HK1226967B - Antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients - Google Patents

Description

Antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, such as personal care compositions, having improved antimicrobial efficacy and high foaming properties. More particularly, the present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions that exhibit the antimicrobial effects of a cationic active ingredient, a foam-boosting surfactant, a chelating agent, a novel foam-boosting copolymer, and the optional properties of broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, high foaming, and reduced irritation to mammalian tissue. The compositions are substantially free of aromatic biocides, such as triclosan, anionic surfactants, and C1- _{C4 alcohols} .

Background of the Invention

Antimicrobial personal care compositions are known in the art. Particularly useful are antimicrobial cleansing compositions, which are typically used to cleanse the skin and destroy bacteria and other microorganisms present on the user's skin, particularly the hands, arms, and face.

Antimicrobial compositions are used, for example, in the health care industry, long-term care, hospitals and health/fitness facilities, the food service industry, the meat processing industry, and in the private sector by individual consumers. The widespread use of antimicrobial compositions indicates that consumers recognize the importance of controlling bacteria and other microbial communities on the skin. However, importantly, antimicrobial communities rapidly provide a significant and broad spectrum reduction of microbial communities without the problems associated with toxicity and skin irritation.

In particular, antimicrobial cleansing compositions typically contain an active antimicrobial agent, an anionic surfactant for cleansing and foam generation, a skin conditioning agent for cosmetic effects, a dye, a fragrance, and optionally a thickener for aesthetic effects, such as clays, polymers, cellulose derivatives or colloids, all in an aqueous carrier.

Several different groups of antimicrobial agents have been used in antimicrobial cleansing compositions. These include active ingredients selected from the group consisting of phenolic compounds, urea compounds, lower alcohols, surfactant halogens, and carboxylic acids. Each of these groups has its own unique advantages and challenges. Examples of specific antimicrobial agents include PCMX (p-chloro-m-xylenol), triclosan, triclocarban, benzyl alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), iodine and iodine complexes, and biguanides (e.g., chlorhexidine digluconate). Triclosan is currently the primary antimicrobial active ingredient in the skin cleansing market.

While there is increasing consumer demand for products that are active against both bacteria and other microorganisms, there is an even greater need to meet consumer expectations regarding the level of concern surrounding certain biocides such as triclocarban and triclosan.

Triclosan is disadvantageous as an antimicrobial agent due to environmental persistence and health concerns resulting from the potential formation of intermediates and/or environmental byproducts. Therefore, there is a need for effective antimicrobial personal care compositions that are substantially free of biocides such as triclocarban and triclosan, yet still provide the high lather levels expected by consumers and are mild to the skin. The present invention relates to such antimicrobial compositions.

The above-mentioned shortcomings of current antimicrobial compositions are solved by embodiments of the present invention and are understood by reading and studying the following description. The following summary is provided merely as an example and is in no way limiting. It is provided solely to assist the reader in understanding certain aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a composition is provided that exhibits rapid killing efficacy and high foaming properties. The antimicrobial composition comprises a cationic active ingredient, a foam-boosting surfactant (which may include a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant), a novel foam-boosting copolymer, a chelating agent, a foam stabilizer, and water. The antimicrobial composition of the present invention is free of the antimicrobial agent triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl ether), anionic surfactants, and _C1 - _C4 alcohols, and exhibits rapid killing efficacy. The composition also provides a stable, rich foam and may optionally contain ingredients that enhance skin compatibility and skin health.

Thus, one aspect of the present invention is an antimicrobial composition for reducing skin microbial flora on skin tissue comprising: (a) about 0.1-10.0 wt% of a cationic active ingredient, (b) about 0.1-20 wt% of a foam-boosting surfactant, (c) about 0.5-25 wt% of a skin aid, (d) about 0.05-12.0 wt% of a foam-boosting polymer, (e) about 0.1-10 wt% of a foam stabilizer, (f) about 0.1-6.0 wt% of a chelating agent such that the chelating agent forms a calcium-chelating agent complex having a stability constant (expressed in logarithmic form) greater than 5.5, and (g) water or other suitable diluent, wherein the composition is substantially free of triclosan, anionic surfactants, and _C1 - _C4 alcohols.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition that reduces microbial flora on skin tissue and is stable and has a pH of about 4.0 to about 9.0. The composition also exhibits excellent aesthetic properties, such as rich foam and foam stability, and may optionally contain ingredients that enhance skin compatibility and skin health. Furthermore, the composition may exhibit reduced tissue irritation potential.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide personal use products based on the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention, such as skin cleansers, pre-operative antiseptic lotions, hand sanitizer gels, disinfectants, antiseptic washes and the like.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for reducing Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative bacterial populations on mammalian tissue, including human tissue, comprising contacting the tissue (e.g., skin) with a composition of the present invention for a sufficient time, e.g., from about 15 seconds to 5 minutes, to reduce bacterial levels to a desired level. The antimicrobial efficacy can be applied to viral and fungal organisms as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention.

Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a graph depicting test results of three different cationic active ingredients, specifically, 0.5% quaternium (benzalkonium chloride), 2% CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate), and 1% PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide), in a representative surfactant system after a 30 second exposure.

FIG2 shows a graph depicting test results depicting the efficacy of quaternary sugar-derived surfactants (specifically poly(trimoniumhydroxypropyl cocogluocosides chloride)) at increasing concentrations against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The amount and type of cationic active ingredient (0.5% ADBAC) and foam-boosting surfactant (1.95% alkyldimethylamine oxide) were kept constant.

Figure 3 shows a graph depicting test results depicting the efficacy of increasing concentrations of foam-boosting surfactants (specifically, amine oxides). The amount and type of cationic active ingredient (0.5% ADBAC) and quaternary sugar-derived surfactant (1.25% polytrimonium hydroxypropyl coco-glucoside) were kept constant.

Figure 4 shows the skin irritation (mildness) of the antimicrobial skin cleanser against four preferred embodiments of commercially available antimicrobial soaps.

FIG5 shows the lather profile of a preferred embodiment of an antimicrobial skin cleanser against three commercially available antimicrobial soaps.

Figure 6 shows efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli after a 30 second exposure to a cationic active ingredient in combination with a quaternary sugar-derived surfactant and an n-alkyl ( _C12-16 ) dimethylamine oxide foam boosting surfactant held constant at 1.25%.

Figure 7 shows the foam hardness of a preferred embodiment of an antimicrobial skin cleanser versus two commercially available antimicrobial soaps having a cationic active ingredient.

8 is a graph showing efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria at various pHs.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about."

As used herein, weight percent, weight %, wt% and similar symbols are synonymous and refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of the substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100.

As used herein, the term "about" to modify the amount of an ingredient in the compositions of the present invention or used in the methods of the present invention refers to variations in the numerical amount that may occur, for example, due to typical measurements and liquid handling procedures used in the real world to prepare concentrates or use solutions, due to inadvertent errors in such procedures, due to differences in the preparation, source, or purity of the ingredients used to prepare the compositions or practice the methods, and the like. The term "about" also encompasses different amounts resulting from different equilibrium conditions for a composition derived from a particular starting mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalents of these amounts.

As used herein, the term "cationic active ingredient" is defined as an ingredient that provides antimicrobial killing activity.

As used herein, the term "skin care active ingredient" is defined as one or more ingredients that improve or maintain skin barrier health.

The term "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched monovalent hydrocarbon radical having the specified number of carbon atoms. As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched C ₆ -C ₁₈ carbon chain.

The term "microorganism" or "microbial community" refers to a community of bacteria, fungi, yeasts or viruses, or a combination thereof, or any mixture thereof, in a laboratory or natural environment.

The term "fast kill efficacy" refers to > 3 log kill in an in vitro time kill test, ASTM E 2315, within a maximum of 60 seconds.

The term "surfactant" or "surface active agent" refers to an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, alters the properties of the liquid at the surface or interface.

"Cleaning" means performing or assisting in soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, rinsing, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the term "free of" refers to a composition that is completely devoid of the component or has a small amount of the component such that the component does not affect the effectiveness of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or as a contaminant and should be less than 0.5 wt%. In another embodiment, the component is present in an amount of less than 0.1 wt%, and in yet another embodiment, the component is present in an amount of less than 0.01 wt%.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing "a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms "active ingredient" or "% active ingredient" or "wt% active ingredient" or "active ingredient concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of those ingredients involved in cleaning minus inert ingredients such as water or salts expressed as a percentage.

As used herein, the term "triclosan-free" or "triclosan-free" refers to a composition, mixture, or ingredient that does not contain triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl ether) or a triclosan-containing compound, or to which they have been added. If triclosan or a triclosan-containing compound is present due to contaminants in the composition, mixture, or ingredient, the amount should be less than 0.5 wt%. In another embodiment, the amount is less than 0.1 wt%, and in yet another embodiment, the amount is less than 0.01 wt%.

Antimicrobial compositions containing cationically active compounds

The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition that exhibits rapid antimicrobial efficacy and high foaming properties. The antimicrobial composition comprises a cationic active ingredient, a foam-boosting surfactant, and water. The foam-boosting surfactant may include an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or a cationic surfactant. The antimicrobial composition of the present invention is free of the antimicrobial agent triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl ether), an anionic surfactant, and a _C1 - _C4 alcohol, exhibits rapid antimicrobial efficacy, provides stable and rich foam, and may optionally contain ingredients that enhance skin compatibility and skin health.

In one embodiment, an antimicrobial composition for reducing microbial flora on skin tissue comprises: (a) about 0.1-10.0 wt % of a cationic active ingredient, (b) about 0.1-20 wt % of a foam-boosting surfactant, (c) about 0.5-25 wt % of a skin aid, and (d) water or other suitable diluent.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial composition that reduces microbial flora on skin tissue and is stable and has a pH of about 5.0 to about 8.0. The compositions of the present invention also surprisingly exhibit excellent aesthetic properties, such as rich foam and foam stability, and may optionally contain ingredients that enhance skin compatibility and skin health. Furthermore, the compositions may exhibit reduced tissue irritation potential.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide personal use products based on the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention, such as skin cleansers, pre-operative antiseptic lotions, hand sanitizer gels, disinfectants and the like.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for reducing Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative bacterial populations on mammalian tissue, including human tissue, comprising contacting the mammalian tissue (e.g., skin) with a composition of the present invention for a sufficient time, e.g., from about 30 seconds to 5 minutes, to reduce the bacterial level to a desired level.

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are shown below.

Cationic active ingredients

The cationic active ingredient is present in the antimicrobial composition in an amount of about 0.1-10.0 wt. % and preferably about 0.1-5.0 wt. % of the composition to reduce the microbial flora on mammalian skin tissue of the present invention.

The amount of antimicrobial agent used in the composition is related to the end use of the composition. The amount of antimicrobial agent used in the composition of the present invention is sufficient to achieve microbial kill within a short contact time (e.g., 15-30 seconds).

Cationic active ingredients are antimicrobial agents useful in the present invention. Cationic or cation-active ingredients are substances based on a nitrogen-centered cationic moiety having a net positive charge. Cationic or cation-active ingredients are preferably selected from cationic polymers, cationic surfactants, cationic monomers, cationic silicon compounds, cationically derivatized protein hydrolysates, and betaines having at least one cationic or cation-active group.

Suitable cationic active ingredients contain quaternary ammonium groups. Suitable cationic active ingredients include in particular those of the following general formula:

N ⁽⁺⁾ R ¹ R ² R ³ R ⁴ X ^(-)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ independently represent an alkyl group, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, an alkoxy group, a polyoxyalkylene group, an alkylamide group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an aryl group, an H ⁺ ion, each having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ has at least 8 carbon atoms, and wherein X ^(-) represents an anion, such as a halide, acetate, phosphate, nitrate or alkylsulfate, preferably a chloride ion. In addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, the aliphatic group may also contain crosslinking or other groups, such as additional amino groups.

Particular cationic active ingredients include, for example, but are not limited to, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC), alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, benzylethonium chloride, N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)dodecylamine, chlorhexidine gluconate, organic and/or inorganic salts of chlorhexidine gluconate, PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide), salts of biguanide, substituted biguanide derivatives, organic salts containing quaternary ammonium compounds, or inorganic salts containing quaternary ammonium compounds, or mixtures thereof.

According to an important feature of the present invention, the antimicrobial composition of the present invention is substantially free of triclosan. The term "substantially free" of triclosan is defined to mean that the composition contains a total of 0% to about 0.25% triclosan by weight. In particular, triclosan may be present in the antimicrobial composition in a total amount of less than or equal to 0.25% either as a byproduct or as a component of an ingredient in the composition, but triclosan is not intentionally introduced into the composition.

Triclosan is disadvantageous as an antimicrobial agent due to environmental and health concerns due to the possible formation of intermediates and/or environmental by-products.

Foam-boosting surfactants

In addition to the antimicrobial agent and the quaternized sugar-derived surfactant, the antimicrobial composition of the present invention for reducing the microbial flora on the skin tissue of the mammal of the present invention also contains one or more foam-boosting surfactants. The one or more foam-boosting surfactants are present in an amount of about 0.1-40.0%, and preferably about 1-25% by weight of the composition.

The amount of lather boosting surfactant present in the composition is related to the amount of cationic active in the composition, the amount of quaternized sugar-derived surfactant in the composition, the type of lather boosting surfactant and the end use of the composition.

The foam boosting surfactant may be a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant or a mixture thereof.The formulation is substantially free of anionic or zwitterionic surfactants.

Nonionic foam-boosting surfactants

Examples of nonionic foam boosting co-surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkylamine oxides, alkyl ether amine oxides, alkyl alcohol alkoxides, aryl alcohol alkoxides, substituted alcohol alkoxides, block nonionic copolymers, heterononionic copolymers, alkanolamides, substituted amides, or polyethoxylated glycerol derivatives.

The antimicrobial composition can contain a nonionic surfactant component, which includes a clean amount of a nonionic surfactant or a mixture of nonionic surfactants. Typically, the nonionic surfactant has a hydrophobic region (e.g., a long-chain alkyl group or an alkylated aryl group) and a hydrophilic group containing ethoxy and/or other hydrophilic moieties. "Nonionic foam-boosting surfactants" as defined herein have a hydrophobic region containing an alkyl group of 6 to 18 carbon atoms and an average of 1 to about 20 ethoxy and/or propoxy moieties. Examples of nonionic foam-boosting cosurfactants include, but are not limited to, alkylamine oxides, alkyl ether amine oxides, alkyl alcohol alkoxides, aryl alcohol alkoxides, substituted alcohol alkoxides, block nonionic copolymers, hetero-nonionic copolymers, alkanolamides or polyethoxylated glycerides, and mixtures thereof.

Many other nonionic surfactants are disclosed in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, 1993 Annuals, published by McCutcheon Division, MC Publishing Co., Glen Rock, N.J., at pages 1-246 and 266-273; and in CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Fourth Edition, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Washington, D.C. (1991) (hereinafter referred to as the CTFA Dictionary), at pages 1-651; and in CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, First Edition, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Washington, D.C. (1988) (hereinafter referred to as the CTFA Handbook), at pages 86-94; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Amphoteric foam-boosting surfactants

The antimicrobial composition may contain an amphoteric surfactant component comprising a detersive amount of an amphoteric surfactant or a mixture of amphoteric surfactants. Suitable amphoteric surfactants that may be used include, but are not limited to, imidazolines and imidazoline derivatives, isethionates, betaine derivatives, amphoteric acetate derivatives, propionates, and mixtures thereof.

Cationic foam-boosting surfactants

The antimicrobial composition may contain a cationic surfactant component comprising a cleaning amount of a cationic surfactant or a mixture of cationic surfactants. Cationic surfactants useful in the antimicrobial composition include, but are not limited to, quaternized sugar-derived surfactants, quaternized polysaccharides, alkyl polysaccharides, alkoxylated amines, alkoxylated etheramines, phospholipids, phospholipid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Quaternized sugar-derived surfactants are particularly preferred. The quaternized sugar surfactant may be present in an amount of about 0.1-18%, and preferably about 0.25-12.5%, by weight of the composition.

The amount of quaternized sugar-derived surfactant present in the composition is related to the amount of cationic active ingredient in the composition, the type of quaternized sugar-derived surfactant, and the end use of the composition.

Quaternized sugar-derived surfactants are quaternized alkyl polyglycosides or polyquaternized alkyl polyglycosides and the like.

In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a polyquaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside, a cationic active ingredient, water, and an optional foam-boosting surfactant. The polyquaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside is a cationic surfactant naturally derived from an alkyl polyglycoside and has a sugar backbone. The polyquaternary alkyl polyglycoside has the following representative formula:

Wherein R is an alkyl group having from about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms, and n is an integer from 4 to 6. Examples of suitable polyquaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside components that can be used in the cleaning compositions of the present invention include those in which the R alkyl moiety contains from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside contains primarily from about 10 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of commercially suitable polyquaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycosides useful in the cleaning compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycosides of the PolyQuat series, available from Colonial Chemical, Inc., located in South Pittsburg, TN.

In another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside, a cationic active ingredient, water, and optionally a foam-boosting surfactant. The quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside is a naturally derived cationic surfactant from alkyl polyglycosides and has a sugar backbone. The quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside has the following representative formula:

wherein R ₁ is an alkyl group having from about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms, and R ₂ is CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) _n′ , wherein n′ is an integer from 0 to 21. Examples of suitable quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside components that can be used in the cleaning compositions of the present invention include those wherein the R ₁ alkyl moiety contains primarily from about 10 to about 12 carbon atoms, the R ₂ group is CH ₃ , and n is a degree of polymerization of 1 to 2. Further examples of suitable quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycosides include, but are not limited to, the antimicrobial and antifungal quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycosides described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,084,129 and 7,507,399, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of commercially suitable quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycosides useful in the cleaning compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Quat™ 1212 (primarily _C12 quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside), Quat L 1210 (primarily C12 _quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside), and Quat S 1218 (primarily C12 _quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside), which are available from Colonial Chemical, Inc. located in South Pittsburg, TN.

Skin Aids/Skin Care Actives

The composition may contain about 1-30 wt% skin aid, preferably about 5-25 wt% skin aid. Skin aid/skin care active ingredients generally include any substance that improves or maintains skin barrier health. Some examples include, but are not limited to, emollients and skin moisturizers/protectants.

1) Emollients

The composition may include an emollient, which is a polymer such as dimethicone. Examples include, but are not limited to, dicaprylyl carbonate, dibutyl adipate, hexyl laurate, dicaprylyl ether, propylheptyl octanoate, 4-10 centistokes silicone oil, D4, 5, or 6 cyclosiloxane, isocetyl palmitate, hydrogenated polyisobutene, and diethylhexyl carbonate.

Examples of polymers such as dimethicone include capric/caprylic triglyceride, _C12-15 alkyl benzoate, capric triglyceride, caprylic triglyceride, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyldodecanol, decyl oleate, cocoyl glycerides, ethylhexyl stearate, cetyl isononanoate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, decyl cocoate, cetyl dimethicone, ethylhexyl palmitate, PPG-11 stearyl ether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, silane fluid, and PPG-14 butyl ether.

These materials may also include polymers such as silicones, examples of which include mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides, as well as hydrogenated versions of butters and seed and nut oils, including but not limited to palm oil, coconut oil, botanical oil, avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, meadowfoam seed oil, bilberry seed oil, watermelon seed oil, olive oil, cranberry oil, macadamia nut oil, argan oil, pomegranate oil, argan moraccan oil, blueberry oil, raspberry oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, bay leaf oil, mango seed oil, mayula oil, oil), castor oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, hydrogenated jojoba oil, carnauba butter, carnauba wax, ricinus isostearate succinate stearyl heptanoate, cetyl ricinoleate, frucate oleyl esters, sucrose monostearate, sucrose distearate, sucrose tristearate, sucrose tetrastearate, candelilla wax, soy wax, rapeseed wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, petrolatum, myristyl myristate, oleyl erucate, squalane, stearyl alcohol, cetyl isononanoate Aryl esters, polyisobutene, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl distearate, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, lanolin ethoxylate, low molecular weight polyethylene wax, lower molecular weight polypropylene wax, PEG-30 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-80 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, PEG-8 ricinoleate, PEG-8 raspberry ester (Raspberriate), including hydroxyl-terminated and methyl ether-terminated linear (otherwise known as di) and pendant variants; PEG-3 to PEG-32 Dimethicone (including but not limited to PEG-3 Dimethicone, PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-14 Dimethicone, PEG-17 Dimethicone, PEG-32 Dimethicone), Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG 20/23 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG20/22 Butyl Ether Dimethicone, PEG/PPG 23/6 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG 20/15 Dimethicone.

Alkyl modified dimethicone (stearyloxydimethicone, behenyloxydimethicone, cetyl dimethicone, cetearyl methicone, cetearyl methicone, C30-45 alkyl cetyl stearyl dimethicone copolymer, C30-45 alkyl dimethicone, caprylyl methicone, PEG-8 dimethicone/ Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Stearyl Methicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone Fluid (>20cst), Quaternium Silicone Polymer, Amosilicone, Silicone Quaternium-18, Amodimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Amosilicone Polyether, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone and PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone.

If present, emollients may be used in amounts of about 0.01-10 wt%, preferably about 0.05-8 wt%, and more preferably about 0.1-5 wt%.

2) Skin moisturizer/protectant

The composition may include at least one additional skin conditioning agent, such as a vitamin, moisturizer, occlusive agent, or other moisturizing agent, to provide skin moisturization, skin softening, skin barrier maintenance, anti-irritation, or other skin health benefits. Some non-limiting examples of additional skin conditioning agents include alkyl benzoates, myristyl myristate, cetyl myristate, gelatin, carboxylic acid, lactic acid, diolein, methyl laurate, PPG-9 Lauryl Lauryl Hydantoin, Octyl Palmitate, Lanolin, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Monobutyl Ether, Glycerin, Fatty Acids, Proline, Natural Oils Such as Apricot Kernel Oil, Mineral Oil, Canola Oil, Sesame Oil, Soybean Oil, Pyrrolidone, Malt, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Corn, Peanut and Olive Oils, Isopropyl Myristate, Myristyl Alcohol, Aloe Vera, Algae Extract, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, 1,3-Propanediol, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Stearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitol, Amino Acid Complex, Panthenol, Hydantoin, Dihydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Quaternized Hydrolyzed Proteins Such as Collagen, Oat, Wheat, etc., Inositol, Fructose, Sucrose, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Seaweed Extract, Polyethylene Glycol, Ammonium Lactate, Hyaluronic Acid, and Cyclic Peptides.

Some non-limiting examples of humectants include hydroxyethyl urea, agarose, urea, sodium PCA, arginine PCA, fructose, glucose, glutamic acid, glycerin, honey, lactose, maltose, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.

Some non-limiting examples of occlusive agents include petrolatum, shea butter, avocado oil, peppermint balm, cod liver oil, mineral oil, trimyristin, stearyl stearate, synthetic waxes, or mixtures thereof. Some non-limiting examples of other moisturizing agents include ethylhexylglycerin, cholesterol, cystine, hyaluronic acid, keratin, lecithin, egg yolk, glycerin, PPG-12, polyquaternium-11, behentrimonium chloride, dihydroxypropyl PEG-5 linoleate chloride, glyceryl oleate, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, coco-glucoside, PEG-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmitate, panthenol, retinol, salicylic acid, vegetable oils, methyl gluceth-10, methyl gluceth-20, ethoxylated derivatives of skin conditioning agents, such as Glycereth-26, and ethoxylated shea butter, and mixtures thereof. Finally, some non-limiting examples of counter-irritants include bisabolol and panthenol.

The skin conditioning agent component is present in lower amounts than those observed in conventional commercial skin disinfectants. Applicants have discovered that due to the long-term use of such disinfectants, lower amounts can be employed with similar health benefits and less sticky residue. The skin conditioning agent or combination thereof is present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 20 wt %, preferably from about 0.5 to about 15 wt %, and more preferably from about 1 to about 10 wt %.

Foam-boosting copolymers

The compositions of the present invention contain a novel foam boosting polymer present in an amount of about 0.05-18 wt%, preferably about 0.1-10 wt%.

Polymers useful according to the present invention include hydrophobically modified cationic polymers obtainable by polymerizing the following structural units:

(i) first structural units derived from one or more cationic ethylenically unsaturated monomers;

(ii) a second structural unit derived from one or more water-soluble monomers.

(i) First structural unit

The first structural unit is a water-soluble cationic ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The first structural unit can be a dialkyldiallylammonium with halide, bisulfate or methylsulfate as a counterion of formula (I):

in:

o R ₁ and R ₂ are independently hydrogen or C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl;

o R ₃ and R ₄ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, carboxyalkyl, carboxamidoalkyl or alkoxyalkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; and

o Y ⁻ is a counter ion selected from chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogen sulfate or methyl sulfate.

In another embodiment, the first structural unit is a quaternary or acid salt of a dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylate. In a further embodiment, the first structural unit is a dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylamide or an acid salt of a quaternary dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylamide of formula (II):

in:

o R ₁ is H or C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl;

o _R2 is H or methyl;

o R ₃ is C ₁ -C ₄ alkylene;

o R ₄ , R ₅ and R ₆ are each independently H or C ₁ -C ₃₀ alkyl;

o X is -O- or -NH-; and

o Y is Cl, Br, I, bisulfate, or methylsulfate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably in the cationic monomers of formula (II), wherein:

o _R1 and _R2 are each H, or

o R ₁ is H and R ₂ is CH ₃ or also preferably H.

Suitable examples of the first structural unit are diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), (3-acrylamidopropyl)-trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), (3-methacryloyl-amidopropyl)-trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), dimethylaminopropyl acrylate methochloride, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylate methochloride. Further suitable examples of the first structural unit are [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, also known as dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methochloride (DMA3*MeCl), or trimethyl-[2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy)ethyl]ammonium chloride, also known as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methochloride (DMAEMA*MeCl). Preferably, the first structural unit is DADMAC.

(ii) Second structural unit

The second structural unit is acrylamide or methacrylamide.

For each structural unit, all wt% are calculated based on 100 wt% of all structural units derived from all monomers in the copolymer. Preferred copolymers are DADMAC/(meth)acrylamide copolymers having a molecular weight of about 2,000,000, such as the Mackermium 007 series copolymers available from Rhodia, Inc.

Foam stabilizer

The composition comprises a foam stabilizer comprising an organic solvent typically soluble in both water and oil, other than short chain alcohols. Examples of foam stabilizers of the present invention include: polyols such as glycerol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol n-alkanol, terpenes, di-terpenes, tri-terpenes, terpene alcohols, limonene, terpene-alcohols, l-menthol, dioxolanes, ethylene glycol, other glycols, sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide, methyl dodecyl sulfoxide, dimethylacetamide, (having Monooleate of ethoxylated glycerides containing 8-10 ethylene oxide units; Azone (1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one), 2-(n-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane; Esters such as isopropyl myristate/palmitate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl propionate, hexyl/octyl triglyceride, octyl myristate, dodecyl myristate; myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, lauric acid, lauryl lactate ketone; Amides such as acetamide oleate, such as triolein; Various alkanol acids such as caprylic acid; Lactam compounds such as azone; Alkanols such as dialkylaminoacetic acid esters, and mixtures thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the foam stabilizer is hexylene glycol.

The foam stabilizer is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1-10 wt%, preferably about 0.5-8 wt%.

chelating agents

The composition is typically a concentrate or standby composition containing a chelating agent. Generally, a chelating agent is a molecule that can coordinate (i.e., bond) metal ions typically found in water sources to prevent the metal ions from interfering with the functions of other ingredients. Examples of chelating agents include phosphonic acid and phosphonates, phosphates, aminocarboxylates and their derivatives, pyrophosphates, ethylenediamine and ethylenetriamine derivatives, hydroxy acids, and mono-, di- and tri-carboxylates and their corresponding acids. In certain embodiments, the composition does not contain phosphate. Preferred chelating agents form calcium-chelating agent complexes with a stability constant (expressed in logarithmic form) greater than or equal to about 5.5. The stability constant (K) of a calcium-chelating agent is a measure of the stability of the calcium-chelating agent complex (CaL) formed by the reaction of calcium ions (Ca) and chelating agent (L) in aqueous solution.

The stability constant is expressed as:

in:

K = stability constant of the calcium-chelate complex

[CaL] = concentration of calcium-chelating agent complex (mol/L)

[Ca] = calcium ion concentration (mol/L)

[L] = concentration of chelating agent (mol/L)

Preferred chelating agents are selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA) and alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal and/or ammonium salts thereof.

carrier

The carrier in the antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises water, propylene glycol, glycerol, alcohol or its mixture. It should be understood that the water can be provided as deionized water or softened water. The water provided as part of the composition can be relatively free of hardness. It is desirable that the water can be deionized to remove a portion of dissolved solids. In other words, the concentrate can be prepared with water containing dissolved solids, and the concentrate can be prepared with water that can be characterized as hard water.

The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention do not rely on low or high pH to provide rapid reduction of microbial flora. The antimicrobial flora of the present invention has a pH of about 5.0 to about 8.0. Within this pH range, the compositions of the present invention effectively reduce microbial flora and are acceptable to consumers, i.e., mild to the skin, phase stable, and produce a rich, stable foam.

Additional functional materials

Antimicrobial compositions may include additional components or reagents, such as additional functional materials. Therefore, in some embodiments, antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients and quaternary sugar-derived surfactants can provide a major amount or even all of the total weight of the antimicrobial composition, such as in embodiments with little or no additional functional materials arranged therein. Functional materials provide the performance and function required for antimicrobial compositions. For the purposes of this application, the term "functional material" includes materials that provide beneficial properties in specific applications when dispersed or dissolved in use and/or concentrated solutions (such as aqueous solutions). Antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients and quaternary sugar-derived surfactants can optionally contain additional surfactants, pH regulating compounds, preservatives, antioxidants, spices, dyes, other disinfectants, sterilizing agents, thickening or gelling agents, or their mixtures. Some specific examples of functional materials are discussed in more detail below, but those skilled in the art and other personnel should understand that the specific materials discussed are only given as examples, and a wide variety of functional materials can be used. For example, many functional materials discussed below relate to materials used in disinfection and/or cleaning applications, but it should be understood that other embodiments may include the functional materials used in other applications.

preservative

The composition can optionally include a preservative. Typically, preservatives are divided into specific groups including phenols, halogen compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, biguanides, analides, organic sulfur and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, alkyl parahydroxybenzoates and various compounds. Some limiting examples of phenolic antimicrobials include pentachlorophenol, o-phenylphenol, chloroxylenol, p-chloro-m-cresol, p-chlorophenol, chlorothymol, m-cresol, o-cresol, p-cresol, isopropyl cresol, mixed cresols, phenoxyethanol, phenoxyethyl parahydroxybenzoate, phenoxyisopropyl alcohol, phenyl parahydroxybenzoate, resorcinol, and derivatives thereof. Some non-limiting examples of halogen compounds include trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), sodium trichloroisocyanurate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, iodine-poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) complex, and bromine compounds, such as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and derivatives thereof. Some non-limiting examples of quaternary ammonium compounds include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and derivatives thereof. Some non-limiting examples of amines and nitro-containing compounds include hexahydro-1,3,5-tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, dithiocarbamates, such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and derivatives thereof. Some non-limiting examples of biguanides include polyaminopropyl biguanide and chlorhexidine gluconate. Some non-limiting examples of alkyl parahydroxybenzoates include methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butyl parahydroxybenzoate.

The preservative is preferably present in the composition in an amount of about 0-3 wt%, about 0.01-2 wt%, and about 0.5-1 wt%.

thickener

The composition may optionally include a thickener. Exemplary thickeners include: (1) cellulosic thickeners and their derivatives, (2) natural gums, (3) starches, (4) stearates, and (5) fatty acid alcohols, (6) acrylic acid polymers and crosspolymers (example "carbomers"), (7) Aristoflex AVC (common classification name required). Some non-limiting examples of cellulosic thickeners include carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose, hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, and the like. Some non-limiting examples of natural gums include acacia, calcium carrageenan, guar, gelatin, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp, locust bean gum, pectin, sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and the like. Some non-limiting examples of starches include oat flour, potato starch, wheat flour, wheat starch, and the like. Some non-limiting examples of stearates include PEG-150 distearate, methoxy PEG-22/dodecyl glycol copolymer, and the like. Some non-limiting examples of fatty acid alcohols include caprylic alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, palm kernel alcohol, and the like.

The amount of thickener in the composition depends upon the desired viscosity of the composition.

Additional surfactants

The composition may optionally contain additional surfactants or combinations of surfactants. These can be selected from water-soluble or water-dispersible nonionic, semi-polar nonionic, cationic, amphoteric or surfactants, or any combination thereof. The specific surfactant or surfactant mixture selected for use in the methods and products of the present invention may depend on the final use conditions, including preparation method, physical product form, use pH, etc. The composition is substantially free of anionic or zwitterionic surfactants.

A representative list of classes and materials of surfactants useful herein appears in U.S. Patent No. 3,664,961, issued to Norris on May 23, 1972, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. If present, additional surfactants may be present in amounts of 0.5-10 wt%, about 1.0-7 wt%, and about 2-5 wt%.

pH-adjusting compounds

The pH of the disinfectant composition of the present invention is from about 4.0 to about 8. Within this pH range, the compositions of the present invention effectively reduce microbial flora and are acceptable to consumers, i.e., being gentle on the skin, phase stable, and generating a rich, stable foam. In some cases, a sufficient amount of a pH adjusting compound may be required to provide the desired composition pH. To achieve the full advantages of the present invention, the pH-adjusting compound is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3.5% by weight.

Examples of alkaline pH-adjusting compounds include, but are not limited to, ammonium, mono-, di-, and trialkylamines, mono-, di-, and tri-alkanolamines, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal carbonates, and mixtures thereof. However, the class of alkaline pH adjusters is not limited, and any alkaline pH-adjusting compound known in the art may be used. Specific non-limiting examples of alkaline pH-adjusting compounds are ammonia, sodium, potassium, and lithium hydroxides, sodium and potassium phosphates, including hydrogen and dihydrogen phosphates, sodium and potassium carbonates and bicarbonates, sodium and potassium sulfates and bisulfates, monoethanolamine, trimethylamine, isopropanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine.

The type of acidic pH-adjusting compound is not limited, and any acidic pH-adjusting compound known in the art may be used alone or in combination. Specific examples of acidic pH-adjusting compounds are inorganic acids and polycarboxylic acids. Non-limiting examples of inorganic acids are hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid. Non-limiting examples of polycarboxylic acids are citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid.

antioxidants

The composition may optionally include an antioxidant to improve skin condition and improve product stability by removing free radicals. Some non-limiting examples of antioxidants include retinol and retinol derivatives, ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives, BHA, BHT, beta-carotene, cysteine, isoascorbic acid, hydroquinone, tocopherol and tocopherol derivatives, and the like.

If included, the antioxidant is preferably present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 2 weight percent, from about 0.01 to about 1 weight percent, and from about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent.

spices

The composition may optionally contain a fragrance. Examples of possible fragrances include, but are not limited to, natural oils or naturally derived materials, and synthetic fragrances such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, lactones, ethers, nitriles, and multifunctional fragrances. Non-limiting examples of natural oils include the following: basil (Ocimum basilicum) oil, bay laurel (Pimentoacris) oil, lemon balm (Monarda didyma) oil, bergamot (Citrus aurantiumbergamia) oil, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) oil, cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) oil, chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) oil, cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) oil, citronella (Cymbopogonnardus) oil, sage (Lavender (Salvia sclarea)) oil, clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) oil, clover (Eufenia caryophyllus) oil, sedge oil (Cyperus esculentus oil), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) oil, lemon eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) oil. Citriodora oil, geranium oil (geranium maculatum oil), ginger (Zingiber officinale) oil, grapefruit (Citrus grandis) oil, hazelnut (Corylus avellana) kernel oil, jasmine (Jasminum officinale) oil, juniper oil (Juniperus communis oil), juniper tar (Juniperus oxycedrus tar), pencil tar (Juniperus virginiana oil), kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) water, lavender (Lavandula hybrida) oil, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) water, lemon (Citrus medica limonum) oil, lemongrass (Citrus citron) oil Cymbopogon schoenanthus) oil, lime (Citrus aurantifolia) oil, linden (Tilia cordata) oil, linden (Tilia cordata) water, mandarin (Citrus nobilis) oil, nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) oil, orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) flower oil, orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) oil, orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) water, patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) oil, peppermint (Menthe piperita) oil, peppermint (Menthe piperita) water, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil, rose (Rosa damascena) extract, rose (Rosa multiflora) extract, rosewood (rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)) extract, sage (Salvia officinalis) oil, sandalwood (Santalum album) oil, spearmint (Menthe viridis) oil, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil, and ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) oil. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic hydrocarbon fragrances include caryophyllene, β-farnesene, limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic alcohol fragrances include santalum 208 (bacdanol), citronellol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol, and α-terpineol (R＝H). Some non-limiting examples of synthetic aldehyde fragrances include 2-methylundecanal, citral, hexylcinnamaldehyde, isocitral, lilyral, and 10-undecenal. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic ketone fragrances include cashmeran ketone, α-ionone, isocyclemone E, koavone, musk ketone, and tuna. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic ester fragrances include benzyl acetate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (cis and trans), cedryl acetate, cyclacet, isobornyl acetate, and α-terpinyl acetate (R = acetyl). Some non-limiting examples of synthetic lactone fragrances include coumarin, jasmine lactone, muskalactone, and peach aldehyde. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic ether fragrances include ambroxan, anther, and galaxol. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic nitrile fragrances include cinnamonitrile and gernonitrile. Finally, some non-limiting examples of synthetic multifunctional fragrances include amyl salicylate, isoeugenol, hedione, heliotropein, lyral, and vanillin.

The composition may include a mixture of fragrances, including mixtures of natural and synthetic fragrances. The fragrance may be present in the composition in an amount up to about 5 wt%, preferably 0-3 wt%, about 0-1 wt%, and about 0-0.2 wt%.

dye

The composition may optionally contain a dye. Examples of dyes include any water-soluble or product-soluble dye, any FD&C or D&C approved dye.

Preparation method of composition

The compositions of the present invention are readily produced by any of a number of techniques known in the art. Conveniently, a portion of the water is supplied to a suitable mixing vessel further equipped with a stirrer or agitator and, while stirring, the remaining ingredients are added to the mixing vessel, including any final amount of water required to provide 100 wt% of the composition of the present invention.

The composition may be packaged in any suitable container, particularly a flask or bottle, including squeeze or pump bottles, and bottles equipped with a spray device (e.g., a trigger spray) for dispensing the composition by spraying. The selected packaging may have a pump-head foamer. Examples of commercially available pump-head foamers include the F2 foamer available from Rexam PLC (London, England, formerly Airspray), and the RE-17 Palm foamer available from Rieke Corporation (Auburn, Indiana).

Thus, the composition is desirably provided as a concentrate or ready-to-use product in manual or automatic dispensing equipment.

The compositions can be provided in a variety of package sizes. Examples of package sizes include 1.5 oz, 500 ml and 1 L bottles.

The compositions of the present invention are intended for use in the described liquid form type, but nothing in this specification should be construed as limiting the use of the compositions of the present invention with further amounts of water to form a solution. Conversely, nothing in this specification should also be construed as limiting the formation of "super-concentrated" compositions based on the compositions described above. Such super-concentrated compositions are essentially the same as the compositions described above, except that they include a smaller amount of water.

Method of using the composition

The present invention includes compositions and methods for reducing microbial flora on the skin, as well as methods for treating skin disorders. These compositions and methods can be performed by contacting the body with the compositions of the present invention. Contacting can include applying the compositions of the present invention, such as spraying the compositions, impregnating the skin with the compositions, treating the skin with the compositions in any of a number of ways, or a combination thereof. The compositions and methods can be used without further dilution with water or other suitable diluents, or they can be supplied as concentrated compositions. Concentrated compositions can be diluted prior to packaging or before/at the point of use. Concentrated compositions can be diluted at a concentrate:diluent ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:10. More preferably, the concentrate can be diluted at a concentrate:diluent ratio of about 1:3 to about 1:8. Concentrated compositions can be diluted manually or by automated dispensing and/or dilution equipment.

The compositions of the present invention may be combined with treated or untreated water. For example, the compositions may be combined with aerated, chlorinated, desalinated, disinfected, reverse osmosis (RO), and/or filtered water. The compositions may also be combined with water sources containing mineral ions (such as, but not limited to, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, bicarbonate, phosphate, silicate, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, bromide, hydroxide, nitrate, nitrite, and the like). Additionally, the concentrated composition may be diluted prior to/at the point of use with water pretreated with a coagulant and/or flocculant.

The compositions of the present invention may be included in any skin application product, such as disinfectants, deodorants, antiperspirants, fungicides, germicides, virucides, sewage hand sanitizers, pre- or post-operative disinfectants, and pre-operative skin preparations.

Embodiments of the present invention

The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention have broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, high foaming and reduced irritation to mammalian tissue. Exemplary compositions are provided in the table below.

Table A - Antimicrobial compositions with improved foam stability (expressed in wt %)

Antimicrobial skin cleanser

Table 2 - Exemplary compositions of antimicrobial skin washes (expressed in weight percent)

Table 3 - Exemplary compositions of skin cleansers (expressed in weight ratios)

Table 4 - Exemplary compositions of skin cleansers (expressed in weight ratios)

Table 5 - Example compositions of preoperative disinfectant solutions (expressed in weight percentage)

Table 6 - Example compositions of preoperative disinfectant solutions (expressed in weight ratios)

Example

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples, which are intended to be illustrative only, as many modifications and variations within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis, and all reagents used in the examples are obtained or can be obtained from the chemical suppliers described below, or can be synthesized by conventional techniques.

The materials used in the described embodiments include, but are not limited to, stearyldimonium chloride-hydroxypropyl lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside hydroxypropyl-trimonium chloride, lauryl glucoside hydroxypropyl-trimonium chloride, poly(lauryldimonium chloride-hydroxypropyl decyl glucoside), poly(stearyldimonium chloride-hydroxypropyl decyl glucoside), poly(stearyldimonium chloride-hydroxypropyl lauryl glucoside), poly(trimonium chloride-hydroxypropyl coco-glucoside).

The following methods were used in the preparation and testing of the examples:

Antimicrobial and antimicrobial efficacy:

(a) Determination of Time Kill Activity: The activity of an antimicrobial composition is measured by the time kill method [ASTM E 2315 Standard Guide for Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity Using a Time Kill Procedure], in which the survival of a challenge organism exposed to an antimicrobial test composition is prevented as a function of time. In this test, a diluted aliquot of the composition is exposed to a known test bacterial population at a specific temperature for a specific period of time. At the end of the period, the test composition is neutralized, which inhibits the antimicrobial activity of the composition. The percent or log reduction is calculated from the initial bacterial population. In general, time kill methods are known to those skilled in the art. In addition, comparative data on the foam characteristics of representative systems are shown.

(b) The composition can be tested at any concentration from 0 to 100%. The choice of which concentration to use is at the discretion of the researcher, and appropriate concentrations are readily determined by one skilled in the art. If all tests are performed in triplicate, the results are combined and the average log reduction reported.

(c) The choice of contact time period is also at the discretion of the researcher. Any contact time may be selected. Typical contact times range from 15 seconds to 5 minutes, with 30 seconds and 1 minute being typical contact times. The contact temperature may also be any temperature, typically room temperature or approximately 25°C.

(d) Prepare a microbial suspension or test inoculum by growing a microbial culture on any suitable solid medium (e.g., agar). The microbial colony is then washed from the agar with sterile saline and the suspension of the microbial colony is adjusted to about ¹⁰⁸ colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/ml).

(e) The following table lists the test microbial cultures used in the following tests and includes the bacterial name, ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) identification number, and the abbreviation of the organism name used below.

Name of organic matter ATCC# abbreviation S. aureusylococcus 6538 S. aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) Escherichia coli 112229 E. coli

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium, while Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium.

The log reduction was calculated using the following formula.

Log reduction = log ₁₀ (number of control group) - log ₁₀ (number of sample survivors).

Foam height measurement

The foam height was determined using the following procedure:

1. Prepare a 1% solution of the product in 5 grains of water.

2. Pour 150 ml of the solution into the blender.

3. Mix on medium speed for 10 seconds.

4. Pour into a 1000 mL beaker and measure the foam height.

5. Measure the foam height at 3 and 5 minutes.

Foam stability determination

Foam stability was determined 5 minutes after pouring a 1% solution into a 1000 mL beaker by utilizing the difference between the foam/air interface and the foam/water interface.

In vitro irritation assay

In vitro irritation was assessed using an external testing device, using the "EpiDerm MTT ET-50 Protocol (EPI-200)" from Matek Corporation.

The test consists of topical exposure of pure test chemicals to a reconstituted human skin (RhE) model, followed by a cell viability assay. Cell viability is measured by conversion of MTT ((3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) dehydrogenase present within the mitochondria to a blue formazan salt, which is quantified after extraction from the tissue. A decrease in viability in chemically exposed tissue compared to a negative control (water-treated) is used to predict skin irritation potential.

Skin tissue is conditioned by incubating overnight to release transport-stress-related compounds and residues. After pre-incubation, the tissue is topically exposed to the test chemical for 60 minutes. Preferably, three tissues are used for each test chemical (TC) and for the positive control (PC) and negative control (NC). The tissue is then thoroughly rinsed, blotted dry with blotting paper to remove the test substance, and transferred to fresh medium. The tissue is cultured for 42 hours. Afterwards, after a 3-hour MTT incubation, an MTT assay is performed by transferring the tissue to a 24-well plate containing MTT medium (1 mg/mL). The blue formazan salt formed by the cell mitochondria is extracted with 2.0 mL of isopropanol/tissue, and the optical density of the extracted formazan is measured at 570 nm using a spectrophotometer. For each tissue, the relative cell viability is calculated as a percentage of the average negative control tissue. If the remaining relative cell viability is less than 50%, the skin irritation potential of the test material is expected.

Determination of anti-foaming properties

Anti-foaming properties are measured by adding 65g of the test product to a blender and blending at medium speed for approximately 10 seconds. The test solution is then poured into a cylinder and a plastic ball is dropped into the test solution. The time is measured to determine how many seconds it takes for the ball to drop from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position, for example, from the 100mL mark on the cylinder to the 40mL mark on the cylinder.

Example 1

The following graph shows the efficacy data of the antimicrobial compositions of the present invention using various cationic active ingredients, quaternary sugar-derived surfactants and optional foam boosting surfactants,

Table 7 and Figure 1 (Log Kill of Cationic Actives): The figure below shows the efficacy of three different cationic actives (specifically, 0.5% Quat (benzalkonium chloride), 2% CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate), and 1% PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide)) in a representative surfactant system after a 30 second exposure.

Table 7 shows the formulations of the three cationic active ingredient systems tested. Both the quaternary sugar-derived surfactant and the foam boosting surfactant were kept constant, and only the cationic active ingredient was varied between the three trials conducted. The results are shown in Figure 1.

Table 7

As shown in FIG1 , all three cationic active ingredients had killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria within an exposure time of 30 seconds.

Table 8 and Figure 2 (Log Kill of Quaternary Sugar-Derived Surfactants): Applicants next tested the efficacy of increasing concentrations of quaternary sugar-derived surfactants (specifically, poly(trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl cocopolyglycoside)) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The amount and type of cationic active ingredient (0.5% ADBAC Quat) and foam-boosting surfactant (1.95% alkyldimethylamine oxide) were kept constant. Table 8 below shows the quantitative results of this test, and Figure 2 shows the graphical results.

Table 8

As shown in Table 8 and Figure 2, the quaternary sugar-derived surfactants had high killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after only 30 seconds of exposure. In addition, the tolerance of the quaternary sugar-derived surfactants to bacteria was demonstrated. Furthermore, it was clearly shown that increasing the concentration of the quaternary sugar-derived surfactant maintained good logarithmic killing of bacteria until the ratio of quaternary sugar-derived surfactant to cationic active ingredient was 1 to 4.

Table 9 and Figure 3 (Log Kill of Foam Boosting Surfactants): Table 15 and Figure 3 show the efficacy of increasing the concentration of foam boosting surfactants (specifically, amine oxides). The amount and type of cationic active ingredient (0.5% ADBAC Quat) and quaternary sugar-derived surfactant (1.25% polytrimonium chloride hydroxypropyl cocopolyglycoside) were kept constant. Table 9 below shows the quantitative results of this test and Figure 3 shows the graphical results.

Table 9

As shown in Table 9 and Figure 3, the foam-boosting surfactants had high killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after only 30 seconds of exposure. In addition, the tolerance of the foam-boosting surfactants to bacteria was demonstrated. Furthermore, it was clearly shown that a wide range of foam-boosting surfactants maintained good bacterial log kill.

FIG4 (Mildness Index of Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser Embodiments): Applicants tested the skin irritation (mildness) of the preferred embodiments of the antimicrobial skin cleanser shown in Table 12 against four commercially available antimicrobial soaps. Commercially available products A, C, and D are available from Gojo Medicated, Akron, Ohio, and commercially available product B is available from Dial, a subsidiary of Henkel Corporation, Dusseldorf, Germany. As shown in FIG4 , the antimicrobial skin cleanser of the present invention has a high relative mildness index, particularly when compared to commercially available antimicrobial hand soaps.

FIG5 (Foam characteristics of an embodiment of an antimicrobial skin cleanser): Applicants tested the foam characteristics of a preferred embodiment of the antimicrobial skin cleanser shown in Table 12 against three commercially available antimicrobial soaps. As shown in FIG6 , the antimicrobial skin cleanser of the present invention has both good foam volume and foam stability, particularly when compared to commercially available antimicrobial hand soaps.

Table 10 and Figure 6 (Efficacy of Cationic Actives in Combination with Quaternary Sugar Derived Surfactants and Alkyl Dimethylamine Oxide): Applicants tested the efficacy of various quaternary sugar-derived surfactants held constant at 1.25% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The amount and type of cationic active (0.5% ADBAC Quat) and foam boosting surfactant (1.95% alkyl dimethylamine oxide) were held constant.

Table 10

As shown in Table 10, high log kill was maintained against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli bacteria for both quaternized sugar-derived surfactants and polyquaternized sugar-derived surfactants. The chain length of the sugar quaternary surfactants can be varied and still maintain high efficacy. The graphical results of this test are shown in Figure 6.

Table 11 and Figure 7 (Comparative Foam Hardness): Applicants tested the foam hardness of the embodiments of the present invention shown in Table 11 below for use in skin applications compared to two commercially available products (Commercial Products E and F). Commercial Products E and F are conventional anionic surfactant base skin washes containing a cationic active ingredient. Commercial Product E is commercially available from Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Commercial Product F is commercially available from Deb Group Limited, United Kingdom, England. The results of the foam hardness test are shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the foam hardness of the skin wash of the present invention is greater than that of the commercially available cationic active skin washes having a conventional anionic surfactant base.

The foam hardness formula of the present invention (pH 5.5-7.5):

Table 11

Components wt% water 91.7 Cationic active ingredients (quaternary ammonium compounds) 0.5 Quaternized sugar-derived surfactants 0.7 Foam-boosting surfactants 4.1 Skin aids 3.0

Table 12 (Antimicrobial efficacy of skin cleansers of the present invention):

Applicants tested the efficacy of the skin cleansers of the present invention by measuring the log reduction of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after a 30 second exposure.

Skin cleansing agent of the present invention (pH 5.5-7.5)

Table 12

Components wt% range water 7.5-99.3 Cationic active ingredients (quaternary ammonium compounds) 0.3-5 Quaternized sugar-derived surfactants 0.05-7.5 Foam-boosting surfactants 0.2-5 Skin aids 0.1-7

Table 13 (Antimicrobial Efficacy of Pre-Surgical Disinfectants of the Invention): Applicants tested the efficacy of the pre-surgical disinfectants of the present invention by measuring the log reduction of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after a 30 second exposure.

Preoperative disinfectant of the present invention (pH 5.5-7.5):

Table 13

Components wt% range water 56-97.8 Cationic active ingredients (quaternary ammonium compounds) 1-6 Quaternized sugar-derived surfactants 0.2-8 Foam-boosting surfactants 0.5-10 Skin aids 0.5-20

Example 2

Mackernium 007S-DADMAC/Acrylamide Copolymer (Rhodia)

Uniquat QAC50 – benzalkonium chloride (Lonza)

Dissolvine 100S – EDTA sodium salt (Akzo Nobel)

Bar lox 12-N-alkyl (C12-16) dimethylamine oxide (Lonza)

Cola Lipid C – Cocamidopropyl PG dimonium chlorophosphate (Colonial Chemical)

PolySugaQuat TM8610P–Polyquaternium 77 (Colonial Chemical)

Glucam E20–Methyl Gluceth 20 (Lubrizol)

Cetiol HE-PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (Cognis)

Ritasol SP 1005-PEG-12 Dimethicone (Rita Corporation)

Hest G-18-O-Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate (Global Seven)

Kathon CG–Methylisothiazolinone (DOW Chemical)

Table 14

Example #1 Example #2 USP water 74.4 73.7 Acrylamide/DADMAC copolymer 0.6 0.59 Benzalkonium chloride, 50% 2.5 2.4 Tetrasodium EDTA, 40% 0 0.99 Lauryl dimethylamine oxide, 30% 21.8 21.6 lactic acid 0.69 0.69 total 100 100

Table 15

All samples were prepared using 20% solutions of Examples 1-5 (Tables 14-16) diluted in deionized water or water of 10 grain hardness as indicated. The samples were then adjusted to the appropriate pH using lactic acid.

The results are shown in Tables 16 and 17. The results of Table 17 are graphically depicted in Figure 8.

Tables 16 and 17

As can be seen from Table 16, the addition of a chelating agent in Example 2 allows for the same antimicrobial activity in hard water.

As can be seen from Table 17, the ready-to-use composition of the present invention exhibits stable antimicrobial activity at various pH differences.

Comparison of the chelating agents iminodisuccinic acid (IDS) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at pH 6.4

The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention are prepared using the same components except for the two different chelating agents indicated in Table 18 below.

Table 18

The results are shown in Table 19.

Table 19

*No detectable reduction

The test results showed that chelators with high stability constants for Ca2 ⁺ and Mg2 ⁺ improved antimicrobial efficacy.

Log stability constant for IDS

Ca ²⁺ = 5.2

Log stability constant for EDTA

Ca ²⁺ = 10.7

Additional exemplary formulations

The above samples were prepared and tested as described in Examples 1 and 2.

The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention have several practical end uses, including handwashing cleansers, pre-operative disinfectants, hand sanitizer gels, and similar personal care products. Additional types of compositions include foaming compositions, such as creams, mousses, and the like. The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can be prepared as ready-to-use compositions for dilution or as concentrates that are diluted prior to or at the point of use. Dilution can be performed manually or with the aid of automated dispensing and/or dilution equipment.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention hereinbefore set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and therefore, such limitations should be imposed only by the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. An antimicrobial skin concentrate comprising: (a) 0.1-10.0 wt% of cationic active ingredients; (b) 0.1-40.0 wt% foam-promoting surfactants; (c) 0.05-18 wt% of foam-promoting copolymers; (d) 0.1-10 wt% of foam-stabilizing straight-chain or branched _C5-12 diols having the following structures: Where _{R1 = H, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, C(CH3)3, CH(CH3)2 or a combination thereof , and R2 is a straight} -chain or branched _C1 - _C9 alkyl chain. (e) Aminocarboxylate chelating agents that can form calcium-chelating agent complexes with a stability constant greater than or equal to 5.5 expressed logarithmically. (f) Water, and (g) 0.1-18 wt% of quaternary sugar-derived surfactants selected from quaternary alkyl polyglycosides and polyquaternary alkyl polyglycosides; The concentrate contains less than 0.5 wt% of anionic surfactant, triclosan, and _C1-4 alcohol. 2. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate comprises 0.1-5.0 wt% of at least one cationic active ingredient. 3. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the cationic active ingredient is selected from salts of biguanides, substituted biguanides, organic salts containing quaternary ammonium compounds or inorganic salts containing quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine gluconate, and organic salts of chlorhexidine gluconate. 4. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial skin concentrate comprises 1-25 wt% of a foam-promoting surfactant. 5. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the foam-promoting surfactant comprises alkylamine oxides, alkyl ether amine oxides, and polyethoxylated glycerides, or combinations thereof. 6. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the foam-promoting surfactant comprises alkylamine oxide or alkyl ether amine oxide. 7. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the foam-promoting copolymer is a dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-acrylamide copolymer comprising the following structure: Wherein, _R1 and _R2 are independently hydrogen or _C1 - _C4 alkyl; _R3 and _R4 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, carboxylalkyl, carboxamide alkyl or alkoxyalkyl, having 1-18 carbon atoms; and ^Y- is selected from chloride counterions. 8. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 7, wherein the molecular weight of the dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-acrylamide copolymer is from 500,000 to 5,000,000 g/mol. 9. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the foam-stabilizing linear or branched _C5-12 diol is hexanediol. 10. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the chelating agent is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, and their alkali metal and/or ammonium salts. 11. The antimicrobial skin concentrate of claim 1, wherein the concentrate is diluted to form a solution before or at the point of use, wherein the ratio of the concentrate to water is 1:1 to 1:10. 12. A method for reducing bacterial, fungal, or viral colonies on mammalian skin tissue for non-therapeutic purposes, comprising the steps of: Expose mammalian skin tissue to the antimicrobial skin concentrate of any one of claims 1-11 for a sufficient period of time to provide a significant reduction in bacterial, fungal, or viral communities. 13. The method of claim 12 for non-therapeutic purposes, wherein the sufficient time is 1-60 seconds. 14. The method of claim 12 for non-therapeutic purposes, wherein the skin concentrate is rinsed off the skin tissue after contact, or the skin concentrate is left on the skin tissue after contact. 15. The method of claim 12 for non-therapeutic purposes, wherein the skin concentrate is diluted with water to form a working solution in which the concentrate to water ratio is 1:1 to 1:10. 16. An antimicrobial application solution comprising the antimicrobial skin concentrate of any one of claims 1-11. 17. The antimicrobial solution of claim 16, wherein the solution comprises 100 ppm to 50,000 ppm of at least one cationic component selected from the group consisting of: a salt of biguanide, a substituted biguanide, an organic salt containing a quaternary ammonium compound or an inorganic salt containing a quaternary ammonium compound, chlorhexidine gluconate, and an organic salt of chlorhexidine gluconate. 18. The antimicrobial solution of claim 16, wherein the foam-promoting surfactant comprises alkylamine oxides, alkyl ether amine oxides, polyethoxylated glycerol esters, or combinations thereof. 19. The antimicrobial application solution of claim 16, wherein the application solution contains 50 ppm to 50,000 ppm of a foam-promoting surfactant. 20. The antimicrobial solution of claim 16, wherein the foam-promoting copolymer is a dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-acrylamide copolymer comprising the following structure: Wherein, _R1 and _R2 are independently hydrogen or _C1 - _C4 alkyl; _R3 and _R4 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, carboxylalkyl, carboxamide alkyl or alkoxyalkyl, having 1-18 carbon atoms; and ^Y- is selected from chloride counterions. 21. The antimicrobial solution of claim 20, wherein the dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-acrylamide copolymer has a molecular weight of 500,000 to 5,000,000 g/mol. 22. The antimicrobial solution of claim 16, wherein the foam-stabilizing linear or branched _C5-12 diol is hexanediol. 23. The antimicrobial solution of claim 16, wherein the chelating agent is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, and their alkali metal and/or ammonium salts. 24. The antimicrobial solution of claim 23, wherein the chelating agent is present in an amount of 10 ppm to 20,000 ppm. 25. A method for reducing bacterial, fungal, or viral communities on mammalian skin tissue for non-therapeutic purposes, comprising the steps of: Expose mammalian skin tissue to the antimicrobial solution of any one of claims 16-24 for a sufficient period of time to provide a significant reduction in bacterial, fungal, or viral communities. 26. The method of claim 25 for non-therapeutic purposes, wherein the sufficient time is 1-60 seconds. 27. The method of claim 25 for non-therapeutic purposes, wherein the antimicrobial application solution is rinsed off the skin tissue after contact, or the antimicrobial application solution is left on the skin tissue after contact.