HK40091974A - Solid composition for producing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and disinfectant solutions - Google Patents

Description

Solid compositions used to produce antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and bactericidal solutions.

Technical Field

This invention relates to a solid composition that can be added to an aqueous system to produce antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and bactericidal solutions.

Background Technology

Enzymes and enzyme systems are well-known natural antimicrobial agents. An example of such enzymes and enzyme systems is the naturally occurring peroxidase system, which possesses antimicrobial properties. However, peroxidases themselves do not have antimicrobial activity. A complete antimicrobial peroxidase system requires three components: a peroxidase catalyst, hydrogen peroxide, and an oxidizable substrate such as a negatively charged halogen or pseudohalogen. The peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of the (pseudo)halogen produces a reaction agent that oxidizes microorganisms, destroying essential structural and functional components of the microorganisms, thereby inhibiting their metabolism and growth.

Different peroxidases preferentially oxidize different halogens or (pseudo)halogens, producing different antimicrobial species. For example, myeloperoxidase (MPO) in neutrophils uses chloride as a substrate and forms hypochlorous acid as the main product. Lactoperoxidase (LPO) in dairy products and salivary peroxidase (SPO) in saliva readily oxidize thiocyanate (SCN-) to produce hypothiocyanate or its conjugate base hypothiocyanate (OSCN-), the latter being the main component in most physiological solutions. Iodide (I-) can also be oxidized by MPO, LPO, and SPO, and in vitro, iodide is the most readily oxidized of all halides.

These peroxidase systems (and those derived from plants) are well known in the art and are ideal for producing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and bactericidal solutions. However, the use of these peroxidase systems is often limited by the chemical stability of the chemicals involved and is generally not suitable for long-term storage. These peroxidase-based products typically encounter the following problems:

Short shelf life

Solutions containing active substances have short half-lives.

Difficult to prepare

• The product requires a coagulant (usually a metal salt) to stabilize and/or separate suspended solids in the water. These coagulants (e.g., aluminum-based coagulants) are highly undesirable if the product is intended for food contact. • The production cost of these products is typically very high.

The present invention was designed for the reasons mentioned above.

Summary of the Invention

This invention provides a solid composition comprising:

(a) Fixed or non-fixed peroxidase catalyst;

(b) Oxidizable substrates selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives;

(c) at least one oxidizing agent;

(d) Optionally, at least one inert filler; and

(e) Optional, buffer system.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising:

A first solid composition comprising:

(a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst;

(b) Oxidizable substrates selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives, and

(c) Optionally, at least one inert filler;

(d) Optionally, the buffer system, and

The second solid composition comprises:

(a) at least one oxidizing agent, and

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising:

A first solid composition comprising:

(a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst;

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler,

The second solid composition comprises:

(c) Oxidizable substrates selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives;

(d) Optionally, at least one inert filler.

(e) Optionally, the buffer system, and

The third solid composition comprises:

(a) at least one oxidizing agent, and

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler.

In another aspect of the invention, an aqueous system is provided comprising the solid composition described herein and water. In a further aspect of the invention, the aqueous system is used as an antibacterial solution, a bactericide, an antifungal, and an antiviral solution. The aqueous system can be used in methods for cleaning, washing, and sterilizing materials, including surfaces.

The aqueous system can be used to prepare solutions for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Furthermore, the aqueous system can be sprayed into the air and onto various surfaces to kill pathogens. For example, the aqueous solution can be sprayed in enclosed spaces or defined open areas, such as hospital wards, waiting areas, clinical environments, and the interior of aircraft or storage areas for perishable goods, to kill airborne and surface pathogens.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for disinfecting water, comprising the following steps:

(i) Add the solid composition described herein to the water to be disinfected, or

(ii) Using the kit described herein, wherein the first solid composition and the second solid composition are added to the water to be disinfected, or

(iii) Add the aqueous system to the water to be disinfected.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing antibacterial solutions, bactericidal, antifungal, and antiviral solutions, comprising the following steps:

(i) Adding the solid composition described herein to water, or

(ii) Using the kit described herein, wherein the first solid composition and the second solid composition are added to water,

Optionally, other anti-infective agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents, preservatives, or bactericides may also be added.

This invention includes combinations of the aspects and preferred features described above, unless such combinations are obviously impossible or explicitly avoided.

Detailed Implementation

Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a 5-liter scale-up experiment, illustrating the amount of hypothiocyanate ions present during 120 hours of storage.

Figure 2 shows the amount of hypothiocyanate ions present during 24 hours of storage under conditions using calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate.

Figure 3 shows the amount of hypothiocyanate ions present under the condition of using calcium peroxide (citric acid buffer: trisodium citrate buffer solution) relative to the use of calcium peroxide (unbuffered) and sodium percarbonate (unbuffered) during 24 hours of storage.

Figure 4 shows the change in ppm during the last 15 minutes of the mixing reaction process (after the addition of calcium peroxide/sodium percarbonate).

Figure 5 shows the pH changes during the mixing process.

The composition according to the invention is in solid form. Therefore, in this document, the individual components forming the composition refer to solids and preferably dry ones.

In this paper, peroxidases are enzyme catalysts that are widely distributed free enzymes in nature. Their main function is to catalyze oxidation reactions while consuming oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide. An electron donor (reducing agent) is usually required for the oxidation reaction to proceed.

Peroxidases that can be used in this invention include plant-derived peroxidases, including but not limited to ascorbate peroxidase and thiol-based peroxidases. Peroxidases can also be of animal or human origin, including but not limited to lactoperoxidase, thyroid peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, and urea peroxidase.

Peroxidases present in hydrogen peroxide and peroxidases present in halides or thiocyanates can act as electron donors to produce products with a variety of different antibacterial properties. Peroxidases can vary based on the specific halides or thiocyanates they react with. For example, myeloperoxidase uses Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, or SCN⁻ as electron donors and oxidizes them to form antibacterial hypohalides or hypothiocyanates. Lactoperoxidase catalyzes the oxidation of Br⁻, I⁻, or SCN⁻ to produce antibacterial products, but does not catalyze the oxidation of Cl⁻. Horseradish peroxidase uses only I⁻ as an electron donor to produce I₂, HIO, and IO.

The preferred peroxidase to use is lactoperoxidase.

The enzyme can be fixed or non-fixed. The term "fixed" means that the enzyme is attached to an inert, insoluble material (e.g., calcium alginate). This allows for increased tolerance to changes in conditions such as pH or temperature. The term "non-fixed" means that the enzyme is free.

The solid composition contains an oxidizable substrate. This substrate can be selected based on the peroxidase used. Those skilled in the art will recognize peroxidase systems and understand that if lactoperoxidase is selected, the oxidizable substrate will be thiocyanate ions or iodide ions (or a mixture thereof). In another example, if myeloperoxidase is used, then thiocyanate ions, iodide ions, or chloride ions (or a mixture thereof) are required.

The substrates for oxidizable compounds are selected from negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or pseudohalogens and their derivatives. The term "negatively charged halogen" refers to chlorides and iodides. Although bromides can be used, they are not preferred. Pseudohalogens are polyatomic analogs of halogens that have chemical properties similar to true halogens and can substitute for halogens in several types of chemical compounds. Pseudohalogens appear in pseudohalogen molecules. Examples of pseudohalogens include hypothiocyanates, isothiocyanates, and thiocyanates. The term "derivative" refers to its salt.

Oxidizable substrates are selected from:

(i) Halogens, for example, chlorides, such as sodium chloride; iodides, such as potassium iodide and sodium iodide, or

(ii) pseudohalogen salts selected from: sodium thiocyanate, potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfite, sodium hyposulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, sodium hypochlorite.

Preferably, the oxidizable substrate is selected from sodium thiocyanate, potassium thiocyanate, and potassium iodide, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the oxidizable substrate may be encapsulated. Optionally, the oxidant may be encapsulated. Typical encapsulating agents that can be used include, but are not limited to, alginate, chitosan, carrageenan, gums (e.g., xanthan gum), and gelatin. Encapsulation techniques are well known in the art and are available to those skilled in the art.

According to the present invention, the oxidant is any chemical compound capable of producing hydrogen peroxide. For the purposes of this invention, it is preferred that the oxidant be in solid form. The oxidant may be selected from metal peroxides, such as calcium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, or sodium peroxide. The oxidant may also be selected from permanganates and percarbonates, such as sodium percarbonate.

Oxidizing agents can also be a combination of dextran and glucose oxidase. These oxidases produce hydrogen peroxide and the byproduct gluconolactone. The acidity produced by gluconolactone is advantageous in lowering its pH. The active agent produced under low pH conditions is considered to be hypothiocyanate and it is also considered to have stronger antibacterial activity than its derivatives. Under optimal pH 5.3, hypothiocyanate ions reach equilibrium with hypothiocyanate. Uncharged hypothiocyanate is considered to have better bactericidal activity of the two forms (Thomas EL, Pera KA, Smith KW, Chwang AK (February 1983). "Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans by the lactote oxidase antimicrobial system". Infect. Immun. 39(2):767–78. PMC 348016. PMID 6832819).

Preferably, the oxidant is selected from calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate. The applicant of this application has discovered that calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate, when dissolved in water, release 25% to 30% of reactive oxygen species (similar to the effectiveness of directly using hydrogen peroxide). It is noteworthy that both calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate can be used as food-grade ingredients.

According to the present invention, the solid composition may further include at least one inert filler selected from microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, dextran monohydrate, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, lactose powder, multifunctional starch, partially depolymerized cellulose, partially pregelatinized starch, high-performance starch, bentonite, and combinations thereof.

Inert fillers (or excipients) refer to inactive chemical substrates used to increase the volume of solid dosage forms containing one or more potent active ingredients. The applicant has found that increased moisture content in compositions containing oxidizable substrates such as thiocyanates can lead to coagulation. This can make the composition difficult to dissolve in water. Inert fillers can be used to overcome this problem. Furthermore, inert fillers are used because the filling accuracy of small-volume capsules and sachets is always not high.

Preferably, the inert filler is microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). This type of inert filler is very useful because it is both food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade. Furthermore, it absorbs moisture. Other similar types of inert fillers can also be used.

Optionally, the inert filler is silica. This type of inert filler is also useful for absorbing moisture, thus keeping the components of the solid composition drier and maintaining the stability of the compound.

In another aspect of the invention, there is no inert filler.

According to the present invention, the solid composition further includes a buffer system. A buffer is a solution capable of withstanding rapid changes in pH. This tolerance of the buffer is due to its composition of certain solute pairs, for example, a weak acid and a salt derived from the weak acid, or a weak base and a salt of the weak base. Buffers are well known in the art. The term "buffer system" refers to a solid buffer composition comprising, for example, an acid and a salt, such as a citrate and trisodium citrate. When this buffer system is added to water, the buffer system forms a buffer solution.

The types of salts that can be present in the buffer system include, but are not limited to, citrates, borates, carbonates, and phosphates. Salts of other organic acids may also be used, including but not limited to, acetic acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid.

Preferably, the buffer system causes the pH of the solid composition, after being prepared into a solution, to initially drop to below or equal to 6.5, and then raise the pH to above or equal to 7.5. A low pH is optimal for the initial formation of hypothiocyanate ions, while a higher pH subsequently stabilizes the formed hypothiocyanate ions. Adding/using a buffer to stabilize and control the pH results in a higher initial hypothiocyanate value and also stabilizes the hypothiocyanate in the solution for several hours.

Optionally, the buffer system may be selected from the following systems:

Citric acid: trisodium citrate

Calcium lactate: Citric acid

Anhydrous L(+)-sodium tartrate:citric acid

Calcium lactate: DL-maleic acid

L(+)-Sodium tartrate: Tartaric acid.

However, the buffering system is not limited to the systems listed above; other buffering systems can also be used.

In some instances, the amount of buffer system is between 0.5 g and 0.9 g. The amount of buffer system varies depending on the specific components selected and is matched to the desired final use of the product.

In some instances, if a buffering system is present, the composition also includes a hygroscopic, inert filler, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the buffering system to any moisture present. In some instances, the inert filler is silica.

In some instances, the solid composition does not contain a buffering system, and the buffering system or buffering agent may be added separately to an aqueous system containing the solid composition described herein.

Preferably, the solid composition does not contain:

(i) accelerators;

(ii) a thickener, preferably wherein the solid composition does not contain clay such as bentonite; and/or

(iii) Flocculants.

These types of components are known in the art to be used in peroxidase systems to support the reaction medium, but these components are subsequently separated and removed at the end of the reaction. Coagulants such as polyaluminum chloride are typically used. However, such metal-containing coagulants are undesirable when solutions containing them may come into contact with food or beverages. Furthermore, it is necessary to avoid metal contamination of water if/when discharging water into a wastewater system.

Typical coagulants that are avoided in this invention include aluminum or iron salts, including but not limited to aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, and polyhydroxyaluminum chloride.

Typical flocculants avoided in this invention include anionic or cationic polymeric flocculants, such as polysaccharides or polyacrylamide. The applicant has found that the use of flocculants (and thickeners) can lead to a reduction in active substances (e.g., hypothiocyanates).

While bentonite could potentially be used as an inert filler, typical thickeners are avoided in this invention. Preferably, thickeners such as clay, kaolin, silica, or silicates are not present in this invention. The applicant has found that thickeners such as bentonite often cause color deposition, which is undesirable when added to water, especially drinking water.

In a preferred aspect, the present invention includes:

(a) lactoperoxidase,

(b) Sodium thiocyanate and/or potassium thiocyanate and/or potassium iodide

(c) Calcium peroxide,

(d) Microcrystalline cellulose, and

(e) Buffer system.

The buffer system is the buffer system described herein. Preferably, the buffer system is a citric acid:trisodium citrate buffer system.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided comprising:

A first solid composition comprising:

(a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst;

(b) Oxidizable substrates selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives; and

(c) Optionally, at least one inert filler,

(d) Optionally, a buffer system; and

The second solid composition comprises:

(a) at least one oxidizing agent; and

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler.

The kit according to the present invention comprises:

A first solid composition comprising:

(a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst, the content of which is 5 wt% to 45 wt% of the weight of the first solid composition;

(b) an oxidizable substrate, comprising 5 wt% to 55 wt% of the weight of the first solid composition and selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives; and

(c) Optionally, at least one inert filler, in an amount of 0 wt% to 90 wt% of the first solid composition, and

The second solid composition comprises:

(a) at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the content is from 5 wt% to 100 wt% of the weight of the second solid composition, and

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler, in an amount of 0 wt% to 95 wt% of the weight of the second solid composition.

If the first solid composition contains a buffer system, the content of which is up to 40 wt% of the first solid composition, and the content of the inert filler is correspondingly reduced to up to 40 wt% of the first solid composition.

According to the present invention, a kit is provided comprising:

A first solid composition comprising:

(a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst;

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler,

The second solid composition comprises:

(c) Oxidizable substrates selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives, and

(d) Optionally, at least one inert filler, and

The third solid composition comprises:

(e) at least one oxidizing agent, and

(f) Optionally, at least one inert filler.

According to the present invention, a kit is provided comprising:

A first solid composition comprising:

(a) a peroxidase catalyst, comprising 3 wt% to 100 wt% of the weight of the first solid composition.

(b) Optionally, at least one inert filler, in an amount of 0 wt% to 97 wt% of the weight of the first solid composition.

The second solid composition comprises:

(c) An oxidizable substrate, comprising 3 wt% to 100 wt% of the weight of the second solid composition, selected from:

(i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or

(ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives, and

(d) Optionally, at least one inert filler, in an amount of 0 wt% to 97 wt% of the weight of the second solid composition, and

The third solid composition comprises:

(e) at least one oxidizing agent, in an amount of 3 wt% to 100 wt% of the weight of the third solid composition;

(f) Optionally, at least one inert filler, in an amount of 0 wt% to 97 wt% of the weight of the third solid composition.

If the second solid composition contains a buffer system, then the content of the buffer system is up to 40 wt% of the weight of the second solid composition, and correspondingly, the content of the inert filler is reduced to up to 57 wt% of the weight of the second solid composition.

The weight percentages of the components listed above are not intended to limit the invention and are included within the scope of the invention to provide examples. The content of each component in each composition may be varied based on the specific components selected and to match the desired end use of the product.

The kit provides a multi-container product, which allows multiple active ingredients to be stored to their maximum shelf life. Preferably, each of the first, second, and third (if present) compositions is packaged in a sachet, container, or capsule. Preferably, if the container is a bottle, it is made of plastic or glass. The capsules may be made of biodegradable materials. When the solid composition is a single formulation, it may also be packaged in a sachet, container, or capsule.

Solid compositions can exist in a single container. Specifically, if one or more of the multiple ingredients used are fixed or encapsulated, these ingredients can form part of the same solid composition. The use of individual sachets, containers, or capsules allows the active ingredients to be stored separately, thus increasing the shelf life of the solid composition. This also ensures that unwanted reactions do not occur between the individual agents.

The sachets, containers, or capsules may contain the first, second, and third solid compositions. When the kit contains individual sachets, preferably, the amount of each of the first, second, and third solid compositions is 0.2 g to 2.0 g (as this is ideal for pharmaceutical products). Preferably, the total weight of each of the single, two, or three sachets/capsules/containers in the kit is 0.6 g to 6.0 g. However, the amount of composition in each sachet, container, or capsule is not limited to this weight and may vary depending on the circumstances. Optionally, if a 2 g sachet is prepared and a buffer system is present, then the amount of the buffer system is 0.5 g to 0.9 g.

Preferably, the first, second and third solid compositions have a shelf life of more than two years (which is ideal for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and in most other industrial sectors).

To prepare an aqueous system (hereinafter also referred to as an aqueous solution), the user can simply add a single formulation of the solid composition to water or add multiple compositions (as described above) to water. If necessary, the aqueous solution containing the solid composition is stirred or shaken to dissolve the components and activate the reaction.

The water can be tap water, distilled water, deionized water, reverse osmosis water, or bottled water. The water can be stored in large containers such as storage tanks. There are no restrictions on the volume of water to be treated. As described herein, even continuous flow can be generated by controlling the addition of solid compositions to flowing water.

The amount of ingredient contained in a sachet, container, or capsule depends on the requirements of the aqueous system and the volume of water. However, smaller quantities of product are typically used for ease of handling and precise dosing (e.g., into sachets and capsules).

As described above, the first, second, and third solid compositions can be packaged in separate pouches or containers. When preparing an aqueous solution, the first solid composition is added to water, followed by the second solid composition, and then optionally the third composition (if present). The aqueous solution can then be mixed. The solution can be mixed for up to 30 minutes, for example, 25 minutes, 20 minutes, or 15 minutes. After mixing, the solution can be allowed to stand for 1 to 20 minutes before use. The inventors have discovered that allowing the aqueous solution to stand after mixing improves the stability of hypothiocyanate ions and the shelf life of the solution.

According to the present invention, the aqueous system is used as an antibacterial solution, a bactericidal solution, an antifungal solution, and an antiviral solution. The aqueous system can also be used for:

(i) Cleaning, washing and sterilizing materials, including surfaces;

(ii) Prepare solutions that are intended for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics;

(iii) Introduce into the air and apply to surfaces to kill pathogens;

(iv) It produces a fine spray or mist that is then inhaled by humans and/or animals.

Another object of the present invention is to use alone or in combination with other anti-infective agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents, or preservatives a portion of the solid compositions or aqueous systems described herein for the sterilization and disinfection of materials, surfaces, instruments, and medical devices. For example, the aqueous system can be used in operating rooms to sterilize surfaces or instruments therein.

Optionally, the aqueous solution of the present invention can be used for air treatment, such as air purification (passive) in aircraft cabins, atmospheric purification (active) and environmental cleaning.

The present invention also relates to the use of a portion of the solid compositions or aqueous systems of the present invention, either alone or in combination with other anti-infective agents, antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents, or preservatives, for the treatment of food or drinking water, landscaping water, and water for subsequent antimicrobial applications.

The present invention also relates to the use of the solid composition alone or in combination with other anti-infective agents, antibacterial agents, and antiviral agents for the removal of pathogens in agriculture, in the form of sprays or mists, in flower fields or crops, or in greenhouses or in storage facilities for perishable goods.

The present invention also relates to the use of the composition alone or in combination with other anti-infective agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents or preservatives, for use with cleaning agents or disinfectants.

The improved stability and shelf life of the prepared aqueous solution also make the product suitable for applications requiring large quantities of solution or where long-term stability of the aqueous solution containing active ingredients is needed. For example, the aqueous solution can be prepared in large quantities and used in water treatment plants in fields (which typically takes farmers several hours), allowing for the use of a continuous stream of aqueous solution to wash vegetables or spray water mist in the air of food warehouses.

This invention provides a method for disinfecting water, comprising the following steps:

(i) Add the solid composition described herein to the water to be disinfected, or

(ii) Using the kit described herein, wherein the first and second solid compositions are added to the water to be disinfected, or

(iii) Add the aqueous system described herein to the water to be disinfected.

This invention provides a method for preparing antibacterial solutions, bactericidal solutions, antifungal solutions, and antiviral solutions, comprising the following steps:

(i) Adding the solid composition described herein to water, or

(ii) Using the kit described herein, wherein the first, second, and optionally third solid compositions are added to water,

(iii) Optionally, other anti-infective agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents, preservatives and bactericides may also be added.

The target concentration of the active substance in the solution prepared according to the present invention is 50 ppm to 95 ppm. This is the most stable initial product level known and also a relatively strong reaction level in terms of antipathogenic activity, especially in solution. Below 25 ppm, there is almost no antipathogenic activity, and the killed pathogens can be quickly replaced by the growth of existing pathogens.

In the air, the target activity would be 25 ppm to 50 ppm, which appears to effectively reduce pathogens and is at a safe level for inhalation or skin contact with humans and animals.

The inventors of this invention have also discovered that the level of the active substance can be increased to 120 ppm, including the buffer (as shown in the examples and figures below).

Example

Preparation of reagent kit

The following reagent kit was prepared in this embodiment:

First container (total weight 0.5g): 0.2g LPO, 0.118g NaSCN, 0.182g microcrystalline cellulose

Second container (total weight 0.5g): 0.104g CaO ₂ , 0.396g microcrystalline cellulose

The test was conducted under the conditions of powder volume/500 mL water. Figure 1 shows a scaled-up experiment in which the amount of hypothiocyanate ions in a 5 L solution was tested during storage at 4 °C for 120 hours. The figure shows that the product maintained a satisfactory hypothiocyanate level for more than 40 hours.

Figure 2 shows a comparison of the effects of calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate on hypothiocyanate stability. Figure 2 indicates that, compared to the reaction using calcium peroxide over a 24-hour storage period, sodium percarbonate provided a lower level of hypothiocyanate stability in the initial 5 hours, which subsequently increased and remained at a higher level. However, satisfactory levels of stability could be achieved using both.

The following reagent kit was also prepared in this embodiment:

Buffer optimization & stability

The buffer system was tested to determine if a high level of hypothiocyanate could be obtained. The kit prepared as described above (see the discussion in Figures 1 and 2) was tested and included a 6.5 mmol citric acid:trisodium citrate buffer.

Mix the components of container 1 for 10 minutes. Add the components of container 2 (containing the solid composition described above, 0.104 g CaO ₂ , 0.396 g microcrystalline cellulose, and buffer), and add water to reach a total volume of 330 ml. Mix container 2 for 15 minutes. Notably, a significant decrease in pH was observed after adding container 2 in the 6.5 mM buffer test.

Figure 3 shows the increased hypothiocyanate levels produced when using buffered calcium peroxide.

Figure 4 shows that after adding calcium peroxide/sodium percarbonate and mixing, and then allowing the aqueous solution containing the buffer system to stand, the ppm value of hypothiocyanate increased and subsequently remained stable.

Figure 5 shows the pH changes throughout the mixing process (25 minutes in total). Note that KI B is the name of the product/aqueous solution prepared according to the present invention.

The above results demonstrate that buffers are highly useful in this invention because they produce an optimal pH profile for the reaction. The benefits obtained include the longer stability of hypothiocyanate in solution (up to 24 hours). This extended stability is useful in many fields, such as in agriculture, spraying fields/crops to address bacterial or viral problems, or cleaning and sterilizing hospital operating rooms or waiting areas requiring a sterile environment.

Claims (20)

1. A solid composition comprising: (a) Fixed or non-fixed peroxidase catalyst; (b) Oxidizable substrates selected from: (i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or (ii) Pseudohalogens and their derivatives. (c) at least one oxidizing agent; (d) Optionally, at least one inert filler, and (e) Optional, buffer system. 2. The solid composition of claim 1, wherein the peroxidase catalyst is selected from: lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, urea peroxidase and plant-derived peroxidases, preferably, wherein the enzyme catalyst is lactoperoxidase. 3. The solid composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the oxidizable substrate is selected from: (i) Chlorides, such as sodium chloride; iodides, such as potassium iodide and sodium iodide; or (ii) Sodium thiocyanate, potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfite, sodium hyposulfite, sodium metabisulfite Sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, sodium hypochlorite. 4. The solid composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the oxidizable substrate is selected from sodium thiocyanate, potassium thiocyanate, and potassium iodide, and combinations thereof, optionally wherein the oxidizable substrate is encapsulated. 5. The solid composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the oxidant is selected from: calcium peroxide, sodium peroxide, sodium percarbonate, and combinations of dextran and glucose oxidase, optionally wherein the oxidant is encapsulated. 6. The solid composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the solid composition comprises: at least one inert filler selected from: microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, dextran monohydrate, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, lactose powder, multifunctional starch, partially depolymerized cellulose, partially pregelatinized starch, high-performance starch, bentonite, silica, and combinations thereof. 7. The solid composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the solid composition does not contain: (i) accelerators; (ii) a thickener, preferably wherein the solid composition does not contain clay such as bentonite, and/or (iii) Flocculants. 8. The solid composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the buffer system is selected from: citric acid: trisodium citrate; calcium lactate: citric acid; L(+)-anhydrous sodium tartrate: citric acid; calcium lactate: DL-maleic acid: maleic acid; and L(+)-sodium tartrate: tartaric acid. 9. The solid composition of claim 1, wherein the solid composition comprises: (a) lactoperoxidase; (b) Sodium thiocyanate and/or potassium thiocyanate and/or potassium iodide; (c) Calcium peroxide; (d) Microcrystalline cellulose; and (e) Buffer system. 10. A reagent kit comprising: A first solid composition comprising: (a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst; (b) Oxidizable substrates selected from: (i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or (ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives, and (c) Optionally, at least one inert filler; (d) Optional, buffer system The second solid composition comprises: (e) at least one oxidizing agent, and (f) Optionally, at least one inert filler. 11. A reagent kit comprising: A first solid composition comprising: (a) Peroxidase enzyme catalyst; (b) Optionally, at least one inert filler, The second solid composition comprises: (c) Oxidizable substrates selected from: (i) Negatively charged halogens and their derivatives, or (ii) pseudohalogens and their derivatives; (d) Optionally, at least one inert filler; (e) Optionally, the buffer system, and The third solid composition comprises: (f) at least one oxidizing agent, and (g) Optionally, at least one inert filler. 12. The kit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The peroxidase catalyst is the peroxidase catalyst according to claim 2; The oxidizable substrate is the oxidizable substrate as described in claim 3 or 4; The inert filler is the inert filler as described in claim 6; The oxidizing agent is the oxidizing agent according to claim 5; The buffer system is the buffer system described in claim 8. 13. The kit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the kit does not contain: (i) Accelerators; (ii) a thickener, preferably wherein the formulation comprises clay such as bentonite; and/or (iii) Flocculants. 14. The kit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein each of the first solid composition, the second solid composition, and optionally the third solid composition is individually packaged in a sachet, container, or capsule. 15. An aqueous system comprising the solid composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 and water. 16. The aqueous system of claim 15, wherein the water is tap water, deionized water, distilled water, reverse osmosis water, bottled water, bulk water, or continuously flowing water. 17. The aqueous system as described in claim 15 or 16, which is used as an antibacterial solution, bactericidal solution, antifungal solution or antiviral solution. 18. The aqueous system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein it is used for: (i) Cleaning, washing and sterilizing materials, including surfaces; (ii) Preparation of solutions for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; (iii) Introduced into the air and applied to surfaces to kill pathogens; and (iv) Produces a fine spray or mist of water, which is then inhaled by humans and/or animals. 19. A method for disinfecting water, comprising the following steps: (i) Adding the solid composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 to the water to be disinfected, or (ii) Using the kit according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first solid composition, the second solid composition, and optionally the third solid composition are added to the water to be disinfected, or (iii) Add the aqueous system of claim 15 or 16 to the water to be disinfected. 20. A method for preparing antibacterial solutions, bactericidal solutions, antifungal solutions, and antiviral solutions, comprising the following steps: (i) Adding the solid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or (ii) Using the kit according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first solid composition, the second solid composition, and optionally the third solid composition are added to water. (iii) Optionally, other anti-infective agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents, preservatives or bactericides may also be added.