Compositions and methods for use in surface decontamination
Inventors
KANG, JASON • Tyan, Kevin • Jin, Katherine
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11555166-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
The disclosure provides compositions and methods for making a colorized solution of an aqueous disinfectant that is both stable in bulk solution and will fade to clear within a predetermined period of time after being applied to a surface, for example as a spray or film. The compositions and methods described here allow an end user to visualize both the extent of coverage and the duration of contact of the disinfectant with the surface, thereby providing more efficient disinfection of the surface.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to colored aqueous solutions of 0.1–2% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that comprise at least one oxidizable water-soluble pigment, a surfactant, and an alkaline builder, with an optional rheology modifier. The formulation is designed so that the color remains stable in the colored aqueous solution for 10 to 20 minutes.
The colored aqueous solution is further characterized by a color-change behavior when the solution is applied as a spray or film to a surface. The color fades to clear after application, and the document presents this fading behavior as an intended functional feature of the composition.
The document describes controlling the color-stability and fade behavior through formulation components that manage oxidizable pigment behavior and the solution environment, including pH increase, dye sequestration by surfactant micelles, viscosity adjustment via rheology modifiers, and reactive species generation via catalysts. Illustrative example formulations report tunable color-fade times and bulk color persistence, supporting a configured sequence of color stability in bulk followed by fading to clear after application.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a colored aqueous solution with four main inventive features: an oxidizable water-soluble pigment, a selected surfactant, a selected alkaline builder, and an optional rheology modifier. The claims further cover defined bulk color stability and fade-to-clear behavior upon spray or film application, with dependent claims refining pigment selection, fade timing, loading ranges, and a pre-packaged wipe context.
Oxidizable water-soluble pigment in hypochlorite colored aqueous solution
A colored aqueous solution of 0.1–2% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite comprising at least one oxidizable water-soluble pigment.
Defined surfactant selection with pigment and hypochlorite
The colored aqueous solution further comprises a surfactant selected from sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), an acetylenic diol, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate, and mixtures thereof.
Defined alkaline builder selection for hypochlorite stability
The colored aqueous solution further comprises an alkaline builder selected from sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and mixtures thereof.
Optional rheology modifier selection
The colored aqueous solution optionally comprises a rheology modifier selected from sodium alginate, glycerol, guar gum, dextran, cellulose, lambda carrageenan, iota carrageenan, kappa carrageenan, sodium carbonate, fumed silica, alkali swellable emulsions, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsions, hydrophobically-modified polyurethanes, and sodium polyacrylate, and mixtures thereof.
Bulk color stability and fade to clear upon spray or film application
The color is stable in the colored aqueous solution of 0.1–2% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite from 10 to 20 minutes and fades to clear when the solution is applied as a spray or film to a surface.
Specified oxidizable water-soluble pigment list
The colored aqueous solution is limited to having at least one oxidizable water-soluble pigment selected from the named pigment set, including FD&C Blue 1, Acid Green 50, Patent Blue V, FD&C Yellow 6, Fast Green FCF, Indigo carmine, Acid Blue 80, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Coomassie Brilliant Blue, and Crystal Violet Lactone.
Predetermined fade-to-clear time for spray or film
When the solution is applied as a spray or film to a surface, the color fades to clear within a predetermined period of time of 2 to 5 minutes.
Total alkaline builder loading range
The colored aqueous solution specifies a total amount of alkaline builder in the range of 0.5–2% w/v.
Total rheology modifier loading range
The colored aqueous solution specifies a total amount of rheology modifier in the range of 0.1–1% w/v.
Pre-packaged wipe as solid material application context
The colored aqueous solution is applied in connection with a solid material in the form of a pre-packaged wipe.
Overall, the claims coverage centers on a colored aqueous hypochlorite solution formulated with an oxidizable water-soluble pigment, a selected surfactant, an alkaline builder, and optional rheology modifier, where the bulk color remains stable for 10–20 minutes but fades to clear after spray or film application. Dependent claims refine pigment lists, provide a narrower 2–5 minute fade window, constrain alkaline builder and rheology modifier amounts, and narrow the solid substrate context to pre-packaged wipes.
Stated Advantages
Provides color stability in the colored aqueous solution of 0.1–2% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite from 10 to 20 minutes.
Fades to clear when applied as a spray or film to a surface.
Provides tunable color-fade times and bulk color persistence as supported by example formulations and reported durations.
Documented Applications
Applied as a spray or film to a surface for surface decontamination.
Used with a solid material in the form of a pre-packaged wipe.
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