The present invention is directed to inhibitors of tyrosinase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such tyrosinase inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same. Specifically, included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of at least one 2,4-dihydroxybenzene analog, which inhibit the activity of tyrosinase and which inhibit the overproduction of melanin.

The present invention is directed to a composition in solution (often, an aqueous solution) which comprises a combination of molecular iodine (I.sub.2) and an acceptable source of iodate (IO.sub.3), and an acid (inorganic or organic), wherein iodide and iodate are present in the composition at a molar ratio of about 0.1 to about 25, the concentration of uncomplexed molecular iodine is a disinfectant, biocidal and/or antimicrobial (depending upon the end use of the composition) effective amount the concentration of acid in the composition is effective to provide a buffering pH in the composition ranging from about 1.5 to about 6.5. Compositions according to the present invention are storage stable for unexpectedly long periods of time (up to about 5 years), and find use as disinfecting solutions, as germicides and/or biocides (e.g. antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antispore etc.) for various surfaces and solutions including living and inanimate surfaces and are particularly useful because of their low cost, their reduced use of iodine, their activity (because of the high concentration of free molecular iodine in solution), their reduced environmental impact, their long term storage stability and their reduced toxicity. They also have particular utility in treating food surfaces to retard spoilage, increase useful shelf-life and minimize the human and economic cost of food waste. The compositions inactivate viruses, bacteria (both gram negative and positive), spores and fungi. Compositions according to the present invention may be used and stored in a variety of materials, given the substantial absence of corrosion (non-corrosive) these compositions display. Dental compositions (e.g. preprocedure rinses and other compositions) and methods related thereto are also disclosed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple measure which can suppress freshness deterioration of a myoglobin-containing food. The present invention relates to a myoglobin-containing food freshness deterioration suppressing material for suppressing freshness deterioration of a myoglobin-containing food, comprising: a substrate comprising a polymer; and an antioxidant with which at least a part of the surface of the substrate is covered, and/or an antioxidant supported in a layer forming at least a part of the surface of the substrate; wherein 0.01 g/m.sup.2 or more and 20 g/m.sup.2 or less of the antioxidant is included relative to the area of the part in which the antioxidant is present, of the surface of the substrate.

The present invention is directed to inhibitors of tyrosinase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such tyrosinase inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same. Specifically, included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of at least one 2,4-dihydroxybenzene analog, which inhibit the activity of tyrosinase and which inhibit the overproduction of melanin.

The present invention is directed to inhibitors of tyrosinase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such tyrosinase inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same. Specifically, included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of at least one 2,4-dihydroxybenzene analog, which inhibit the activity of tyrosinase and which inhibit the overproduction of melanin.

A synergistic system for substantially reducing surface contaminants of a food and inhibiting yeast, mold and bacteria growth in a food, beverage or food grade cosmetic preparation comprising a substantially transparent and odorless solution made from a plurality of substantially organic compounds selected from: citric acid, sodium citrate, vegetable glycerin, sea salt, potassium sorbate, decyl glucoside, calcium ascorbate, grapefruit seed extract, quillaja saponin, calcium carbonate, ascorbic acid, sodium percarbonate and sodium bisulfate, and an applicator for applying the solution to the food substance.

A food product is within an aqueous solution. The solution includes: at least one edible acid; and at least one osmotic agent, wherein after the solution reaches equilibrium with the food product, the pH of the solution is between about 1 and 5.

The present invention relates to new antimicrobial compositions and their use in the treatment of products such as food products.

Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.

The invention relates to synergistically effective ternary antimicrobial mixtures.