Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Solid synthetic organic polymer as designated organic active...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-01
2001-08-07
Dodson, Shelley A. (Department: 1616)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Solid synthetic organic polymer as designated organic active...
C424S076100, C424S405000, C424S486000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270754
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to hard surface cleaners that are especially effective in household applications and particularly to an antimicrobial cleaning composition that exhibits exceptional and sustained germicidal activity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of quaternary ammonium compounds as an antibacterial agent is well known in the art. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,746,928, 3,344,018, 3,719,711, and JP 01/46081. For instance, quaternary ammonium compounds have been incorporated into polymer and liquid compositions to protect the compositions themselves from microbial attack. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,471,423, 5,028,619 and 5,399,343. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,343 discloses a nail lacquer composition, including a film forming polymer, in which the improvement comprises the inclusion of a carboxyl cellulose neutralized with an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound. This patent teaches that the polymer/quaternary ammonium compound complex be present in an amount no higher than 5% by weight of the solids in the composition. Furthermore, quaternary ammonium compounds have also been employed as an additive in a variety of household products including detergents. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,093,591, 3,560,390, 4,272,395 and 4,576,729. U.S. Pat. 4,476,251 discloses disposable polyurethane a wiping pad which apparently releases quaternary ammonium compounds that impart antibacterial activity.
Prior art antimicrobial products tend to exhibit rather weak germicidal activities. Endeavors to produce products demonstrating sustained activities include the use of polymer compositions which form purportedly abrasion resistant films containing biocides. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,793,275, 4,883,838, 4,908,381, 5,061,485, and 5,108,740. It is believed that these compositions are deficient in at least two respects. First, while the film may be wear-resistant, it rarely provides the desired antimicrobial activity. Second, the film may be difficult to remove thereby creating unsightly build-up problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the discovery of a novel antibacterial cleaning composition which exhibits exceptional germicidal activity for sustained periods of time.
In one aspect, the invention is directed to an antibacterial cleaning composition that includes:
(a) a quaternary ammonium compound;
(b) an anionic polymer having an acid number greater than 10 wherein the anionic polymer is partially or completely neutralized by the quaternary ammonium compound to form a polymer complex and wherein the polymer complex is greater than about 15% by weight of the solids in the composition;
(c) a dispersing agent that is selected from the group consisting of a non-ionic polymer, a surfactant, a water-miscible solvent, and mixtures thereof;
(d) the balance, water.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of imparting antibacterial action on a surface that includes the steps of:
(a) applying the inventive antibacterial cleaning composition onto the surface; and
(b) allowing water and solvent, if present, to evaporate from the cleaning composition to form a layer of said polymer complex that is coated on the surface. The polymer complex will provide sustained germicidal activity for the surface. However, the polymer complex can be readily removed if desired by wiping and washing the surface with detergent to prevent build-up problems. Preferably, the polymer complex comprises about 0.75% to 20% of the solids in the cleaning composition.
In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a cellulose material comprising anionic groups and quaternary ammonium compounds that are complexed to said anionic groups.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention provides an antibacterial cleaning composition that forms a film on cleaned surfaces to prevent bacterial redeposition or recontamination. The cleaning composition is particularly suited for household hard surfaces especially in the bathroom and kitchen. However, it is understood that the cleaning composition can be applied on any surface or article such as fabrics. The aqueous formulation of the antibacterial cleaning composition generally comprises:
(a) a quaternary ammonium compound;
(b) an anionic polymer having an acid number greater than 10 wherein the anionic polymer is partially or completely neutralized by the quaternary ammonium compound to form a polymer complex and wherein the polymer complex is greater than about 15% by weight of the solids in the composition;
(c) a dispersing agent and/or a water-miscible solvent; and
(d) the balance, water.
In a preferred aqueous embodiment, the cleaning composition comprises approximately 0.05%-15% of an anionic polymer, 0.025%-8% of a quaternary ammonium compound, and a dispersing agent selected from (i) 0.02%-15% of a nonionic polymer, (ii) 1%-80% of a water miscible solvent, (iii) 0.05%-10% of a surfactant, or mixtures thereof, with the remainder, water. The anionic polymer preferably has an average molecular weight of about 2,000 to 1,000,000, and preferably an acid number larger than about 10. As used herein the term “acid number” retains its conventional meaning and is determined by the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required for the neutralization of the corresponding acids of the anionic groups present in one gram of the polymer.
In the cleaning composition, the anionic polymer is partially or completely neutralized by the quaternary ammonium compound to form a polymer complex. The cleaning composition is preferably prepared by mixing effective amounts of the anionic polymer and quaternary ammonium compound in water with agitation. The dispersing agent and/or water-miscible solvent is preferably added before the two main components all mixed together. As used herein of the term “dispersing agent” comprises any suitable agent which will cause the polymer complex to be stably distributed substantially homogeneously in the aqueous composition. Depending on the particular anionic polymers and quaternary ammonium compounds employed to synthesize the polymer complex, the presence of cross-linkers, and other variables, the polymer complex compositions may exist either as an emulsion, suspension, or solution. As used herein, the term “water-miscible solvent” or “solvent” refers to suitable organic solvents which can solubilize the polymer complex in the aqueous composition.
In use, the aqueous cleaning composition can be readily applied by conventional dispensing means. Preferably, the composition is sprayed or otherwise applied onto a surface to form an aqueous layer which develops into a polymer complex layer having sustained antimicrobial activity following evaporation of the water and solvent if present. Alternatively, the cleaning composition can be incorporated into a sponge or other suitable reusable article for applying the composition.
For ease of storage and transportation, water and solvent, if present, can be evaporated from the aqueous cleaning composition to form a gel of the polymer complex. The aqueous form can be reconstituted from the gel without any adverse effect on antibacterial action by dilution with water. Additional adjuncts in small amounts such as buffers, fragrance, dye and the like can be included to provide desirable attributes of such adjuncts.
In the specification, effective amounts are generally those amounts listed as the ranges or levels of ingredients in the descriptions which follow hereto. Unless otherwise stated, amounts listed in percentage (“%'s”) are in weight percent (based on 100% active) of the cleaning composition.
1. Anionic Polymer
The anionic polymer is derived from monomers having anionic groups attached thereto. Preferably the polymer has an average molecular weight of about 2,000 to 1,000,000, and preferably from about 5,000 to 150,000, an acid number larger than about 10 and preferably from about 60 to 700.
Preferred anionic polymers are selected from the group consisting of: (1) a homopolymer that is selected from vinyl sulfonate, acr
Ochomogo Maria
Zhou Boli
Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis L.L.P.
Dodson Shelley A.
The Clorox Company
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