Disinfectants with iodine and copper complexes
Inventors
Morgan, Douglas J. • Harrison, Steve • Rhodes, Tanya
Assignees
Clyra Medical Technologies Inc • Clyra Medical Technologies Inc
Publication Number
US-12156524-B2
Publication Date
2024-12-03
Expiration Date
2040-05-14
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Abstract
Liquid antimicrobial disinfectant compositions for treatment of coronaviruses and specifically the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) on skin and surfaces such as PPE (personal protective equipment) are disclosed that are highly efficacious and exhibit total eradication below detectable limits at 30 minutes (>6 log kill) against coronavirus (resulting in complete inactivation), while remaining non-toxic, safe and non-irritating (including at a cellular level and with extended contact) to skin and endogenous tissue. Such disinfectant compositions are additionally highly effective against other pathogens, have extended antimicrobial and antiviral activity for more than 24 hours, have a bio-compatible pH, are suitable for personal, clinical and surgical use and are safe to skin, mucous membranes and wounds, remain stable without precipitation, discoloration or loss of antimicrobial efficacy for at least 12 months, and are beneficial for a range of applications and uses in improving and supporting human and animal health.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to stable antimicrobial disinfectant compositions comprising potassium iodide and copper sulfate in a carrier liquid, formulated to release a specific, low amount of free iodine (about 100 ppm to 330 ppm) while maintaining a biologically acceptable pH between approximately 3.5 and 7.5. These compositions offer sustained antimicrobial and antiviral activity for 24 hours or more, including greater than a 4 log kill against pathogens such as the ESKAPE group and total eradication of coronavirus, specifically SARS-CoV-2, below detectable limits within 30 minutes, while remaining non-toxic, safe, and non-irritating to skin and endogenous tissue even upon extended contact.
The problem addressed by the invention arises from shortcomings of existing iodine-based antiseptics, such as high cytotoxicity, irritation, delayed wound healing, and instability, especially when applied to open wounds or non-intact skin. Previous iodine solutions, including povidone-iodine (PVP-I), contain much higher iodine concentrations that cause pain, irritation, and toxic effects, limiting their medical application. The invention solves these issues by balancing iodine and copper complexes in a specific stoichiometric ratio and concentration, avoiding buffers, pH adjusters, peptides, or surfactants, thus producing a composition that is highly effective against pathogens and coronaviruses while maintaining biocompatibility, long-term stability, and safety.
An unexpected discovery was that the potassium iodide to copper sulfate molar ratio below the stoichiometric 2:1 ratio causes potassium iodide to be the reaction limiting component, maximizing free iodine and copper iodide formation while leaving residual copper sulfate for enhanced antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity. This unique balance allows the composition to remain stable without precipitation or discoloration for at least 12 to 24 months, safe for prolonged tissue contact, and efficacious against a broad spectrum of pathogens and biofilms including SARS-CoV-2.
Claims Coverage
The patent presents one independent claim embodying multiple inventive features.
Method of providing a stable antimicrobial disinfectant solution
A method involving providing a carrier liquid comprising 95% to 99.9% water or saline; adding potassium iodide at a first effective concentration by weight; adding copper sulfate at a second effective concentration by weight where these generate free iodine in the range of about 100 ppm to 330 ppm; excluding metallo-peptides, acidifying agents, buffers or surfactants; and maintaining a pH from about 4.0 to 7.0 without discoloration or iodine precipitation for at least 6 months.
Carrier liquid composition and concentration ranges
The carrier liquid may comprise 98% to 99.9% of the solution's weight, be purified water or saline with NaCl concentrations ranging from 0% to 3%, preferably about 0.9%.
Specific copper sulfate form and concentrations
Copper sulfate is preferably copper sulfate pentahydrate, with potassium iodide and copper sulfate pentahydrate concentrations ranging from about 0.025% to about 0.100% by weight, and with a molar ratio of potassium iodide to copper sulfate between about 1.25 to 1.75.
Optimized concentration and ratio for free iodine generation
Specific embodiment comprising about 0.0625% by weight of potassium iodide and about 0.0625% by weight of copper sulfate pentahydrate generating about 250 ppm free iodine in solution plus other copper complexes.
Sustained antimicrobial activity
The solution achieves effective antimicrobial activity lasting at least three days.
Long-term stability and pH maintenance
The solution maintains a pH from about 4.5 to about 6.0 without discoloration or solid iodine precipitation for at least 12 months, preferably for 24 months.
Together, these inventive features define a stable, effective, non-toxic antimicrobial disinfectant method and composition characterized by precise potassium iodide and copper sulfate concentrations, excluded additives, a controlled pH range, sustained antimicrobial efficacy, and long-term stability without discoloration or precipitation.
Stated Advantages
The composition is highly efficacious, achieving greater than 4 log kill rates against common pathogens and total inactivation of coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 within 30 minutes.
It exhibits extended antimicrobial and antiviral activity lasting 24 hours or more, maintaining efficacy up to 3 days.
The composition is non-toxic, safe, and non-irritating to skin and endogenous tissue, even upon prolonged contact, including at cellular levels.
It maintains a biocompatible pH suitable for application on or within the body or wounds, preventing pain or stinging.
The compositions demonstrate long-term stability for at least 12 months, up to 24 months or longer, without precipitation, discoloration, or loss of antimicrobial efficacy.
The solution does not cause skin drying, cracking, or irritation, enabling safe repeated use on skin and personal protective equipment.
Documented Applications
Treatment and prevention of infections including bacterial, viral (notably coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2), fungal, and parasitic infections on skin and wounds.
Use as a wound and burn treatment, including acute, chronic, surgical, traumatic, diabetic, pressure ulcers, grafted and donor sites, and surgical cavities.
Disinfection of personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, masks, and other surfaces contaminated with coronaviruses.
Use as an oral rinse or mouthwash to reduce bacteria associated with dental plaque and for oral surgery applications such as pre-surgical rinse and intraoperative wash.
Application in clinical and surgical settings, including pre-surgical skin preparation and post-surgical wound management.
Potential incorporation into fabric or dressings for sustained antimicrobial protection.
Use on animals for similar wound and infection treatment purposes.
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