MXPA00003376A - Disinfectant and method of making - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-toxic environmentally friendly aqueous disinfectant is disclosed for specific use as prevention against contamination by potentially pathogenic bacteria and virus. The aqueous disinfectant is formulated by electrolytically generating silver ions in water in combination with a citric acid. The aqueous disinfectant may include a suitable alcohol and/or a detergent. The aqueous disinfectant has been shown to be very effective at eliminating standard indicator organisms such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella cholerasuis and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Description

DISINFECTANT AND METHOD OF PREPARATION OF THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates to disinfectants and more particularly to an aqueous, non-toxic, environmentally friendly disinfectant, for specific use against bacteria and pathogenic viruses.

Declaration of Disclosure of Information The prior art has demonstrated that the presence of copper and silver ions in an aqueous solution is useful as a disinfectant. Many in the prior art have used copper and silver ions in an aqueous solution as water disinfectant systems such as cooling towers, swimming pools, hot water systems in hospitals, drinking water systems, spa reels and the like. Typically, copper and silver electrodes were connected to a direct current electrical power supply. When direct current was applied to the copper and silver electrodes, copper and silver ions were generated by an electrolysis process of the copper and silver ions in the water. In one example of the prior art, water was continuously passed through an ion chamber having copper and silver electrodes. The water emanating from the ion-jplfe chamber was the copper and silver ions generated by the copper and silver electrodes inside the ion chamber. The water emanating from the ion chamber containing the copper and silver ions was used as a disinfectant in water systems such as cooling towers, swimming pools, hot water systems in hospitals, drinking water systems, spa reels and the like. The copper and silver ions within the water systems acted as disinfectants to control algae, viruses, bacteria and the like. U.S. Patent 3,422,183 to Ellison discloses biocidal compositions comprising ultraviolet-irradiated silver fluoride solutions containing colloidal silver resulting from irradiation and preservation of the dispersion by means of a protective colloid, eg, casein or gelatin, in the uses biocides thereof in the control of slime, against pathogens or other microbes in food or beverage containers or processing equipment, as a preservative ingredient in wood, as a bactericide in paints, as a biocide in synthetic polymeric films, as a sterilizing in bandages, and similar biocidal uses in other areas. U.S. Patent 3,702,298 to Zsoldos discloses a method for maintaining a highly oxidizing aqueous solution which is intended primarily for the treatment of swimming pool water. A metal having a multiple valence is made to interact with a lower valence with oxidizable residues in the solution, and the metal is continuously reoxidized to a higher valence while maintaining a constant excess of an oxidizing bank in the water consisting of a salt of a peroxyacid. . Silver, copper and nickel are suitable metals and their salts have germicidal properties which greatly increase and the extended spectrum converting the mono salt to a divalent or trivalent salt. U.S. Patent 4,180,473 to Maurer et al. describes a method for transporting metal ions by introducing a metal complex into a medium containing a portion which demands the ion of the metal and the complex releases the ions in a controlled manner on demand. The metal complexes have a dissociation property induced by the aqueous proton represented by a curve of sigmoidal shape on a plane of Cartesian coordinates of the negative logarithm of the concentration of metal ion against the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ion. This dissociation property produces a controlled release of metal ion in the medium containing a reactive portion after the demand for metal ion. For example, metal working emulsions of an oil and water are stabilized by adding smaller quantities of a metal complex to them., for example disodium monohydric (II) citrate, which at the working conditions of the metal at alkaline pH above 7 to about 9 liberates the metal cations to the emulsion imparting stabilization characteristics which prevents emulsion degradation by a number of factors commonly found in metal work operations. The method is also effective in the controlled release of metal ions in the normal range of physiological pH, ie from about 4 to 9, for the action of growth control against microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. US Patent 4,291,125 to Greatbatch describes a method and apparatus for killing plant and animal bacteria and plant viroids by silver ions electrically generated. Silver ions serve as germicidal agents in the control of infections and are generated by very slow electrical anodic corrosion of a silver wire located adjacent, very close to the site of infection. In particular, a silver anode and a cathode of The metal without corrosion is placed in an electrolytic nutrient medium with the silver anode being within five millimeters of the infection site, and a voltage is applied directly to the anode and the cathode in such a way that a positive current passes in the microamperes range. to the anode silver causing it to corrode slightly and ion -llliai ^ ilf ^^^^^^ free silver which augur a germicidal environment around the site of infection. U.S. Patent 4,385,632 to Odelhog discloses an absorbent body for collecting blood, feces and urine which contains a water soluble copper salt which prevents bacterial growth, prevents the degradation of urea in ammonia and the ammonia binds to the complex for prevent an unpleasant odor from occurring. Preferably, copper acetate is used, in which even the acetate ion has a germicidal effect. U.S. Patent 4,564,461 to Skold et al. describes the mechanical work of cast iron carried out in the presence of an aqueous metal working composition containing an organic copper (II) complex and an iron corrosion inhibitor. An aqueous concentrate, which after dilution with water is suitable for application in the mechanical work of molten iron, contains 1-50% copper (II) complex with such Cu2 + content of 0.5-20%, 1 -50% iron corrosion inhibitor, 0-50% lubricant, 0-20% pH regulators, bactericides and solubilizing agents and 10-70% water. U.S. Patent 4,608,183 to Rossmoore discloses antimicrobial mixtures of isothiazolones and a metal complex with a polyfunctional ligand which are synthetic. Mixtures include particularly mixtures of ---% * -; - SÉ-fcáí * a disodium ligand citrate and 5-x-2-lower alkyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one where x is a halo or hydrogen group such as isothiazolone. The compositions are particularly useful for metals for metal cutting fluids where a long-lasting antimicrobial activity is desired. U.S. Patent No. 4,666,616 to Rossmoore discloses synergistic antimicrobial compositions containing a mixture of a metal complex of a polyfunctional ld and a biocidal composition containing or releasing a lower aldehyde containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The compositions are particularly useful as fluids for working metal at alkaline pH and have a broad spectrum of activity against fungi and bacteria. U.S. Patent 4,708,808 to Rossmoore discloses synergistic antimicrobial compositions containing a mixture of a metal complex of a polyfunctional organic ligand and a biocidal composition containing or releasing a lower aldehyde containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The compositions are particularly useful as fluids for metal working at alkaline pH and have a broad spectrum of activity against fungi and bacteria. U.S. Patent 4,780,216 to Wojtowicz discloses a sanitizing composition consisting essentially of a mixture of a calcium hypochlorite compound and a peroxydisulfate compound having the formula MxS20ß where M is the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, and x is 1 or 2 employed in water treatment to improve pH control and provide greater removal of organic materials. The compositions provide improved water sanitation in swimming pools, spas, and cooling towers by efficiently oxidizing organic impurities while helping to minimize the increase in water pH. This allows the reduction in the amount and frequency of addition of acidic compounds such as hydrochloric acid to bodies of water. further, the incorporation of additives such as algaecides, dispersants, and clarifying agents provide significant improvements in water quality as evidenced by the pure foaming water. US Patent 4,915,955 to Gomori discloses a concentrate with an unlimited shelf life, which can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide at a ratio of 1:99 to 1: 199 to become an effective disinfectant, which is obtained when a viscous solution of Inorganic acid, with a pH less than or equal to 1.6, is mixed with a silver salt compound or a colloidal silver compound of 50 ° to 66 ° C. The mixture is further combined at room temperature with other organic acids to reach a total of 100 g of inorganic acid per liter of water at room temperature, an organic acid stabilizer is added and the mixture is homogenized. The concentrate, during storage, remains homogeneous and clear crystalline. U.S. Patent 4,933,178 to Capelli 5 discloses a medical device with the antimicrobial coating that is safe, effective, photostable and easily manufactured produced by applying a composition to at least one surface in contact with a body fluid of the device, so that it is provided a solid containing on that surface, the coating composition comprising an oligodynamic metal of a sulfonylurea, a polymeric material, at least one acid compound selected from the group consisting of water soluble carboxylic acid and carboxylic acid insoluble in water, and a liquid carrier in which foreign components are soluble. The antimicrobial coating accommodates the variation in the release of the microbial metal ions as a function of the intended use for a medical device to which the coating is applied. US Patent 5,017,295 to Antelman discloses a method or methods for controlling the growth of bacteria in swimming pool water and / or water or industrial supplies by adding to the water a specific concentration of a stable divalent silver compound. The invention has the advantage over chlorination which is odorless and non-volatile. bmia? Ut *? sía? *:? In addition, it is superior to monovalent silver compounds since these compounds do not decompose in the presence of light and resist precipitation by halides and divalent soluble complexes which in the monovalent state are invariably insoluble solids. US Patent 5,073,382 to Antelman describes solid alkaline bactericidal composition suitable for composing alkaline end products such as food and dairy cleaners and surgical soaps, formed by the neutralization of divalent organic silver complexes stabilized with acid and capable of effecting 100% mortality. colonies cultures of anaerobic bacteria from lOOK / cc. within 5 minutes. U.S. Patent 5,078,902 to Antelman discloses divalent silver halides which provide a source of divalent bactericidal silver ions in the presence of persulfate. Halides are especially effective when applied to water used in industrial cooling installations, hot tubes and swimming pools and will comply with stringent EPA requirements for water used for baths such as 100% 10 K / cc. E. coli coliforms within 10 minutes, specimens of which are chloride and bromide that give 100% mortality within 5 minutes. The halides, of course, can be used in salt water since they are solid solids immune to the action of the halide which in other circumstances would precipitate soluble divalent silver from the solution. U.S. Patent 5,089,275 discloses a solid bactericidal composition based on divalent silver (Ag (II)) as the active sanitizing agent. The compositions are prepared by reacting acid liquid Ag (II) complexes with anhydrous calcium sulfate to form a solid matrix in which the bactericide is entrapped in the resulting hydrated calcium sulfate. It is disclosed that the optimum compositions consist of Ag (II) from solid (by weight) to liquid (by volume) is 5: 2. The resulting solid bactericides can be used in water cooling installations. They are capable of producing 100% mortality within 10 minutes of E. coli coliforms in accordance with EPA protocols, allowing them to qualify as sanitizers for hot pools and tubes. Since the compositions are based on calcium sulfate, they are also suitable as mineralizers, thus providing a double function. U.S. Patent 5,332,511 to Gay et al., Describes a process for sanitizing water in pools, spas and hot tubes so that the level of bacteria in the water decreases, which comprises treating the water with an effective bactericidal amount of a combination * of Diisodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and copper (II) ions, the concentration of diisodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride in the water is less than about 60 parts per million parts by weight of water and treat the water at least intermittently with an oxidant selected from the Group consisting of chlorine and ozone available. The United States Patent 5, 364,649 to Roosmore et al., Describes the activity of antimicrobial compounds selected from isothiazolones and compounds which release formaldehyde enhanced with a metal complex of a lower alkanolamine, particularly copper (cupric) triethanolamine. The improvement is particularly useful in fluids for metal working. U.S. Patent 5,373,025 to Gay discloses a sanitizing composition comprising an effective bactericidal amount of the combination of (a) a quaternary ammonium compound selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl dimethyl ammonium salt (hydrogenated bait), dicocodimethyl ammonium salt , and mixtures thereof; and (b) a source of copper (II) ion. U.S. Patent 5,382,337 to Wlassics et al., Describes a process for oxidizing organic materials or compounds in aqueous phase, with hydrogen peroxide and in the presence of ferrous ions FE- (II), and optionally Cu- (II) cupric ions, carried carried out under irradiation with artificial visible light. U.S. Patent 5,464,559 to Marchin et al., Discloses a composition provided to treat drinking water for disinfecting and / or removing iodine. The composition uses silver ions attached to resin. To effect disinfection or removal of iodine with minimal release of silver ions in the water being treated, a chelating resin is used that has iminodiacetate chelating groups, and the resin is loaded with no more than 0.5 mole of silver ions. per mole of iminodiacetate. U.S. Patent 5,503,840 to Jacobson et al., Discloses an antimicrobial composition of titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, zinc oxide particles, and mixtures thereof having successive coatings of silver, in some cases a coating of zinc compounds and / or copper such as zinc oxide, copper (II) oxide and zinc silicate; silicon dioxide; alumina; and a dispersion aid such as dioctyl azelate. U.S. Patent 5,510,109 to Tomioka et al discloses an antibacterial and antifungal composition which comprises an antibacterial and antifungal material carried on a carrier of porous particles. Preferably the porous particle carrier is a silica gel particle. The antibacterial and antifungal material is at least one metal complex salt, and may comprise plant extracts and the like in addition to the metal complex salt. At least a portion of the aforementioned carrier surface having the antibacterial and antifungal composition 5 can be coated with a coating material. Unfortunately, those copper and silver ions within an aqueous solution have only a limited stable ionic life. After a limited time, the 10 copper and silver ions form complexes with other elements thus decreasing the concentration of copper and silver ions within the aqueous solution. Accordingly, the aqueous solution had to be replenished with copper and silver ions to maintain the concentration of the copper ions and silver within the aqueous solution. The aqueous solution can be replenished with copper and silver ions by constantly circulating the aqueous solution through the ion chamber. The present invention provides a disinfectant solution having a stable ionic form that has an extended useful shelf life. The extended useful shelf life of the aqueous disinfectant solution allows the aqueous disinfectant solution to be packaged in the form of an aqueous concentrate. < - &- * - "-. t Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, comprising an aqueous disinfectant to be used specifically as a prevention against contamination by bacteria and viruses Potentially pathogenic and antifungal properties Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which is an effective disinfectant to eliminate standard indicator organisms such as staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella cholerasuis and pseudomonas aeruginosa. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly aqueous disinfectant. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which comprises a stable ionic formulation having an extended useful shelf life. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which can be packaged in concentrated aqueous form. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which can be generated electrolytically in a batch process or a continuous process. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the preparation method thereof which is electrolytically generated economically. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which is suitable for use with an alcohol and / or detergent. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which can be used on exposed and / or contaminated surfaces to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and method of preparation thereof, which can be used on open wounds and contaminated tissues, sites of skin wounds and / or lesions of living organisms such as animals and humans. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved disinfectant and the method of preparation thereof, which can be used on exposed surfaces in food processing plants, residences, hospitals, restaurants, public facilities and the like.

^ AM ^ aJ The foregoing has some of the most pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be constituted exclusively in illustrative of some of the most prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the described invention differently or by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly the other objects in a complete understanding of the invention may have been referred to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A specific embodiment of the present invention is described and shown in the appended Detailed Description. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, improved aqueous disinfectant to be used as a prevention against contamination by potentially pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi. The improved aqueous disinfectant is suitable for use on exposed surfaces. In addition, the improved aqueous disinfectant is suitable for use on sites of skin wounds and lesions such as animals and humans. The aqueous disinfectant is pH neutral. The improved açao disinfectant comprises an aqueous solution of citrate c || flata where the silver is generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid and water. The electrolytically generated silver forms an organic metal complex with citric acid such as an organic metal complex chelated with citric acid. In an example of the invention, the citric acid solution and water comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% citric acid by volume. The silver citrate formed by the electrolytically generated silver has a concentration in excess of 0.0005% by volume. In another example of the invention, the invention is incorporated in an aqueous disinfectant in a concentrated form having an extended shelf life comprising an aqueous solution of silver citrate, where the silver is generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid in water . The electrolytically generated silver has a concentration in excess of 0.05% by volume. The aqueous disinfectant can be combined with an alcohol such as ethyl alcohol (ETOH) and / or a detergent such as sodium dodecyl sulfate. The invention is also incorporated in the process for preparing the disinfectant comprising the step of * 8 electrolytically generating silver in a solution of citric acid and water to form an aqueous solution of silver citrate. The process may include creating a solution of about 5.0% to 10% by volume of citric acid in water. A positive silver electrode is separated in relation to a negative electrode to allow the solution to be located between them. A potential difference is applied to the positive and negative electrodes to establish a flow of silver ions between the positive and negative electrodes to allow the silver ions to react with the citric acid to thereby form the silver citrate. The invention is also incorporated into the process for preparing silver citrate, comprising the step of electrolytically generating silver in a solution of citric acid and water to form an aqueous solution of silver citrate. The foregoing has more than broadly outlined the most relevant and important features of the present invention so that the following detailed description can be better understood, so that the contribution of the present to the art can be more fully appreciated. The additional features of the invention forming the object of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific modalities, >The "described"% can be used as a basis to modify and design other structures to carry out the same purposes of the invention. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to more fully understand the nature and objects of the invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a first process for preparing the disinfectant of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a diagram of a second process for preparing the disinfectant of the present invention; FIGURE 3 is a detailed, amplified view of the ion chamber of FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 4 is a detailed, amplified view of an ion chamber suitable for preparing the disinfectant of the present invention in a batch process; FIGURE 5 is a table illustrating shelf life tests for initial sampling intervals; » Aia FIGURE 6 is a table illustrating shelf life tests for secondary sampling intervals; FIGURE 7 is a table illustrating the 5 efficacy tests against salmonella cholerasuis; FIGURE 8 is a table illustrating the efficacy tests against Staphylococcus aureus; and FIGURE 9 is a table illustrating the efficacy tests against pseudomonas aeruginsosa. 10 Similar reference characters refer to similar parts through the different Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION 15 PREPARATION PROCESS FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a first process 10 for preparing the disinfectant 14 of the present invention. The first process 10 shows comparison a continuous process for preparing the disinfectant 14. It should be understood that the first process 10 of FIGURE 1 is only an example of a process and numerous other variations and / or processes can be used to prepare the disinfectant 14 of the present invention. .3 - If ", a-i ^^ gg ^ ffi¡ ^ jj¡ & The disinfectant." '14 can be used immediately for any suitable application such as a disinfectant in a water system, including in towers cooling, hot water systems, water systems potable, or any other application or suitable surface. The first process 10 comprises a first water inlet conduit 16 for introducing water 18 from a water source (not shown) to a water treatment unit shown as an inverted osmosis unit 20. The unit 10 of inverted osmosis 20 passes the water 18 of the water inlet conduit 16 through a semipermeable membrane (not shown) to remove impurities from the water. Although the water treatment unit is shown as an inverted osmosis unit 20 it should be understood that various water treatment units may be employed within the process shown in FIGURE 1. Preferably, the water 18 emanating from the unit of inverted osmosis 20 is medically pure, deionized water. The water 18 emanating from the inverted osmosis unit 20 is directed to a valve 30 through a conduit 31. The valve 30 directs the water 18 through a conduit 32 to a flow control injector 40. A tank of citric acid 50 contains concentrated citric acid. The concentrated citric acid is directed by a conduit 51 to a metering valve 60 to dose the -. concentrated citric acid l < The flow control injector 40. The flow control injector 40 mixes the concentrated citric acid with water 18 to provide a diluted solution of citric acid 62 .- «* to the metering valve 60 controls the concentration of citric acid inside of the water 18. The diluted solution of citric acid 62 is directed by a conduit 62 to an ion chamber 70. FIGURE 3 is a detailed, amplified view of the ion chamber 70 of FIGURE 1. The ion chamber 70 it includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode 71 and 72. The positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72 are located in a separate position to allow the diluted citric acid solution 62 to pass between the positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72. Each of the positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72 are made of elemental silver. Preferably, positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72 are composed of 99.9999% pure elemental silver. A direct current electrical power supply 80 includes a positive and a negative lead 81 and 82 connected to the positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72. The positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72 are spaced a suitable distance, such as 2.0 to 8.0 centimeters to allow an ionic current flow between the positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72. r > "After energizing" ^ 4 direct current electric power supply 80, an ionic current flows between the positive and negative electrodes. * fl and 72. The direct ionic current flowing between the positive and negative electrodes 71 and 72 produces electrolytically free silver ions within the diluted citric acid solution 62. The silver ions react with the citric acid in the acid solution citrus 62 to produce the disinfectant 14 of the present invention. The disinfectant 14 is directed via a conduit 86 to a settling tank 90. The settling tank 90 includes an overflow conduit 91 and a drainage conduit 92. The disinfectant 14 leaves the settling tank 90 through the overflow conduit 91. Any materials precipitated from the disinfectant 14 within the settling tank 90 fall to the bottom of the settling tank 90. The material precipitated at the bottom of the settling tank 90 can be removed through the drainage line 92 to a purge tank 100. The materials precipitated in the purge tank 100 can be recycled. The disinfectant 14 exiting through the overflow conduit 91 of the settling tank 90 is directed to a particulate filter 110. Although the particulate filter 110 can be any suitable filter, preferably & > The particle filter 110 is a submicron filter. The filtered disinfectant 14 is directed to a valve 120 by a conduit 121. The valve 120 directs the filtered disinfectant 14 to a conduit 122 to discharge it from the first process 10. The filtered disinfectant 14 discharged from the conduit 122 can be used immediately for any application suitable as a disinfectant in a water system or any other suitable application. In the event that If a greater concentration of the disinfectant 14 is desired, the disinfectant 14 can be recirculated to increase the concentration of the disinfectant 14. FIGURE 2 is a diagram of a second process 10A for preparing the disinfectant 14 of this invention in a concentrated form. The second process 10A is shown as a recirculation process for preparing the disinfectant 14 and for increasing the concentration of the disinfectant 14. In the concentrated form, the disinfectant 14 can be bottled for later use.

It should be understood that the second process 10A of FIGURE 2 is only one example of a process and numerous other variations and / or processes can be used to prepare the disinfectant 14 of the present invention. In the second process 10A shown in FIGURE 2, 25 the valves 30 and 120 move in opposite positions to the & positions shown in? l fl. A 1. The valve 120 directs the filtered disinfectant 14 to a conductor 123. The conduit 123 is connected through a conduit 130 to the conduit 32 of the valve 30. The valve 30 directs the filtered disinfectant 14 through the conduit 32 towards the flow control injector 40. The additional concentrated citric acid is directed through the metering valve 60 to the flow control injector 40. The flow control injector 40 mixes the concentrated citric acid with the filtered disinfectant 14 to increase the concentration of the citric acid solution 62A. The citric acid solution 62A is directed to an ion chamber 70 to produce additional silver ions within the citric acid solution 62A. The silver ions react with the citric acid in the citric acid solution 62A to increase the concentration of the disinfectant 14. The disinfectant 14 is passed through the settling tank 90 to exit through the overflow conduit 91. The disinfectant 14 it is filtered by the particulate filter 110 and is directed to the valve 120 by the conduit 121. The valves 30 and 120 are maintained in the positions shown in FIGURE 2 to continue the recirculation of the disinfectant 14 to increase the concentration of the disilifectant 14. After obtaining the desired concentration of the disinfectant 14, the valve 120 can be moved to the position shown in FIGURE 1 for discharging the disinfectant lIJj pl conduit 122. 5 FIGURE 4 is a detailed, amplified view of an ion chamber 170 suitable for preparing the disinfectant of the present invention in a batch process. The ion chamber 170 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode 171 and 172. Each of the positive electrodes and negative 171 and 172 are made of 99.9999% pure elemental silver. The positive and negative electrodes 171 and 172 are located in a separate position to allow the citric acid solution 162 to pass between the electrodes positive and negative 171 and 172. Preferably, the positive silver electrode 171 is separated in relation to a negative electrode 172 a sufficient distance to allow the silver ions to flow between them. The separation of the positive and negative electrodes 171 and 172 has has been shown exaggeratedly in FIGURE 4. Preferably, it has been found that a separation of about 2.0 to 8.0 mm is adequate for the above concentration of citric acid and water. A power supply of current direct 180 includes a positive and a negative conductor 181 21 't- and 182 connected to the positive and negative electrodes 171 and 172. After energizing the direct current electrical power supply 180, an ion current flows between the electrodes positive and negative 171 and 172. The direct flow of the ion stream between the positive and negative electrodes 171 and 172 produces electrolytically free silver ions within the citric acid solution 162. The silver ions react with the citric acid in the citric acid solution 162 to produce the disinfectant 14 of the present invention. The process for preparing a disinfectant comprises electrolytically generating silver ions in a solution of citric acid and water to form an aqueous solution of silver citrate. Preferably, the citric acid and water solution comprises a solution of about 5.0% to 10% by volume of citric acid in water. A power difference of 12 volts at 50 volts provides a flow of silver ions in the range of 0.1 amps to 0.5 amps per square inch (6.5 cm2). A more detailed explanation of the content of the solution within the ion chamber 170 will be described in greater detail here below. The prior art has established that the generation of silver ions and copper ions in water provides the best disinfecting properties. The - ^^ flill ^ rff ^^^ combination of ions of pi-ata and copper ions provides superior disinfectant properties than silver ions alone or lsdTos copper ions. This synergistic effect of the silver ions and the copper ions in the water has been well established by the prior art. In contrast to that established by the prior art, the disinfectant of the present invention is formed in a solution of citric acid and water instead of only water. Additionally, the disinfectant of the present invention has superior properties with only silver ions only in place of the combination of silver ions and copper ions. The silver ions of the present process react with the citric acid to form a silver citrate. Silver citrate provides superior disinfecting properties over the prior art process of generating silver and copper ions in water. In additional to the established prior art, the disinfectant of the present invention has a stable ionic form which has an extended or prolonged useful shelf life. The useful shelf life of the disinfectant of the present invention allows the aqueous disinfectant solution to be packaged in concentrated aqueous form. ---? -a-fi | ^ | COMPOSITION The improved disinfectant is an aqueous solution of silver citrate where silver is generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid and water. Silver citrate formed according to the above process has different characteristics than other forms of silver citrate. Concentrations of 0.1% by volume of silver citrate have been formulated according to the previous process. A concentration of 0.1% by volume of silver citrate corresponds to 1000 parts per million (ppm). The 0.1% concentration of the silver citrate is formed in a citric acid and water solution comprised of approximately 10.0% by volume of citric acid. It is believed that higher concentrations of silver citrate can be obtained by the above process. This seems to be the highest concentration of citric acid in water, the highest concentration of silver citrate formed by the previous process. The Merck Index, Eleventh Edition (1989) page 1348 states that silver citrate is soluble in 3500 parts of water. A concentration of 1 to 3500 corresponds to 25 parts per million (ppm). Obviously, the silver citrate formed according to the above process has a solubility different from that of other forms of silver citrate. -i The dtSL: rJ - nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) tests were performed on the silver citrate formed according to the above process, and a sample of white citric acid. The samples showed an overwhelming excess of citric acid, with few or no other anions present. It was postulated that Ag should be in the form of an Ag + cation complexed with citric acid. The theory was that the 5s orbital void of the Ag + overlaps with the delocalized p-bond on one of the carboxylic groups 10 of the citric acid. The citric acid anion is the counter ion for this complex ion (Ag (CA) x) + that is (CA). The CA is the citric acid or is (C6H807 - H20). Another possibility is a zwitterion, where the negative charge is on the complex itself, (Ag + CA-), where the total charge of the complex 15 is neutral. Either or both of these species may exist in the silver citrate formed according to the above process. Multiple complexation to Ag + is also possible. A second formulation of the improved disinfectant of the present invention includes the addition of an alcohol. In an example of the second formulation of the improved disinfectant, ethyl alcohol (ETOH) was added in an amount of approximately 20% by volume. However, it should be understood that other types of jj alcohols to the second formulation of the improved disinfectant of the present invention. A third formulation of the improved disinfectant of the present invention includes the addition of a detergent.

In one example of the third formulation of the improved disinfectant, sodium dodecyl sulfate was added in an amount of approximately 0.1% by volume.

ANAQUEL LIFE STUDY 10 The copper and silver ions in the aqueous solution of the prior art have only a limited stable ionic life. After a limited time, the copper and silver ions in the aqueous solution of the prior art form complexes with other elements, decreasing from this way the concentration of copper and silver ions within the aqueous solution. A significant difference of the disinfectant of the present invention is the stable life of silver citrate. The present invention provides a solution aqueous disinfectant having a stable ionic form which has an extended useful shelf life. The extended useful shelf life of the disinfectant of the present invention allows the disinfectant to be packaged in concentrated aqueous form. • "& * ^ * ^; ¿£ =. Íjjj3§ 3 1¿ ^,. ** t *? A * t uM ^ A series of tests were carried out on the following formulations. 1. Silver and Citric Acid (1.0% citric acid solution / pH 6.0) 2. Silver and Citric Acid (5.0% citric acid solution / pH 6.0) 3. Silver and Citric Acid (10% citric acid solution) / pH 6.0) The formulations of silver and citric acid are Prepared using silver electrodes: silver 100/100. The electrodes were immersed in citric acid solutions 1.0, 5.0 and % and a current was applied for about 2 hours. The solutions were stored for 24 hours to allow precipitation. The solutions were filtered using Whatman # 2 filter paper. The final pH was adjusted to 6.0 with sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. FIGURE 5 is a table illustrating the results of the shelf life test for initial shelf life sampling intervals. The initial intervals for the initial shelf life sampling intervals of the disinfectant were 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks. FIGURE 5 illustrates that silver citrate is not stable at high concentrations in the 1.0% citric acid solution. Silver citrate at 300 ppm did not remain in the 1.0% citric acid solution. However, citrate of p-lat-á at 300 ppm was stable in the 10% citric acid solution, FIGURE 6 is a table illustrating the results of the shelf life test for sampling intervals of secondary shelf life. The secondary intervals for the secondary shelf life sample intervals of the disinfectant were 0 weeks, 7 weeks, 14 weeks and 21 weeks. FIGURE 6 also illustrates that silver citrate is not stable at high concentrations in the 1.0% citric acid solution. In contrast, silver citrate was soluble in both 5% and 10% citric acid solutions. The results observed in FIGURE 6 for week 21 confirm the stability of silver citrate in 5% and 10% citric acid solutions. The stability of silver citrate in the 1.0% citric acid solution experienced significant reductions during the last phase of the study. The minimum concentration of the citric acid solution is therefore a value somewhat higher than 1.0% and less than 5.0%. The maximum concentration of citric acid in the aqueous solution has not been determined by the test. However, it is believed that the maximum concentration of citric acid in the aqueous solution is much higher than 10.0%. It is also evident from these results, that the higher the concentration of citric acid in the aqueous solution, the greater the silver that can be stabilized.

LABORATORY STUDY To establish the effectiveness of the improved disinfectant of the present invention, laboratory tests against several test microorganisms were performed. The test microorganisms considered were (a) pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ATCC 15442, (b) salmonella cholerasuis strain ATCC 10708 and (c) staphylococcus a ureus strain ATCC 6538. The inoculum level of each of the test microorganisms was established in a manner Similary. Strains were grown individually at 35 ° C for 24 hours. The cells were harvested by centrifugation at 10,000 x g for 10 minutes and washed twice with Butterfield Phosphate Buffer (BPB of pH 7.2). The cells were resuspended in the Butterfield Phosphate Buffer to obtain a cell suspension of approximately 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / mL for each microorganism (the target inoculum levels were approximately 106 in the final test solution). The test microorganisms considered were tested at uniform sampling intervals. The sampling intervals selected were (a) 15 3.5. seconds (tests with etarw1 only), (b) 1 minute, (c) 5 minutes, (d) 10 minutes and (e) 30 minutes. Five compounds were tested against the test microorganisms. The five compounds tested were (a) silver and citric acid (4.27 ppm in a 0.1% citric acid solution), (b) copper and citric acid (4.07 ppm in a 0.1% citric acid solution), (c) citric acid (0.1% citric acid solution), (d) silver (4.08 ppm), citric acid (0.1%) and ethanol (20%) and (e) Ethanol (20%). Silver and citric acid (4.27 ppm in a 0.1% citric acid solution) were prepared using silver: silver 100/100 electrodes. The electrodes were immersed in a 0.1% citric acid solution and current was applied for approximately two hours. The solution was stored for 24 hours to allow precipitation. The solution was filtered using Whatman No. 2 filter paper. The final pH was adjusted to 7.0. The concentration tested had a silver concentration of 4.27 mg / L. Copper and citric acid (4.07 ppm in a 0.1% citric acid solution) were prepared using copper electrodes: copper 100/100. The electrodes were immersed in a 0.1% citric acid solution and current was applied for approximately two hours. The solution was stored for 24 hours to allow precipitation. The solution was filtered using filter paper Jump up ^ "Whatman # 2. The pH finüKse 'adjusted to 7.0 The concentration tested had a copper concentration of 4.07 mg / L (measured by ICAP) X The citric acid (0.1% citric acid solution) was prepared using water The pH was adjusted to 7.0, silver (4.08 ppm), citric acid (0.1%) and ethanol (20%) were prepared using silver electrodes: silver 100/100 The electrodes were immersed in a citric acid solution At 0.1% and current was applied for approximately two hours, the solution was stored for 24 hours to allow precipitation.The solution was filtered using Whatman # 2 filter paper.The final pH was adjusted to 7.0.The solution was diluted with ethanol to obtain a concentration of 4.08 mg / L of silver in a 20% ethanol solution.Ethanol (20%) was prepared by diluting Reagent grade ethanol with deionized water to make the appropriate dilution.The test microorganisms were tested in accordance with follow you test procedure. Tests were conducted in duplicate for each test variable. Ninety-nine volumes of the test solutions were prepared in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with sterilized deionized water. The solutions were inoculated separately with one mL of culture of * 4, .ffc > of each of the test strains to produce an inoculum level in the flask of approximately 1.0 x 106 CFU / mL. The real counts for each of the microorganisms they are shown in FIGURES 7-9. The solutions were mixed well and kept under constant agitation. Samples of 1.0 mL were removed at the time intervals specified above and placed in 9.0 mL of Neutralization Broth media (Difco) to produce an initial dilution of 1:10. All samples were serially diluted in the Butterfield Phosphate Buffer (BPB) solution and cultured on Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) in duplicate using a plaque casting technique. The percent reductions were calculated for each test solution against each test strain. The results of the laboratory study can be seen in FIGURES 7-9. For all tests that used copper or silver ions, the concentrated solutions were prepared 24 hours before beginning the study. The solutions were filtered and the ion content determinations were made. From these standard solutions (copper ion concentration measured by ICAP and silver ion concentration measured by Atomic Absorption analysis) the final work solutions were made. The concentrate! The target ion for copper and silver was 5.0 mg / L. FIGURE 7 is a tajjfa that illustrates the effectiveness of the tests against salmonella cholerasuis. Tests using 20% ethanol showed a slow but complete disinfection. The ethanol solution has an approximate reduction of 1.0 logy after one minute. The almost complete disinfection was observed after 30 minutes of contact time. Of the three organisms tested, salmonella cholerasuis was one of the most affected by the ethanolic disinfectant. Copper: citric acid not effective in the disinfection of salmonella cholerae at any time period. The citric acid solution was slightly more effective in reducing the number of salmonella cholerasuis, reaching a reduction of 1.0 logio to the 30-minute time period. Both silver: citric acid and silver: citric acid with ethanol exhibited a reduction of 6.0 logio during the course of a 30-minute test. The silver: citric acid solution showed a 5.0 logio reduction within the first 5 minutes and a greater reduction of 6.0 logio to the 10 minute time period. Silver: citric acid with ethanol appears to be more effective, exhibiting a reduction of 2.36 log within the first minute and a reduction of 6. 0 log within the first 5 minutes of contact. FIGURE 8 is a tab / ¡¡P that illustrates the effectiveness of the tests against stap vi oilí Bus aureus. This table indicates a different reaction for 20% ethanol against Staphylococcus aureus compared to Salmonella cholerasuis. No significant reduction was observed between 15 seconds and 30 minutes. Neither citric acid nor copper: citric acid were effective against staphylococcus a ureus. None of the formulas mentioned above were able to significantly reduce the number of staphylococcus organisms to ureus present within the 30 minute time period. However, both silver: citric acid and silver: citric acid with ethanol exhibited a 6.0 logy reduction during the course of the 30-minute test. The silver: citric acid solution showed a reduction of 3.0 logio within the first 10 minutes and a greater reduction of 6.0 logio at the end of 30 minutes. Silver: citric acid with ethanol seems to be the most effective, exhibiting a reduction of 2.36 logio within the first minutes and a greater reduction of 6.0 logio within the first 5 minutes of contact. FIGURE 9 is a table illustrating the efficacy of the tests against pseudomonas aeruginosa. What was observed in il-frt i t nlÉÉfrr -nM r * ^ this table to indicate similar results has those observed for staphylococcus aureus. For tests with 20% ethanol, no significant reduction was observed between 15 seconds and 30 minutes. This same trend was recorded for citric acid and copper: citric acid. Both silver: citric acid with ethanol exhibited reductions close to or greater than 6.0 logio during the course of the 30-minute test. The silver: citric acid solution showed a reduction of 2.49 logio the time period of 10 minutes and a greater reduction of 5.7 logio at the end of the 30 minutes. Silver: citric acid showed the best disinfection against pseudomonas aeruginosa, reflecting the results observed with the other two organisms. A greater reduction of 6.0 logio was registered to the sampling period of 5 minutes.

RESULTS OF FIELD TEST The improved disinfectant has been tested in preliminary veterinary field trials to establish the effectiveness of the present invention. The veterinary field test test was conducted by licensed veterinarians on equine species. The improved disinfectant was tested on unhealed tissue and open contaminated wounds. The unhealed wounds, opened, were treated with wasps appositos or spraying the improved disinfectant on the wound. The disinfectant has been tested on skin lesions contaminated and infected with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The results have shown that this formulation exhibits superior performance compared to the disinfectant products currently available in the market. Disinfectant formulations have been shown to be very effective for deep and irritating wounds and abscesses without tissue damage. A decrease in healing time and reduction in crusting has been observed repeatedly during the study. The disinfectant seems to promote healthy granulation without excessive fibrosis. The disinfectant has been used as a surface disinfectant and therefore has shown better results with prolonged contact with contaminated tissue. On superficial wounds, the best results are obtained with "wet apposition" or frequent spray applications for skin surfaces not sensitive to the applied dressing. The drained abscesses are washed, the disinfectant solution is maintained in the cyst, then drained and again filled and agitated for 2-3 minutes before allowing drainage. Deep closed drainage wounds have shown a rapid healing and reduced drainage time when washed with the disinfectant. Unts s £ t additional for the disinfectant can be like a uterine lavage for bacterial / fungal / yeast infections. The preliminary results with this application have shown-lp? I. very promising The present description includes what is contained in the appended claims as well as the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that the present description of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes can be made in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of the parties without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (35)

You RElVIIfe > ICATIONS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. An aqueous disinfectant, characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of silver citrate where the silver is generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid and water.

2. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolytically generated silver forms an organic metal complex with the citric acid.

3. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolytically generated silver forms an organic metal complex chelated with the citric acid.

4. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolytically generated silver forms a complex with the citric acid of (Ag (CA) x) + (CA) -, where CA is (C6H807-H20).

5. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 1, characterized in that the silver generated n = electr electrolytically forms a complex with the citric acid of r (Ag + CA-), where CA is (C6H807 - H20).

6. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 1, characterized in that the solution of citric acid and water comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid.

The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 1, characterized in that the citric acid and water solution comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid; and from about 0.0005% to 0.001% by volume of silver citrate formed by the electrolytically generated silver.

8. An aqueous disinfectant in concentrated form having an extended shelf life, characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of silver citrate where the silver is generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid in water; and the electrolytically generated silver has a concentration in excess of 0.05% by volume.

9. An aqueous disinfectant in concentrated form having an extended shelf life, characterized in that it comprises: Efi-iS a silver treatment solution, where silver is generated electrolytically in a solution of approximately 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid in water; and the electrolytically generated silver has a concentration of approximately 0.05% to 0.1% by volume.

10. An aqueous disinfectant, characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of silver citrate in a solution of citric acid and water, where the concentration of silver citrate exceeds 0.05% by volume.

11. An aqueous disinfectant, characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of silver citrate formed from silver generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid and water; and approximately 20% alcohol by volume.

12. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 11, characterized in that the alcohol is ethyl alcohol (ETOH) at about 20% by volume.

13. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 11, characterized in that the solution of citric acid and water comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid.

14. The aqueous according to claim 11, characterized in that the citric acid and water solution comprises from 5.0% to 10.0% in 6%? volume of citric acid; and the electrolytically generated silver comprises from about 0.0005% to 0.001% by volume.

15. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 11, characterized in that the citric acid and water solution comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid; and the electrolytically generated silver comprises from about 0.05% to 0.1% by volume.

16. An aqueous disinfectant, characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of silver citrate formed from silver generated electrolytically in a solution of citric acid and water; about 20% by volume of ethyl alcohol; from about 0.01% to 0.1% of an anionic detergent volume.

17. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 16, characterized in that the citric acid and water solution comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid.

18. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 16, characterized in that the solution of citric acid and water comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid; and 5 from about 0.0005% to 0.001% by volume of silver citrate formed by the electrolytically generated silver.

19. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 16, characterized in that the acid solution 10 citric acid and water comprises from about 5.0% to 10.0% by volume of citric acid; and the electrolytically generated silver comprises from about 0.05% to 0.1% by volume.

20. The aqueous disinfectant according to claim 16, characterized in that the detergent is sodium dodecyl sulfate. ^

21. The process for preparing a disinfectant, characterized in that it comprises the step of: electrolytically generating silver in a solution of citric acid and water to form an aqueous solution of silver citrate.

22. The process for preparing a disinfectant according to claim 21, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming an organic complex with the citric acid.

23. The process for Repairing a disinfectant according to claim 21, characterized in that the Step 5 of electrolytically generating silver includes forming an organic metal complex chelated with citric acid.

24. The process for preparing a disinfectant according to claim 21, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming a complex with the citric acid of (Ag (CA) x) + (CA) -, where CA is ( C6H807 - H20).

25. The process for preparing a disinfectant according to claim 21, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming a complex with the citric acid of (Ag + CA-), where CA is (C6H807-H20).

26. The process for preparing an improved aqueous disinfectant, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: 0 creating a solution of about 5.0% to 10% by volume of citric acid in water; separating a positive silver electrode in relation to a negative electrode to allow the solution to be located between them; We apply a potential difference to the positive and negative electrodes to establish a flow of silver ions between the positive and negative electrodes to allow the silver ions to react with the acid. citrus to form therefore silver citrate.

27. The process for preparing an improved aqueous disinfectant according to claim 26, characterized in that the step of separating a positive silver electrode in relation to a negative electrode includes separating the positive silver electrode from the negative electrode a sufficient distance to allow the silver ion flows between them.

28. The process for preparing an improved aqueous disinfectant according to claim 26, characterized in that the step of separating a positive silver electrode in relation to a negative electrode includes separating the positive silver electrode by more than 2.0 mm from the negative electrode.

29. The process for preparing an improved aqueous disinfectant according to claim 26, characterized in that the step of applying a potential difference to the positive and negative electrodes includes applying a potential difference to establish a flow of silver ions in e? jírintervalo of 0.1 amps to 0.5 amps.

30, silver citrate, characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of silver citrate in a solution of citric acid and water, where the concentration of silver citrate exceeds 0.05% by volume.

31. The process to prepare a silver citrate, characterized in that it comprises the step of: electrolytically generating silver in a solution of citric acid and water to form an aqueous solution of silver citrate.

32. The process for preparing a silver citrate according to claim 31, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming an organic metal complex with the citric acid.

33. The process for preparing a silver citrate according to claim 31, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming an organic metal complex chelated with the citric acid.

34. The process for preparing a silver citrate according to claim 31, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming a complex with the citric acid of (Ag (CA) x) + (CA) -, where CA is (C6H807 - H20).

35. The process for preparing a silver citrate according to claim 31, characterized in that the step of electrolytically generating silver includes forming a complex with the citric acid of (Ag + CA-), where CA is (C6H807-H20). * ^^^ ¿^^ I - - -rt ar- - < * - *