BRPI0814611B1 - COMPOSITION, PROCESS FOR PREPARING A COMPOSITION, AND USE OF A COMPOSITION - Google Patents

Description

"COMPOSITION, PROCESS FOR PREPARING A COMPOSITION, AND USE OF A COMPOSITION" This invention relates to antimicrobial compositions and formulations including antimicrobial compositions.

Microorganisms are known to present health risks due to infection or contamination. When microorganisms are present on the surface of a substrate they can quickly replicate to form colonies. Microbial colonies form a coating on the surface of the substrate, which is known as a biofilm. Biofilms often consist of several different species of microorganisms which in turn may be more difficult to eradicate and thus more hazardous to health than individual microorganisms. Some microorganisms also produce polysaccharide coatings, which make them harder to destroy.

The microorganisms attack the substrates themselves by forming a biofilm comprising a "chalice" of polysaccharides and / or similar natural polymers as the attachment mechanism. Without this attachment point, reproduction of the microorganism particularly bacteria cannot occur, or is at least seriously impaired.

Biofilms form when microorganisms such as bacteria adhere to surfaces in aqueous environments and begin to excrete extra cellular secretion, a viscous, glue-like substance that can anchor them to all types of materials such as metals, plastics, particles. dirt, medical implant materials, and tissue. A biofilm may be formed of a single bacterial species but more often biofilms consist of several bacterial species as well as fungi, algae, protozoa, fragments and corrosion products. Essentially, bacterial biofilms can form on any surface exposed to bacteria and some amount of water. Once anchored to a surface, biofilm microorganisms perform a variety of harmful or beneficial reactions (by human standards), depending on the surrounding environmental conditions.

Many antimicrobial agents that can destroy microorganisms that are present in a wide range of environments such as medical, industrial, commercial, domestic and marine environments are known. Many of the known antimicrobial agents have previously been included in compositions for use in various applications and environments.

Known antimicrobial agents and compositions containing these antimicrobial agents destroy microorganisms by several different mechanisms.

For example, many antimicrobial agents are harmful to microorganisms and thus destroy microorganisms with which they are in contact. Examples of this type of antimicrobial agent include hypochlorites (bleaches), phenol and compounds thereof, arsenene and salts of copper, tin and arsenic. However, such agents are typically highly toxic to humans and animals as well as to microorganisms. Consequently these antimicrobial agents are harmful to handle, and specialized handling, treatment and equipment are therefore required in order to handle them safely. The manufacture and disposal of compositions comprising this type of antimicrobial agent can therefore be problematic. There may also be problems associated with the use of compositions containing this type of antimicrobial agent, particularly in consumables where it is difficult to ensure that they are used for designated purposes.

Here, unless the context otherwise indicates, "toxicity" is intended to refer to toxicity to complex organisms such as mammals. References to “toxic” should be interpreted accordingly.

Once antimicrobial agents enter the environment they can affect the health of life forms that they were not intended to affect. In addition, antimicrobial agents are often highly stable and can cause environmental problems for long periods of time.

Other known antimicrobial agents that are commonly used include organic and inorganic salts of heavy metals such as silver, copper or tin. These salts produce toxic rinses, which can cause problems for the environment. For example, rinses of such salts are poisonous to aquatic life. Again, once toxic compounds enter the environment they are not easily decomposed and can cause persistent problems.

Other antimicrobial agents currently in use include antibiotic type compounds. Antibiotics disrupt biochemistry within microorganisms, for example by selectively diluted solutions to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Although antibiotics are effective, it is currently believed that they can selectively allow the development of resistant strains of the species against which they are used. These resistant strains are then able to reproduce unhindered by the use of known antibiotics. Thus, there is growing concern that widespread and uncontrolled use of antibiotic materials in the wider environment, as opposed to their controlled use in medical contexts, would produce significant long-term risks.

Another method of microbial control is the use of oxidizing agents in materials such as household bleaches. Which may be based on hypochlorite or peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide. These materials are effective in a humid environment for sterilization and cleaning. However, the materials do not provide long-term passive antimicrobial control and sanitization. By “passive control” we mean that the substrate acts against microbial infection by itself by some property within itself in a dry environment, so it does not require a cleansing regime to be effective in controlling microorganisms.

Another method involves the use of materials such as quaternary ammonium compounds that act as lytic agents (breakers) for microbial cells. This method has the disadvantage of not being effective against all strains of microorganisms so that resilient colonies can develop that have a high degree of "survival" to disinfection with quaternary ammonium compounds so that they need to be alternated in use. Additionally, these materials are highly water soluble so that they are easily washed off or can easily contaminate wet materials in contact with them. The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition that addresses the foregoing deficiencies.

The antimicrobial compositions of the invention may provide a residual antimicrobial effect and / or enhanced mortality rate when applied to a surface and / or are effective at significantly lower antimicrobial agent concentration than previously known compositions. The composition of the invention comprises (i) an antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties; (ii) a siloxane selected from those having the formulas (H3C) [SiO (CH3) 2] nSi (CH3) 3 and (H3C) [SiO (CH3) H] nSi (CH3) 3 and mixtures thereof, wherein n is 1 to 24; and (iii) a polar solvent. The important fact for the compositions of the invention to provide the required antimicrobial effect is not typically the concentration of the components in the final solution, but rather the ratio of the number of molecules of the components. This ratio will remain the same if the composition is in a concentrated form or if it is in a diluted (ready to use) form.

Typically, the ratio of the number of molecules of component (i) to component (ii) ranges from about 100: 1 to 5: 1, preferably from about 90: 1 to about 8: 1, more preferably from about 100: 1. 80: 1 to about 15: 1, even more preferably from about 70: 1 to about 25: 1 or about 20: 1, most preferably from about 40: 1 to about 60: 1, for example. example of about 50: 1.

By the term "antimicrobial" we mean a compound or composition that kills and / or inhibits the growth of microbes (microorganisms). The term "microbiocide" is used to refer to compounds or compositions that kill microbes. The compositions of the invention are antimicrobial and / or microbiocidal.

A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is microscopic (too small to be observed by the human eye). Examples of microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, yeasts, molds, mycobacteria, algae spores, archaea and protists. Microorganisms are generally single cell or unicellular organisms. However, as used herein, the term "microorganisms" also includes viruses.

Preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise at least one antimicrobial agent selected from antibacterial, antifungal, antialgae, antispore, antiviral, anti-yeast and antimofor agents and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise at least one antibacterial, antifungal and / or antifungal agent.

As used herein, the terms antibacterial, antifungal, anti-algal, antiviral, anti-yeast, and anti-mold are intended to refer to agents that inhibit the growth of their microorganisms but do not necessarily kill microorganisms and agents that kill their microorganisms. Thus, for example, within the term antibacterial we include agents that inhibit bacterial growth but may not necessarily kill bacteria and bactericidal agents that kill bacteria.

As the skilled person will appreciate, the word ending in "acid" as used for example in "bactericidal" and "fungicidal" is used to describe agents that kill the microorganism to which it refers. Thus in these examples, bactericidal refers to a bacterial killing agent and fungicidal refers to a fungal killing agent. Examples of bactericides include mybactericides and tuberculocides. Preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise at least one agent selected from bactericidal, fungicidal, algicidal, sporicidal, virucidal, yeasticidal and moldicidal agents and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise at least one bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal and / or moldicidal agent.

The compositions of the invention are effective against a wide range of organisms, including Gram negative and Gram positive spore formers, yeast, viruses.

By way of example, the microorganisms against which the compositions of the present invention may be effective include: Viruses such as HTV-1 (AIDS Virus), Hepatitis B Virus (HVB), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Adenovirus, Herpes Simplex, Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Smallpox, Avian Influenza Virus, Avian Bronchitis, Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Distemper, Newcastle Disease, Rubella, Avian Poliomavirus, Feline Leukemia, Feline picomavirus, Bovine Infectious Bovine Infectious Virus (Avian IBV), Rabies, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, Marek Damsel;

Fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichophyton interdigitale, Alternaria tenius, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium digitatum, Phytophthora infestans Trichonus, Trizophyllus interzigus, Trizophyllus, Trizophyllus, Trizophyllus, , Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Campylobacter jejuni, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae. sonnei, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Streptoccus faecalis, Streptoccus faecalis (resistant to Vancomycin resistant), Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio chlorae, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv citri, Acinetobacter calcoacedis, Bordetella bronchus Chlamydia psittaci, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Legionella pneumophila, Listeria monocytogenes, Pasteurella multocida.

In particular, the compositions of the invention are effective against P. aeruginosa (ATCC 15442, PaFH72 / a), E. coli (ATCC 10536, ECFH64 / a, 0157: H7 (toxin producing strain), CCFRA / 896, 0157: H7 (non-toxigenic strain), CCFAA / 6896, ATCC 10538), S. aureus (including MRSA, (e.g., NCTC 12493 MRSA, ATCC 12493 MRSA), VISA, ATCC 6538, 5a FH73 / a), Entercoccus hirea (ATCC 10541, EhFH 65 / a), Feline Coronavirus (SARS replacement), Feline Calcivirus (Hum. Norovirus replacement), Salmonella typhimurium (StFH 68 / b), Yersinia enterocolitica (YE FH67 / b), Listeria monocytogenes (Lm FH66 / c) Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Bacillus stearothermophilus (NCTC 10339), clostridium difficile (NCTC 11209), Candida albicans (ATCC 1023), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404), Mycobacterium smegmatis (stimulus).

By the term "surfactant antimicrobial agent" (component (i)) we mean a material that can kill or inhibit the growth of microbes (microorganisms) and also has the effect of altering the interfacial tension of water and other liquids or solids and / or reduce the surface tension of a solvent in which it is used. More particularly, the antimicrobial agents with surfactant properties used in the present invention can kill or inhibit the growth of microbes and typically when introduced into water decrease the surface tension of water.

One class of compounds that is particularly suitable for use as the antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties in the present invention is the class of compounds known as quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "which ones". These compounds typically comprise at least one quaternary ammonium cation with an appropriate anion. Quaternary ammonium cations are permanently charged regardless of the pH of their solution. The structure of the cation may be represented as follows: The groups R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 may vary within wide limits and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds having antimicrobial properties will be well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Each R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 group, for example, may independently be a substituted or unsubstituted and / or straight or branched chain substituted and unsubstituted alkyl and / or alkyl group / or interrupted or not interrupted. Alternatively, two or more of R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 together with the nitrogen atom may form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring. The total number of carbon atoms in the groups R 15, R 2, R 3 and R 4 should be at least 4. Typically the sum of the carbon atoms in the groups R 13, R 3 and R 4 is 10 or more. In a preferred aspect of the invention at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 groups contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. For example, 1, 2, 3 or 4 of R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 may contain from 8 to 18 carbon atoms or from 10 to 16 carbon atoms.

Suitable substituents for the groups Rb, R2, R3 and R4 may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, F, Cl, Br, I, -OR \ -NR'R ", -CF3, -CN, -N02, -C2R \ -SR ', -N3, -C (= 0) NR'R ", -NR'C (= 0) R", -C (= 0) R ', -C (= 0) 0R \ -OC (= 0) R \ -0 (CR'R ") rC (= 0 ) R \ 0 (CR'R ”) rNR '' C (= 0) R ', -0 (CR'R”) rNR ”-SO 2 R', -0C (= 0) NR'R”, - NR'C (= 0) 0R ", -SO2R \ -SO2NR'R '\ and -NR'S02R", where R' and R "are individually hydrogen, alkyl QQ, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or arylalkyl, er is an integer from 1 to 6, or R 'and R' together form a cyclic functionality, wherein the term "substituted" as applied to alkyl, alkenyl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl and arylalkyl refers to to the substituents described above, starting with F and ending with -NR'SO 2 R ".

When one or more of R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 are interrupted, suitable leaving groups include but are not limited to heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus containing moieties (e.g., phosphinate). A preferred disruption group is oxygen.

Suitable anions for quats include but are not limited to halide anions such as chloride, fluoride, bromide or iodide and non-halide sulfonate.

Preferred quats are those having the formula: wherein A may be as defined above with respect to R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4. X 'is selected from chloride, fluoride, bromide or iodide and sulfonate (preferably chloride or bromide), n is from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 or 3) and is from 1 to 3 (preferably 1 or 2) provided that the sum of nor is 4. Preferably, A is a C6-20 alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl or cycloalkyl group (e.g., C8.18, i.e. having 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms or Cs-12) substituted or unsubstituted and / or straight or branched chain and / or interrupted or uninterrupted (wherein suitable substituents are as defined above with respect to Rls R2, R3 and R4). Each group A can be the same or different.

A preferred group of the compounds of the formula are those wherein n = 3 and m = 1. In such compounds A may be as defined above and is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted and / or chain C6-20 alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group straight or branched and / or interrupted or uninterrupted. Examples of this type of quaternary ammonium compound include Cetrimide (which is predominantly trimethyl tetradecyl ammonium bromide), dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, trimethyl tetra decyl ammonium bromide, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide.

Another preferred group of compounds of formula (CH3) n (A) mN + X 'are those wherein n = 2 and m = 2. In such compounds A may be as defined above with respect to R1, R2, R3 and R4. Preferably A is a substituted or unsubstituted and / or straight or branched and / or interrupted or uninterrupted C6-20 alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group. For example, A may represent a straight chain, unsubstituted and uninterrupted C8-12 alkyl group or a benzyl group. In these compounds, groups A may be the same or different. Examples of this type of compound include didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

Examples of the preferred quaternary ammonium compounds described above include the group of compounds which are generally called benzalkonium halides and aryl ring substituted derivatives thereof. Examples of compounds of this type include benzalkonium chloride, which has the structural formula: wherein R may be as defined above with respect to R1, R2, R3 and R4. Preferably, R is a C1-6 alkyl group or benzalkonium chloride is provided and / or used as a mixture of C8-18 alkyl groups, particularly a mixture of n-C8H17 to n-unsubstituted straight chain alkyl groups. C 18 H 37 mainly n-C 12 H 25 (dodecyl), n-C 14 H 29 (tetradecyl), and n-C 16 H 33 (hexadecyl).

Other preferred quaternary ammonium compounds include those wherein the benzene ring is substituted, for example alkyldimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride. As an example, a mixture containing, for example, equal molar amounts of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride may be used.

Mixtures, for example, of one or more alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and one or more compounds of the formula (CH3) 2 (A) 2 N + X ', such as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride may be used.

Typically, mixtures of quaternary ammonium compounds are used. In these mixtures, the quaternary ammonium compounds may be mixed with any suitable inert ingredient. Commercially available benzalkonium chloride often contains a mixture of compounds with different alkyl chain lengths. Examples of commercially available benzalkonium chlorides are shown in the following table. refers to more than one combination or mixture. A CAS classification for commercial preparation typically encompasses mixtures comprising specified compounds in amounts within the defined ranges. Compositions having the CAS numbers listed above are only examples of compositions having a given CAS number which may be used in the present invention.

Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 are interrupted by a heteroatom include domifen bromide ((dodecyldimethyl-2-phenoxyethyl) ammonium bromide) and benzethonium chloride (benzyldimethyl [2- [2- [4- (1,1,3-tetramethylbutyl) phenoxy] ethoxy] ethyl] ammonium).

Other quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, alkylpyridinium compounds, such as cetylpyridinium chloride, and bridged cyclic amino compounds such as hexaminium compounds.

Other examples of quats that may be used in the present invention are listed below.

Ketalconium Chloride Cetylpyridinium Chloride Glycidyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride Stearalconium Chloride Zefiran (R) Chloride;

Hyamine 3500;

Diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride; Hyamine 1622 (R) Ketalconium Chloride: Ketyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride;

TritonK 12;

Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Retarder LA

1-Hexadecylpyridinium Chloride Glycidyltrimethylammonium Chloride Benzethonium Chloride CAS 121-54-0 Ketalconium Chloride CAS 122-18-9 Cetrimide CAS 8044-71-1 Cetylpyridinium Chloride (anhydrous) CAS 123-03-5 Stearalconium Chloride CAS 122 -19-0 Cetrimonium Bromide CAS 57-09-0 Particularly preferred quaternary ammonium compounds include benzyldimethyl-n-tetradecyl ammonium chloride, benzyldimethyl-n-dodecyl ammonium chloride, n-dodecyl-n-tetradecyl chloride -methyl ammonium and benzyl C1 -C16 alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, benzyl cocoalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di-n-decyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

An example of a suitable mixture is Mason Quats' Maquat® A (a composition comprising decyldimethyl ammonium octyl chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and alkyl chloride (C 14, 50%; C 12, 40% , C 16, 10%) dimethyl benzyl ammonium as active ingredients (in amounts of for example 3.0%, 1.5%, 1.5% and 4.0% respectively, with 90.0% inert ingredients).

Another suitable mixture is Maquat® 615 5RTU which is a mixture of octyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and alkyl chloride (C14, 50%, C12, 40%, Cig, 10 %) dimethyl benzyl (in amounts for example 0.01050%, 0.00525%, 0.00525% and 0.01400% respectively, with 99.96500% inert ingredients).

Another suitable mixture is octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and (C 1-4) alkyl chloride; C 12, 40%; C 16, 10%) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. (0.0399%, 0.01995%, 0.01995%, 0.05320% respectively with 99.867% inert ingredients).

Examples of other commercially available antimicrobial agents with surfactant properties include BAC 50 (from Thor biocides), and Nobac (Mason Quats Benzalkonium Chloride).

Antimicrobial agents with surfactant properties that are used in the present invention are not limited to quaternary ammonium compounds. Any suitable antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties may be used.

Other suitable antimicrobial agents with surfactant properties include anionic and cationic surfactant materials as well as amphoteric materials. Examples include quaternary bisammonium surfactants, alkyl betaines, alkyl amine oxides, cationic arginine based surfactants, anionic amino acid based surfactants and mixtures thereof, for example a mixture of alkyl betaine (s) and alkyl amine oxides.

An example of a Betaine that is suitable for use in the present invention is Macat® Ultra (available from Mason Chemical Company). Macat® Ultra CG comprises 30% coconut (C12) amidopropyl dimethyl glycine (betaine) in water.

An example of an alkyl amine oxide that is suitable for use in the present invention is Macat® Ultra CDO (available from Mason Chemical Company), a 30% solution of amidopropyl dimethyl amine coconut (C12) oxide in water.

One or more of any of the antimicrobial agents with the surfactant properties described above may be used as component (i) in the compositions of the invention. The amount of component (i) will vary depending on various factors, such as the intended use of the composition and the particular compound (s) used as component (i).

Suitable siloxanes for use in the compositions of the present invention are those having the formulas (H3C) [SiO- (CH3) 2] nSi (CH3) 3 and (H3C) [SiO (CH3) H] nSi (CH3) 3 where n is an integer from 1 to 24, more preferably from 1 to 12 and most preferably from 1 to 8, for example n may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, especially 1, 2, 3 or 4. These materials are often alluded to as (poly) dimethylsiloxanes (CAS # 9016-00-6) and (poly) methylhydrosyloxanes respectively. These materials are linear siloxanes, and cyclic siloxanes are typically not used in this invention. These materials are typically liquid at ambient temperature and pressure (e.g., about 20 ° C at atmospheric pressure).

Suitable siloxanes for use in the compositions of the present invention typically have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 2000 g / mol, preferably from about 148 to about 1864 (such as from about 162 to about 1864 or about 148 to about 1528), more preferably from about 148 to about 1000 or about 976 (e.g., from about 162 to about 976 or about 148 to about 808), such as about from about 148 to about 680 (for example, from about 162 to about 680 or from about 148 to about 568), particularly from about 148 to about 384 (for example, from about 162 to about 384 or from about 148 to about 328).

Examples of preferred (poly) dimethylsiloxanes are hexahyldyldisiloxane (CAS # 107-46-0), octamethyltrisiloxane (CAS # 107-51-7), decamethyltetrasiloxane (CAS # 141-62-8), dodecamethylpentasiloxane (CAS # 141- 63-9). These (poly) dimethylsiloxanes correspond to the compounds of formula (H3C) [SiO (CH3) 2] nSi (CH3) 3, where n = 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

These materials in general are also strongly hydrophobic. By this we include the meaning that it is repelled from a body of water and by itself is substantially insoluble in water. By the term "substantially water insoluble" we mean that the material typically has a solubility of less than 2 g / 100 g of water at 20 ° C and atmospheric pressure, such as less than 1 g / 100 g of water, preferably less than 0.5 g / 100 g water, for example less than 0.1 g / 100 g water, for example less than 0.01 g / 100 g water.

Siloxanes which may be used in the compositions of the invention typically have a viscosity of from about 0.1 to about 100 centistokes at atmospheric pressure and at about 20 ° C, preferably from about 0.2 to about 20. Siloxanes They have a viscosity of about 0.5 to about 5 centistokes, for example 0.65, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 centistokes or 3 to 5 centistokes.

The siloxanes used in the present invention, due to their relatively low molecular weight, are relatively volatile. For example, they typically have a boiling point of less than about 120 ° C at atmospheric pressure, for example from about 100 to 120 ° C. Hexamethyldisiloxane, for example, has a boiling point of about 101 ° C. C at atmospheric pressure.

The siloxanes described above may be used alone or in combination. Many commercially available siloxanes are provided as mixtures and these can be used in the present invention without the need to separate components from the mixture. Details of commercially available siloxanes which are suitable for use in the compositions of the invention are provided, for example, at http://www.clearcoproducts.com/standard pure silicones.html.

For example a mixture of two, three, four, five or more siloxanes may be used. If a combination of siloxanes is used the materials may be used in equal or different amounts. For example each siloxane may be used in equimolar amounts or the weight amount of each siloxane may be the same. Other suitable ratios (in terms of molar amounts or by weight of the total amount of siloxanes) when a mixture of two siloxanes is used ranges from 0.1-99.9 to 99.9: 0.1, preferably from 1:99 to 99: 1, more preferably from 95: 5 to 5:95, for example from 10:90 to 90:10 or from 25:75 to 75:25. For example, if a combination of hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethyltrisiloxane is used any ratio described above may be used. A particular combination comprises hexamethyldisiloxane: octamethyltrisiloxane in a ratio of 95: 5. It is a preferred aspect of the invention to use a mixture of two or more siloxanes. The use of the combination of hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethyltrisiloxane is particularly preferred.

If the composition comprises three silicon materials, the total siloxanes typically comprise from 0.1 to 99.8% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second and third silicon materials, preferably from 1 to 98% by weight. weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second and third siloxanes, more preferably from 5 to 90% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second and third siloxanes, for example from 10 to 80% by weight. weight of the total amount of silicon material of each of the first, second and third siloxanes, such as 25 to 50% by weight of the total amount of siloxane of each of the first, second and third siloxanes.

If the composition comprises four siloxanes, the total siloxanes typically comprise from 0.1 to 99.7% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third and fourth siloxanes, preferably from 1 to 97% by weight. total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third and fourth siloxanes, more preferably from 5 to 85% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third and fourth siloxanes, for example from 10 to 70 % by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third and fourth siloxanes, such as from 20 to 40% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third and fourth siloxanes.

If the composition comprises five siloxanes, the total siloxanes typically comprise from 0.1 to 99.6% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth siloxanes, preferably from 1 to 96% by weight. weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth siloxanes, more preferably from 5 to 80% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth siloxanes, for example from 10 to 60% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth siloxanes, such as from 15 to 40% by weight of the total amount of siloxanes of each of the first, second, third and fourth siloxanes. , third, fourth and fifth siloxanes.

The compositions of the invention comprise a polar solvent, component (iii). Suitable polar solvents include, but are not limited to, water, alcohols, esters, hydroxy and glycol esters, polyols and ketones, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable alcohols include, but are not limited to, straight or branched C1 to C5 alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, propanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tertiary isomer mixtures. -butanol, iso-butanol, mixtures of butanol isomers 2-methyl-1-butanol, n-pentanol, mixtures of pentanol and amyl alcohol isomers (mixture of isomers), and mixtures thereof.

Suitable esters include, but are not limited to, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, iso-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, iso-butyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate, acetate of amyl (mixture of isomers), methylamyl acetate, 2-ethylexyl acetate and iso-butyl isobutyrate, and mixtures thereof. Suitable hydroxy and glycol esters include, but are not limited to, methyl glycol acetate, ethyl glycol acetate, butyl glycol acetate, ethyl diglycol acetate, butyl diglycol acetate, ethyl lactate, n-butyl lactate, 3-methoxy-n-butyl acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, polysolvan, 2-methylpropanoic acid 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxypentyl ester, methyl glycol, ethyl glycol, isopropyl glycol, 3-methoxybutanol butyl glycol, isobutyl glycol, methyl diglycol, ethyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, iso-butyl diglycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoexyl ether and diethylene glycol monoexyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable polyols include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable ketones include, but are not limited to iso-butyl heptyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl cyclohexanone, methyl iso-butenyl ketone, pentoxone, acetyl acetone, diacetone alcohol, iso-forone, methyl butyl ketone, ethyl propyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl isoamyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, ethyl amyl ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl propyl ketone and diethyl ketone , and mixtures thereof.

Preferred polar solvents for use in the compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, water, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof. It is a particularly preferred feature of the invention that the composition comprises water or a mixture of water and one or more alcohols selected from the alcohols described above. In such mixtures, water is preferably the largest component.

The compositions of the invention may contain components in addition to the components (i), (ii) and (iii) set forth above. For example, one or more additional antimicrobial agents (iv) may be included. Any suitable additional antimicrobial agents may be used, such as those described in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Listing and Annex I of the EC Biocides Directive.

Suitable additional antimicrobial agents (iv) include amphoteric compounds, iodophores, phenolic compounds, hypochlorites and nitrogen-based heterocyclic compounds.

Preferably, the additional antimicrobial agent (s) are water soluble at ambient temperature and pressure.

Without being bound by theory, the inclusion of one or more additional additional water-soluble antimicrobial agents (iv) is believed to complement the biocidal activity of the colloidal dispersion formed between components (i) and (ii). It is believed that in some circumstances the additional antimicrobial agent (s) increases the long-term efficacy of the compositions of the invention.

Preferred additional (iv) antimicrobial agents include polymeric biguanidines (e.g. polyhexamethylene biguanidine (PHMB)), isothiazalones, ortho phenyl phenol (OPP), and nitro bromopropanes (e.g. bronopol (INN), 2-bromo-2-nitropropane (1,3-diol) and polymerized quaternary ammonium compounds.

A particularly preferred additional antimicrobial agent (iv) is polyhexamethylene biguanidine (PHMB). PHMB is commercially available from Arch Biocides as Vantocil.

It is believed that in the compositions of the invention most (more than 50%) of component (i) and component (ii) are present in colloids containing both of these components. If additional antimicrobial agent is used, this material may also be contained in the colloids and / or may be dissolved in the polar solvent.

A colloid or colloidal dispersion is a heterogeneous mixture that visually appears to be a homogeneous solution. Some colloids are translucent because of the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by the particles in the colloid. Other colloids may be opaque or have a faint color.

Colloids in the compositions of the present invention are typically non-opaque.

In a colloid, the dispersed phase is made up of tiny particles or droplets that are evenly distributed throughout the continuous phase. The particle or droplet size of the dispersed phase is typically between one nanometer and one micrometer. Heterogeneous mixtures with a dispersed phase in this size range can be called colloidal suns, colloidal emulsions, colloidal foams, colloidal suspensions or colloidal dispersions.

The particles or droplets of the dispersed phase are largely affected by the surface chemistry present in the colloid. For example, colloidal particles often carry an electrical charge and thus attract or repel each other. The load of both the continuous phase and the dispersed phase as well as the phase mobility are factors that affect this interaction. Those skilled in the field of colloids would readily be able to select materials suitable for use as components (i) and (ii) based on the information provided in this report on the antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties and polar solvent with which it is to be used. Such a material forms colloidal dispersion, and its knowledge of colloids (see, for example, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colloid ').

As will be appreciated, the percentage by weight of each of components (i), (ii) and optionally (iv) in the compositions of the invention will depend to a high degree on the manner in which a composition is provided and the intended use of a composition. . It is contemplated that the compositions will be manufactured in a concentrated form and then diluted to a concentration suitable for the intended use. More particularly, it is contemplated that commercially available solutions will include concentrated solutions that can be diluted by the user before use and ready-made diluted solutions that are ready for use. The important fact for the compositions of the invention to provide the required antimicrobial effect is not typically the concentration of the components in the final solution, but rather the ratio of the number of molecules of the components. This ratio will remain the same if the composition is in a concentrated form or if it is in a dilute form (ready for use).

Typically, the ratio of the number of molecules of component (i) to component (ii) ranges from about 100: 1 to 5: 1, preferably from about 90: 1 to about 8: 1, more preferably from about 100: 1. 80: 1 to about 15: 1, even more preferably from about 70: 1 to about 25: 1 or about 20: 1, most preferably from about 40: 1 to about 60: 1, for example. example of about 50: 1. The ratio of the molecules of component (i) to the optional additional antimicrobial agent molecules, if used, is typically about 1: 2 or about 1: 1 to about 50: 1, preferably about 2: 1. to about 30: 1, more preferably from about 4: 1 to about 20: 1, most preferably from about 8: 1 to about 15: 1, for example from about 10: 1.

In a typical composition of the invention the total number of molecules of (i) and (iv) for each molecule of (ii) is from about 5 to about 80, for example from about 10 to about 60, for example. around 50.

It has been found that in use the compositions of the invention comprising at least components (i) and (ii) in the ratios given above have an advantageous antimicrobial effect. For example, such compositions may have an enhanced mortality rate when they are applied to a surface (so-called "wet death") and / or they may also have a residual effect in which they prevent the formation of new microbial colonies on the surface ( so-called "dry death") and / or they are effective at significantly lower concentration of antimicrobial agent than previously known compositions.

Typically, component (i) is present in the compositions of the invention in an amount from about 0.01 to about 50% by weight of the compositions, such as from about 0.02 to about 40%, for example about from 0.05 to about 30%, preferably from about 0.1 to about 20% (e.g., from 0.2 to 15% or from 0.5 to 10%).

Typically, component (ii) is present in the compositions of the invention in an amount from about 0.001 to about 10% by weight of the compositions, such as from about 0.002 to about 5%, for example from about 0.003 to about 10%. about 2%, preferably from about 0.005 to about 1% (e.g., from 0.008 to 0.8% or from 0.1 to 0.5%). The amount of component (ii) will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the desired level of composition, the material forming the colloid used and its properties (e.g., viscosity and volatility).

Typically, the polar solvent component (iii) is present in the compositions of the invention in an amount from about 10 to about 99.999% by weight of the compositions, such as from about 50 to about 99.999%, for example about from 80 to about 99.99%, preferably from about 90 to about 99.9%, more preferably from about 95 to about 99.8% (e.g., from 97 to 99.7% or 97 , 5 to 99.6%).

Typically, the additional antimicrobial agent (s), such as PHMB, is present in the compositions of the invention in an amount from about 0.001 to about 10%. by weight of the compositions, such as from about 0.005 to about 5%, for example about 03 Cl. to about 2%, preferably from about 0.05 to about 1% (e.g., from 0.1 to 0.5%).

It will be appreciated that the actual concentration of the components (i), (in) and (iv) (if present) in a composition of the invention will depend upon the intended use of this composition. For disinfection uses, such as wing cleaning and hospital equipment to help prevent the spread of disease such as MRSA, higher concentrations are required than for certain sanitation applications. The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition comprising (I) colloids of components (i), (ii) and optionally (iv) as defined above and (II) a polar solvent (iii).

It is believed that in the compositions of the invention the majority (more than 50% preferably more than 75%, more preferably more than 90% and most preferably substantially all (at least 97%) or 100%) of component (i). ) and component (ii) are present in colloids containing both of these components. If an additional antimicrobial agent is used, this material may also be contained in the colloids and / or may be dissolved in the polar solvent.

A colloid or colloidal dispersion is a heterogeneous mixture that visually appears to be a homogeneous solution. Some colloids are translucent because of the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by the particles in the colloid. Other colloids may be opaque or have a faint color. Colloids in the compositions of the present invention are typically non-opaque.

In a colloid, the dispersed phase is made up of tiny particles or droplets that are evenly distributed throughout the continuous phase. The particle or droplet size of the dispersed phase is typically between one nanometer and one micrometer. Heterogeneous mixtures with a dispersed phase in this size range may be called colloidal suns, colloidal emulsions, colloidal foams, colloidal suspensions or colloidal dispersions. We use the term colloid here to encompass various colloidal structures that include but are not limited to vesicles and micelles, which may for example be spherical or cylindrical.

The particles or droplets of the dispersed phase are largely affected by the surface chemistry present in the colloid. For example, colloidal particles often carry an electrical charge and therefore attract or repel each other. The load of both the continuous and the dispersed phase, as well as the phase mobility are factors that affect this interaction. Those skilled in the field of colloids would readily be able to select materials suitable for use as components (i) and (ii) based on the information provided in this specification, the antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties and polar solvent with which a such material forms colloidal dispersion, and their knowledge of colloids (see, for example, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colloidy) Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that there are very significant advantages associated with compositions. It is considered that the colloidal nature of the compositions of the invention accounts for one or more of these advantages.

In use, the compositions of the invention act to substantially reduce or control the formation of microbial colonies on or on the surface to which they are applied. This means that not only do the compositions of the invention kill any microorganisms that are present on a surface when they are applied to that surface (so-called "wet death"), they also have a residual effect in which they prevent the formation of new microbial colonies. on the surface (the so-called “dry death”). The siloxane and antimicrobial agent (s) (e.g. in the form of colloids) present in the compositions of the invention are believed to remain on the surface after the polar solvent has evaporated and the presence of these components on the composition. surface prevents biofilm formation / growth of microorganism colonies. Residual effect can often be observed even after a treated surface has been washed or rinsed with water and sometimes even after numerous washes or rinses.

Antimicrobial compositions are considered to have residual efficacy if, in the residual efficacy test described herein, they give a reduction in the number of microorganisms that is at least log 3.0. Preferably an antimicrobial composition having a residual effect and tested in this manner will give a log reduction of at least about 3.5, more preferably at least about 5.0 and most preferably from about 7.0 or more, to about 100%. total or substantially total death (zero survivors) under the test conditions described above.

In a particular aspect, the present invention provides antimicrobial compositions which have residual efficacy. Therefore we intend that these compositions when tested according to the residual efficacy test described herein have antimicrobial efficacy within the parameter set forth in the paragraph above.

It has been found that the unique composition of the compositions of the invention (which may comprise siloxane colloids and antimicrobial agent (s)) results in increased antimicrobial efficiency (in terms of higher initial death rates and / or residual efficacy) compared to the use of antimicrobial agents alone. This is particularly surprising because the siloxanes used in the invention themselves have no antimicrobial properties themselves. This means that the concentration of antimicrobial agent required in the compositions of the invention to give the desired effect may be lower than required in many conventional antimicrobial compositions. Prevention of biofilm formation and the greatly reduced and attenuated colonies of microorganisms provide a substantially reduced risk due to infection or contamination.

The antimicrobial compositions of the invention are typically capable of decomposing biofilms that have already been formed.

Since the antimicrobial compositions of the invention physically disrupt the adhesion and attachment of a microorganism to a surface, which is a feature that is common to a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and molds, the compositions are effective against a wide range. of microorganisms. Thus, an advantage of the antimicrobial compositions of the invention is that they are capable of preventing a wide range of microorganisms from adhering and surface binding, and thus forming a biofilm. Numerous large colonies are also substantially prevented from forming. Thus, the colony's ability to grow is substantially reduced or even prevented. The antimicrobial compositions of the invention are therefore major in their control of microorganisms.

The antimicrobial compositions of the invention may be readily incorporated into other materials, such as functional materials. When incorporated into such materials, they become antimicrobial in nature and the surface of the formulation will be modified to substantially prevent microorganisms from adhering to and binding to it.

Another advantage of antimicrobial compositions is that they do not need to comprise combinations of materials that are highly toxic to mammals. Antimicrobial agents used in antimicrobial compositions are typically well known and widely understood and tested antimicrobial agents. The effectiveness of known antimicrobial agents is amplified in the compositions of the invention. Therefore, antimicrobial agents that have low toxicity may be used in antimicrobial compositions. In contrast, new antimicrobial agents for known sanitization techniques use “stronger”, more toxic and / or poorly tested materials.

The antimicrobial compositions of the invention also do not comprise materials that produce highly persistent residues or rinses or products containing heavy metals and their salts. Thus, there is a greatly reduced risk of long-term risks associated with antimicrobial compositions. The composition of the invention does not interfere with the biochemical reproductive pathways of the microorganisms it controls. The risk of resistance formation and the development of resistant strains is therefore low.

As a general rule, the antimicrobial efficacy of the compositions of the invention increases with increasing concentration of antimicrobial agents contained therein. However, the compositions of the invention may be surprisingly effective at low concentration of antimicrobial agents (i.e., high dilution by polar solvents) compared to known antimicrobial compositions of the same antimicrobial concentration. It has been found that the compositions of the invention may be effective when the total concentration of antimicrobial agents (i) and (iv) is as low as about 400 or less to about 30 ppm such as about 300 to about 50 ppm per about 200 to about 75 ppm, or about 150 to about 100 ppm (e.g. compositions comprising a total of about 95 ppm of components (i) and (iv) and about 5 ppm of component (ii)). This is very surprising since it is considered that in conventional antimicrobial compositions (such as those comprising quaternary ammonium compounds) the concentration of antimicrobial agent should be at least about 400 ppm. This enhanced activity is believed to be associated with a variation in the nature of colloidal structures as the concentration of components (i), (ii) and (iv) (if present) is varied. The present invention provides compositions comprising the low levels of antimicrobial agent described in the above paragraph and also provides more concentrated compositions containing higher levels of antimicrobial agent which may be diluted before or during use to provide the low levels of antimicrobial agent described. in the paragraph above.

Compositions comprising this low level of antimicrobial agent are particularly useful for sanitizing applications and for long term applications.

The compositions are considered to have antimicrobial efficacy if, in the Escherichia coli K1 Rough H48 suspension test described herein, they give a reduction in the number of microorganisms that is at least about 5.0 log. This conforms to the European standard (1276) for suspension testing. Compositions having antimicrobial efficacy may be considered to be those which when subjected to this test provide a reduction in the number of microorganisms of at least about 5.0 log for total death or zero survivors. Preferably an antimicrobial composition provides a reduction in the number of microorganisms of at least about log 6.0, more preferably about 7.0 or more under the test conditions described above. Most preferably an antimicrobial composition provides substantially zero survivors or substantially total death under the test conditions described above.

Thus, in a particular aspect, the present invention provides compositions having the low concentrations of antimicrobial agents mentioned above which have antimicrobial efficacy when subjected to the Escherichia coli K12 Rough H48 suspension test described herein within the parameters set forth in the paragraph above. The present invention also provides compositions which may be diluted to have those low antimicrobial agent concentrations and which have antimicrobial efficacy when subjected to the Escherichia coli K1 Rough H48 suspension test described herein within the parameter set forth in the paragraph above when diluted therein. concentrations.

Without being bound by theory, it is considered that components (i) and (ii) which are considered to compose colloidal dispersions in the compositions of the invention may form different colloidal structures depending on the concentration of these components in solution. These different structures may typically have a preferred concentration range of components (i) and (ii) in which they are formed, the so-called critical micelle concentration. The size and morphology of colloidal structures in the compositions of the invention is considered to vary depending on factors such as the concentration of colloid forming ingredients. For example, it is considered that when the compositions comprise from about 500,000 ppm to about 5000 ppm of component (i), component (ii) and component (iv) (if present) (the combined amount of these components) colloids typically have an average (average) diameter of about 1 to about 120 nm, for example about 2 to about 100 nm, for example about 5 to about 80 nm, for example about 10 or about 20 nm to about 60 nm.

It is believed that as the concentration of components (i), (ii) and (iv) (if present) decreases below about 5000 ppm to about 30 ppm or about 50 ppm or about 100 ppm the size of colloids changes and so their morphology.

Colloidal particle size measurements can be made using any suitable method, for example by Dynamic Light Scattering (eg using a Malvem Zetasizer).

It is believed that at lower combined concentrations of components (i) and (ii), such as from about 0.002 to about 5% by weight of the compositions (e.g., 0.005 to about 1%), the compositions are surprisingly effective as antimicrobials. This may be due to the presence in larger vesicles in the colloidal suspension compared to the more concentrated solutions. These vesicles are considered to contain a huge number of antimicrobial molecules. Each gall, therefore, can have an enhanced antimicrobial effect. The use of siloxanes within the definition of component (ii) used above may provide other particular additional advantages that make the compositions of the invention particularly suitable for various applications particularly consumer applications. For example, if the colloid is broken (eg on a surface due to abrasion) these relatively volatile materials evaporate so that they do not persist on the surface.

The compositions of the invention do not give the surfaces to which they are applied a greasy impression. Additionally, the compositions containing them have a very good feel of feel that makes them particularly suitable for uses such as hand sanitizer.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a formulation comprising an antimicrobial composition and at least one other functional material or substrate.

Suitable functional materials or substrates include plastics, fibers, coatings, films, laminates, adhesives, sealants, clays, porcelain, ceramics, concrete, sand, paints, varnishes, lacquers, cleaning agents or hardenable or curable compositions such as fillers, renders , lentil resins and putty.

Plastics may be in the form of films, sheets, stabs and molded plastics. Suitable plastic materials may be prepared from polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, polyimides, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylenes, polymethylpentene, polysiloxane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate , polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, epoxy, phenolic and polycarbonate cellulosic resin, cellulose acetate, polystyrene, polyurethane, acrylic resins, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile styrene resin copolymers acetals, polyketones, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfones, liquid crystal polymers and fluoropolymers, amino resins, thermoplastics, elastomers, rubbers such as styrene butadiene rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, polyacetal (polyoxymethylene) , and combinations and copol mers thereof.

Formulations comprising an antimicrobial composition of the invention and a plastic material as the functional material, for example, may be used to form products such as car parts, shower curtains, mats, protective covers, tape, packaging, gaskets, containers general purpose containers, brush handles, sponges, scouring pads, vacuum cleaner bags, insulators, plastic wrap, indoor and outdoor furniture, pipes, wire and cable insulation, plumbing materials and accessories, sidewalls for homes, coatings, non-woven fabrics, appliances, kitchen and bathroom utensils and equipment, countertops, sinks, floor coverings, tiles, plates, conveyor belts, footwear including boots, sports equipment and tools.

Suitable fibers may be prepared from acetate, polyester such as PET and PTT, polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, acrylic resins, viscose, polyurethane and rayon, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polysaccharide , and copolymers and mixtures thereof.

Formulations comprising the antimicrobial composition and a fiber as the functional material, for example, may be used in applications such as mattress pads and cushions, pillow covers, sheets, blankets, comforter and pillow fiber fillers, curtains. , hangers, rugs and carpet lining, upholstery, tablecloths, napkins, cleaning cloths, scouring pads, towels, cloths covering wall bags, pillows, sleeping bags and brush bristles. The fibers are also suitable for use in automotive and truck upholstery, carpet fabric, rear decking, trunk liners, convertible tops and interior coverings. In addition, the fibers are suitable for use in umbrellas, raincoats, uniforms, coats, aprons, sportswear, pajamas, socks, socks, lingerie, caps, and underwear and inner linings for jackets, shoes, gloves and helmets, cover and underwear ornaments as well as brush bristles, artificial leather, filters, book covers, mops, candle cloth, ropes, tents, and other outdoor equipment, waterproof tarps and awnings.

Suitable coatings for use in the formulations include 100% solid and / or radiation-borne water-borne, solvent-borne coatings. The coatings may be liquid or powder coatings.

Suitable coatings, films and laminates include alkyd, amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde and urea formaldehyde, polyesters such as unsaturated polyester, PET, PBT, polyamides such as nylon, polyimides, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene acetate. vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, epoxy, phenolic resins and cellulosic polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polystyrene, polyurethane, acrylic resins, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile styrene copolymers, acetals, polyketones, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfones, liquid crystal polymers and fluoropolymers, thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers such as styrene butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, polyacetal (polyoxymethylene), and combinations copolymers thereof.

Formulations comprising the antimicrobial composition and coatings as the functional material, for example, may be used on walls, wall boards, floor, concrete, wall sides, wood roofing, industrial equipment, fibers and natural and synthetic fabrics. , furniture, automotive and vehicle parts, packaging, paper products (wallcoverings, towels, book covers), barrier cloths, and glazing for cement tiles and glazed porcelain used in pipe fittings such as toilets, sinks , and countertops.

Suitable adhesives and sealants for use in the formulations include aqueous, solvent-borne, 100% solids and radiation-curable hot melt adhesives and sealants.

Suitable adhesives and sealants include alkyd resins, amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde and urea formaldehyde, polyesters such as unsaturated polyester, PET, PBT, polyamides such as nylon, polyimide polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, polymethylpentene, polysiloxane, polyvinyl alcohol, acetate polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride such as plastisol, polyvinylidene chloride, epoxy, phenol and polycarbonate, cellulosics, cellulose acetate, polystyrene, polyurethane, acrylic resins, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene butadiene copolymer , acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic resin copolymers, acetals, polyketones, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfones, liquid crystal and fluoropolymers, thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers (including styrene butadiene rubber), rubber acrylonitrile butadiene, CR), polyacetal (polyoxide methylene), and combinations and copolymers thereof.

Formulations comprising the antimicrobial composition and an adhesive or sealant as the functional material, for example, may be used in the manufacture of wood and plastic composites, ceramic tile adhesives, wood, paper, cardboard, rubber and plastic, window glazing. , plaster, pipe sealants, adhesives, sealants and insulating materials for utensils, bathrooms, showers, kitchen and construction.

Formulations comprising the antimicrobial composition and clay, porcelain, ceramics, concrete, sand or plaster as the functional material, for example, may be used in toilets, sinks, tile, floorboards, stucco, plaster, cat litter, drainage and sewage pipe. Antimicrobial composition can be combined into a very wide variety of functional compounds for the manufacturing, contracting and construction industries. The nature of the antimicrobial composition may be varied according to the particular functional compounds and the number and nature of microorganisms present in the particular functional compound.

Antimicrobial compositions of the invention and formulations comprising them may typically degrade when submerged in water to provide a low toxicity rinse / leach product having a short residence time in the environment. It is considered that the rinse product has low toxicity because antimicrobial agents are associated with the second compound and thus the composition does not dissociate easily in the presence of water. The formulation can be designed so that it is stable and effective in most manufacturing environments. The formulation is typically stable at temperatures up to 200 ° C. The mobility property of the product allows materials that are frequently washed or rinsed to be "refilled" with the antimicrobial composition during a routine cleaning or maintenance act.

Typically, the antimicrobial composition is incorporated into a simple conventional detergent solution or added to a "final rinse" during cleaning. The antimicrobial composition will be pulled due to the presence of its hydrophobic elements on the surface of the product to be "refilled". The sanitizing properties of the formulation are therefore restored without the need for difficult fabrication or treatment processes.

Any scrubbing or rinsing products containing the antimicrobial composition or formulation diluted by such a refill solution and water rapidly dissociate into the biodegradable components as discussed above.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an antimicrobial composition of the invention to prevent the formation of colonies of microorganisms on a surface on which it is provided.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a formulation to prevent the formation of colonies of microorganisms on a surface on which it is supplied. The invention also provides a process for making the compositions of the invention. The process comprises the steps of (A) mixing component (i) and component (ii); (B) adding the polar solvent to the mixture formed in step (A); and (C) stirring the resulting mixture until a clear solution is formed.

If component (i) is a solid, step (A) may be performed in sufficient polar solvent to dissolve component (i).

Alternatively, some materials that may be used as component (i) are commercially available in solution. In this case, these materials may be used in step (A) in their commercially available form.

Typically, the mixture used in step (A) comprises from about 1 to about 25 wt% of a polar solvent, more preferably from about 2 to about 8 wt% of polar solvent. If the amount of solvent used in step (A) is too large, the colloids will not form. One of ordinary skill in the art could easily determine an appropriate amount of solvent for use. If too much solvent is used the initial cloudy solution will not become clear (the clear solution is considered to be associated with colloid formation). The polar solvent typically used in step (A) is water, although other polar solvents may be used alternatively or additionally.

If one or more additional antimicrobial agents (iv) are used, they may be introduced in step (A) or they may be added in step (B). If they are added in step (A) at least some of the additional antimicrobial agents may be included in any colloidal particles. If the additional antimicrobial agent (s) is / are added in step (B) he / she is more likely to simply dissolve in the solvent. polar (of course, as long as it (s) is soluble in these solvent (s)). However, they can also attach to the outer surface of a colloid.

Typically, the process for producing the compositions of the invention is carried out at room temperature with stirring. In step (A) the mixture is initially cloudy because component (ii) is insoluble in the polar solvent.

Typically step (A) is complete when the solution becomes clear. This clear solution is considered to contain colloids or micelles of components (i) and (ii) and additional antimicrobial agents (iv), if used.

If an antimicrobial agent that is not soluble in the polar solvent is used, it must be added in step (A) so that it can take part in the colloids.

In step (A) the components may be mixed in any suitable manner (e.g. to maximize formation of colloidal structures (e.g. micelles and vesicles)). This can be achieved by slowly adding a component (i) to component (ii) or vice versa and then mixing (e.g. stirring overnight). The rate of addition of components often needs to be adjusted to avoid “shock” which may prevent proper mixing and / or colloid formation. It would be a routine matter for the person of ordinary skill in the art to determine an appropriate rate of addition. The mix / match steps may also use ultrasonic mix / match techniques. The present invention provides compositions obtainable by the process set forth above.

The compositions of the invention may be prepared in a concentration form (i.e., with little or no polar solvent) and diluted with polar solvent (e.g., water) when used. Test Methods 1. Evaluation of bactericidal activity using the Escherichia coli K12 O Rough H48 suspension test The purpose of the test is to evaluate the bactericidal activity of products of the invention against Escherichia coli K12 O Rough H48.

Media and Materials Luria Broth (LB) 5 g yeast extract + 10%. ® sterilized by g of NaCl / L autoclaving water. 15 g agar + -, T. . 10gdetripton + LBA is sterilized by adding 5 g yeast extract + 10 autoclaving. 30 ml of Tween 80 + NF is sterilized by Neutralization Solution (NF), 30 g of sapomna + autoclaving. 1 g histidine + 1 g cysteine / L water 10 g tryptone + 5 g yeast extract + Luria Broth + 10 gdeNaCl + XT5. xrc. ,. ..., C I ~ J xr x 1 · - / τοοη i; τ on, LB + NF and Sterilized by Neutralization Solution (LB30 ml Tween 80 +, + NF) 30 g saponin + ® 1 g histidine + 1 g cysteine / L water Sterile desalted water Sterile through filter , _, ..,. oj rsn λ Millipore. Used with other liquid bovine albumin 3% BSA4 solution at 0.3% BSA final concentration

Incubator 37 ° C Stopwatch Swirling mixer Variable pipette and sterile tips 100 mm Petri dishes 300 ml flasks Test organisms Escherichia coli Kl2 Rough H48 The test organism was kept in LBA plates at 4 ° C. A colony was used to inoculate a 100 ml LB flask and incubate at 37 ° C for 16 hours to reach the stationary phase. For log phase cultures, 4 ml LB were inoculated with a colony and incubated at 37 ° C for 16 hours. 1 ml of the bacterial suspension was then added to 100 ml of LB and grown to an OD60 of approximately 0.375. Serial dilutions of each organism were then performed using LB and plated on LBA plates to determine the number of colony forming units per ml.

Validation of Test Conditions 1. Validation of Selected Experimental Conditions 1 ml Bovine Albumin Solution (BSA) was placed in a test tube with 1 ml bacterial test suspension containing approximately 3.0 x 10 cfu / ml and incubated. at the test temperature of 20 ° C for 2 minutes. At the end of this time 8 ml of LB was added. This mixture was incubated during the 10 minute test contact time. The solution was then diluted to 3.0 x 10 3 and 3.0 x 10 2 cfu / ml. 0.1 ml of these test solutions was pipetted in triplicate and plated in 12 to 15 ml of 2 t LBA, which is equivalent to 3.0 χ 10 and 3.0x10 cfu. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The test result should be equal to or greater than 0.05 times the bacterial suspension. 2. Neutralizer Toxicity Validation 9 ml Neutralizer (NF) was placed in a test tube and mixed with 1 ml of a bacterial suspension containing approximately 3.0 x 10 cfu / ml. The mixture was incubated at 20 ° C for 10 minutes. The suspension was diluted to 3.0 x 10 3 and 3.0 x 10 2 cfu / ml using LBA. 0.1 ml was then pipetted into triplicate plates containing 12 to 15 ml LBA. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The test result should be equal to or greater than 0.05 times the bacterial suspension. 3. Dilution-Neutralization Validation 1 ml bovine albumin (BSA) solution was placed in a 1 ml LB test tube and incubated. at 20 ° C for 5 minutes. 1 ml was then taken and added to 8 ml Neutralizer (NF). After 5 minutes incubation, 1 ml of the bacterial suspension was added. The mixture was left at 20 ° C for 10 minutes. The suspension was diluted to 3.0 x 10 3 and 3.0 x 10 5 cfu / ml using LB and 0.1 ml was then plated in triplicate in 12 to 15 ml LBA. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The test result must be equal to or greater than 0.5 times the Neutralizer Toxicity Validation. Test Method The conditions selected for the tests were: Temperature: 20 ° C

Contact Time: 2 min Interfering Substance: Bovine Albumin Solution (0.3%) Product Test Solution: Byotrol G5 Product (0.5% (v / v), diluted with drinking water) plus surfactants / surfactant mixtures indicated, the pH is adjusted as indicated. 1 ml BSA was added to 1 ml bacterial test suspension (approximately 3 x 10 5 cfu / ml) and incubated at 20 ° C for 5 minutes. At the end of this time 8 ml of the product test solution was added. After a contact time of 2 minutes, a 1 ml aliquot was pipetted into 9 ml neutralizer (NF). 1 ml of this mixture was used for serial dilutions (LB + NF): ΙΟ'1, ΙΟ'2, ΙΟ-3, 10-4, 10‘5, 10'6 and 10'7. 1 ml of the serial dilutions were plated in duplicate on a 12 to 15 ml LBA petri dish.

Using this test procedure, compositions that have antimicrobial efficacy can be identified. The compositions are considered to have antimicrobial efficacy if, in this test, they give a reduction in the number of microorganisms that is at least around log 5.0. This conforms to the European standard (1276) for suspension testing. Compositions having antimicrobial efficacy may be considered to be those which when subjected to this test provide a reduction in the number of microorganisms at least around log 5.0 for total death or zero survivors. Preferably an antimicrobial composition provides a reduction in the number of microorganisms of at least about log 6.0, more preferably about 7.0 or more under the test conditions described above. Most preferably an antimicrobial composition provides substantially zero survivors or substantially total death under the test conditions described above.

2. Residual Efficacy Test using Escherichia coli Kl 2 O

Rough H48 The purpose of the test is to evaluate the residual efficacy of the products of the invention against Escherichia coli Kl2 O Rough H48 using typical household conditions. Medium and Materials 10 g tryptone + TR, sterilized DOr Luria Broth (LB) 5 g yeast extract +. 10 g NaCl / L autoda ™ water 8in 15 g + T agar. . / T „. λ 10 g tryptone + LBA is sterilized by Luna Aga Broth (LBA) r ^,. ,, ^. 5 g yeast extract + autoclaving. 10 g NaCl / L water 30 ml Tween 80 + Neutralization Solution 30 g saponin + NF is sterilized by (NF) 1 g histidine + autoclaving. 1 g cistern / L water 10 g Tryptone + 5 g yeast extract + Luria Broth + 10 g NaCl + T „, XTT. Neutralization Solution 30 ml Tween 80 +. and es eniza 0 Por (LB + NF) 30 g saponin + self-wash. 1 g histidine + 1 g cysteine / L water Sterile desalted sterile water by filter. Millipore. Used with other bovine albumin solution 3% BS A.-Γ _ ^, liquid at final concentration of 0.3% BSA

Incubator 37 ° c Timer Glazed ceramic tiles (10 cm x 10 cm) Viscose-free Professional Care Cloths Drigalsky spatula Swirling mixer Variable pipette and sterile tips 100 mm Petri dishes 300 ml vials Escherichia coli Test Bodies Kl 2 O Rough H48 The test organism was kept in LBA plates at 4 ° C. A colony was used to inoculate a 100 ml LB Flask and incubated at 37 ° C for 16 hours to reach the stationary phase. For log phase cultures, 4 ml LB were inoculated with a colony and incubated at 37 ° C for 16 hours. 1 ml of the bacterial suspension was then added to 100 ml of LB and grown to an OD of approximately 0.375. Serial dilutions of each organism were then performed using LB and plated on LBA plates to determine the number of colony forming units per ml.

Validation of Test Conditions 1. Validation of Selected Experimental Conditions 1 ml Bovine Albumin (BSA) solution was placed in a test tube with 1 ml bacterial test suspension containing approximately 3.0 x 10 cfu / ml n and incubated. at the test temperature of 20 ° C for 2 minutes. At the end of this time 8 ml of LB was added. This mixture was incubated during the 10 minute test contact time. The solution was then diluted to 3.0 x 10 3 and 3.0 x 10 2 cfu / ml. 0.1 ml of these test solutions were pipetted in triplicate and plated in 12 to 15 ml LBA, which is equivalent to 3.0 x 10 2 and 3.0 x 10 1 cfu. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The test result should be equal to or greater than 0.05 times the bacterial suspension. 2. Neutralizer Toxicity Validation 9 ml Neutralizer (NF) was placed in a test tube and mixed with 1 ml of a bacterial suspension containing approximately 3.0 x 10 cfu / ml. The mixture was incubated at 20 ° C for 10 minutes. The suspension was diluted to 3.0x10 and 3.0 x 10 cfu / ml using LBA. 0.1 ml was then pipetted into triplicate plates containing 12 to 15 ml LBA. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The test result should be equal to or greater than 0.05 times the bacterial suspension. 3. Dilution-Neutralization Validation 1 ml bovine albumin (BSA) solution was placed in a 1 ml LB test tube and incubated. at 20 ° C for 5 minutes. 1 ml was then taken and added to 8 ml Neutralizer (NF). After 5 minutes incubation, 1 ml of the bacterial suspension was added. The mixture was left at 20 ° C for 10 minutes. The suspension was diluted to 3.0 x 10 3 and 3.0 x 10 5 cfu / ml using LB and 0.1 ml was then plated in triplicate in 12 to 15 ml LBA. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The test result should be equal to or greater than 0.5 times Neutralizer Toxicity Validation. Test Method 1. Carrier Pretreatment Carriers were cleaned / disinfected with isopropanol (70% v / v) by spraying. Excess isopropanol was used to completely cover the entire surface. Excess isopropanol was removed by runoff. Additional drying was allowed for a period of 10 minutes. 2. 1st Carrier Inoculation The 1st inoculation of the tile surface with ~ 106 CFU of bacteria. The application volume is adjusted to 10 μΐ. If residual amounts of isopropanol remain some of the applied bacteria can be killed. The applied volume of 10 μΐ was sprayed onto the tiles on the entire surface of the tile by sterile plastic spatula (Drigalsky spatula). The inoculated tile is allowed to dry over a period of 50 minutes. 3. Carrier Product Application 1 ml of disinfectant product was applied to a pretreated carrier surface. The disinfection product applied was spread over the entire surface by sterile plastic spatula (Drigalsky spatula). Surface treatment with excess disinfectant was done within 10 minutes. Pretreated carriers were stored overnight in a clean place covered with Professional Care Cloths. 4. Carrier Inoculation Inoculation of the tile surface was done using ~ 106 CFU of bacteria. The application volume was adjusted to 10 μΐ. If residual amounts of isopropanol remain some of the applied bacteria can be killed. The applied volume of 10 μΐ was spread over the entire tile surface by sterile plastic spatula (Drigalsky spatula). The inoculated tile was allowed to dry over a period of 50 minutes. r 5. Rinsing with Water The tile surface was rinsed with 10 ml sterile water (miiiipore water) · Then the rinsed tile was dried for up to 1 hour or until the surface was visibly dry. 6. Dry Wear Cycle Wear cycles are used as an abrasive step. A dry wear cycle was made by moving a Professional Care Cloth wrapped cork block back and forth. Normal hand pressure is applied. Non-viscose Professional Care Cloths do not absorb quats or PHMB. 7. Wet Wear Cycle The moistening of Professional Care Cloths has been done by spraying the water subjected to the miipipore onto the cloths. The spraying was done by deflagration once at about 30 cm. Wet wear cycles were used as an abrasive step. A wet wear cycle was done by moving a cork block wrapped with moistened Professional Care Cloth (miiiipore water) back and forth. Normal hand pressure was applied. The moistened surface was allowed to dry for at least 10 minutes. 8. Final Carrier Inoculation The tile is inoculated with ~ 106 CFU of bacteria. The application volume was adjusted to 10 μΐ. The applied volume was spread over the entire surface of the tile by sterile plastic spatula (Drigalsky spatula). The inoculated tile was allowed to dry for a period of 5 to 10 minutes. Surviving bacteria were dissolved by applying 500 µl LB + NF. The applied LB + NF was spread over the entire tile surface by sterile plastic spatula (Drigalsky spatula, single use version). The neutralizer had no killing effect on the surviving bacteria, but inactivates the disinfection product on the tiles. To dissolve the surviving bacteria the tile was incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes. Dissolved surviving bacteria were collected by sterile plastic spatula (Drigalsky spatula). 9. Determination of Survivors The collected fluids were sampled using a sterile pipette. 100 μΐ of sample were applied to 900 μΐ of LB + NF. Serial dilution in LB + NF up to 10'4. 100 μΐ of sample was performed and dilutions are transferred to agar plates. Test Method -Full Procedure o This test procedure uses 10 CFU / ml. This means that the log 8 reduction in the number of microorganisms is equivalent to zero survivors.

Using this test procedure, compositions that have residual efficacy can be identified. Antimicrobial compositions are considered to have residual efficacy if, in this test, they give a reduction in the number of microorganisms that is at least log 3.0. Preferably an antimicrobial composition having a residual effect and tested in this manner will give a log reduction of at least about 3.5, more preferably at least about 5.0 and most preferably about 7.0 or more under the conditions of test described above. The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Examples The following are representative of antimicrobial compositions according to the present invention.

Example 1 The mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane having a viscosity of 0.65 centistokes is available from Clearcoproducts prod ref PS 034 (http://www.clearcoproducts.com/pdf/volatile/NP-PSF-0_65cSt.pdf) This composition was obtained by initially mixing (with slow addition) the two ammonium chloride compounds, Bronopol, polymeric biguanidine hydrochloride and the mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethyltrisiloxane with stirring at room temperature until the initially cloudy mixture became clear. Ethanol and water were then added.

The amounts of ethanol water added in this Example resulted in the production of a solution that was "ready to use" for many applications, although it could be further diluted for some applications if necessary.

Example 2 The compositions shown in the table below were diluted with water to provide solutions comprising 0.01% of the composition (E4L or E52 or E8L or E10L) and 99.99% water) BIT 1,2-benzisothiazole-3 (2H ) -one MIT 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one Chloro MIT 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one OIT 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one Diluted solutions were added to a broth containing a known quantity of the microorganisms staphilococcus aureus, salmonella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Listeria monocytogenes in a nutrient medium. The amount of microorganisms present in the solutions was measured at 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes after the addition of the diluted compositions of the invention. This was done by neutralizing the antimicrobial components of the solutions by adding a suitable neutralizing agent and then determining the number of microorganisms present.

In the tables below, the percentage of microorganisms that were killed after a given contact time is shown for each diluted antimicrobial solution.

Results - E4L Results - E8L Result - E5L Results - E10L

These results show that even at this low concentration the formulations tested had antimicrobial efficacy.

Claims (18)

Antimicrobial composition, characterized in that it comprises (i) an antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties which is a quaternary ammonium compound having the formula R 1, R 2, R 2, R 4 and R 4 independently represent. a substituted or unsubstituted and / or straight or branched and / or interrupted or uninterrupted alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl or alkenyl group, or two or more of R1, R2, R1 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom forms a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring, and wherein the total number of carbon atoms in the groups R 1, R 2, R 1 and R 4 is at least 4; wherein the substituents for the groups R1, R1 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, F, Cl, Br, I, -OR ', -NR'R', -CF3, -CN, -NO2, -C2R \ -SR ', -N3, -C (= 0) NR' R '\ -NR'C (= 0) R' \ -C (= 0) R \ -C (= 0) 0R \ -0C (= 0) R \ -0 (CR ^ 0rC (= O) -R \ -0 (CR, R ',) rNR "C (= 0) R', -0 (CR, R") rNR ', SO2 R \ -0C (= 0) N-R'R' \ -NR'C (= 0) OR '\ -S02R \ -SO02NR'R ", and -NR ^ CbR": wherein the substituents on substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted heterocyclyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted alkylaryl and substituted arylalkyl are selected of the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, -OR \ -NR'R '\ -CF ,, -CN, -NO ,, -C2R \ -SR', -N ,, -C (= 0) NR 'R', -NR'C (= 0) R '\ -C (= 0) R \ -C (= 0) 0R \ -0C (= 0) R \ -0 (CR, R3) rC (= O) -R% -OCR / R3 NR1 R4 Cl2 OIR ', -CXCR4 NR4 StW, -0C (= 0) NR * R1 \ -NR 'C (= 0) 0R ”, SQ2R \ -SÜ2NR'R' \ and -NR'S02R 'where R' and R 'are individually hydrogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or arylalkyl, er is an integer from 1 to 6, or R 'and R' together form a cyclic functionality; and wherein X 'is halide or sulfonate; (ii) a siloxane selected from those having the formulas (H3C) [SiO (CH3) 2] nSi (CH3) 3, and (H3C) [SiO (CH3) H] nSi (CH3) 3, and mixtures thereof, wherein n is from 1 to 8; and (iii) a polar solvent; wherein the ratio of molecules of (i) to molecules of (ii) is from 100: 1 to 5: 1. Composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of molecules of (i) to molecules of (ii) is from 70: 1 to 20: 1. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an additional antimicrobial agent (iv). Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises colloids which are made of components (i), (ii) and optionally (iv). Composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the quaternary ammonium compound has the formula (CH 3) - (A) mN + X-, wherein each A is independently a C 6 -C 6 alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group. 20 substituted or unsubstituted and / or straight or branched chain and / or interrupted or uninterrupted. Composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the quaternary ammonium compound is a benzalkonium halide of the formula: wherein R is a Cs-alkyl group or a mixture of straight-chain Cs-alkyl groups, not replaced and not interrupted. Composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from benzyldimethyl-n-tetradecyl ammonium chloride, benzyldimethyl-n-dodecyl ammonium chloride, n-dodecyl-n chloride. -tetradecyldimethyl ammonium and benzyl C 12 -C 16 -dimethyl ammonium chloride, benzyl cocoalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di-n-decyldimethyl ammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the siloxane has a water solubility of less than 2 g / 100 ml of water at 20 ° C and atmospheric pressure and / or a viscosity of 0, 5 to 5 mnr / s (centistokes). Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the siloxane is selected from hexamethyl disiloxane, oeiamethyl trisiloxane, decamethyl tetrasiloxane, dodecamethyl pentassiloxane and mixtures thereof. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polar solvent is selected from water, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof. Composition according to any one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the additional antimicrobial agent is polyhexamethylene biguanidine. Composition according to Claim 11, characterized in that the ratio of component (i) molecules to component (iv) molecules is from 8: 1 to 15: 1. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total number of molecules of the antimicrobial components (i) and (iv) (if present) for each molecule of component (ii) is from 5 to 80. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on application to a surface it acts to substantially reduce or control the formation of microbial colonies on or on the surface. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides an antimicrobial effect when the total concentration of antimicrobial agents (i) and (iv) is from 30 to less than 400 ppm. Process for preparing a composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: (A) mixing together (i) an antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties which is a quaternary ammonium compound as defined in any one of the claims. 1 and 5 to 7; and (ii) a siloxane as defined in any one of claims 1, 8 or 9; and (B) adding (iii) a polar solvent to the product of (A) and (C) stirring the resulting mixture until a clear solution is formed. Process according to Claim 16, characterized in that in step (A), component (ii) is mixed with a concentrated solution of component (i) in a polar solvent and optionally further comprises adding at least one agent. additional antimicrobial agent at step (A), (B) and / or step (C). Use of a composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is for reducing or substantially controlling the formation of microbial colonies on or on a surface.