10 mol EO with >2 and <8 mol EO, preferably ethoxylated decan-1 -ol.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 -3, wherein said alcohol C1-C4 is ethanol, preferably denatured ethanol.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein said additional C2-C12 organic acid is citric acid.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 -5, further characterized in that it does not comprise at least one of: oxalic acid, EDTA, DTPA, chlorides, bromides, phosphonic acids and phosphonates, and an emulsifying detergent.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 -6, further comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt containing C1-C22 alkyl and/or alkyl-aryl groups, identical to or different from one another, said quaternary ammonium salt having a counterion selected from saccharinate, nitrate, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, propionate, chloride, bromide and hydroxide, preferably being selected from benzalkonium saccharinate, benzalkonium nitrate, didecylmethyl ammonium carbonate, didecylmethyl ammonium bicarbonate, didecylmethyl polyoxyethyl ammonium propionate and mixtures thereof, preferably from benzalkonium saccharinate, didecylmethyl polyoxyethyl ammonium propionate and a combination thereof, more preferably N,N-didecyl-N-methyl poly(oxyethyl) ammonium propionate and/or didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (BAC1010).

8. The composition according to claim 8, further comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt compatible with silver ions, containing C1-C22 alkyl and/or alkyl-aryl groups, identical to or different from one another, said quaternary ammonium salt having a counterion selected from saccharinate, nitrate, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, propionate and hydroxide.

9. The aqueous composition according to any one of claims 1 -8, comprising:

- between 30 and 70% w/w, more preferably between 40 and 70% w/w, more preferably < 55% w/w, or between 40 and 70% w/w, preferably between 42 and 64% w/w of said linear or branched C1-C4 alcohol;

- hydrogen peroxide in an amount of between 0.05% and 2% w/w;

- optionally at least one quaternary ammonium salt in an amount of between 0.001 % and 0.5% w/w, preferably between 0.002% and 0.2% w/w;

- succinic acid in an amount of between 0.01 % and 0.3% w/w, preferably between 0.01 % and 0.1 % w/w;

- at least one additional C2-C12 aliphatic and/or aromatic organic acid in an amount of between 0.01 % and 0.5% w/w, preferably between 0.02% and 0.2% w/w;

- at least one complexing agent in an amount of between 0.004% and 0.1 % w/w, preferably between 0.01 % and 0.08% w/w;

- water q.s. to 100% w/w;

- optionally, at least one quaternary ammonium salt in an amount of between 0.002% and 2% w/w, preferably between 0.004% and 0.6% w/w; and/or

- at least one Cs-C-is ethoxylated or propoxylated alcohol, 2-10 mol EO with >2 and <8 mol EO in an amount of between 0.1 % and 0.8% w/w.

10. The aqueous composition according to any one of claims 1 -9, further comprising a base or an acid, preferably sodium or potassium hydroxide or phosphoric or sulphuric or citric acid, respectively.

11. An aerosol spray delivery device of the bag-on-valve (BOV) type, comprising a container and a delivery nozzle provided with a valve, wherein said container comprises a hermetic bag welded to said valve, said bag comprising the aqueous composition according to any one of claims 1 -10, and wherein said container is filled with a pressurized gas under positive pressure entirely surrounding said bag.

12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein said gas is selected in the group consisting of: air, nitrogen, or a combination thereof.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said container does not comprise hydrocarbon gases.

14. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 -9 or the device according to any one of claims 11 -13 for sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting a surface, said surface preferably being a porous and/or hard surface, preferably a surface of an interior environment, more preferably a surface inside a vehicle, even more preferably selected from an automobile, a camper van, a caravan, a train, a plane, and a bus.

15. Use according to claim 14, wherein said surface is the surface of a medical device, preferably a non-invasive medical device.

16. Use according to claim 14, wherein said surface is human or animal skin; it is preferably the skin of the hands.

17. Use according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said sanitizing/cleaning and, preferably, also disinfecting takes place by spray delivery of the composition in aerosol form onto said surface.

18. A method for sanitizing a surface, said surface preferably being a hard porous surface, comprising the steps of:

(a) applying the composition according to any one of claims 1 -10 on the surface, preferably by spray delivery of said composition in aerosol form, more preferably by means of the device according to any one of claims 11 -13; (b) mechanically removing any residual dirt, preferably with a cloth.

19. The method for sanitizing and disinfecting a surface, said surface preferably being a hard porous surface, comprising the steps of:

(a’) applying the composition according to any one of claims 1-9 on said surface, preferably by spray delivery of said composition in aerosol form, more preferably by means of the device according to any one of claims 11 -13;

(b’) waiting for a pre-established contact time until obtaining the formation of a biocidal film on said surface, such as to obtain the desired degree of sanitization and disinfection; (c’) optionally, mechanically removing any residual dirt, preferably with a cloth.