U.S. patent application number 10/664003 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for chemical and biological warfare decontaminating solution using peracids and germinants in microemulsions, process and product thereof.
Invention is credited to Brown, Jerry S., Hodge, Richard C., McCabe, Margaret A., McGrady, Karen A., Schilling, Amanda S..
Application Number | 20050288203 10/664003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34274496 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050288203 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Brown, Jerry S. ; et
al. |
December 29, 2005 |
Chemical and biological warfare decontaminating solution using
peracids and germinants in microemulsions, process and product
thereof
Abstract
A microemulsion composition having a solid source of
peroxycarboxylic acid and germinant is used for chemical and
biological warfare decontamination. A process for decontaminating
uses the microemulsion composition.
Inventors: |
Brown, Jerry S.; (Woodford,
VA) ; Hodge, Richard C.; (King George, VA) ;
McCabe, Margaret A.; (Fredericksburg, VA) ; McGrady,
Karen A.; (Fredericksburg, VA) ; Schilling, Amanda
S.; (Fredericksburg, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DAHLGREN DIVISION
OFFICE OF COUNSEL, CODE XDC1
17320 DAHLGREN ROAD
DAHLGREN
VA
22448-5110
US
|
Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 0059566 A1 |
March 17, 2005 |
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Family ID: |
34274496 |
Appl. No.: |
10/664003 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10664003 |
Sep 16, 2003 |
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10057471 |
Feb 1, 2002 |
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10057471 |
Feb 1, 2002 |
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09477941 |
Jan 5, 2000 |
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6369288 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
510/375 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 17/0021 20130101;
A62D 2101/02 20130101; C11D 3/3947 20130101; A62D 3/38 20130101;
C11D 1/75 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/375 |
International
Class: |
C11D 003/00 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] The invention described herein may be manufactured and used
by or for the government of the United States of America for
governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon
or therefor.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A microemulsion composition for decontaminating chemical and
biological warfare agent, comprising: a microemulsion; a solid
source of peroxycarboxylic acid dissolved in the microemulsion;
and, a germinant in combination with the solid peroxycarboxylic
acid within the microemulsion.
2. The microemulsion composition of claim 1, wherein the
microemulsion comprises a surfactant selected from the group
consisting of didecyl methylamine oxide, dimethyl decylamine oxide,
and combinations thereof.
3. The microemulsion composition of claim 1, wherein the
peroxycarboxylic acid comprises peracetic acid.
4. The microemulsion composition of claim 3, wherein the peracetic
acid comprises peracetyl borate.
5. The microemulsion composition of claim 1, wherein the
peroxycarboxylic acid is present in an amount of from about 0.01
g/mL to about 0.20 g/mL.
6. The microemulsion composition of claim 5, wherein the
peroxycarboxylic acid is present in an amount of from about 0.10
g/mL to about 0.15 g/mL.
7. The microemulsion composition of claim 1, wherein the germinant
is selected from the group consisting of dipicolinic acid, alanine,
asparagine, glucose, fructose, potassium chloride, and combinations
thereof.
8. The microemulsion composition of claim 7, wherein the genninant
comprises dipicolinic acid.
9. The microemulsion composition of claim 8, wherein the
dipicolinic acid is present in an amount of from about 0.03 molar
amount to about 0.30 molar amount.
10. The microemulsion composition of claim 9, wherein the
dipicolinic acid is present in an amount of from about 0.15 molar
amount to about 0.25 molar amount.
11. The microemulsion composition of claim 1, wherein the pH of the
composition ranges from about 7.0 to about 10.0.
12. A microemulsion composition for decontaminating chemical and
biological warfare agent, comprising: a microemulsion selected from
the group consisting of didecyl methylamine oxide, dimethyl
decylamine oxide, and combinations thereof; peracetyl borate
dissolved in the microemulsion; and, dipicolinic acid effective for
spore germination in combination with the peracetyl borate within
the microemulsion.
13. A chemical and biological warfare decontamination composition
comprising the microemulsion composition of claim 1.
14. A kit for decontamination comprising the microemulsion
composition of claim 1.
15. An area decontamination system comprising the microemulsion
composition of claim 1.
16. A process for decontaminating a contaminated surface,
comprising the steps of: providing a microemulsion composition
having a microemulsion, a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid
suspended in the microemulsion and a germinant in combination with
the solid peroxycarboxylic acid within the microemulsion; and,
applying the microemulsion composition to the contaminated surface
effective for decontamination thereof.
17. The process of claim 16, wherein the microemulsion composition
comprises a microemulsion, peracetyl borate and dipicolinic
acid.
18. The process of claim 16, wherein the microemulsion composition
comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of
didecyl methylamine oxide, dimethyl decylamine oxide, and
combinations thereof.
19. A decontaminated surface product produced by the process of
claim 16.
20. A microemulsion composition for decontaminating chemical and
biological warfare agent, comprising: a microemulsion; a
peroxycarboxylic acid in the microemulsion; and, a germinant in
combination with the peroxycarboxylic acid within the
microemulsion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention provides a chemical warfare agent
decontamination (decon) solution. More particularly, the
decontamination solution includes a microemulsion composition
having a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid dissolved in the
microemulsion and a germinant in combination with the solid
peroxycarboxylic acid. The decontaminating solution is useful in
neutralizing chemical and biological warfare agents.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0005] Chemical agents (CA) and biological agents (BA),
(collectively CB agents) are becoming an increasingly problematic
to military commander and civil authorities. Use of these agents is
known in chemical (CW) and biological (BW) warfare. Biological
agents are particulates that include microorganisms such as
bacteria, viruses and fungi. Unlike chemical agents, a time delay
may occur before the full extent of the effects of the biological
agents become apparent. In some biological agents, such as anthrax,
spore production enables biological agents to remain in an
environment for years while retaining biological activity.
[0006] Chemical agents, used as CW agents, include vesicants such
as Sulfur Mustard (HD), Nitrogen Mustard (HN-1; HN-2 and HN-3),
Lewisite (L), nerve gases that include phosphonofluoridates such as
Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB) and Soman (GD) and V compounds that include
phosphorylthiocholines such as VX. Vesicants act as blistering
agents that attack skin and mucous membranes. Nerve agents act on
the central nervous system by reacting with the enzyme
acetylcholinesterase to cause respiratory collapse, convulsions and
death.
[0007] Methods for decontamination of chemical warfare agents,
which include a variety of organophosphorus and organosulfur
compounds, are known in the art. However, these known methods use
compositions which have certain undesirable properties, including
corrosiveness, flammability and toxicity. For example, hypochlorite
formulations are very corrosive and toxic. Additionally,
application of the hypochlorite decontaminant often requires
substantial scrubbing for removal and destruction of the chemical
warfare agent, a procedure which limits its use.
[0008] One decontaminant, Decontamination Solution 2 (DS2) used by
the United States Army, is useful against a variety of chemical and
biological warfare agents. DS2 contains 70% diethylenetriamine, 28%
ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and 2% sodium hydroxide. However,
DS2 spontaneously ignites upon contact with hypochlorites and
hypochlorite-based decontaminants. Further, DS2 may cause corrosion
to aluminum, cadmium, tin and zinc after prolonged contact, and
softens and removes paint. Similar corrosion and human toxicity
problems exist with the bleach decontamination solution (HTH) used
by the United States Navy. Current decontamination solutions, while
effective against both chemical and biological agents, use hydrogen
peroxide as the primary oxidant. Liquid hydrogen peroxide presents
handling, storage, and shipping problems. These solutions, in the
mixed form, tend to offgas and foam.
[0009] Strong oxidizers may be used to detoxify warfare agent,
however, several problems exist with the use of the strong
oxidizers. The reactivity of most strong oxidizers inhibit long
shelf life of any decontaminating solution, tend to be corrosive,
and are hazardous to humans and the environment. Also, most of the
strong oxidizers are liquids, making shipping and storage a
problem.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an effective
chemical and biological warfare agent decontamination solution that
is particularly effective against hazardous biological organisms
while being non-corrosive, nontoxic, nonflammable, and
environmentally safe. The present invention addresses this and
other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention includes a microemulsion composition
for decontaminating chemical and biological warfare agent
comprising a microemulsion, a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid
dissolved in the microemulsion and a germinant in combination with
the solid peroxycarboxylic acid within the microemulsion. The
present invention also includes a chemical and biological warfare
decontamination composition, and a kit, having this microemulsion
composition. Additionally, the present invention includes an area
decontamination system comprising the microemulsion
composition.
[0012] Furthermore, the present invention includes a process for
decontaminating a contaminated surface comprising the steps of
providing the microemulsion composition and applying the
microemulsion composition to the contaminated surface in a manner
that is effective for decontamination of the contaminated surface.
A decontaminated surface product produced by this process is part
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0013] The present invention combines a solid, stable oxidant and a
spore germinant into a microemulsion formulation to produce a
decontaminating solution. Advantageously, this combination provides
a superior composition to neutralize the threat chemical agents,
such as VX, HD, and GD, while providing an effective disinfectant
against biological agents, such as vegetative bacterial cells and
spores, fungi, viruses and the like. As such, the present invention
provides a novel microemulsion composition useful in
decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents.
[0014] The microemulsion composition of the present invention uses
a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid dissolved in the
microemulsion in combination with the germinant. With the component
parts of the decontaminating solution mixed, the peroxycarboxylic
acid is available for degradation of the chemical and biological
warfare agents. The peroxycarboxylic acid, an oxidizing agent,
attacks the chemical and biological warfare agents. As the
peroxycarboxylic acid attacks the warfare agent, the microemulsion
provides a medium to enhance contact of the peroxycarboxylic acid
with the chemical warfare agents. Once the warfare agent has been
detoxified, the residual components of the decontaminating solution
and warfare agent may be removed by any known method, such as a
water rinse, or soap and water. Any known method of rinsing may be
used, such as application of the water by hose, mop, scrubbers and
the like.
[0015] The microemulsion of the present invention includes any
appropriate system for suspension or dissolution of the solid
source of peroxycarboxylic acid and germinant combination. The
microemulsion preferably includes a surfactant composition or
system having one or more surfactants, water and hydrocarbon
compound. Low interfacial tension of the surface active compounds
found within the emulsion helps dissolve the warfare agents, aiding
detoxification from increased intimate contact between the oxidizer
and warfare agent. The microemulsion preferably comprises the
combined surfactant component in an amount of from about 5 wt % to
about 60 wt %, water in an amount of from about 5 wt % to about 60
wt %, and hydrocarbon compound in an amount of from about 5 wt % to
about 60 wt %. An exemplary microemulsion composition includes
approximately 42.4 wt % water, 17.2 wt % decane and 24.6 wt %
surfactants (neat). Buffers, and other known microemulsion
additives may be added, as desired. Microemulsions have been
disclosed to extract warfare agents which are then washed off, as
detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,300 to von Blucher et al., the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0016] Preferred microemulsion systems include surfactants,
particularly surfactants such as didecyl methylamine oxide,
dimethyl decylamine oxide, and combinations thereof. Surfactants
used within the microemulsion preferably include two amine oxide
surfactants. The amine oxide surfactants may include, for example,
any N-alkyldimethylamine or N-dialkylmethylamine oxide, having
C.sub.10, C.sub.12, C.sub.14, C.sub.16 alkyls or mixtures of these.
Exemplary surfactants include didecyl methylamine oxide
manufactured by Albemarle Chemical of Baton Rouge, La. and sold
under the tradename "Damox 1010" (76%), and decyl dimethylamine
oxide manufactured by Lonza Chemical of Fair Lawn, N.J., and sold
under the tradename "Barlox 10S" (30%). Preferred surfactant
systems include amine oxides.
[0017] Preferably, microemulsions of the present invention comprise
a water content of from about 20% to about 50% by weight with a
hydrocarbon component dispersed therein. The hydrocarbon or oil
component of the microemulsion may non-exclusively include alkane
compounds with from about C.sub.5 or higher, such as decane
(C.sub.10), dodecane (C.sub.12), tetradecane (C.sub.14), and
hexadecane (C.sub.16). The alkane should be nontoxic, nonflammable
and resistant to oxidation. The hydrocarbon component is preferably
present in amounts of from about 10% to about 30% by weight.
[0018] The peroxycarboxylic acids, also known as peracids, of the
present invention provide a strong oxidizer that is effective in
decontamination solutions to detoxify nerve agent, such as VX and
HD with the G-agents readily neutralized at a moderately elevated
pH. The peroxycarboxylic acid oxidizers of the present invention
include peracetic acid (PAA) for effectiveness against chemical
agents while possessing a high decontaminant activity against
bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Representative peracids of the
present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,288, to
Brown, entitled "Chemical and Biological Warfare Decontaminating
Solution Using Bleach Activators", the disclosure of which is
herein incorporated by reference for the teaching of
peroxycarboxylic acids. The preferred peracetic acid source is
peracetyl borate (PAB). Peracids are strong oxidizers that leave a
limited environmental footprint because of their breakdown products
of water and a weak acid. At a moderate pH range, the peracids are
effective and non-corrosive to machinery and other articles, such
as military materials.
[0019] Synthesis of peracetyl borate is described by Roesler, et
al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,692, to Roesler et al., entitled "Stable
Solid Acetyperoxyborate Compounds", the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference for such teachings. Use of the
peracid as a decontaminant in a chemical/biological decontamination
formulation substantially destroys or eliminates all forms of
microbial life in the inanimate environment, including forms of
vegetative bacteria, fingi, and viruses.
[0020] Effective amounts of the peroxycarboxylic acid are
determinable by those skilled in the art for specific
concentrations of warfare agent, types and amounts of germinant,
contact methods, additional chemical warfare countermeasures,
operational necessities, and other like factors considered for
personnel ingress and egress from an exposed area. Preferably,
effective detoxification includes normal human contact within a
previously contaminated environment that has been treated with the
decontamination solution of the present invention without any
adverse health effects. Preferred amounts includes, for example
without limitation, from about 0.01 g/mL to about 0.20 g/mL, with a
more preferred amount in the range of from about 0.03 g/mL to about
0.15 g/mL, and with a most preferred amount in the range of from
about 0.04 g/mL to about 0.10 g/mL.
[0021] Of the three broad classes of biological threats (bacteria,
fungi, and viruses), the endospore forming bacteria presents the
most difficult threat to neutralize. Spores have a highly
protective coat and can remain dormant for extended periods of
time. Under certain conditions, such as temperature, moisture,
and/or chemical stimulus, spores germinate and become vegetative
cells. In this vegetative state the endospore forming bacteria are
most vulnerable to decontamination. The decontamination solution of
the present invention contains three elements effective biological
decontamination. These three elements include a strong oxidizer,
surfactants to reduce the surface tension between the spores and
the components of the decontamination solution, and a germinant to
induce germination.
[0022] The present invention includes a type and amount of
germinant that is effective to germinate resident spores within the
contamination. This germination allows for a broad, more complete,
decontamination of the hazard. Germinants of the present invention
include, for example without limitation, dipicolinic acid, alanine,
asparagine, glucose, fructose, potassium chloride, and the like,
and combinations thereof. The preferred germinant of the present
invention includes dipicolinic acid (DPA), that more preferably
includes the presence of calcium ions. Representative amounts of
germinant include from about 0.03 molar amount to about 0.30 molar
amount, with a more preferred range of from about 0.15 molar amount
to about 0.25 molar amount. The pH of the microemulsion composition
preferably ranges from about 7 to about 10, such as from about 8 to
about 9.5.
[0023] A preferred microemulsion composition for decontaminating
chemical and biological warfare agent includes a surfactant of
didecyl methylamine oxide and dimethyl decylamine oxide, peracetyl
borate and dipicolonic acid. This formulation, and other
formulations taught herein, may be incorporated into a kit or an
area decontamination system.
[0024] Within the microemulsion, the mixed peracid and germinant
remain stable with no offgassing or foaming generally occurring.
Additionally, the microemulsion provides a compatibility, e.g.,
non-corrosive properties, with military materials, and is generally
safe for the user and immediate environment of use.
[0025] In operation, the decontaminating solution of the present
invention is applied onto a contaminated area or surface to
neutralize or detoxify the chemical and/or biological warfare
agent. Application of the decontamination solution includes placing
the peracid in a microemulsion, and incorporating a germinant
together with the peracid. The combination of the peracid and
germinant in the microemulsion system or composition provides a
synergistic effect in killing spores while the peroxycarboxylic
acid neutralizes chemical agents. The microemulsion composition is
contacted with a biological and/or chemical warfare agent that
reacts with the peroxycarboxylic acid and become detoxified.
Representative applications of the microemulsion include, for
example without limitation, application by mops, brushes, sprayers
and other known solution applicators. The decontaminating solution
of the present invention is noncorrosive, nontoxic, and
nonflammable, and useful in rapidly neutralizing individual and
combinations of chemical and biological warfare agents, such as VX,
GD and HD, and vegetative and endospore forming bacteria, fungi and
virus. The resultant decontaminated surface is free of
contamination.
EXAMPLE 1
[0026] 3,023 mg of an alkane sulfonate surfactant blend of
approximately 52% of Clariant's Hostapur SAS-30 (secondary alkane
sulfonate, sodium salt) and 48% of Dow Chemical's Dowfax Hydrotrope
(benzene 1,1'-oxybis-,sec-hexyl derivative, sulfonated sodium
salts) was weighed into a reaction vessel. 1,483 .mu.L of 3.0 M KOH
solution was added and mixed. Chemical agent sufficient to achieve
a concentration of 0.1 M was added and mixed. 660 .mu.L of 15%
peracetic acid solution was added and mixed. A 15-minute
decontamination period was allowed followed by neutralization and
determination of the amount remaining chemical agent.
[0027] The peracetic acid used in Example 1 was a commercial
solution of 15% peracetic acid. The disadvantage of the peracetic
acid solution is stability evidenced by foaming and offgassing in
the mixed system. As the commercial grades of PAA are mixtures of
acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, stabilizing agents,
and water, the foaming and offgassing is caused by the hydrogen
peroxide.
[0028] The results of Example 1 are shown in Table 1, below.
1TABLE 1 CHEMICAL AGENT EFFICIENCY Decon Efficiency of 0.1M
Chemical Agent by 0.3M PAA, Mixed Sulfonate .mu.Em, Buffered to pH
= 10 % Agent Neutralized Reaction Time, min HD GD VX 0 0.00 0.00
0.00 15 98.21 99.99 98.39 30 98.31 99.99 98.58 60 99.15 99.99
98.72
EXAMPLE 2
[0029] 342 mg of a mixed amine oxide surfactant blend of
approximately 14% of Albemarle's Damox 1010 and 86% of Lonza's
Barlox 10S, 646 mg of deionized water, 75 mg of sodium Carbonate,
and 10 mg of dipicolinic acid were weighed into a vial and mixed
until homogeneous. 125 mg of peracetyl borate was added to a second
vial. The contents of the two vials were combined and mixed until
the solid peracetyl borate is fully dissolved. The solution was
transferred to a 5 mm Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) tube.
Chemical agent sufficient to achieve a concentration of 0.1 M was
added to the NMR tube. The reaction progress was monitored by NMR
spectroscopy.
[0030] The stability problems found in Example 1 were resolved by
the use of a solid form of peracetic acid called peracetyl borate.
Upon dissolution in water, peracetyl borate generates peracetic
acid with minimal generation of hydrogen peroxide. Decontamination
systems incorporating the peracetyl borate retain the advantage of
having a strong oxidizer such as peracetic acid, without the
foaming and offgassing observed with formulations containing
hydrogen peroxide.
[0031] Incorporation of peracetyl borate into a microemulsion
yielded a very stable formulation with no offgassing or foaming.
The high decontamination efficiency of the peracetyl borate
microemulsion formulation toward the chemical agents is shown in
Table 2, below.
2TABLE 2 CHEMICAL AGENT EFFICIENCY Decon Efficiency of 0.1M CA by
0.3M PAB, Mixed Amine Oxide Surfactant .mu.Em, Buffered to pH = 8.5
% Agent Neutralized Reaction Time, min HD GD VX 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 15
100.0 97.2 56.6
EXAMPLE 3
[0032] The effectiveness of various combinations of microemulsion,
peracid and germinant were tested.
[0033] For formulation A, 135 mg of didecyl methylamine oxide was
brought to a volume of 4 mL with deionized water. For formulation
B, 1178 mg of dimethyl decylamine oxide was brought to a volume of
4 mL with deionized water. For formulation C, 1368 mg of a mixed
amine oxide surfactant blend of approximately 14% of Albemarle's
Damox 1010 and 86% of Lonza's Barlox 10S, 2584 mg of deionized
water, and 300 mg of sodium carbonate were weighed into a vial and
mixed until homogeneous. 500 mg of peracetyl borate was added to a
second vial. The contents of the two vials were combined and mixed
until the solid peracetyl borate was fully dissolved. For
formulation D, 40 mg of dipicolinic acid was brought to a volume of
4 mL with deionized water. For formulation E, 528 .mu.L of 15%
commercial peracetic acid solution was brought to a volume of 4 mL
with deionized water.
[0034] 10 .mu.L of a suspension of Bacillus globigii spores with a
concentration of 10.sup.10 colony forming units (CFU) were added to
a reaction vessel. 990 .mu.L of the formulation were added to a
reaction vessel. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes.
In formulations C and E, the reaction mixture was neutralized with
1 mL of sodium metabisulfite solution with a concentration of 330
mg/mL. The remaining Bacillus globigii spores were isolated and
serial dilutions were performed. The dilutions were plated on LB
agar. Colonies were counted following incubation of the plates for
24 hours at 37 degrees C.
[0035] Formulations A and B contained 10.sup.8 Bacillus globigii
spores and the individual surfactants of the amine oxide
microemulsion in concentrations used in the microemulsion system.
Formulation C contained 10.sup.8 Bacillus globigii spores and 0.38
M peracetyl borate in the mixed amine oxide (2.3% didecyl
methylamine oxide and 8.8% dimethyl decylamine oxide) microemulsion
system of 4 mL. Formulation D contained 10.sup.6 Bacillus globigii
spores and 0.1 M dipicolinic acid. Formulation E contained 10.sup.8
Bacillus globigii spores and 264 .mu.L of 15% commercial peracetic
acid solution (containing 600 ppm dipicolinic acid as a
stabilizer).
3TABLE 3 BIOCIDAL EFFICIENCY Reduction in Bacillus globigii After
Exposure to Candidate Solutions Initial Log Reduction, CFU/mL
CFU/mL A: Didecyl methylamine oxide surfactant 10.sup.8 0 in 30
minutes B: Dimethyl decylamine oxide surfactant 10.sup.8 0 in 30
minutes C: PAB in mixed amine oxide .mu.Em 10.sup.8 4 in 15 minutes
D: DPA 10.sup.6 0 in 15 minutes E: PAA 10.sup.8 4 in 15 minutes
Note: Due to the reactive nature of the systems for Formulations C
and E, a neutralization step was needed. The neutralization step
included the addition of 1 mL of 330 mg/ml sodium metabisulfite
solution.
[0036] Example 3 demonstrated the ineffectiveness of the amine
oxide surfactants individually (Formulations A & B), the
surfactants combined with peracetyl borate (Formulation C), the
dipicolinic acid alone (Formulation D), or a combination of
oxidizers and dipicolinic acid (Formulation E).
EXAMPLE 4
[0037] A series of experiments was conducted on the effectiveness
of formulations containing microemulsion compositions containing a
peracid and germinant. Formulation F contains Bacillus globigii
spores, surfactants and a 15% commercial peracetic acid solution.
Formulation G contains Bacillus globigii spores, surfactants,
peracetyl borate and dipicolinic acid.
[0038] 1368 mg of a mixed amine oxide surfactant blend of
approximately 14% of Albemarle's Damox 1010 and 86% of Lonza's
Barlox 10S, 2584 mg of deionized water, 300 mg of sodium carbonate,
and 40 mg of dipicolinic acid were weighed into a vial and mixed
until homogeneous. 500 mg of peracetyl borate was added to a second
vial. The contents of the two vials were combined and mixed until
the solid peracetyl borate was fully dissolved. 10 .mu.L of a
suspension of Bacillus globigii spores with a concentration of
10.sup.10 colony forming units was added to a reaction vessel. 990
.mu.L of the decontamination solution was added to the reaction
vessel. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. The
reaction mixture was neutralized with 1 mL of sodium metabisulfite
solution with a concentration of 330 mg/mL. The remaining Bacillus
globigii spores were isolated and serial dilutions were performed.
The dilutions were plated on LB agar. Colonies were counted
following incubation of the plates for 24 hours at 37 degrees
C.
4TABLE 4 BIOCIDAL EFFICIENCY Reduction in Bacillus globigii from
10.sup.8 Initial CFU/mL After 15 Minute Exposure to Candidate
Solutions Log Reduction, CFU/mL F: PAA in mixed amine oxide .mu.Em
8 G: PAB and DPA in mixed amine oxide .mu.Em 8
[0039] The series of experiments are summarized in Table 5,
below.
5TABLE 5 SUMMARY PEROXYGEN BIOCIDAL EFFICIENCY TESTS Formulation
Surfactant Oxidizer Germinant Effectiveness* Formulation A Yes No
No No Formulation B Yes No No No Formulation C Yes Yes No No
Formulation D No No Yes No Formulation E No Yes Yes No Formulation
F Yes Yes Yes Yes Formulation G Yes Yes Yes Yes *Effectiveness
against Bacillus globigii spores.
[0040] Live agent tests with Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) confirmed
these results. 1368 mg of a mixed amine oxide surfactant blend of
approximately 14% of Albemarle's Damox 1010 and 86% of Lonza's
Barlox 10S, 2584 mg of deionized water, 300 mg of sodium carbonate,
and 40 mg of dipicolinic acid were weighed into a vial and mixed
until homogeneous. 500 mg of peracetyl borate was added to a second
vial. The contents of the two vials were combined and mixed until
the solid peracetyl borate was fully dissolved. 100 .mu.L of a
suspension of Bacillus anthracis spores with a concentration of
10.sup.8 colony forming units was added to a reaction vessel. 900
.mu.L of the decontamination solution was added to the reaction
vessel. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. The
reaction mixture was neutralized with 1 mL of sodium metabisulfite
solution with a concentration of 330 mg/mL. The remaining anthrax
spores were isolated and serial dilutions were performed. The
dilutions were plated on 5% sheep's blood agar. Colonies were
counted following incubation of the plates for 48 hours at 37
degrees C.
[0041] In Formulation H, peracetyl borate with dipicolinic acid in
a mixed amine oxide surfactant system demonstrated excellent
decontamination ability with Bacillus anthracis, as shown in Table
6, below.
6TABLE 6 BIOCIDAL EFFICIENCY Reduction in Bacillus anthracis from
10.sup.7 Initial CFU/mL, 15 Minute Exposure to Candidate Solutions
Log Reduction, CFU/mL H: PAB and DPA in mixed amine oxide .mu.Em
7
[0042] The present invention provides decontamination technology
that is superior to combinations of surfactants (macro or
microemulsions) in decontamination solutions, peracids in a
decontamination solution, peracids as a biocide, or the application
of a germinant formulation prior to or concurrent with application
of decontamination solution. Uniquely, the present invention may
use a solid peracetyl borate as a means of producing a stable,
non-foaming chemical/biological decontamination solution.
Additionally, the present invention includes an oxidizer,
surfactant(s) and germinant, in a combination chemical and
biological decontamination formulation. This allow the surfactants
to bring the reactants in contact with the agents and spores,
causing the spores to germinate with a non-metabolizable compound
and reducing the concentration of chemical and biological agents
with the peracetic acid from the solid peracetyl borate.
[0043] The present invention provides several advantages. These
include the ability to significantly reduce or neutralize, within a
reasonable amount of time, the effects of chemical agents using
peracetyl borate as the oxidizer in a microemulsion system, shown
in testing of VX, HD, and GD with the ability to neutralize, within
a reasonable amount of time, the effects of biological warfare
agents using a combination of surfactants, oxidizer, and germinant,
shown in testing of the anthrax simulant Bacillus globigii as well
as Bacillus anthracis. The present invention allows storage of
oxidative components of the decontamination system for periods of
time greater than several months with the ability to safely and
easily handle and store the oxidative components of the
decontamination system. The reaction products of the reactive
components of the decontamination solution are water and weak acids
which lowers toxicity to humans and produces smaller environmental
footprint.
[0044] Specifically, the microemulsion allows for intimate contact
of the chemical/biological agents with germinant(s) and peracid(s),
and the stability of the peracid source allows for easy handling
and storage of the decontamination solution components. The
decontaminating agent compositions of the present invention are
nontoxic and useful in detoxifying/neutralizing a variety of
chemical warfare agents, including organosulfur agents such as
mustard gas, and organophosphorus agents such as the nerve agents
termed VX and GD. The decontaminating agents of the present
invention may also be used to neutralize selected organophosphorus
agricultural chemicals. Decontamination is effected by applying a
decontaminating agent of the present invention to the contaminated
material, equipment, personnel, or the like. Such application
includes any suitable means for applying a solution onto a
contaminated surface, with the type and manner of application
determinable by those skilled in the art, such as spraying,
showering, washing or other suitable means. Generally, such
application is guided by decreasing the exposure, initial or
continuous, of the contaminating warfare agent to personnel with
the amount of decontaminating solution required under military
operational conditions can be readily determined by those skilled
in the art.
[0045] The foregoing summary, description, and examples of the
present invention are not intended to be limiting, but are only
exemplary of the inventive features that are defined in the
claims.
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