WO2024118583A1

WO2024118583A1 - Disinfectant composition

Info

Publication number: WO2024118583A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/081315
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Garrison; Kevin Janak; Jake JACOBS; Chun-Kai Yang; David Binder; James FOLSOM; Xiao Jiang; Leo POORVIN
Original assignee: Arxada, LLC; Troy Technology Ii, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-11-30
Filing date: 2023-11-28
Publication date: 2024-06-06

Abstract

Provided herein are disinfectant compositions containing at least one antimicrobial agent combined with at least one adjuvant. The adjuvant can be a polyetheramine.

Description

DISINFECTANT COMPOSITION

BACKGROUND

[001] A disinfectant refers to any chemical agent/composition capable of killing, destroying, or inhibiting the growth of organisms, particularly microorganisms. Disinfectant products include hard surface cleaners, hand and skin sanitizers, hand and skin cleaners, pre-disinfectant cleaners for instruments, sterilizing and high-level disinfectant compositions, soft surface disinfection, and the like.

[002] Ideally, a disinfectant composition has broad-spectrum activity against all types of microorganisms. The disinfectant composition should also have high efficacy so that a minimum amount of a biocidal agent can be used to save cost and to avoid or reduce any possible adverse effects caused by the biocidal agent. Also, it is desirable that the disinfectant composition is stable to any changes in temperature encountered during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping as well as during storage. Further, an ideal disinfectant composition is physically and chemically compatible with ingredients of different application systems and compatible with the different components present in the end-use formulation so that the disinfectant composition can suitably be incorporated in various end-use products.

[003] One problem that continues to receive significant attention is the ability to formulate disinfectant compositions that contain lower levels of biocidal agents while still remaining effective against many microorganisms, especially during short contact times. Thus, a need currently exists for disinfectant formulations that are capable of minimizing the concentration of antimicrobial agents while retaining the efficacy of higher concentrations of actives. A need also exists for an adjuvant that is capable of increasing the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents at both typical use levels and even lower concentrations of actives.

SUMMARY

[004] In general, the present application is directed to a disinfectant composition containing at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent. The adjuvant is present in an amount sufficient to increase the efficacy of the at least one antimicrobial agent. For instance, the adjuvant can be present in the composition in an amount that increases the efficacy of the antimicrobial agent in comparison to an identical composition that does not contain the adjuvant In addition, the increase in efficacy can be greater than the additive effect of the antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant taken alone. [005] In one aspect, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to a disinfectant composition comprising at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with an adjuvant. In accordance with the present disclosure, the adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent comprises a polyetheramine. The polyetheramine can be a polyethertriamine, for instance, can have the following formula:

wherein R1 is H or C1 to C9 alkyl, R2, R3, and R4 are independently H or CH3, and x, y, and z are independently 1 to 10.

[006] In one embodiment, the sum of x, y and z is no less than 5. Alternatively or in addition, the sum of x, y and z is no greater than 10.

The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be a ready-to-use solution or a liquid concentrate. The polyethertriamine can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 200 ppm, and generally in an amount less than about 250,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 10,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 5,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 3,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 1 ,000 ppm. The adjuvant can be present in the composition in relation to the antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 1 : 1 to about 5,000: 1 , such as from about 10:1 to about 3,000: 1. [007] In one embodiment, in a ready-to-use composition, the antimicrobial agent can be present in an amount less than about 1000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 250 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 50 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 20 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 10 ppm.

[008] The adjuvant can be present in the composition such that the disinfectant composition exhibits greater than a 2 log reduction against at least one microorganism when tested according to a modified test EN 1040 for a contact time of 60 seconds in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant. The disinfectant composition, for instance, can be tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or the like.

[009] The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can contain various different antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial agents that can be incorporated into the composition include one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, a chlorohexidine, a polyhexamethylene biguanide, a para-chloro-meta-xylenol, or mixtures thereof.

[010] For example, in one aspect, the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound having the following formula:

(Formula II) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted benzyl group or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group; R² and R³ are independently optionally substituted alkyl groups; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group, benzyl group, and -[(CH₂)2-O]_n-R⁵, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20 and R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; and X' is a chlorine ion, bromine ion, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, ethosulfate, sulfate, or nitrate. In one aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

In one aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride, such as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. In one aspect, a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds is contained in the composition which can include, for instance, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. In still another aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. In yet another aspect, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[011] In one embodiment, the adjuvant can be present in the composition in relation to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to about 4,000:1 , such as from about 20:1 to about 2,000:1 , such as from about 150:1 to about 1 ,000:1. In preferred embodiments, the adjuvant is present in the composition in relation to the quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 20: 1 to about 200: 1 .

[012] When the antimicrobial agent comprises chlorohexidine, the adjuvant can be present in relation to the chlorohexidine at a weight ratio of from about 80:1 to about 8,000:1. When the antimicrobial agent comprises polyhexamethylene biguanide, the adjuvant can be present in relation to the polyhexamethylene biguanide at a weight ratio of from about 50:1 to about 5,000:1 . When the antimicrobial agent comprises para-chloro-meta-xylenol, the adjuvant can be present in relation to the para-chloro-meta-xylenol at a weight ratio of from about 1 :1 to about 50,000: 1 , such as from about 1 :1 to about 10,000:1.

[013] In one aspect, the adjuvant may be combined with various different compounds. For example, the adjuvant may be combined with a sequestering agent. For instance, the sequestering agent can comprise a methylglycinediacetic acid.

When the sequestering agent comprises a methylglycinediacetic acid, the methylglycinediacetic acid can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 % by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, such as greater than about 1 .0% by weight, and in an amount less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, such as less than about 10% by weight, such as less than about 8% by weight, such as less than about 5% by weight.

[014] The adjuvant can be present in the composition such that the disinfectant composition exhibits greater than a 4 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a Test EN 1276 for a contact time of five minutes in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant.

[015] The present disclosure is also directed to a premoistened wiping product. The premoistened wiping product comprises a liquid absorbent substrate and a disinfectant composition as described above contained within the substrate. The liquid absorbent substrate can comprise a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web, for instance, can comprise a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbond web, an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded carded web, or a laminate thereof.

[016] The present disclosure is also directed to a method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface. In one embodiment, a liquid absorbent substrate is saturated with a disinfectant composition made in accordance with the present disclosure. The saturated liquid absorbent substrate is then applied to the hard surface. Alternatively, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be sprayed onto the adjacent surface. The disinfectant composition can destroy various different microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[017] The present disclosure is also directed to a personal care or home care formulation. In one embodiment, the home or personal care formulation comprises a color cosmetic product, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bathing product, a sun care product, a fabric care product, a dish wash liquid product, a fragrance preparation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

[018] The present disclosure is also directed to an industrial formulation. In one embodiment, the industrial formulation comprises paints, coatings, varnishes, sealing compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coating agents, plasters, adhesives, sealants, caulks, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizes, or agricultural pesticide formulations.

[019] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[020] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[021] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a disinfectant composition. As used herein, the term “disinfectant” means a biocidal composition which is intended to be applied to a surface to destroy microorganisms which are living on the surface. The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure has numerous uses and applications. The disinfectant composition can be used in any suitable industry or field where surfaces need to be essentially free of microorganisms. For instance, the disinfectant composition may comprise an institutional product, a domestic product, or a healthcare product. The disinfectant composition, for instance, may comprise a hard surface disinfectant, a hand sanitizer, a sterilizing or high-level disinfectant composition, a pre-disinfectant cleaner for instruments, a soft surface disinfectant composition, an upholstery and fabric cleaner/disinfectant and the like. In one particular use, the disinfectant composition can be used in the food and beverage field for cleaning food contact surfaces, such as counters, food service tables, food containers and the like. Generally, food contact approved disinfectants have a relatively low amount of the biocidal agent. In addition to treating food contact surfaces, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is also particularly well suited for use in the health field such as in hospitals, emergency care centers, and the like.

[022] In accordance with the present disclosure, the disinfectant composition contains at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with an adjuvant. The adjuvant is present in the composition in an amount that provides an effective disinfectant composition with a synergistic interaction between the at least one antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant. More particularly, the synergistic interaction refers to the fact that the antimicrobial agent, when combined with the adjuvant, has a total effect that is greater than the biocide properties of the antimicrobial agent alone or the adjuvant alone. In other words, the antimicrobial agent of the present disclosure operates synergistically with the adjuvant so as to have greater antimicrobial activity in the presence of certain microorganisms in comparison to the antimicrobial activity of an identical composition containing the antimicrobial agent alone or containing the adjuvant alone at the same concentrations. Due to the synergistic effect, the amount of the antimicrobial agent present in the disinfectant composition can be reduced while still producing the desired efficacy or even improved efficacy. The adjuvant, for instance, increases the potentiation of the antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition.

[023] The adjuvant present in the disinfectant composition can comprise a polyetheramine. The polyetheramine, for instance, can be a polyethertriamine. In one aspect, the polyetheramine is a branched polyethertriamine.

[024] One example of a polyetheramine that may be incorporated into the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can have the following formula:

wherein R1 is H or Ci to C9 alkyl, each of R2, R3, and R4 is independently H or CH3, and each of x, y, and z is independently 1 to 10.

[025] The degree of polymerization (x, y, and z) of Formula I is independently 1 to 10. The polymerization degrees x, y, and z can be the same or different in some instances. For instance, x may be one, y may be two, and z may be three. In another instance, z, y, and z may each be two. In one example embodiment, the sum of polymerization (e.g., the total of x, y, and z values) is no less than 5, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In one example embodiment, the sum of x, y, and z values is no greater than 10, e.g., and no less than five. [026] The polyetheramine can be a primary aliphatic polyamine. For instance, the polyetheramine may be a polyoxypropylene triamine. In one aspect, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can include one or more polyetheramines, such as a blend of two or three polyetheramines.

[027] As described above, the inclusion of the polyetheramine in combination with an antimicrobial agent produces a dramatic and surprising effect in superior antimicrobial kill at lower concentrations of the antimicrobial agent. The ability to lower the concentration of the antimicrobial agent provides lower residues on surfaces and reduces levels of antimicrobial agents needed to achieve a desired disinfection effect. For instance, combining a polyetheramine with an antimicrobial agent at desired ratios can result in improved antimicrobial efficacy at faster kill times while also reducing the amount of the antimicrobial agent by greater than or equal to 50%.

[028] The use of the adjuvant of the present disclosure can also provide various advantages and benefits when incorporated into a disinfectant concentrate that is to be diluted before use. For instance, dilutable concentrates can be formulated which have high disinfection performance while still having the antimicrobial agent be below concentrations that require special handling or labeling due to governmental regulations. For instance, liquid concentrates can be produced containing one or more antimicrobial agents that are not required to also have a hazardous GHS classification according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.

[029] For example, dilutable concentrate formulations containing quaternary ammonium compounds often require levels in the concentrate form that may result in corrosive hazard statements on the packaging. Quaternary ammonium compounds, for instance, can be sensitive to other components contained in the composition and thus typically need to be present in higher concentrations and then later diluted in order to provide the desired level of disinfection. In the past, various efforts have been made in order to lower the level of quaternary ammonium compounds in dilutable concentrations by using surfactants, chelators, solvents, and the like. The adjuvant of the present disclosure (e.g. one or more polyetheramines), however, has been found to work particularly well with quaternary ammonium compounds in dramatically improving their efficacy at much lower concentrations as will be described in greater detail below. [030] The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can contain the adjuvant combined with various different antimicrobial agents. The disinfectant composition, for instance, can contain a single antimicrobial agent or a single type of antimicrobial agent or a mixture of different antimicrobial agents. Examples of antimicrobial agents that can be incorporated into the disinfectant composition and display advanced efficacy when combined with the adjuvant include one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, a polyhexamethylene biguanide, a chlorohexidine, a halogen substituted xylenol, or mixtures thereof.

[031] In one embodiment, for instance, the disinfectant composition contains the adjuvant in combination with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds. The quaternary ammonium compound may comprise, for instance, an alkyl quaternary ammonium compound or a benzyl ammonium compound. Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats", typically comprise at least one quaternary ammonium cation with an appropriate anion. Quats will generally have the general Formula II:

(Formula II)

[032] The groups R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ can vary within wide limits and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds that have anti-microbial properties will be well known to the person of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, two of R¹, R², R3 and R4 are lower alkyl, meaning having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl groups. In addition, two of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are longer chain alkyl groups of 6 to 24 carbon atoms which may be straight chained or branched, or a benzyl group. M’ is a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. Suitable anions for M‘ are in principle all inorganic or organic anions, in particular halides, for example chloride or bromide, carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, carbonate, a bicarbonate/carbonate or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R groups: R¹ is benzyl or Ce-is-alky I, R² is Ci -1 s-alkyl or — [(CH2)2 — O]nR⁵ where n=1- 20, Rs and R4 independently of one another are Ci-4-al ky I, Rs is hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and M' is a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid.

[033] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a dialkyl ammonium compound, such as a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound. In one embodiment, the dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound may have between about 8 and about 12 carbon atoms, such as from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms in each of the alkyl groups.

[034] Examples of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds which may be used include dimethyl dioctyl ammonium compounds such as dimethyl dioctyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl didecyl ammonium compounds such as dimethyl didecyl ammonium chloride and the like. Mixtures of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds may also be used and other anions, such as those described above may also be used. Commercially available dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the BARDAC™ tradename by Arxada AG.

[035] In an alternative embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a benzyl ammonium compound, such as an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound. In general, the alkyl group may contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, such as from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms.

[036] Examples of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds include C12 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, C14 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and C16 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. In addition, a mixture of these alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds can be used. Commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the BARQUAT® tradename by Arxada AG. These commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds are blends of C12, C14, and C16 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides. Generally, it is preferable that the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound, when a blend, contains higher concentrations of C12 alkyl and C14 alkyl components than C16 alkyl components. It is noted that other anions, including those mentioned above, may also be used. [037] In still another embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a quaternary ammonium propionate. The quaternary ammonium propionate, for instance, may comprise a poly(oxyalkyl)ammonium propionate. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the first biocide may comprise N,N-didecyl- N-methyl- poly(oxyethyl)ammonium propionate.

[038] In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent(s) comprises a carbonate/bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation. A quaternary ammonium carbonate can be represented by the following formula:

wherein R¹ is a C1-C20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R² is a C8-C20 alkyl group, and preferably wherein R¹ is the same as R² and R¹ is a C8-C12 alkyl group. The corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate can have the following formula:

wherein R¹ is the same or a different C1-C20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group as above and R² is the same or a different C8-C20 alkyl group as above, but preferably wherein R¹ is the same as R² and R¹ is a C8-C12 alkyl group.

[039] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent contained in the composition comprises a di C8-C12 alkyl ammonium carbonate/bicarbonate. For example, in one particular embodiment, the disinfectant composition contains didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[040] In other embodiments, however, the carbonate/bicarbonate salts of quaternary ammonium cations may be selected from dioctyldimethylammonium carbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium carbonate, benzalkonium carbonate, benzethonium carbonate, stearalkonium carbonate, cetrimonium carbonate, behentrimonium carbonate, dioctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, benzalkonium bicarbonate, benzethonium bicarbonate, stearalkonium bicarbonate, cetrimonium bicarbonate, behentrimonium bicarbonate, and mixtures of one or more such carbonate salts. [041] Instead of or in addition to a quaternary ammonium compound, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a guanidine, and particularly a biguanide and/or its substitution products, salts, analogs, derivatives, and/or combinations thereof. Biguanide is commonly represented by the following formula, though it is known to exist in other forms.

wherein R¹ , R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol, or one of R¹ , R², R³ and R⁴ may be

where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol. Substituents for the alkyl and phenyl groups include but are not limited to halo, e.g. chloro, bromo, fluoro or iodo, hydroxy and amino. The alkyl groups may have from 1 to 6 carbons, and may be saturated or unsaturated, straight chain or branched.

[042] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a polymeric biguanide, otherwise known as a polybiguanide, or a salt, analog, or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the polybiguanide may be a copolymer or a heteropolymer. The polybiguanide may be linear, branched, circular, and/or dendrimeric. The number of polymer repeating units can vary from 2 to 1 ,000, such as from 5 to 750, such as from 10 to 500, such as from 25 to 250, such as from 50 to 100 repeating units. In one specific embodiment, the polybiguanide may comprise polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polyhexamethylene monoguanide (PHMG), polyethylene biguanide (PEB), polytetramethylene biguanide (PTMB), polyethylene hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polymethylene biguanides (PMBs), poly(allylbiguanidnio-co-allyamine, poly(N- vinyl-biguanide), polyallylbiguanide etc. [043] For example, in one particular embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a polyalkylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB). PHMB is commonly represented by the following formula, though it is known to exist as a complex mixture of polymeric biguanides with various terminal groups including guanidine (not shown).

The value n represents the number of repeating units of the biguanide polymer.

[044] More particularly, PHMB can be a mixture of various biguanide polymers that can include different combinations of terminal groups, e.g., amine, cyanoguanidino, and guanidine. Based only on these three terminal groups, at least six possible biguanide polymers can exist. There can be one biguanide polymer with two terminal amine groups, which is referred to as PHMB-AA, one with two terminal cyanoguanidino groups, which is referred to as PHMB-CGCG, and one with two terminal guanidine groups, which is referred to as PHMB-GG (see, below). There are also the three possible biguanide polymers having a combination of two different terminal groups. Again, based on the above terminal groups they include amine- cyanoguanidino (PHMB-ACG), amine-guanidino (PHMB-AG) and guanidine- cyanoguanidino (GOG). Accordingly, a sample of PHMB may comprise a mixture of polymeric biguanides with the three mentioned terminal groups. Moreover, some of the composition can include in-chain polymeric guanide (not shown). The subscript "n" represents the average number of repeating groups, and a distribution of polymer length exists for each of the polymers shown below.

wherein n can be from about 1 to about 50, such as from about 1 to about 20.

[045] Polyhexamethylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, has a broad antimicrobial range and is fast acting. Further, the antimicrobial agent is stable over a broad pH range.

[046] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a bis-biguanide. Bis-biguanide is commonly represented by the following formula, though it is known to exist in other forms.

wherein A and A¹ each represent either (1 ) a phenyl radical which optionally is substituted by an alkyl or alkoxy group containing from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, a nitro group, or a halogen atom; (2) an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; or (3) alicyclic groups containing from 4 to about 12 carbon atoms; wherein X and X¹ each represent an alkylene radical containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; wherein Z and Z¹ each can be either 0 or 1 ; wherein R and R¹ each represent either hydrogen, or alkyl radical containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl radical containing from 7 to about 12 carbon atoms; wherein n is an integer from 2 to 12 inclusive; and wherein the chain (CH2)n may optionally be interrupted by oxygen or sulfur atoms, aromatic nuclei, etc. or substituted with halide, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynl, or acetyl groups, aromatic nuclei, etc. In one embodiment, the chain (CH2)n may optionally be replaced by a bivalent bridging group, wherein the bivalent bridging group may be chosen from but is not limited to alkylenes, alicyclic groups, cyclic nuclei, aromatic nuclei etc. which may be substituted with or interrupted by oxygen or sulfur atoms, aromatic nuclei, etc. Exemplary bis-biguanide compounds include but are not limited to chlorhexidine, alexidine, trifluoromethyl phenyl bis-biguanide, analogs, derivatives, and/or salts thereof.

[047] In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is commonly represented by the following formula.

[048] In one embodiment, the chlorhexidine may comprise a chlorhexidine salt. For example, the antimicrobial agent may comprise chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, or chlorhexidine acetate.

[049] Another antimicrobial agent that may be incorporated into the disinfectant composition includes phenolic compounds. For example, in one aspect, the phenolic compound can be a halogen substituted xylenol. One example of a halogen substituted xylenol is a para-chloro-meta-xylenol (“PCMX”). PCMX is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. PCMX is sometimes referred to by its other names, including: chloroxylenol; 4-chloro-3,5 xylenol; 4-chloro-3,5- dimethylphenol; 2-chloro-m-xylenol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5- hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1 ,3-dimethylbenzene; 4-chlor-1 -hydroxy-3, 5- dimethyl benzene; and 3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol. It is believed that PCMX compounds have a mechanism of antimicrobial action by the denaturation of proteins and inactivation of enzymes in the microorganisms. PCMX compounds may also alter the permeability of cell membranes that could result in the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, the inhibition of active transport, and/or the loss of metabolites due to cytoplasmic membrane damage. PCMX compounds are considered environmentally friendly. PCMX compounds are typically used in combination with water, optionally a surfactant, and a solubilizing agent. Suitable solubilizing agents include low molecular weight alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, glycols such as propylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, and the like. [050] The disinfectant composition may contain a single antimicrobial agent, a mixture of two or more antimicrobial agents from a single type of antimicrobial agent or may be a mixture of two or more different types of antimicrobial agents. For example, the antimicrobial agent may be a mixture of different quaternary ammonium compounds, a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound with a PCMX compound, a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound with a biguanide, and other similar mixtures.

[051] The disinfectant composition can likewise contain a single adjuvant, a second adjuvant, or a mixture of two or more adjuvants. For example, in one embodiment, the adjuvant may only comprise a single adjuvant, such as polyethertriamine.

[052] The amount of the adjuvant, the amount of the one or more antimicrobial agents and the ratio between the different components can vary widely depending upon the particular application, the desired end use, the microorganisms to be controlled, and the like. In one aspect, the adjuvant or polyetheramine is particularly a polyethertriamine. In one aspect, the adjuvant is present in the disinfectant composition in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 200 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 300 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 400 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 600 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 700 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 800 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 900 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,000 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,200 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,300 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,400 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,500 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,600 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,700 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,800 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ,900 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 2,000 ppm. The adjuvant is generally present in the disinfectant composition in an amount less than about 250,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 15,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 10,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 9,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 8,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 7,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 6,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 5,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 4,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 3,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 1 ,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 900 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 800 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 700 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 600 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 400 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 300 ppm. The above concentrations generally are for a ready-to-use composition but may also cover liquid disinfectant concentrates. Liquid disinfectant concentrates, however, can contain the adjuvant in an amount of from about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, including all increments of 100 ppm therebetween.

[053] As explained above, the amount of antimicrobial agent contained in the disinfectant composition can vary widely depending upon the antimicrobial agent present and various other factors. In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent can be present in a ready-to-use disinfectant composition in an amount less than about 1000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 450 ppm, such as less than about 400 ppm, such as less than about 350 ppm, such as less than about 300 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 200 ppm, such as less than about 150 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 90 ppm, such as less than about 80 ppm, such as less than about 70 ppm, such as less than about 60 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 40 ppm, such as less than about 30 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm. The one or more antimicrobial agents are generally present in the disinfectant composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 0.1 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 2 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 4 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 5 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 10 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 15 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 20 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 25 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 30 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 40 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 50 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 60 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 70 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 80 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 90 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 150 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 200 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 250 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 300 ppm.

[054] The weight ratio between the adjuvant and the one or more antimicrobial agents can generally be from about 1 :1 to about 50,000:1. In one aspect, the adjuvant is present at a greater concentration or in a greater amount than the one or more antimicrobial agents. In various embodiments, the weight ratio between the adjuvant and the one or more antimicrobial agents can be from about 1 :1 to about 5,000:1 , such as from about 10:1 to about 3,000:1 . In particular embodiments, the weight ratio between the adjuvant and the one or more antimicrobial agents can be from about 10:1 to about 500: 1 , such as from about 20: 1 to about 400: 1 , such as from about 100:1 to about 300:1 . The above weight ratios, however, are for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the invention.

[055] Particular and dramatic synergistic effect has been observed when the adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition. Thus, when the disinfectant composition contains one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, the ready-to- use composition can contain one or more quaternary ammonium compounds at concentrations well below about 100 ppm, such as less than about 75 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 40 ppm, such as less than about 30 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm. For example, very effective disinfectant compositions can be formulated in accordance with the present disclosure in which the composition contains one or more quaternary ammonium compounds at a concentration of from about 0.5 ppm to about 20 ppm, such as from about 1 .25 ppm to about 8 ppm. The adjuvant can be present in the composition in relation to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to about 4,000:1 , such as from about 20:1 to about 2,000:1 , such as from about 150:1 to about 1 ,000:1. In preferred embodiments, the adjuvant is present in the composition in relation to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 20:1 to 200:1. [056] For instance, in one embodiment, when the adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in the disinfectant composition, the disinfectant composition can exhibit greater than a 2 log reduction, such as greater than a 3 log reduction, such as greater than a 4 log reduction, such as even greater than a 5 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to a modified Test EN 1040 for a contact time of 60 seconds.

[057] In yet another embodiment, when the adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in the disinfectant composition, the disinfectant composition can exhibit greater than about a 2.5 log reduction, such as greater than about a 3.5 log reduction, such as greater than about a 4.5 log reduction, such as even greater than about a 5.25 log reduction when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to a modified Test EN 1040 for a contact time of 60 seconds.

[058] Various different quaternary ammonium compounds can be utilized. In one aspect, the composition can contain at least one dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride, such as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. In one aspect, the composition can contain octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[059] In an alternative embodiment, the disinfectant composition can contain an adjuvant in combination with an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. For instance, the composition can contain tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

[060] In still another aspect, the adjuvant can be combined with a quaternary ammonium carbonate and/or bicarbonate in order to form the disinfectant composition. For example, the quaternary ammonium compound can be a blend of didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate and didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate. In addition to being an effective antimicrobial agent, quaternary ammonium carbonates and bicarbonates are also corrosion inhibitors.

[061] In another aspect, the disinfectant composition contains a guanamine in combination with the adjuvant. The guanamine, for instance, can be a chlorohexidine. In one aspect, the adjuvant can be present in relation to the chlorohexidine at a weight ratio of from about 80:1 to about 8,000:1 , such as from about 100:1 to about 2,000:1 .

[062] In another aspect, the disinfecting composition can contain the adjuvant combined with a polyhexamethylene biguanide. For exemplary purposes only, in one aspect, the adjuvant can be present in relation to the polyhexamethylene biguanide at a weight ratio of from about 50:1 to about 5,000:1 , such as from about 100:1 to about 3,000:1.

[063] In still another aspect, the adjuvant can be present in combination with a halogen substituted xylenol in producing the disinfectant composition. The halogen substituted xylenol can be para-chloro-meta-xylenol. The adjuvant can be present in relation to the halogen substituted xylenol at a weight ratio of from about 1 :1 to about 10,000: 1 , such as from about 100: 1 to about 5,000: 1.

[064] As described above, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be formulated, in one aspect, as a liquid concentrate that can be diluted with a solvent prior to use. In the liquid concentrate, the amount of the antimicrobial agent will be higher than typical final use amounts.

[065] Dilution of the disinfectant concentrate will typically be with an aqueous solvent prior to use. One particular aqueous solvent which can be used is water. Dilution can be any amount of the solvent needed to get the concentrate diluted to a desired level of active ingredient for its intended use. Is typically such that the set amount of the concentrated is added to a specified amount of the solvent. For example, one ounce of the concentrate can be added to a pint of solvent for a 1 :16 dilution rate; one ounce of concentrate can be added to a quart of a solvent for a 1 :32 dilution rate, one ounce of concentrate can be added to % gallon of solvent for a 1 :64 dilution rate; one ounce of concentrate can be added to one gallon of water for a 1 :128 dilution rate and so one. Likewise metric dilution rates could also be used, for example 10 ml per liter for a 1:100 dilution rate, and the like. [066] When contained in a disinfectant composition, the antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant may be combined with various different components. For instance, in one embodiment, a solvent can be present in the product. Generally, the solvent will be a polar solvent such as water, or a water-miscible solvent, such as an alcohol and/or a glycol ether. In addition to water, the disinfectant composition can further include a water-miscible organic solvent. Examples of water-miscible solvents include ethanol, propanol, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n- butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and combinations thereof.

[067] In addition to a solvent, the disinfectant composition may contain a surfactant. Typically, the surfactant will be a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant. The surfactant is present in an amount between about 1 % to about 20% by weight of the disinfectant concentrate. Typically, the surfactant will be between 2% and 15% by weight of the concentrate.

[068] Particularly suitable surfactants are alkoxylated alcohol surfactant will generally have between about 2 to about 8 moles of alkoxylation. Typically, there will be between 3 and 6 moles of alkoxylation. One particular example is about 4.5 moles of alkoxylation. In addition to having the degree of alkoxylation, the alcohol which is alkoxylate will be a C4- 012 alkyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the alkyl alcohol is a C8- C10 alkyl alcohol. The alkoxylation may be ethoxylation. Generally, it is desirable to have the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) to be in the range of 8- 14, and more generally between 10 and 12, for example about 11 .

[069] The non-ionic surfactants that may be used in the invention include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers, glucoside alkyl ethers, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ethers, glycerol alkyl esters, glyceryl laurate, polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamers and polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), and mixtures thereof. The amount of the nonionic surfactant in the concentrate is from about 1 to about 8% w/w % of the formulation. Typically, the concentrate contains from 2 to 5 w/w % of nonionic surfactant. The amount of the nonionic surfactant in the ready-to-use product is from about 0.05 to about 3 w/w % of the solution. In another embodiment, the nonionic surfactant in the product is from about 0.05 to about 1 .5 w/w % of the solution. Typically, the disinfectant composition contains from 0.06 to 1 w/w % of the nonionic surfactant.

[070] In an alternative embodiment, the nonionic surfactant used in the invention can be disodium cocoamphodiproprionate. Disodium cocoamphodiproprionate is a coco-substituted imidazoline commonly used in personal care products such as hair shampoos and conditioners, liquid soaps, cleansing lotions, and in all-purpose and industrial cleaning agents because it is highly foaming with excellent hydrotope capacity. In addition, a mixture of disodium cocoamphodiproprionate and other surfactants can be used. Commercially available disodium cocoamphodiproprionate compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the Amphoterge® K-2 tradename by Arxada AG.

[071] Additionally, the disinfectant composition may contain an optional sequestering agent. Sequestering agents include, for example, acetic acid derivative selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), tetrasodium EDTA. The sequestering agent may also serve to bind other metal ions that may adversely affect the effectiveness of the disinfecting components in the composition. In addition, sequestering agent may also assist in soil removal and/or preventing soil redeposition into the disinfecting composition while in use. The sequestering agents, when present in the concentrate is generally present in an amount up to about 20% by weight, and are typically present in an amount of about 2 to about 8% by weight.

[072] In general, suitable sequestering agents include methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), diethylenethamine-penta-methylene phosphonic acid (DETPMP) , hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), Nitrilothacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylenethaminepentamethylene-phosphonic acid (DTPMPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric (IDF), iminoditartahc acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamineditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic acid and (EDDMAL), aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP). In one aspect, the chelating agent is selected from iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamineditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic acid (EDDMAL) and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).

[073] In one particular embodiment, for instance, the sequestering agent is methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA). Commercially available MGDA agents include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the Trilon® M tradename by BASF Corporation.

[074] When the sequestering agent comprises a MGDA, the MGDA can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 % by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, such as greater than about 1 .0% by weight, and in an amount less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, such as less than about 10% by weight, such as less than about 8% by weight, such as less than about 5% by weight.

[075] The disinfectant composition may also contain a pH adjusting agent. Suitable pH adjusting agents include sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, monoethanol amine and other similar compounds. In the present invention, the concentrate and the final disinfectant composition will have a pH in the range of about 1 to about 14, such as in the range of about 6 to about 13. Generally, the disinfectant composition will be considered a neutral disinfecting composition if the pH is in the range of about 6 to about 8. The disinfectant composition will be considered an alkaline disinfectant composition when the pH is in the range of above 8 to about 12.

[076] The disinfectant composition may optionally further contain corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, auxiliaries, preservatives, fragrances, colorants and the like. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors include, for example, organic phosphorous compounds and blend of organic phosphorous compounds with a polymeric component. Exemplary auxiliaries include, for example, polyethylene glycol or other similar compounds. Colorants and fragrances may be added provided they do not interfere with the function of the composition and may serve for identifying the composition. Generally, the optional further ingredients will make up less than about 20% by weight of the composition.

[077] The disinfectant composition may also comprise at least one acid or salt thereof. The acid may be an inorganic acid or an organic acid. In a preferred embodiment the acid is a C1 to C8 carboxylic acid. In a particular embodiment, the acid is a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. In an additional embodiment, the acid is a hydroxyl acid, an aromatic acid, or a mixture thereof. In another additional embodiment, the acid is methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, etidronic acid, phytic acid, phosphoacetic acid, N- (phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid,diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylphosphonoic acid), S,S-ethylenediamine-N'N'- disuccinic acid, their alkaline salts, or any mixture thereof.

[078] In some embodiments, the acid is citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, 1 -hydroxyethane 1 ,1 - diphosphonic acid (HEDP), dipicolinic acid (DPA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA), their alkaline salts, or any mixture thereof.

[079] In one embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids. In some embodiments, the acid comprises one or more of the following organic acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid. In another embodiment, the acid comprises one or more of the following acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid, in combination with another acid. For example, citric acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and/or MSA. As another example, succinic acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and/or MSA. As another example, phosphoric acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and/or MSA. As another example, lactic acid may be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'- disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and/or MSA.

[080] The disinfectant composition may include from about 1 % by weight to about 5% by weight of an organic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with another acid. In another aspect, the composition may include from about 1 % by weight to about 5% by weight of an organic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with from about 0.05% by weight to about 5% by weight of another acid. In another embodiment, the composition may include from about 2% by weight to about 4% by weight of an organic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with from about 0.1 % by weight to about 4% by weight of another acid such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its alkaline salt, HEDP, and/or MSA. [081] Various different disinfectant compositions can be made in accordance with the present disclosure. The disinfectant composition may be used, for instance, to clean hard surfaces, to pre-clean sterilize or high-level disinfect instruments, and/or as a hand sanitizer.

[082] When used as a hard surface cleaner, the disinfectant composition can be delivered to a surface to be cleaned, sanitized or disinfected by conventional means such as pouring the composition on a surface; a spray; which is applied to a surface via a spray means, including but not limited to, pump spray applicators, pressurized spray applicators and the like; a saturated wipe; a rag and a bucket; a mop and bucket; a sponge and a bucket; or via automated cleaning equipment and other similar and conventional ways to apply a disinfectant composition to a surface for the purposes of sanitizing or disinfecting the surface.

[083] To use the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, a surface is treated with the substrate by spraying, pouring, wiping or otherwise applying the disinfectant composition to the surface. Once applied to the surface, the disinfectant composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition may be applied to the surface and allowed to dry or may alternatively be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device. [084] Surfaces, which may be disinfected with the compositions include, but are not limited to, those located in dairies, homes, health care facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing plants, restaurants, hospitals, institutions, and industry, including secondary oil recovery. Hard surfaces, such as glass and polished aluminum, are particularly suited for application. Specific areas targeted for application include hard surfaces in the home such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, waste cans, laundry areas, garbage pails, bathroom fixtures, toilets, water tanks, faucets, mirrors, vanities, tubs, and showers. The compositions can also be used to sanitize floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, toilet fixtures, windows, and wood surfaces, such as fence rails, porch rails, decks, roofing, siding, window frames, and doorframes. The disinfectant compositions are particularly well suited for application on indirect food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, utensils, containers, dishes, wash basins, appliances, and countertops. The disinfectant compositions can be used to sanitize dairy plant equipment, milking machines, milk pails, tank trucks, and the like. Areas in hospitals would include beds, gurneys, tables, canisters, toilets, waste cans, stands, cabinets, shower stalls, floors, walls or any other non-porous surface.

[085] One particularly useful application method is to impregnate the disinfectant composition into a wipe substrate. In this embodiment, the wipe is a single use wipe that is impregnated with the disinfecting composition and is stored in a container that will dispense the wipe to a user. The container with the wipes may contain a single wipe, or several wipes. Suitable containers include a pouch containing a single wipe, such as a moist towelette which is torn open by the user or may be a pouch with a resealable opening containing several wipes in a stacked fashion, a rolled fashion or other suitable formation that would allow a single wipe to be removed from the opening at a time. Pouches are generally prepared from a fluid impervious material, such as a film, a coated paper or foil or other similar fluid impervious materials. In another way to dispense wipes of the present invention is to place the wipe into a fluid impervious container having an opening to access the wipes in the container. Containers may be molded plastic container with lids that are fluid impervious. Generally, the lid will have an opening to access the wipes in the container. The wipe in the container may be in a interleaved stack, such that as a wipe is removed from the container the next wipe is positioned in the opening of the container ready for the user to remove the next wipe. Alternatively, the wipe may be a continuous material which is perforated between the individual wipes of the continuous material. The continuous wipe material with perforations may be in a folded form or may be in a rolled form. Generally, in the rolled form, the wipe material is feed from the center of the rolled material. As with the interleaved stack, as a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is positioned in the opening for the use to remove the next wipe, when needed.

[086] The disinfecting composition can be impregnated into the wipe such that the wipe is pre-moistened and will express or release the disinfecting composition on to the surface as the wipe is run across the surface to be treated. Generally, the disinfecting composition is saturated into the wipe such that the wipe will release the disinfecting composition to the surface through the wiping action.

[087] Depending on the wipe substrate, saturation was generally achieved using about 3 weight parts of the use disinfecting composition per 1 weight part of the wipe substrate to be saturated. Generally, the disinfecting composition is used from about 4 parts to 6 parts by weight per 1 part by of the wiper substrate. In these ranges, complete saturation of the substrates can be achieved. It is noted that the amount of the disinfecting solution may go up or down to achieve complete saturation of the wipe substrate, depending on the particular wipe substrate.

[088] Suitable wipe substrates include woven and nonwoven materials. Essentially any nonwoven web material may be used. Exemplary nonwoven materials may include, but are not limited to meltblown, coform, spunbond, airlaid, hydroentangled nonwovens, spunlace, bonded carded webs, and laminates thereof. Optionally, the nonwoven may be laminated with a film material as well. The fibers used to prepare the wipe substrate may be cellulosic fiber, thermoplastic fibers and mixtures thereof. The fibers may also be continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, staple fibers and mixtures thereof. Basis weights of the nonwoven web may vary from about 12 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per square meter or more.

[089] In one embodiment the wipe is impregnated with a liquid component containing both active and inert ingredients within the allowable tolerance levels and the disinfecting composition expressed from the wipe contains active ingredients within the allowable tolerance levels. Once applied to the surface, the disinfecting composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition may be applied to the surface and allowed to dry or may alternatively be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device, which is preferably unused.

[090] When the wipe or disinfecting composition of the present invention is used to wipe a surface, disinfection is achieved in less than 4 minutes, generally 3 minutes or less, 90 seconds or less, or even 60 seconds or less. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the antimicrobial disinfecting composition remains in contact with the surface requiring disinfection for a time sufficient to cause disinfection to occur.

[091] In yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be used as a hand sanitizer. When used as a hand sanitizer, the antimicrobial agents of the present disclosure can be combined with any of the ingredients described above. In one embodiment, for instance, the antimicrobial agents may be combined with a solvent, such as water and/or an alcohol. In one particular application, a foaming agent may be added that causes the composition to foam when pumped from a dispenser. The foaming agent may comprise any suitable foaming agent that is compatible with the antimicrobial agents. In one embodiment, for instance, the foaming agent may comprise a dimethicone copolyol surfactant or other similar agents that may cause the hand sanitizer to foam.

[092] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition may be used for disinfection of instruments, such as for pre-cleaning and disinfection or for terminal, high-level disinfection of a device, medical instrument or endoscope. In one embodiment, when the instrument is treated in a manual process, the disinfectant composition can be applied by immersing the instrument in the appropriate concentration of the disinfectant composition. For instance, plastic or metal containers, stainless steel sinks, or any other suitable container may be used as a vessel to hold the disinfectant composition. In one embodiment, complete immersion of the instrument or device or endoscope, including voids, lumens and hollow sections, may be necessary. When used for disinfection of instruments such as endoscopes, the channels of the endoscope and other instruments may need to be flushed. In general, after disinfection the instrument must be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with water, preferably with significant quantities of water. [093] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be incorporated into many different end-use formulations or products. As used herein, “end-use formulations” or “end-use products” is intended to mean a personal care or home care product or an industrial formulation.

[094] The personal care or home care product formulation generally comprises a base composition to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added. The base composition may contain numerous and different ingredients depending upon the end use application. The personal care or home care product formulation, for instance, may contain other solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, alkalinity builders, pH adjusting agents, auxiliaries, acids, foaming agents, colorants, UV blocking agents, waxes, natural extracts, oils, consistency factors, conditioners, emollients, skin caring ingredients, moisturizers, thickeners, humectants, fillers, anti-oxidants, other preservatives, active ingredients, in particular dermatologically active ingredients, fragrances and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Active ingredients as mentioned herein comprise, for example, anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterials, anti-fungals and the like agents. Active ingredients suited for topical applications are particularly preferred.

[095] Suitable surfactants for the base composition comprise: alkyl sulfates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate; sodium cetearyl sulfate; alkyl sulfoacetates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; alkyl ether sulfates e.g. sodium laureth sulfate; sodium trideceth sulfate; sodium oleth sulfate; ammonium laureth sulfate; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates e.g. disodium laureth sulfosuccinate; alkyl glycosides e.g. decyl glucoside; lauryl glucoside; alkyl isethionates amphoterics e.g. cocamidopropyl betaine; sodium cocoamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate; disodium lauroamphodiacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium lauroamphopripionate; disodium lauroamphodipropionate; potassium or ammonium salts of the aforementioned amphoterics; capryl/capramidopropyl betaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; lauromidopropyl betaine; and fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers.

[096] Suitable emulsifiers for the base composition are e.g. anionics as salts of fatty acids e.g. sodium stearate or sodium palmitate, organic soaps e.g. mono-, di- or triethanolaminoeate, sulfated or sulfonated compounds e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium cetyl sulfonate, saponines, lamepones; cationics as quaternary ammonium salts; nonionics as fatty alcohols, fatty acid ester with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenesters or polyoxyethylenethers of fatty acids, polymers from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or propylene glycol, amphotherics as phosphatides, proteins as gelatine, casein alkylamidobetaines, alkyl betaines and amphoglycinates, alkyl phosphates, alkylpolyoxyethylene phosphates or the corresponding acids, silicone derivatives, e.g. alkyl dimethiconecoplyol.

[097] Suitable consistency factors for the base composition are e.g. fatty alcohols or their mixtures with fatty acid esters, e.g. acetylated lanolin alcohol, aluminum stearates, carbomer, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG 100 stearate, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, oleic acid, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, carnuba wax, beeswax and synthetic equivalents thereof, carbomers, and the like. Suitable conditioners are e.g. alkylamido ammonium lactate, cetrimonium chloride and distearoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate and cetearyl alcohol, cetyl dimethicone, cetyl ricinoleate, dimethicone, laureth-23, laureth-4, polydecene, retinyl palmitate, quaternized protein hydrolysates, quaternized cellulose and starch derivatives, quaternized copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acid or salts, quaternized silicone derivatives.

[098] Suitable emollients for the base composition are e.g. cetearyl isononanoate, cetearyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, coco caprylate/caprate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, oleyl oleate, hexyl laurate, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-75 lanolin, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, petrolatum, ozokerite cyclomethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, dicaprylyl ether, butyrospermum parkii, buxus chinensis, canola, carnauba cera, copernicia cerifera, oenothera biennis, elaeis guineensis, prunus dulcis, squalane, zea mays, glycine soja, helianthus annuus, lanolin, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, sucrose cocoate, stearoxy dimethicone, lanolin alcohol, isohexadecane.

[099] Suitable skin care ingredients for the base composition are e.g. plant extracts, bisabolol, anti-inflammatory agents, urea, allantoin, panthenol and panthenol derivatives, phytantriol, vitamins A, E, C, D, ceram ides of animal or plant origin, lecithins, and the like. [100] Suitable moisturizers for the base composition are e.g. butylenes glycol, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, dimyristyl tartrate, glucose glycereth-26, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, hydrolyzed milk protein, lactic acid, lactose and other sugars, laureth-8, lecithin, octoxyglycerin, PEG-12, PEG 135, PEG-150, PEG-20, PEG-8, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, phytantriol, poly quaternium-39 PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, propylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, succinoglycan, synthetic beeswax, tri-C14-15 alkyl citrate, starch.

[101] Suitable thickeners for the base composition are e.g. acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, carbomer, carboxymethyl starch, cera alba, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silica, silica dimethyl silylate, xanthan gum, hydrogenated butylenes/ethylene/styrene copolymer.

[102] Suitable humectants for the base composition are e.g. adipic acid, fumaric acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, glycerine triacetate, sodium or magnesium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylenglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, boric acid, mono-laurate or mono-palmitate, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol, talcum, calcium or magnesium salts of higher fatty acids, mono-, di- or triglycerides of higher fatty acids, polytetrafluorethylene.

[103] Suitable antioxidants for the base composition are e.g. sulfites, e.g. sodium sulfite, tocopherol or derivates thereof, ascorbic acid or derivates thereof, citric acid, propyl gallate, chitosan glycolate, cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine plus zinc sulfate, thiosulfates, e.g. sodium thiosulfate, polyphenols and the like.

[104] The formulations may further contain active ingredients, e.g. antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, plant extracts, bisabolol, panthenol, tocopherol, actives for antistinging, anti-irritant or anti-dandruff applications, or anti-aging agents such as retinol, melibiose and the like. Other suitable actives are e.g. Medicago officinalis, Actinidia chinensis, allantoin, Aloe barbadensis, Anona cherimolia, Anthemis nobilis, Arachis hypogaea, Arnica Montana, Avena sativa, beta-carotene, bisabolol, Borago officinalis, butylenes glycol, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, camphor, Candida bombicola, capryloyl glycine, Carica papaya, Centaurea cyanus, cetylpyridinium chloride, Chamomilla recutita, Chenopodium quinoa, Chinchona succirubra, Chondrus crispus, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Citrus grandis, Citrus limonum, Cocos nucifera, Coffea Arabica, Crataegus monogina, Cucumis melo, dichlorophenyl imidazoldioxolan, Enteromorpha compressa, Equisetum arvense, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl panthenol, farnesol, ferulic acid, Fragaria chiloensis, Gentiana lutea, Ginkgo biloba, glycerin, glyceryl laurate, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hamamelis virginiana, heliotropine, hydrogenated palm glycerides, citrates, hydrolyzed castor oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hypericum perforatum, Iris florentina, Juniperus communis, Lactis proteinum, lactose, Lawsonia inermis, linalool, Linum usitatissimum, lysine, magnesium aspartate, Magnifera indica, Malva sylvestris, mannitol, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita, menthol, menthyl lactate, Mimosa tenuiflora, Nymphaea alba, olaflur, Oryza sativa, panthenol, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-20M, PEG-26 jojoba acid, PEG-26 jojoba alcohol, PEG-35 castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-8 caprylic/capric acid, Persea gratissima, petrolatum, potassium aspartate, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus persica, retinyl palmitate, Ricinus communis, Rosa canina, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rubus idaeus, salicylic acid, Sambucus nigra, sarcosine, Serenoa serrulata, Simmondsia chinensis, sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, sodium cocoyl amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, sodium palmitoyl praline, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, sulfurized TEA-ricinoleate, talc, Thymus vulgaris, Tilia cordata, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, trideceth-9, triticum vulgare, tyrosine, undecylenoyl glycine, urea, Vaccinium my rtillus, valine, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate.

[105] The base composition of the personal care or home care product to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products.

[106] For instance, the personal or home care formulation may comprise a color cosmetic product, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bathing product, a sun care product, a fabric care product, a dish wash liquid product, a fragrance preparation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

[107] Color cosmetic products can include, but are not limited to, body color products, eye color cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, brow color, and eyeshadow, face color cosmetics such as blush, bronzer, concealer, foundation, powder, and primer, lip color cosmetics, such as lipstick and lip balm, and nail color cosmetics. [108] In one aspect, the eye color cosmetic is mascara. The mascara can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, consistency factors, pigments, emollients, thickeners, and film-forming agents. Particularly suitable consistency factors used in mascara include beeswax and carnuba wax. Particularly suitable emollients used in mascara include cetyl alcohol. Particularly suitable thickeners used in mascara include acacia Senegal gum.

[109] In another aspect, the eye color cosmetic is eyeliner. The eyeliner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, pigments, film-forming agents, emollients, thickeners, binders, solvents, and opacifiers. Particularly suitable emollients used in eyeliner include glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in eyeliner include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable solvents used in eyeliner include ethanol and particularly suitable opacifiers used in eyeliner include titanium dioxide.

[110] In another embodiment, the lip color cosmetic is lip balm. The lip balm can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, emollients, moisturizers, occlusives, flavoring, fragrance, sunscreen ingredients, antioxidants, healing agents, and pigment. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in lip balm include beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable occlusives used in lip balm include petroleum jelly and castor seed oil. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in lip balm include vitamin E and aloe vera extract, while particularly suitable healing agents used in lip balm include allantoin and calendula extract.

[111] In a particular embodiment, the personal care product is a deodorant. Deodorant products can include roll-on deodorant products, spray deodorant products, stick deodorant products, or wipe deodorant products. Although the ingredients in deodorant products can vary depending on whether the product is a stick product, a roll-on product, a gel product, a cream product, or a spray product, many of the ingredients remain consistent among all of the deodorant product formulations.

[112] The deodorant product, for instance, can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, antiperspirant active ingredients, odor-fighting ingredients, emollients, moisturizers, thickeners, stabliziers, skin conditioners, antibacterial agents, solvents, and propellants. Particularly suitable antiperspirant active ingredients used in deodorant products include aluminum compounds such as aluminum ch loro hydrate and aluminum tetrachlorohydrex glycine. Particularly suitable odor-fighting ingredients used in deodorant products include fragrance, sodium bicarbonate, and zinc compounds such as zinc ricinoleate. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable skin conditioners used in deodorant products include aloe vera and Vitamin E (e.g., tocopheryl acetate). Particularly suitable antibacterial agents used in deodorant products include triclosan and particularly suitable solvents used in deodorant products include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in deodorant products includes glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.

[113] Hair care products can include, but are not limited to, conditioner, shampoo, styling products, hair treatment products, and hair colorant.

[114] In one aspect, the hair care product is conditioner. The conditioner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, emollients, surfactants, silicones, natural oils, humectants, panthenol, fragrance, and pH adjusters. Particularly suitable emollients used in conditioners include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Particularly suitable surfactants used in conditioners include cationic surfactants such as cetrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable silicones used in conditioners include dimethicone and cyclomethicone. Particularly suitable natural oils used in conditioners include argan oil and coconut oil, and particularly suitable humectants used in conditions include glycerin. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in conditioners include citric acid.

[115] In another aspect, the hair care product is shampoo. The shampoo can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide DEA or cocamide MEA, conditioning agents, fragrance, citric acid, sodium chloride, glycerol distearate, and natural extracts or oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in shampoo include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Particularly suitable conditioning agents used in shampoo include polyquaternium-10 and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable natural extracts or oils used in shampoo include aloe vera and tea tree oil.

[116] Oral care products can include, but are not limited to, toothpastes and mouthwashes. [117] In one aspect, the oral care product is toothpaste. The toothpaste can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, abrasive agents, fluoride, detergents, humectants, binding agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, desensitizing agents, and whitening agents. Particularly suitable abrasive agents used in toothpaste include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable fluoride compounds used in toothpaste include sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate. Particularly suitable detergents used in toothpaste include sodium lauryl sulfate. Particularly suitable humectants used in toothpaste include glycerin and sorbital. Particularly suitable binding agents used in toothpaste include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in toothpaste include peppermint and spearmint. Particularly suitable sweeteners used in toothpaste include saccharin and sorbital. Particularly suitable desensitizing agents used in toothpaste include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Particularly suitable whitening agents used in toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

[118] In another aspect, the oral care product is mouthwash. The mouthwash can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, alcohol, antibacterial agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, colorants, pH adjusters, preservatives, fluoride, and desensitizing agents. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in mouthwash include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable antimicrobial agents used in mouthwash include cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in mouthwash include menthol and eucalyptus. Particularly suitable sweeteners used in mouthwash include saccharin and xylitol. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in mouthwash include sodium hydroxide and citric acid.

[119] Skin care products include, but are not limited to, body care cosmetics, eye care cosmetics, face and neck care cosmetics, foot care cosmetics, lip care cosmetics, sunscreens, after sun cosmetics, and self-tanning cosmetics.

[120] In one aspect, the skin care product is sunscreen. The sunscreen can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, active sun-protectant ingredients, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, antioxidants, fragrance, water, and pH adjusters. Particularly suitable active sun-protectant ingredients used in sunscreen include avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Particularly suitable emollients used in sunscreen include glycerin and caprylic/capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in sunscreen include cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. Particularly suitable thickeners used in sunscreen include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in sunscreen include Vitamin E and green tea extract. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in sunscreen include citric acid.

[121] Bathing products include, but are not limited to, face cleansers, body cleansers, hand cleansers, soap bars, liquid soaps, intimate hygiene products, and pre-moistened wipes.

[122] In one aspect, the bathing product is a face cleanser. The face cleanser can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers, humectants, preservatives, fragrance or essential oils, exfoliating agents, and anti-acne ingredients. Particularly suitable surfactants for the face cleanser include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium cocoyl isethionate.

Particularly suitable emollients for the face cleanser include glycerin and caprylic/capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers for the face cleanser include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable humectants for the face cleanser include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable exfoliating agents for the face cleanser include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Particularly suitable anti-acne ingredients for the face cleanser include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

[123] In another aspect, the bathing product is a body cleanser. The body cleanser can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and fragrance or essential oils. Particularly suitable surfactants for the body cleanser include sodium laureth sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients for the body cleanser include shea butter and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable humectants for the body cleanser include glycerin.

[124] In yet another aspect, the bathing product is a hand cleanser. The hand cleanser may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, alcohol compounds, water, emollients and humectants, thickeners, and fragrance.

Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in the hand cleanser include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants used in the hand cleanser include aloe vera and glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the hand cleanser include carbomer.

[125] In another aspect, the bathing product is a soap bar. The soap bar may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, sodium tallowate or sodium palmate, sodium cocoate, fragrance or essential oils, and colorants.

[126] In one aspect, the bathing product is a liquid soap. The liquid soap may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and fragrances or essential oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in liquid soap include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in liquid soap include glycerin and shea butter. Particularly suitable humectants used in liquid soap include propylene glycol.

[127] The disinfectant composition may also be incorporated into home care products as well, such as fabric care products, dish wash liquid, hard surface cleaners, and toilet care products. The home care product formulation may comprise all purpose cleaners and other similar formulations that are used around the home.

[128] Fabric care products include, but are not limited to, fabric conditioners, laundry detergent liquids, laundry detergent pods or capsules, ironing aids, stain removal liquids, carpet cleaners, washing machine cleaning solutions, and fabric brightening solutions.

[129] In one aspect, the fabric care product is a laundry detergent. Although the ingredients in laundry detergents can vary depending on whether the product is a liquid, pod, or capsule, many of the ingredients remain consistent among all of the laundry detergent product formulations.

[130] Therefore, in another embodiment, the laundry detergent can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, dyes, hueing dyes, chelants, stabilizers, radical scavengers, perfumes, fluorescent whitening agents, suds-supressors, soil-suspension polymers, soil release polymers, dye-transfer inhibitors, fabric softening additives, rheology modifiers, washing or cleaning adjuvants, and other polymers.

[131] Particularly suitable surfactants used in laundry detergents include nonionic surfactants, such as alkoxylate fatty alcohol nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, such as beta-n-alkylaminopropionic acids, n-alkyl-beta-iminodipropionic acids, imidazoline carboxylates, amine oxides, sultaines, betaines, phosphocholines, proprionates, di-propionates, sodium cocamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1 -propanesulfonate (CHAPS), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPtdCho), sodium lauroamphocetate, or any combination of the foregoing.

[132] Particularly suitable enzymes used in laundry detergents include proteases, amylases, cellulose enzymes, lipases, mannanases, pectate lyases, subtilisin, and mixtures thereof.

[133] Particularly suitable hueing dyes used in laundry detergents include Basic Violet 3 (Cl 42555) and Basic Violet 4 (Cl 426000), both commercially available from Standard Dyes.

[134] Particularly suitable chelants used in laundry detergents include DTPA, HEDP, DTPMP, GLDA, MGDA, a citrate, EDTA, IDS, dipicolinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[135] Particularly suitable radical scavengers used in laundry detergents include trimethoxybenzoic acid.

[136] Particularly suitable fluorescent whitening agents used in laundry detergents include Tinopal CBS-X.

[137] Particularly suitable suds suppressors used in laundry detergents include nonfatty acid suds suppressors, such as silica/silicone, silicone oil, alcohols such as branched alcohols, dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[138] Particularly suitable soil suspension polymers used in laundry detergents include PEI ethoxylate, HDMA diquate ethoxylates, sulfonated derivates, and hydrophobically modified copolymers.

[139] Particularly suitable soil release polymers used in laundry detergents include PET alkoxylate short block copolymer.

[140] Particularly suitable dye transfer inhibitors and dye fixatives included in laundry detergents include polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide, copolymers of N-viny-2-pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole and mixtures thereof.

[141] Particularly suitable fabric softening additives used in laundry detergents include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, ester quaternary ammonium compounds, bentonite, silicones, cationic silicones, and mixtures thereof. [142] Particularly suitable rheology modifiers used in laundry detergents include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar gum, succinoglycan, and trihydroxystearin.

[143] Particularly suitable wash or cleaning adjuvants used in laundry detergents include ethanol amine citrate, ethanol amine laurate, ethanol amine palmitate, ethanol amine oleate, ethanol amine stearate, C16 to C18 fatty acids, C18 unsaturated fatty acids, pentasodium pentetate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristate, sodium oleate, sodium palmitate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium stearate, and mixtures thereof.

[144] Particularly suitable stabilizers and blending aids used in laundry detergents include calcium formate, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, an alcohol, ethanol amine, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, monoethanol amine citrate, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium formate, sodim silicate, trimethylsiloxy silicate, or mixtures thereof.

[145] Hard surface cleaners include, but are not limited to, general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, cleaning creams, floor cleaners, and furniture care products.

[146] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a general purpose cleaner. The general purpose cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, emulsifiers, pH adjusters, and fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants used in general purpose cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and decyl glucoside. Particularly suitable solvents used in general purpose cleaners include isopropyl alcohol and ethanol. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in general purpose cleaners include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in general purpose cleaners include citric acid and sodium hydroxide.

[147] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a bathroom cleaner. The bathroom cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, acid compounds, surfactants, fragrance, and thickeners. Particularly suitable acid compounds used in bathroom cleaners include hydrochloric acid and citric acid.

[148] In yet another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a kitchen cleaner. The kitchen cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, solvents, degreasers, fragrance, and antimicrobial agents. Particularly suitable degreasers used in kitchen cleaners include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[149] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a cleaning cream. The cleaning cream may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an abrasive agent, surfactants, emollients, and fragrance. Particularly suitable abrasive agents used in cleaning creams include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable emollients used in cleaning creams include glycerin.

[150] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a floor cleaner. The floor cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, fragrance, and pH adjusters.

[151] Dishwashing liquids include, but are not limited to, hand wash liquids, machine dish wash liquids, dishwash capsules, rise aids, and dish washing cleaning solutions.

[152] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a hand dish wash liquid. The hand dish wash liquid may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, solvents, and fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants used in hand dish wash liquid include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in hand dish wash liquids include glycerin. Particularly suitable solvents used in hand dish wash liquids include isopropyl alcohol.

[153] In another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a machine dish wash liquid. The machine dish wash liquid may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, antiredeposition agents, and rinse aids. Particularly suitable enzymes used in machine dish wash liquids include protease and amylase. Particularly suitable builders used in machine dish wash liquids include sodium carbonate and sodium citrate. Particularly suitable bleaching agents used in machine dish wash liquids include sodium percarbonate. Particularly suitable antiredeposition agents used in machine dish was liquids include polyacrylate.

[154] In yet another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a dishwash capsule or pod. The dishwashing capsule or pod may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, rinse aid, and solvents. Particularly suitable solvents used in dishwash capsules or pods include PEG-75 and PEG-150.

[155] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a rinse aid. The rinse aid may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, acidifiers, chelating agents, and anti-foaming agents. Particularly suitable acidifiers used in the rinse aid include citric acid. Particularly suitable chelating agents used in the rinse aid include tetrasodium EDTA.

[156] Toilet care products include, but are not limited to, toilet cleaners and toilet fresheners.

[157] In one aspect, the toilet care product is a toilet cleaner. The toilet cleaner may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, surfactants, thickeners, fragrance, colorants, corrosion inhibitors, bleaching agents, thickening agents, solvents, and antibacterial agents. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the toilet cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the toilet cleaners include xanthan gum and sodium chloride. Particularly suitable thickening agents used in the toilet cleaners include sodium hydroxide and sodium polyacrylate.

Particularly suitable solvents used in the toilet cleaners include isopropanol.

[158] The base composition of the industrial formulation to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products.

For instance, the industrial formulation can comprise paints, coatings, varnishes, sealing compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coating agents, plasters, adhesives, sealants, caulks, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizes, or agricultural pesticide formulations.

[159] Within these various types of products, the disinfectant composition and the base composition can be formulated differently depending on the function of the end-use product. For instance, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be used in emulsions (both oil-in-water and water-in-oil), in aqueous solutions, in PIT (phase inversion temperature) emulsions, in oily solutions, in foaming cosmetic formulations (foams), and in so-called multiple emulsions, e.g. in triple emulsions (such as water/oil/water emulsions). [160] Typically, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may be added to an end-use formulation to be preserved in an amount from about 0.001 % to about 15% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.005% to about 12% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.01 % to about 10% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the formulation, or any range therebetween. More particularly, the composition may be added to an end-use formulation or product in an amount from about 0.1 % to about 5.0% by weight of the formulation.

[161] Various different microorganisms may be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure. For instance, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can control gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, and the like. In addition to bacteria, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can also kill and control the growth of various other microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, spores, mycobacteria, and the like. Examples of particular microorganisms that may be killed or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Pluralibacter gergoviae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Burholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, Kocuria rhizophila, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium funiculosum, Eupenicillium levitum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium avium, Poliovirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus, Vaccinia virus, Influenza virus, Hepatitis B virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus, Human papilloma virus, or mixtures thereof.

[162] As described above, the adjuvant of the present disclosure can dramatically and unexpectedly increase the efficacy of the antimicrobial agents described above. For example, the disinfectant composition can be formulated to exhibit greater than a 2 log reduction when tested against various microorganisms according to a modified EN 1040 suspension challenge test for a contact time of 60 seconds in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant but containing the antimicrobial agent at the same concentration. Additionally, the disinfectant composition can be formulated to exhibit greater than a 5 log reduction when tested against various microorganisms according to a suspension challenge test for a contact time of five minutes in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant but containing the same microbial agent at the same concentration. Bacteria were stored at '80 °C using Microbank™ beads (Prolab diagnostics). Cultures were prepared in 250 mL baffled shake flasks with 25 mL of Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) using one bead. After 18 +/- 8 hours incubation at 37 °C and 150 rpm, the inocula are prepared for the test. In certain embodiments, the disinfectant composition may exhibit greater than a 2.5 log reduction, such as greater than about a 3 log reduction, such as even greater than a 3.5 log reduction when tested against various microorganisms for a contact time of 60 seconds in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant. In alternative embodiments, the disinfectant composition may exhibit greater than a 4.0 log reduction, such as greater than a 4.5 log reduction, such as greater than a 5.0 log reduction, such as even greater than a 5.3 log reduction when tested against various microorganisms for a contact time of 5 minutes in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant. In certain aspects, for instance, the above results can be obtained when testing the disinfectant composition against microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

[163] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples.

Example No. 1

[164] In this example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus were dried on glass slides and then sprayed with disinfectant compositions prepared according to the present disclosure. The organism load on the slide was controlled between 5 and 6 Iog10 (equals to 10⁵ to 10⁶ organisms). The spray bottle containing the disinfectant was placed 4 inches away from the carrier and five sprays were applied. After 10 minutes contact time, the carriers are aseptically transferred to 20 ml of letheen broth (neutralizer/growth media). These letheen broth tubes with the carriers are then incubated at 37±1 ° C. for 48 hours. After 48 hours, a cloudy letheen tube indicates growth or failure and a clear tube indicates no growth or pass. Results from ten replicates are presented in the tables below.

[165] The polyethertriamine used was JEFFAMINE T403 polyetheramine obtained from Huntsman Corporation of Houston, Texas. [166] In the example below, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride contained a mixture of 50% by weight C14, 10% by weight C16, and 40% by weight C12 dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

[167] In the table below, PHMB stands for polyhexamethylene biguanide. The following results were obtained:

Table 1.

# Fails out of 10

[168] As shown above, the presence of the adjuvant dramatically improved the performance of the antimicrobial agents.

Example No. 2

[169] In this example, a modified EN 1040 suspension test was conducted in order to demonstrate some of the advantages and benefits of the present disclosure. In particular, various antimicrobial agents and mixtures were combined and tested with and without the adjuvant of the present disclosure.

[170] In this example, the same polyethertriamine described in Example No. 1 was used. In addition, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride was the same mix as described in Example No. 1. The alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride mix used in the samples below contained 40% by weight of octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 16% by weight dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and 24% by weight of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[171] The modified EN 1040 suspension test was used to determine the efficacy of the test systems. The testing was performed for a contact time of 60 seconds in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant but containing the antimicrobial agent at the same concentration. Bacteria were stored at '80 °C using Microbank™ beads (Prolab diagnostics). Cultures were prepared in 250 mL baffled shake flasks with 25 mL of Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) using one bead. After 18 +/- 8 hours incubation at 37 °C and 150 rpm, the inocula are prepared for the test.

[172] The inocula were prepared by diluting the bacteria to 2.5 x 10⁶ CFU/mL in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Test compounds are prepared in DI water . Three levels of each test compound were prepared by serial two-fold dilution in the same hardwater. For each biological repetition, the test compounds were tested at 3 levels in quadruplicate with one quadruplicate control with no test compound.

[173] The varying compositions were then mixed with the inocula in an 80:20 (test composition: inocula) ratio. After 60 seconds, the test composition/inocula mixture was neutralized by a 10-fold dilution in Letheen broth. After neutralization of the test composition/inocula mixture, five more 10-fold dilutions were made. The six dilutions were incubated at 35 °C for 24h +/- 1 h. Neutralization was verified separately.

[174] The average log reduction was calculated using the six dilutions. [175] In a first set of experiments, the polyethertriamine was tested alone for antimicrobial efficacy and the following results (average log reduction reported in the table) were obtained:

[176]

Table 2.

[177] As shown above, the polyethertriamine does not act as an antimicrobial agent.

[178] Various different formulations were tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial concentrations were tested at 5 ppm, 2.5 ppm, and 1.25 ppm. The antimicrobial blends were mixed at the indicated ratios by weight percent. The formulations were tested with and without the polyethertriamine (PEA). The polyethertriamine was added at weight ratios of 20: 1 , 40:1 , 80:1 , and 200:1 with respect to the antimicrobial agent(s). The average log reduction was recorded in addition to the difference in log reduction between the formulation containing the polyethertriamine and the formulation not containing the polyethertriamine. The following results were obtained:

[179] As shown above, the presence of the adjuvant dramatically improved the performance of the antimicrobial agents.

Example No. 3

[180] In this example, a suspension test was conducted in order to demonstrate some of the advantages and benefits of the present disclosure. In particular, varying amounts of para-chloro-metal-xylenol (PCMX) were combined and tested with and without different adjuvants of the present disclosure.

[181] In this example, the same polyethertriamine described in Example No. 1 was used. The disodium cocoamphodiproprionate used was Amphoterge® K-2 obtained from Arxada AG. The methylglycinediacetic acid used was Trilon® M obtained from BASF Corporation.

[182] In tables 9 and 10, antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated according to the EU Standard EN1276 method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) for a contact time of 5 minutes in dirty condition. Test compounds were diluted in hardwater with a total hardness of 375 ppm as CaCo3 pursuant to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and used within 2 hours of preparation. The test inoculum was adjusted to the concentration of 1.5-5*10⁸ colony forming units (CFU) in Tryptone Sodium Chloride buffer (TSC, 1.0 g tryptone, 8.5 g NaCI, 1 L H2O). For the challenge test, 1 ml of the test inocula was mixed with 1 ml of Bovine Serum Albumin (final concentration 3 g/L) and held for 2 minutes before it was exposed to 8 mL of test compound. The test suspension was then mixed and held for the contact time of 5 minutes at 20±1 °C. At the end of the exposure time, 1 ml of the test mixture was transferred to a tube containing 9 ml neutralizing solution and held for 5 minutes before it was serially diluted and plated onto TSA plates. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours before the numbers of CFU per ml in the test suspensions relative to the controls were calculated. Test and control procedures were performed in duplicate and carried out in parallel with the neutralization validation controls, as described in the standard. [183]

Table 9.

Table 10.

[184] As shown in Example No. 3, the polyethertriamine does not act as an antimicrobial agent. Further, as shown above, the presence of the adjuvants dramatically improved the performance of the para-chloro-metal-xylenol. This improvement allows the use of significantly less para-chloro-metal-xylenol with enhanced efficacy, which saves the consumer money and reduces packaging size and plastic waste.

[185] As shown in the above examples, the adjuvant of the present disclosure was capable of increasing the efficacy of the antimicrobial agent(s) by greater than about 0.5 log, such as greater than about 1 log, such as greater than about 1.5 log, such as greater than about 2 log, such as greater than about 2.5 log, such as greater than about 3 log, such as greater than about 3.5 log, such as greater than about 4 log, such as greater than about 4.5 log, such as even greater than about 5 log.

[186] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A disinfectant composition comprising: an antimicrobial agent; and an adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent comprising a polyethertriamine.

2. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the composition is a ready-to-use solution or a liquid concentrate.

3. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyethertriamine comprises a compound of the Formula I,

4. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 3, wherein the sum of x, y, and z is no less than 5.

5. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 3 or 4, wherein the sum of x, y, and z is no greater than 10.

6. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyethertriamine is present in the composition in an amount of greater than about 100 ppm, such as greater than about 200 ppm, and in an amount less than about 250,000 ppm, such as less than about 10,000 ppm, such as less than about 5,000 ppm, such as less than about 3,000 ppm, such as less than about 2000 ppm, such as less than about 1000 ppm.

7. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in a ready to use composition in an amount less than about 1000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm.

8. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in relation to the antimicrobial agent at a weight ratio of from about 1 : 1 to about 5000: 1 , such as from about 10:1 to about 3000:1.

9. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfectant composition exhibits greater than a 2 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to a modified Test EN 1040 for a contact time of 60 seconds in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant.

10. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfectant composition exhibits greater than a 2 log reduction when tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to a modified Test EN 1040 for a contact time of 60 seconds in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant.

11. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound, a chlorohexidine, a polyhexamethylene biguanide, para-chloro-meta- xylenol, or mixtures thereof.

12. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprised at least one quaternary ammonium compound having the formula (I):

(Formula II) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted benzyl group or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group; R² and R³ are independently optionally substituted alkyl groups;

R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group, benzyl group, and -[(CH₂)2-O]_n-R⁵, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20 and R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; and

X- is a chlorine ion, bromine ion, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, ethosulfate, sulfate, or nitrate.

13. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 12, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in relation to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to about 4000:1 , such as from about 20:1 to about 2000: 1 , such as from about 150: 1 to about 1000: 1 .

14. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 12, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in relation to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound at a weight ratio of from about 20:1 to about 200:1 .

15. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 12 through 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

16. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 12 through 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride.

17. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 12 through 14, wherein the least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

18. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 12 through 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

19. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 12 through 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

20. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 12 through 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

21 . A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 1 through 11 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises chlorohexidine.

22. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 21 , wherein the adjuvant is present in relation to the chlorohexidine at a weight ratio of from about 80:1 to about 8000:1 .

23. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 1 through 11 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a polyhexamethylene biguanide.

24. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 23, wherein the adjuvant is present in relation to the polyhexamethylene biguanide at a weight ratio of from about 50: 1 to about 5000: 1.

25. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 1 through 11 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises para-chloro-meta-xylenol.

26. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 25, wherein the adjuvant is present in relation to the para-chloro-meta-xylenol at a weight ratio of from about 1 : 1 to about 10,000: 1 .

27. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 25, wherein the adjuvant is present in relation to the para-chloro-meta-xylenol at a weight ratio of from about 1 : 1 to about 50,000: 1 .

28. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 25 through 27, wherein the adjuvant is combined with a sequestering agent.

29. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 28, wherein the sequestering agent comprises a methylglycinediacetic acid.

30. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 29, wherein the methylglycinediacetic acid is present in the composition in an amount of greater than about 0.01% by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, such as greater than about 1 .0% by weight, and in an amount less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, such as less than about 10% by weight, such as less than about 8% by weight, such as less than about 5% by weight.

31 . A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfectant composition exhibits greater than a 4 log reduction when tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to a EN 1276 for a contact time of five minutes in comparison to an identical composition not containing the adjuvant.

32. A premoistened wiping product comprising: a liquid absorbent substrate; and a disinfectant composition contained within the substrate, the disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims.

33. A premoistened wiping product as defined in claim 32, wherein the liquid absorbent substrate comprises a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web comprising a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbond web, an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded carded web, or a laminate thereof.

34. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface comprising: saturating a liquid absorbent substrate with a disinfectant composition, the disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 1-29; and applying the saturated liquid absorbent substrate to a hard surface.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the microorganisms are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, slimes, and a combination thereof.

36. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface comprising: spraying a disinfectant composition as defined in any of claims 1-31 onto the adjacent surface.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the microorganisms are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, slimes, and a combination thereof.

38. A personal care or home care formulation, wherein the personal care of home care formulation comprises the composition as defined in any of claims 1 through 31.

39. The personal or home care formulation of claim 38, wherein the home or personal care formulation comprises a color cosmetic product, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bathing product, a sun care product, a fabric care product, a dish wash liquid product, a fragrance preparation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

40. An industrial formulation, wherein the industrial formulation comprises the composition as defined in any of claims 1 through 31 .

41 . The industrial formulation of claim 40, wherein the industrial formulation comprises paints, coatings, varnishes, sealing compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coating agents, plasters, adhesives, sealants, caulks, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizes, or agricultural pesticide formulations.