ARSENIC-CHELATING COMPOSITION

Abstract

The invention relates to a biodegradable chemical composition with a chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, comprising: (i) between 20 and 30 weight % of chitosan (poly-D-glucosamine); (ii) between 40 and 60 weight % of natural zeolite; and (iii) between 20% and 30 weight % of eggshell membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises: 25 weight % of chitosan (poly-D-glucosamine); (ii) 50 weight % of natural zeolite; and (iii) 25 weight % of eggshell membrane. The invention also relates to all products used for personal hygiene, cleanliness and care that can include the biodegradable chemical composition as an additional component of the product.

Claims

1. A biodegradable chemical composition with a chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: (i) 20% to 30% by weight of chitosan poly-D-glucosamine; (ii) 40% to 60% by weight of natural zeolite; and (iii) 20% to 30%, by weight of eggshell membrane.

2. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: (i) 25% by weight of chitosan poly-D-glucosamine; (ii) 50% by weight of natural zeolite; and (iii) 25% by weight of eggshell membrane.

3. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the chitosan poly-D-glucosamine has a deacetylation degree between 70% and 95%.

4. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the natural zeolite is clinoptilolite-mordenite.

5. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the eggshell has been pretreated with HCl.

6. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the eggshell has been pretreated with 10% HCl (37%).

7. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it is in granular form.

8. The biodegradable chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it is in liquid form.

9. A personal care product, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: (i) between 70% and 99.5% by weight of a composition comprising a surfactant and other complementary hygienic agents; and (ii) between 0.5% and 30% by weight of the biodegradable chemical composition with chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury described in claims 1 to 8.

10. The personal care product according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the complementary hygienic agents are selected from: water, oils, solubilizers, preservatives, emollients, thickeners, colorants, flavorings, exfoliants, UV filters, antiseptics, pearlescent agent, pH regulators and specific chemical compounds.

11. The personal care product according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a bar soap, liquid soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, exfoliating shower gel, mouthwash, toothpaste, vegetable disinfectant, disposable wet wipes for cleaning hard surfaces, disposable wet wipes for body cleaning, dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent.

12. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a bar soap.

13. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a liquid soap.

14. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a shampoo.

15. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a hair conditioner.

16. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a exfoliating shower gel.

17. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a mouthwash.

18. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a toothpaste.

19. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a vegetable disinfectant.

20. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it corresponds to disposable wet wipes for cleaning hard surfaces.

21. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it corresponds to disposable wet wipes for body cleaning.

22. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a dishwashing liquid.

23. The personal care product according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a laundry detergent.

24. A personal care product, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: (i) between 70% and 99.5% by weight of a composition comprising a base emulsion and other complementary agents; and (ii) between 0.5% and 30% by weight of the biodegradable chemical composition with chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury described in claims 1 to 8.

25. The personal care product according to claim 24, CHARACTERIZED in that the complementary agents are selected from: emulsifiers, preservatives, emollients, thickeners, colorants, flavors, exfoliants, UV filters, antiseptics, pH regulators and other specific chemical compounds.

26. The personal care product according to claim 24, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a skin care cream or sun block cream.

27. The personal care product according to claim 26, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a skin care cream.

28. The personal care product according to claim 26, CHARACTERIZED in that it is a sun block cream.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention, it should be understood that % by mass refers to the measurement of the amount of matter a body possesses, thus not using the concept of weight, which is a measure of the force that is caused on the body by the gravitational field.

[0033] For the present invention, when mentioning eggshell, it should be understood that all eggs from all types of birds are included, although due to their large population, domestication and food and industrial use, chicken eggs will be more common.

[0034] The present invention relates to a biodegradable chemical composition with the chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury that is present in the environment (water, air and soil) and may have contact with the skin of persons or foods consumed by persons. Said composition is comprised of: (i) 20% to 30%, by mass, of chitosan Poly-D-glucosamine; (ii) 40% to 60%, by mass, of natural zeolite; and (iii) 20% to 30%, by mass, of eggshell membrane.

[0035] Research already known has shown that some of the components which form part of the composition described in the present invention in the treatment of water contaminated with arsenic, lead and mercury have already been used independently of one another. But to date, no composition has been developed to include the three components mentioned above, which, through a synergistic effect, enhance its action as a chelating agent of arsenic, lead and mercury.

[0036] Preferably, the biodegradable chemical composition is comprised of: (i) 25%, by mass, of chitosan Poly-D-glucosamine; (ii) 50% by mass of natural zeolite; and (iii) 25%, by mass, of eggshell membrane.

[0037] It should be noted that the first component of the composition, chitosan Poly-D-glucosamine, is a natural polysaccharide which is obtained from the catalytic N-deacetylation of chitin, resulting in a macromolecule containing D-glucosamine units and N Acetyl-D-glucosamine. Poly-D-glucosamine chitosan with a degree of deacetylation between 70% and 95%, preferably a degree of deacetylation of 95%, is preferred in the particular case of the present invention. Deacetylation is an alkaline treatment at high temperatures where it is subjected to chitin to obtain chitosan. About 50% deacetylation and under 95% deacetylation, chitosan is obtained. The degree of deacetylation identifies the relative ratio of active amino groups in the chitosan polymer, thus, the greater the degree of deacetylation, the greater the retention of metals or metalloids.

[0038] Zeolites are a family of highly crystalline hydrated aluminosilicate minerals. In itself, zeolite is a mineral rock composed of aluminum, silicon and oxygen. It is found in a wide variety of regions of the world where prehistoric volcanic activity occurred near water, or where water has been present for millennia since eruptions. Zeolite was discovered in 1756 by the Swedish mineralogist Baron Axel Fredrick Cronstedt. Its structure forms cavities occupied by large ions and water molecules with great freedom of movement, which allows the ions adsorbed in the internal channels of the same, can be interchanged. Zeolite has a natural porosity because it has a crystalline structure with windows, cages, and superjails. Natural zeolites have windows of limited size (pore size) and all are hydrophilic (have an affinity for water). There are about 40 natural zeolites known in the world, of which only seven can be used in any industrial application, they are: clinoptilolite, which is the one of greater industrial application; Mordenite; Chabazite; Erionite; Ferrierite; Phillipsite; and analcima. Some synthetic zeolites with hydrophobic characteristics that have affinity for organic compounds and with little or no affinity for water have also been developed. Zeolite can adsorb molecules in its large internal area, as long as they can pass through the windows or pores. Zeolite can be used as a molecular sieve because it has a uniform window size (or pore). On the other hand, zeolite is metastable, which means that it is stable as long as it is maintained at a suitable temperature and pH. Within this range, it is not affected by large oscillations in temperature, pressure, or ionizing radiation. Natural zeolite exists as a natural rock, and can reach the size of a large rock. However, the crystals of synthesized zeolite always measure less than one millimeter, this is because these crystals grow very slowly. In this aspect, natural zeolites can and should be considered as materials with physical and chemical properties that can be modified, favoring the design and development of new materials and technologies.

[0039] In the present invention, to form the biodegradable chemical composition with a chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, the zeolite to be employed is clinoptilolite-mordenite. Clinoptilolite-mordenite is the most abundant natural zeolite in nature and has a high cation exchange capacity and a high affinity for NH.sub.4.sup.+ ions. Clinoptilolite-mordenite, like other zeolites, has a cage-like structure, consisting of SiO.sub.4 and AlO.sub.4 tetrahedra bound by shared oxygen atoms. The negative charges of the AlO.sub.4 units are balanced with the presence of interchangeable cations, notably calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and iron. These ions can be displaced by other substances, for example heavy metals and ammonia ions. This phenomenon is known as cation exchange, and it is this ability of clinoptilolite-mordenite which gives it advantageous properties.

[0040] Eggshell constitutes the protective cover of the egg, the wall that defends it from the action of external agents, and the medium through which gaseous and liquid exchanges can be made with the surrounding environment. The shell represents between 9% and 12% of the weight of the egg; and is composed mainly of mineral substances, among which calcium carbonate (94%) is one of the most important as a structural component. There are other mineral principles in the shell, but in very small quantities, such as tricalcium phosphate and magnesium carbonate. The eggshell is porous (it can contain between 7,000 and 17,000 pores) and is not waterproof, therefore, it acts as a true coating.

[0041] In the shell of any type of egg, there are 2 interstitial membranes or films, which serve as a protective layer against microorganisms, to cover the albumen and separate it from the shell, and at the same time help to fix the various elements that make up the egg. There are two films: the external and the internal. The outer film covers the shell internally, while the inner film surrounds the albumen. Both remain in contact, except at the level of the air chamber located at the wide end of the egg. Such interstitial membranes or films are composed of collagen-type protein fibers, the films act as a high-efficiency filter-membrane type mechanical barrier. In addition, these films have an antibacterial action as a consequence of the lysozyme content. Both films offer a variable permeability, in order to allow breathing and the prolongation of life in the egg-cell. The two films are of a fibrous nature, and are in intimate contact when the external life of the egg begins, once it is laid; but later, in the zone corresponding to the major pole of the product, they are separated, and the space between the two membranes constitutes what is called the air chamber, whose volume increases with the days from the moment of the laying of the egg, and as a consequence of the gas exchange that takes place between him and the environment (Revista Cubana Aliment Nutr 2009; 19(1 Sup1):S84-S102. Dr. Sc. Jess Valds Figueroa).

[0042] Eggshells are generally considered to be a waste or solid residue from a variety of technical fields, such as egg incubation plants, industries that process eggs for other purposes (pastries, mayonnaise and sauces), to mention a few, and which, simply constitute a waste which one must get rid of.

[0043] In the present case, the investigators and inventors of the invention, by means of the research and development carried out with the various components of the eggshell, have been able to take advantage of a component that in another type of industry can be waste, As a primary agent and with an added value, to assist in the chelation of a contaminant present in water and to confer a benefit to human health.

[0044] For the case of the present invention, the eggshell is subjected to a pretreatment with 10% hydrochloric acid (HCl). Said pre-treatment is initiated by washing with abundant distilled water an amount of between 300 and 500 grams of eggshells, then the washed egg shells are immersed in a medium with 10% HCl at 37%. After 14 to 18 hours, once the majority of the calcium carbonate in the shell has been degraded, the acid is removed from the container and the membranes removed from the rest of the eggshell where it has not completely degraded the calcium carbonate. Subsequently, the membranes are washed with abundant distilled water. The membranes are then allowed to dry in an air oven set at a temperature of 80 C. for 4 to 5 hours. Finally, the egg shell membrane is milled to a particle size of 0.2 mm.

[0045] The biodegradable chelating chemical composition of arsenic, lead and mercury which is present in water, skin and food, as already mentioned, is preferably comprised of: (i) 25% by mass of chitosan Poly-D-glucosamine with 95% deacetylation Degree; (ii) 50%, by mass, of clinoptilolite-mordenite zeolite; And (iii) 25%, by mass, of pre-treated egg shell membrane with 10% HCl (37%). Therefore, to obtain 100 g of said composition, they measure the mass, on an analytical balance, separately of 25 g of poly-D-glucosamine chitosan with 95% deacetylation degree, 50 g of clinoptilolite-mordenite type zeolite and 25 g of eggshell membrane of pretreated with the procedure described in the previous paragraph. Finally, all the substances are mixed until a homogeneous mixture is reached.

[0046] Said biodegradable chemical composition with chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, is preferably available in a solid state, particularly in the granular state. However, it can also be diluted in a suitable liquid medium and prepared in a liquid state.

[0047] The biodegradable chemical composition with the chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, as described in the present invention, has a potent synergistic effect among the three components in the reduction of arsenic, lead and mercury. Presence of arsenic, lead and mercury wherein said water was treated with each of the components independently or with a combination of two of them, as shown in Table No. 1, it was found that the composition of the invention, which comprises the three components, shows percentages of reduction much higher than each component alone.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Percentage of reduction of arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) of the individual components, alone or in mixtures, used to generate the composition of the invention and percentage reduction of the composition of the invention. Reduction Reduction Reduction of As in of Pb in of Hg in Compound water (%) water (%) water (%) Chitosan 34.39% 96.34% 98.27% Zeolite 0% 98.76% 60.70% Eggshell membrane 43.35% 88.28% 96.36% 25% Chitosan + 75% Zeolite 62.13% 98.35% 98.68% Composition of the invention 78.9% 99.99% 99.80%

[0048] The advantages of the biodegradable chemical composition of the invention are as follows: [0049] Innocuous for the health of living beings. It does not negatively affect the survival and development of the Danio rerio fish species, according to tests and data obtained in the bioassay laboratory, of the Milenio building of the University of Chile, and of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, according to tests and data obtained in the laboratory Of Cyra Consultora Ltda. In tables No 2 and No 3, results of toxicity bioassays are given for lettuce and microalgae seeds, where the safety of the composition of the present invention is demonstrated. [0050] Sequesters over 75% of arsenic in water, significantly decreasing the toxicity of this metalloid. Data obtained from the company Hydrolab that complies with NCh. 17.025 and summarized in Table 1. [0051] Sequesters over 99% lead in water, significantly reducing the toxicity of this heavy metal. Data obtained from the company Hydrolab that complies with NCh. 17.025 and summarized in Table 1. [0052] Sequesters over 98% mercury in water, significantly decreasing the toxicity of this metalloid. Data obtained from the company Hydrolab that complies with NCh. 17.025 and summarized in Table 1. [0053] Derived from natural organic and inorganic compounds and is environmentally friendly, as it is biodegradable and the eggshell is obtained from companies that dispose of it, such as bakeries. [0054] Possible to combine it with hygiene, cleaning and personal care products without losing its effectiveness, which is a highly relevant and innovative hygiene and commercial advantage.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Acute toxicity bioassay with Lettuce seeds in a medium of distilled water (control group) or with the respective treatments. Hypocotyl Reduction of Samples Germination (%) reduction (%) radicle (%) Control Group 60% 0% 0% As (0.05 mg/L) 50% 18.76% 29.66% Composition 60% 0% 0% of the invention

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Bioassay of acute toxicity with microalgae in the TAP medium (control group) or with the respective treatments. Samples Chemical stress overgrowth (%) Control Group 0 As (0.05 mg/L) 83% Composition of the invention 0

[0055] In relation to the last of the advantages mentioned above (combination with hygiene, cleaning and personal care products without losing its effectiveness), effectively the biodegradable chemical composition with chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, can be incorporated into hygiene, cleaning and personal care products, without losing or reducing its chelating properties on arsenic, lead and mercury. Thus, the composition of the invention may be a part of personal hygiene, cleaning and/or personal care products, such as bar soap, liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, disposable wet wipes for cleaning hard surfaces, disposable wet wipes for cleaning the body, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, fruit and vegetable disinfectant detergent, skin care cream, sun block cream, ie the composition of the invention may be part of all products of daily or common use in which humans can have direct contact with environments with arsenic, lead or mercury. So it is that the soaps (in bar and liquid) and the shampoo will be occupied in the daily water baths of the people; toothpaste in oral hygiene and its corresponding rinses, creams (for skin care and sun block) in daily and constant use and its contact with water each time hand and/or face grooming is performed; wet disposable wipes for cleaning hard surfaces or for the human body when necessary and in dishwashing liquid by the direct contact that will be had with the water occupied at the time of washing. The above listing of products can not be considered as limiting for the presence of the composition of the invention, it may be present in all known hygiene, cleaning and/or personal care products or in those which may be prepared in the future.

[0056] From all of the foregoing, then, all hygiene, cleaning and/or personal care products comprising the components of each product (surfactants, water, oils, solubilizers, preservatives, emollients, thickeners, glycerin, vaseline, carrier, colorants, flavorings, exfoliants, UV filters, specific chemical compounds, etc.) and the biodegradable chemical composition with chelating effect on arsenic described in the present invention.

[0057] Thus, there is a personal hygiene or cleansing product, which comprises: (i) from 70% and 99.5% by mass of a composition comprising a surfactant and other hygienic agents; and (ii) between 0.5% and 30%, by mass, of the biodegradable chemical composition with the chelating effect of arsenic, lead and mercury described in the present invention.

[0058] Where the product of personal hygiene or cleaning, can be, bar soap, liquid soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, exfoliating shower gel, vegetable disinfectant, toothpaste, mouthwash, dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent. Said products comprise a composition comprising a surfactant and other complementary hygienic agents, the latter of which may be: water, oils, solubilizers, preservatives, emollients, thickeners, colorants, flavorings, exfoliants, UV filters, antiseptics, pearlescent agent, pH regulators and specific chemical compounds. As already noted, the personal cleansing product further comprises the biodegradable chemical composition having the chelating effect on arsenic in water previously described in the present invention.

[0059] There is also a personal care product, comprising: (i) between 70% and 99.5%, by mass, of a composition comprising a base emulsion and other complementary ingredients; and (ii) between 0.5% and 30%, by mass, of the biodegradable chemical composition with a chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury described in the present invention.

[0060] Where the product for personal care, may be, skin care cream or sun block cream. Said products comprise a composition comprising a base emulsion formed by water and oil or water and silicone, and other complementary ingredients, among the latter may be: emulsifiers, preservatives, emollients, thickeners, colorants, flavorings, exfoliants, UV filters, antiseptics, pH regulators and other specific chemical compounds. As already noted, the personal care product further comprises the biodegradable chemical composition with the chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, previously described in the present invention.

[0061] The scope of the biodegradable chemical composition with a chelating effect on arsenic, lead and mercury, described in the present invention, should not be limited to the products mentioned in the text itself, but should encompass all arsenic, lead and mercury chelating products, or a process for chelating or sequestering arsenic, lead and mercury, wherein the composition described above is included or used.