Method for disinfecting a surface, and composition suitable for use therein

Abstract

A method for disinfecting a surface contaminated with microorganisms or suspected of being contaminated with microorganisms, the microorganism being one or more of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae, including the step of contacting the surface with a disinfecting composition including: 0.1-10 wt. % of one or more N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides, or a salt thereof, less than 0.1 wt. % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-20 wt. % of one or more non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants, 0.05-5 wt. % of a carboxylic acid, wherein the disinfecting composition has a pH in the range of 1-4.5 wherein the composition includes less than 5 wt. % of ethoxylated anionic surfactant. The invention also pertains to a composition suitable for use in the method according to the invention. The method and composition provide excellent biocidal activity over a broad range of organisms using low concentrations of organic acids.

Claims

1. Method for disinfecting a surface which is contaminated with microorganisms or which is suspected of being contaminated with microorganisms, the microorganism being one or more of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae, comprising the step of contacting the surface with a disinfecting composition comprising: 0.1-10 wt. % of one or more N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides, or a salt thereof, less than 0.1 wt. % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-20 wt. % of one or more non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants, wherein the one or more non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of an alkyl sulfate salt, wherein the alkyl chain comprises 4-22 carbon atoms, a sulphonate salt selected from the group consisting of an alkyl sulphonate salt, an alkyl sulfoacetate salt, an alkyl sulfosuccinate salt and a sulfolaurate salt, and combinations thereof, 0.05-5 wt. % of one or more carboxylic acids, wherein each carboxylic acid has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein the disinfecting composition has a pH in the range of 1-4, wherein the composition comprises less than 5 wt. % of ethoxylated anionic surfactant.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the surface is a surface of the animal or human body, and the composition has a pH in the range of 3-4.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the surface is an inanimate surface.

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein the disinfecting composition comprises 0.2-8 wt. % of one or more N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides, or a salt thereof, wherein the N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides has a structure according to Formula I as follows:
RCON(H)(CH.sub.2)n-C(R)COX(I) or a salt thereof, wherein RCO represents an acyl group wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated, straight of branched C5 to C21 radical, n is 0, 1 or 2, R represents an amino acid side chain, and X is OH or a group according to Formula II:
[NHCH(R)CO]mNHC(R)CO(OH)(II) wherein m ranges from 0 to such a value that the compound of Formula II specifies a peptide having an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 3900 Dalton.

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein disinfecting composition comprises 0.2-15 wt. % of one or more non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants.

6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises less than 3 wt. % of ethoxylated anionic surfactant.

7. Method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.1-3 wt. % of the one or more carboxylic acids.

8. Method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more carboxylic acids are a cyclic carboxylic acid selected from the group of 2-furan-dicarboxylic acid, (iso)phthalic acid, furoic acid, salicylic acid and/or benzoic acid.

9. Method according to claim 1, wherein the surface is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae.

10. Method according to claim 1, wherein the surface to be disinfected is selected from skin, hair, or mucous membranes in healthcare environments or inanimate surfaces in healthcare environments.

11. Method according to claim 1 where the surface may be rinsed with water or wiped to dry, or not rinsed or wiped and left to air dry.

12. Method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one of the following carboxylic acids: lactic acid, glycolic, acid, benzoic acid, and tartaric acid.

13. Method according to claim 1, wherein an inanimate hard surface is contacted with a disinfecting composition comprising: 0.1-3 wt. % of one or more N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides, or a salt thereof, less than 0.1 wt. % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-3 wt. % of one or more of the non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants, 0.05-2 wt. % of the one or more carboxylic acids, wherein the disinfecting composition has a pH in the range of 1-3.5, wherein the composition comprises less than 2 wt. % of ethoxylated anionic surfactant.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the surface is not rinsed with water after having been contacted with the composition.

15. Method according to claim 1, wherein the disinfecting composition is obtained by diluting a more concentrated composition with water, wherein the concentrated solution is generally diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 25 wt. % (product in water).

16. Disinfecting composition suitable for disinfecting a surface which is contaminated with microorganisms or which is suspected of being contaminated with microorganisms, the microorganism being one or more of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae, the composition comprising 0.1-10 wt. % of one or more N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides, or a salt thereof, less than 0.1 wt. % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-20 wt. % of one or more non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants, wherein the one or more non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of an alkyl sulfate salt, wherein the alkyl chain comprises 4-22 carbon atoms, a sulphonate salt selected from the group consisting of an alkyl sulphonate salt, an alkyl sulfoacetate salt, an alkyl sulfosuccinate salt and a sulfolaurate salt, and combinations thereof, 0.05-5 wt. % of one or more carboxylic acids, wherein each carboxylic acid has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein the disinfecting composition has a pH in the range of 1-4, wherein the composition comprises less than 5 wt. % of ethoxylated anionic surfactant.

17. Disinfecting composition according to claim 16, which comprises: 0.1-3 wt. % of one or more N-acylated amino acids or N-acylated peptides, or a salt thereof, less than 0.1 wt. % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.1-3 wt. % of one or more of the non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants, 0.05-2 wt. % of the one or more carboxylic acids, wherein the disinfecting composition has a pH in the range of 1-3.5 wherein the composition comprises less than 2 wt. % of ethoxylated anionic surfactant.

18. Method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one of the following carboxylic acids: citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, and succinic acid.

Description

EXAMPLES

(1) To illustrate the compositions according to the invention and their effect as compared to the prior art, numerous compositions were prepared and tested. The compositions were prepared in distilled water using commercially available concentrated stocks of the various components.

(2) Explanation of the Products Used

(3) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (28% active, Texapon ALS, BASF)

(4) Cocoglucoside (50% active, Plantacare 818, BASF)

(5) Cocamide DEA (90% active, Comperlan COD, BASF)

(6) Cocamidopropyl Betaine (30% active, Tego Betaine F, Degussa; Mackam CB 818, McIntyre; Genagen CAB 818, Clariant)

(7) Cocamine Oxide (30% active, Genaminox CLS, Clariant)

(8) Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate (40% active, Protelan AG 8, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(9) Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (40% active, Dehyton DC, BASF)

(10) Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (40% active, Setacin 103 Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(11) Glycol Stearate (Cutina EGMS, BASF)

(12) Lauramidopropylbetaine (30% active, Mackam LAB, Rhodia)

(13) Laureth-3 (Dehydol LS3, BASF)

(14) MIPA Laureth Sulfate (59% active, Zetesol 2056, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(15) MIPA Lauryl Sulfate (60% active, Sulfetal CJOT 60, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(16) PEG-150 Distearate (Aculyn 60P, Dow)

(17) PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (90% active, Cremophor RH410, BASF)

(18) PEG-9 Cocoglycerides (Oxypon 401, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(19) Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20, Croda)

(20) Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80, Croda)

(21) Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (40% active, Protelan AG 11, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(22) Sodium C14-17 Sec Alkyl Sulfonate (30% active, Hostapur SAS 30, Clariant)

(23) Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (34% active, Protelan AGL 95 and Protelan AGL 95/C, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(24) Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate (30% active, Hostapur SG, Clariant)

(25) Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, (39% active, Protelan VE/K Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(26) Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (85% active, Hostapur SCI, Clariant)

(27) Sodium Laureth Sulfate (70% active, Texapon N7, BASF; 28% active, Zetesol NL U, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(28) Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (30% active, Protelan LS 9011, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(29) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (97% active, Texapon K12G, BASF)

(30) Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate (42% active, Texapon T42, BASF)

(31) Zinc Coceth Sulfate (25% active, Zetesol Zn, Zschimmer & Schwarz)

(32) Test Method

(33) Biocidal activity of the various compositions was tested using a controlled bactericidal suspension test conform the European Norm for chemical disinfectants and antiseptics EN 1276 (EN 1276: Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas: test method and requirements). The test protocol is as follows: One ml of a test suspension containing about 10.sup.8 cfu of the test microorganism per ml is added to 8 ml of the composition to be tested, and 1 ml milli-Q water is added. A soiled condition is simulated by adding 0.3% bovine albumin serum. After 1, 3 and 5 minutes contact time, the amount of viable bacteria was determined. The EN 1276 norm prescribes a log 5 reduction in viable cell count after a contact time of 5 minutes.

(34) In the composition tables, all ingredients are indicated as wt. % and are calculated as active component. pm stands for amount added to achieve a certain effect. In particular, NaOH and phosphoric acid are often added pm in amounts sufficient to obtain the specified pH.

(35) In the results tables, the logarithmic reductions after a specific exposure time of the product to various micro-organisms is indicated. Where the number is preceded by the indication > no colonies were found at all (which represents a complete kill of that specific organism), so the reduction was calculated from the amount of colony forming units in the start suspension and the subsequent dilution applied.

(36) The indication TNTC stands for Too Numerous To Count. It is used where the number of colony forming units on the plate was too high to count, which means that no reduction in bacterial species could be detected, that is, no biocidal effect is found.

Example 1: Compositions According to the Invention

(37) Various compositions according to the invention were prepared, and their biocidal activity was determined as indicated above. The following tables give the composition and biocidal effect of compositions 1.1 through 1.3 according to the invention.

(38) TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Name (INCI) 1.1 1.2 1.3 water to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 4.20 4.20 10.50 Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 2.00 Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydolyzed 1.80 3.60 wheat protein Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1.50 Cocoamidopropyl betaine 1.50 Lactic Acid 1.29 1.26 3.59 Glycerin 1.00 1.00 1.00 Allantoin 0.20 0.20 0.20 Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract 1.00 1.00 1.00 pH 4.0 4.0 4.0

(39) TABLE-US-00002 E. coli 3 S. aureus E. hirae minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 1.1 TNTC 4.8 5 6.3 5.2 >5.2 1.2 4.9 >5.7 TNTC 5.3 >5.2 >5.2 1.3 TNTC 4.7 5.2 6.6 >5.2 >5.2

(40) The following tables give the composition and biocidal effect of compositions 2.1 through 2.6 according to the invention.

(41) TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Name (INCI) 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Water to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Sodium Laureth Sulfate 2.80 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 4.20 4.20 4.20 Zink Laureth Sulfate 2.50 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2.91 2.91 2.91 Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 2.00 2.00 Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydolyzed wheat protein 1.80 1.80 1.80 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1.50 1.50 Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein 1.96 Lactic acid 1.80 2.42 1.94 1.58 1.66 1.36 Glycerin 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Allantoin 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Sodium Hydroxide pm pm pm pm pm pm pH 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7

(42) TABLE-US-00004 E. coli 3 S. aureus E. hirae minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 2.1 TNTC 4.8 6.7 5.8 >5.2 >5.2 2.2 TNTC 3.8 5.5 >6.7 >5.2 >5.2 2.3 3.8 5.4 4.9 6.7 >5.2 >5.2 2.4 >5.7 >5.7 >6.7 >6.7 >5.2 >5.2 2.5 >5.7 >5.7 6.7 >6.7 >5.2 >5.2 2.6 5.2 >5.7 5 6.7 >5.2 >5.2

(43) The following tables give the composition and biocidal effect of compositions 3.1 through 3.4 according to the invention:

(44) TABLE-US-00005 Ingredient Name (INCI) 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Water to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Sodium Laureth Sulfate 2.80 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 8.40 8.40 5.04 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2.91 Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 2.00 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1.80 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate 1.70 Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed 1.68 Wheat Protein Cocoamidopropyl betaine 1.50 1.50 Lactic acid 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 Citric Acid 0.80 0.50 0.50 0.50 Glycerin 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Allantoin 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Sodium Hydroxide pm pm pm pm pH 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7

(45) TABLE-US-00006 E. coli 3 S. aureus E. hirae minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 3.1 3 4.1 4.6 4.6 4 >5.0 3.2 4.1 4.1 4.6 4.6 >5.0 >5.0 3.3 4.1 4.1 4.6 4.6 >5.0 >5.0 3.4 TNTC 4.1 4.6 4.6 >5.0 >5.0

(46) The following tables give the composition and biocidal effect of compositions 4.1 through 4.8 according to the invention.

(47) TABLE-US-00007 Ingredient Name (INCI) 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Water to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 2.10 2.10 4.20 0.84 1.68 2.52 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1.94 1.94 Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 0.80 2.00 0.80 0.80 0.80 2.00 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1.50 0.60 1.50 0.60 Cocoamidopropyl betaine 1.50 Lactic acid 0.44 0.88 0.88 Citric Acid 0.50 0.50 Tartaric acid 1.00 0.50 0.50 1.00 Maleic acid 1.00 1.00 Benzoic acid 0.20 0.20 0.20 Salicylic acid 0.10 Phosphoric acid 0.05 0.53 0.43 0.08 0.22 0.06 Sodium Hydroxide 0.06 0.36 pm 0.86 pm 0.3 pm pm pH 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 3.5

(48) TABLE-US-00008 E. coli S. aureus 3 min 5 min 3 min 5 min 4.1 4 5.3 >7.3 >7.3 4.2 >7.0 >7.0 >7.3 >7.3 4.3 5.8 7 >7.3 >7.3 4.4 5.7 7 >7.3 >7.3 4.5 >7.0 >7.0 >7.3 >7.3 4.6 7 >7.0 >7.3 >7.3 4.7 5.8 >7 >7.3 >7.3 4.8 3.5 6.1 >7.3 >7.3

(49) TABLE-US-00009 E. hirae P. aeruginosa 3 min 5 min 3 min 5 min 4.1 >6.0 >6.0 6 >7.0 4.2 >6.0 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0 4.3 >6.0 >6.0 6.4 >7.0 4.4 5.5 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0 4.5 >6.0 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0 4.6 >6.0 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0 4.7 >6.0 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0 4.8 >6.0 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0

(50) The following tables give the composition and biocidal effect of compositions 5.1 through 5.5 according to the invention.

(51) TABLE-US-00010 INCI 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Water to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl 4.20 4.20 Sulfate MIPA Lauryl Sulfate 2.10 4.20 Sodium C14-17 Sec Alkyl 3.90 Sulfonate Disodium Capryloyl 0.80 Glutamate Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1.50 1.50 Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate 1.50 Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate 1.70 Lactic acid 0.88 0.53 0.88 Citric acid 1.00 0.80 Maleic acid 0.50 Benzoic acid 0.20 Phosphoric acid pm 0.12 0.18 0.12 pm Sodium Hydroxide 0.15 pm pm pm 0.1 pH 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5

(52) TABLE-US-00011 E. coli S. aureus 3 min 5 min 3 min 5 min 5.1 3 5.5 5.8 >7.0 5.2 5.7 >6.3 >7.0 >7.0 5.3 4 5.1 >7.0 >7.0 5.4 4.4 5.6 7.0 >7.0 5.5 6.3 >6.3 5.2 >7.0

(53) TABLE-US-00012 E. hirae P. aeruginosa 3 min 5 min 3 min 5 min 5.1 >6.2 >6.2 6.9 6.6 5.2 >6.2 >6.2 >6.9 >6.9 5.3 >6.2 >6.2 >6.9 >6.9 5.4 >6.2 >6.2 >6.9 >6.9 5.5 >6.2 >6.2 >6.9 >6.9

(54) The following tables show the composition and biocidal effect of compositions 6.1 and 6.2 according to the invention.

(55) TABLE-US-00013 Ingredient Name (INCI) 6.1 6.2 Water to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 2.10 1.68 Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 0.80 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 0.60 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate 1.70 Lactic acid 0.88 Tartaric acid 1.00 Salicylic acid 0.10 Phosphoric acid pm pm Sodium Hydroxide pm pm pH 3.8 3.8

(56) TABLE-US-00014 E. coli S. aureus 3 min 5 min 3 min 5 min 6.1 >5.2 >5.2 >7.0 >7.0 6.2 4.3 >5.2 5.1 6.3

(57) TABLE-US-00015 E. hirae P. aeruginosa 3 min 5 min 3 min 5 min 6.1 >5.2 >5.2 >6.5 >6.5 6.2 >5.2 >5.2 >6.5 >6.5

Example 2: Efficacy after Short Contact Times

(58) To show the efficacy of the composition according to the invention after short contact times, the compositions 7.1 through 7.3 presented in the following table were prepared. The biocidal effect is presented in the further tables.

(59) TABLE-US-00016 Ingredient Name (INCI) 7.1 7.2 7.3 Water to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 4.20 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 6.79 6.79 Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 2.00 6.00 6.00 Citric Acid 10.00 7.00 Tartaric acid 1.00 Benzoic acid 0.50 Octanoic acid 2.00 2.00 Isopropyl alcohol 3.40 3.40 Phosphoric acid 0.60 pm pm Sodium Hydroxide pm pm pm pH 3.0 3.0 3.0

(60) TABLE-US-00017 E. coli S. aureus 1 min 3 min 5 min 1 min 3 min 5 min 7.1 >7.0 >7.0 >7.0 >7.3 >7.3 >7.3 7.2 6.7 6.3 >7.2 >7.2 >7.2 6.7 7.3 >7.2 7.2 7.2 >7.2 >7.2 7.1

(61) TABLE-US-00018 E. hirae P. aeruginosa 1 min 3 min 5 min 1 min 3 min 5 min 7.1 >6.0 >6.0 >6.0 >7.0 >7.0 >7.0 7.2 5.5 >5.5 >5.5 >7.0 >7.0 >7.0 7.3 5.5 >5.5 5.2 >7.0 7.0 7.0

(62) As can be seen from the above tables these compositions according to the invention show high efficacy already after very short contact times, which evidences the fast disinfection effect of the compositions according to the invention against all four organisms.

Example 3: Effect of the Nature of the Surfactant

(63) To investigate the effect of the nature of the surfactant, compositions where prepared which have essentially the same composition but wherein an ethoxylated anionic surfactant is used instead of a non-ethoxylated anionic surfactant. The compositions properties and results are presented in the following table.

(64) TABLE-US-00019 a 1 2 inv comp comp Water to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 4.20 Ammonium Laureth Sulfate 2.80 Zinc Laureth Sulfate 2.50 Disodium Caproyl Glutamate 2.00 2.00 2.00 Lactic Acid 1.29 1.08 0.85 Glycerin 1.00 1.00 1.00 Allantoin 0.20 0.20 Aloe barbadensis leaf extract 1.00 1.00 1.00 pH 4.0 4.0 4.0 E. coli after 3 minutes TNTC TNTC TNTC E. coli after 5 minutes 4.8 TNTC TNTC S. aureus after 3 minutes 5.0 TNTC TNTC S. aureus after 5 minutes 6.3 TNTC TNTC E. hirae after 3 minutes 5.2 TNTC TNTC E. hirae after 5 minutes >5.2 TNTC TNTC

(65) As can be seen from the table, the composition according to the invention is effective against all three organisms after 5 minutes, and against S. aureus and E. hirae also after three minutes. In contrast, comparable compositions which contain an ethoxylated anionic surfactant instead of a non-ethoxylated surfactant do not show any activity under these conditions. This is in particular remarkable for zinc laureth sulphate for which it is often believed that it shows biocidal activity.

Example 4: Effect of the Presence of N-Acylated Amino Acids or N-Acylated Peptide

(66) To investigate the effect of the presence of an N-acylated amino acid or N-acylated peptide, compositions where prepared which have essentially the same composition but wherein an N-acylated amino acid or N-acylated peptide is present, or re-placed by a polysorbate compound.

(67) The compositions properties and results are presented in the following tables.

(68) TABLE-US-00020 ai 3 4 inv comp comp Water to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine lauryl Sulfate 2.10 2.10 2.10 Disodium Caproyl Glutamate 0.80 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 0.60 Tartaric Acid 1.00 1.00 1.00 Polysorbate-20 2.00 Polysorbate-80 2.00 Phosphoric acid (pH adjustment) pm pm pm Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjustment) pm pm pm pH 3.8 3.8 3.8 E. coli after 3 minutes >5.2 TNTC TNTC E. coli after 5 minutes >5.2 TNTC TNTC S. aureus after 3 minutes >7.0 TNTC TNTC S. aureus after 5 minutes >7.0 TNTC TNTC E. hirae after 3 minutes >5.2 3.1 3.2 E. hirae after 5 minutes >5.2 >5.2 4.5 P aeruginosa after 3 minutes >6.5 4.2 5.8 P aeruginosa after 5 minutes >6.5 6 >6.5

(69) TABLE-US-00021 aj 5 6 inv comp comp Water to 100 to 100 to 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 1.68 1.68 1.68 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate 1.70 Lactic Acid 0.88 0.88 0.88 Salicylic Acid 0.10 0.10 0.10 Polysorbate-20 2.00 Polysorbate-80 2.00 Phosphoric Acid (pH adjustment) pm pm pm Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjustment) pm pm pm pH 3.8 3.8 3.8 E. coli after 3 minutes 4.3 TNTC TNTC E. coli after 5 minutes >5.2 TNTC TNTC S. aureus after 3 minutes 5.1 TNTC TNTC S. aureus after 5 minutes 6.3 TNTC TNTC E. hirae after 3 minutes >5.2 TNTC TNTC E. hirae after 5 minutes >5.2 4 TNTC P aeruginosa after 3 minutes >6.5 5.3 TNTC P aeruginosa after 5 minutes >6.5 6.5 TNTC

(70) As can be seen from the tables above, compositions ai and aj according to the invention show activity against all microorganisms. In contrast, compositions containing a polysorbate instead of an N-acylated amino-acid do not show any activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Example 5: Investigation of the Biocidal Effect of Prior Art Compositionsnot in Accordance with the Present Invention

(71) The tables below show compositions as described in the prior art, and the results of teste performed using these compositions.

(72) Examples 4, 5 and 6 (Beispiel 4, 5 and 6) from DE19838034A

(73) Examples 1 and 2 from the Zschimmer & Schwarz brochure on Protelan AG8

(74) Baby Shampoo, two Foam Baths, a Shower Gel, and 2 Shampoos from the Zschimmer & Schwarz brochure on Protelan VE/K

(75) Example 6 (Cleaning Composition) from EP1074247A2.

(76) As can be seen from the test results, no reduction in bacterial growth was detected at any contact time for any organism. Thus, none of the compositions show any measurable bactericidal effect.

(77) TABLE-US-00022 Z&SProtelan AG 8 Ingredient DE19838034A1 Beispiel Beispiel brochure Name (INCI) Beispiel 4 5 6 Z&S 1 Z&S 2 Aqua To 100 To 100 To 100 To 100 To 100 Sodium Laureth 11.83 9.63 6.88 5.50 11.00 Sulfate Zink Coceth 6.00 Sulfate Disodium 1.60 1.88 Capryloyl Glutamate Potassium 1.08 Undecylenoyl Hydolyzed wheat protein Sodium Lauroyl 0.60 0.81 Sarcosinate Sodium Cocoyl 1.13 0.75 0.50 0.68 Glutamate Cocamide DEA 1.80 Cocoamidopropyl 3.63 2.64 4.62 2.10 Betaine Disodium Laureth 1.88 Sulfosuccinate Cocoglucoside 1.00 2.00 1.50 PEG-40 0.5 0.5 0.5 Hydrogenated Castor Oil PEG-200 Glyceryl 0.5 0.5 0.5 Palmitate Sodium Benzoate 0.45 0.45 0.45 Sodium Salicylate 0.2 0.2 0.2 Citric Acid 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Lactic Acid 0.89 Panthenol 0.75 Sodium Chloride 2.5 Sodium Hydroxide 0.27 0.37 0.68 0.62 pH 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.5 5.0

(78) TABLE-US-00023 Z&S - Protelan EP1074247 VE/K Brochure example 6 Baby Foam Foam Shower Cleansing Ingredient Name (INCI) Shampoo Bath Bath Gel Shampoo Shampoo composition Aqua To 100 To 100 To 100 To 100 To 100 To 100 To 100 Sodium Laureth Sulfate 8.40 17.50 19.60 11.20 Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 10.08 Zink Laureth Sulfate 7.50 MIPA Laureth Sulfate 0.75 12.98 0.75 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1.96 Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat 7.80 1.37 0.78 1.17 1.17 0.78 1.56 Protein Laureth-3 0.5 PEG-150 Distearate 0.5 Polysorbate 20 3 Cocamine Oxide 0.90 Lauramidopropylbetaine 1.20 Cocoamidopropyl Betaine 2.70 0.90 Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate 2.00 1.60 2.80 Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate 1.60 1.60 Sodium Benzoate 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Citric Acid 0.24 0.26 pm Lactic Acid 1.06 pm 0.46 Glycol Stearate 0.20 0.20 Panthenol 1 Sodium Chloride 1 1 2.4 Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract 0.55 Bisabolol 0.1 PEG-9 Cocoglycerides 2.00 Sodium Hydroxide 0.21 0.07 0.1 0.48 pH 5.5 6.0 6.3 5.5 6.0 6.0 6.0

(79) TABLE-US-00024 E. coli S. aureus E. hirae RESULTS: 3 minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes DE19838034A1 Beispiel 4 TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC DE19838034A1 Beispiel 5 TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC DE19838034A1 Beispiel 6 TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC Z&S - Protelan AG Z&S 1 TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 8 brochure Z&S - Protelan AG Z&S 2 TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 8 brochure Z&S - Protelan Baby Shampoo TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC VE/K Brochure Z&S - Protelan Foam Bath TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC VE/K Brochure Z&S - Protelan Foam Bath TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC VE/K Brochure Z&S - Protelan Shower Gel TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC VE/K Brochure Z&S - Protelan Shampoo TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC VE/K Brochure Z&S - Protelan Shampoo TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC VE/K Brochure EP1074247A2 example 6 Cleansing TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC Comp.

(80) As can be seen from the table above, none of the prior art compositions shows any biocidal effect.

Example 6: Effect of pH

(81) To investigate the effect of pH, various compositions were prepared which only differ in their pH. The pH was adjusted using sodium hydroxide. Experiments were carried out for lactic acid and tartaric acid. The results are presented in the following tables.

(82) TABLE-US-00025 Lactic acid 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Deionised water Ad 100 Ad 100 Ad 100 Ad 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 Sodium Capryloyl Glutamate 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 Lactic Acid 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 Glycerin 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Aloe vera 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Allantoin 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 pH 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 E. coli 30 sec TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 1 minute TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 3 minutes 7.1 TNTC TNTC TNTC 5 minutes >7.1* 5.6 TNTC TNTC S. aureus 30 sec 4 <4.0 TNTC TNTC 1 minute 7 5.3 TNTC TNTC 3 minutes 7 >7.0 4 4 5 minutes 7 >7.0 6.6 5.7 E. hirae 30 sec <2.7 2.7 <2.7 TNTC 1 minute 5.7 4.5 2.7 2.7 3 minutes >5.7 5.4 5.7 >5.7 5 minutes 4.9 >5.7 >5.7 5.4

(83) TABLE-US-00026 Tartaric acid 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 Deionised water Ad 100 Ad 100 Ad 100 Ad 100 Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 Sodium Capryloyl Glutamate 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 Tartaric Acid 1.54 1.54 1.54 1.54 Glycerin 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Aloe vera 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Allantoin 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 pH 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 E. coli 30 sec TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 1 minute TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 3 minutes TNTC TNTC TNTC TNTC 5 minutes 5.7 TNTC TNTC TNTC S. aureus 30 sec 5.2 4 TNTC TNTC 1 minute >7.0 5.9 <4.0 TNTC 3 minutes >7.0 7 >7.0 6 5 minutes 6.6 >7.0 7 6.6 E. hirae 30 sec 3.9 2.7 <2.7 <2.7 1 minute >5.7 4.7 4.7 5.1 3 minutes >5.7 >5.7 >5.7 >5.7 5 minutes >5.7 >5.7 >5.7 >5.7

(84) From the tables it can be concluded that pH plays an important role in the effectiveness of the composition. A pH of 3.5 works better than 4.0 or 4.5. A pH level of 4.5 is the maximum to achieve a certain efficacy for several organisms.