Method for controlling growth of microorganisms and/or biofilms in an industrial process

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for controlling a biofilm, removing a formed biofilm and/or controlling a growth of microorganisms, preferably bacteria, in an aqueous environment of an industrial manufacturing process including a cellulosic fibre material. A compound according to Formula I is administered to the aqueous environment, in which Formula I R1, R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom; halogen atom; hydroxy group; amino group; alkylamino group, alkyl group, hydroxyalkyl group, haloalkyl group or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or an acylamido group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and A represents 2-thiazolamine;

2-propenenitrile; 2-propenoic acid; alkyl ester or hydroxyalkyl ester of 2-propenoic acid having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or —CHCHCONR5R6 group, where R5 and R6 represent independently hydrogen atom, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the compound according to Formula I is not 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile or 4-amino-N-2-thiazolyl-benzene-sulphonamide.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a biofilm, for removing a formed biofilm and/or for controlling a growth of microorganisms, preferably bacteria, in an aqueous environment of an industrial manufacturing process comprising a cellulosic fibre material, said method comprising administering to the aqueous environment of the process a composition comprising a compound according to Formula I: ##STR00002## wherein R1, R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom; halogen atom; hydroxy group; amino group; alkylamino group, alkyl group, hydroxyalkyl group, haloalkyl group or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or an acylamido group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and A represents 2-thiazolamine; 2-propenenitrile; 2-propenoic acid; alkyl ester or hydroxyalkyl ester of 2-propenoic acid having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or —CHCHCONR5R6 group, where R5 and R6 represent independently hydrogen atom, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso that said compound is not 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile or 4-amino-N-2-thiazolyl-benzenesulphonamide.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in Formula (I): R1 represents a methyl group; ethyl propyl group; butyl group; methoxy group; ethoxy group; propoxy group; isopropoxy group; n-butoxy group; or tertiary butoxy group; and R2 and R3 represent independently a hydrogen atom; methyl group; ethyl propyl group; butyl group; methoxy group; ethoxy group; propoxy group; isopropoxy group; n-butoxy group; tertiary butoxy group; and A represents 2-propenenitrile; R1, R2, R3 being located independently in ortho, meta or para position relative to A.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein in Formula (I): R1 represents a methyl group; ethyl propyl group; butyl group; methoxy group; ethoxy group; propoxy group; isopropoxy group; n-butoxy group; tertiary butoxy group; or amino group; and R2 and R3 represent independently a hydrogen atom; methyl group; ethyl propyl group; butyl group; methoxy group; ethoxy group; propoxy group; isopropoxy group; n-butoxy group; tertiary butoxy group; and A represents —CHCHCONR5R6 group, where R5 and R6 represent independently hydrogen atom; alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; preferably R5 and R6 representing hydrogen atoms, R1, R2, R3 being located independently in ortho, meta or para position relative to A.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound according to Formula (I) is selected from group consisting of 3-phenylsulphonyl-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(4-fluorophenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(4-trifluormethylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)sulphonyl]2-propenenitrile, 3-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)sulphonyl-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulphonyl-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]prop-2-enamide, 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]prop-2-enoic acid, and any of their isomers.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the compound according to Formula (I) is selected from group consisting of 3-phenylsulphonyl-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(4-trifluormethylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile, 3-[(2,4, 6-trimethylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulphonyl-2-propenenitrile and 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]prop-2-enamide; and any of their isomers.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the aqueous environment in amount of 0.01-100 ppm, preferably 0.01-10 ppm, more preferably 0.01-2 ppm, calculated as active compound.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the aqueous environment in amount of 0.01-1 ppm, preferably 0.01-0.5 ppm, more preferably 0.01-0.3 ppm, calculated as active compound.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous environment comprises bacteria belonging to genus of Meiothermus, Deinococcus and/or Pseudoxanthomonas, either alone or in any combination or the aqueous environment is in contact with a biofilm at least partially formed by any of said bacteria.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous environment comprises water; cellulosic fibres, preferably lignocellulosic fibres; and further optionally starch; inorganic mineral particles, such as fillers and/or coating minerals; hemicelluloses; lignin; and/or dissolved and colloidal substances.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the industrial manufacturing process, which comprises the cellulosic fibre material and which is selected from manufacture of paper, board, pulp, tissue, moulded pulp, non-woven or viscose, preferably manufacture of pulp, paper or board.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the aqueous environment, which comprises a residual of peroxide from about 0.01 to about 100 ppm.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the aqueous environment is at least 40° C., preferably at least 50° C.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered periodically in the aqueous environment for 3-45 minutes for 6-24 times a day, preferably for 10-30 minutes for 12-24 times a day.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is used in addition with other biocidal or antimicrobial agents.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the composition is administered to the aqueous environment, which comprises a residual of active halogen in the range from about 0.01 to about 20 ppm, given as active chlorine.

Description

EXAMPLE 1

Reference

[0075] Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the ability of a conventional antimicrobial agent DBNPA to prevent biofilm formation of Meiothermus silvanus and Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis. Test conditions simulated paper or board making process conditions (synthetic paper machine water, high temperature, fibres present, high flow). The conventional antimicrobial agent DBNPA required a dosage of 1 mg/l active compound to reach acceptable or noticable biofilm reduction efficacy. The results for DBNPA are given in Tables 1 and 2.

[0076] Table 1 shows the effect of DPNPA dosing to Meiothermus silvanus biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Dosage given as active ingredient.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Dosage of DBNPA Biofilm quantity after 48 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction [%] 0 0.66 0.2 0.57 16.9 0.6 0.35 60.7 1 0.15 98.8

[0077] Table 2 shows the effect of DPNPA dosing to Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Dosage given as active ingredient.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Dosage of DBNPA Biofilm quantity after 48 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction, [%] 0 1.65 0.2 1.46 12.6 0.6 1.23 27.8 1 0.14 99.9

EXAMPLE 2

Reference

[0078] Tables 3 and 4 show effect of a well-known antibiotic Gramicidin against biofilm formation of Meiothermus silvanus and Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis. In a synthetic growth medium R2-broth Gramicidin was capable to prevent biofilm formation at clearly lower concentration than in conditions simulating paper or board making process (synthetic paper machine water, high temperature, fibres present, high flow).

[0079] The results in Table 3 and 4 demonstrate expected behaviour of a clinical antimicrobial compound with deteriorating performance when exposed to non-clinical conditions.

[0080] Table 3 shows the effect of Gramicidin dosing to Meiothermus silvanus biofilms in R2-broth and SPW. Biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Dosage given as active ingredient.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Biofilm quantity after 48 h Biofilm quantity after 48 Dosage of contact time in R2-broth h contact time in SPW Gramicidin Abs. at Biofilm Abs. at Biofilm [mg/l] 595 nm reduction, [%] 595 nm reduction, [%] 0 1.60 — 1.36 — 0.2 1.40 13.7 1.33 2.5 1 0.66 64.4 1.41 −4.1 3 0.17 97.9 0.45 74.6 10 0.14 100.0 0.19 95.9

[0081] Table 4 shows the effect of Gramicidin dosing to Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis biofilms in R2-broth and SPW. Biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Dosage given as active ingredient.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Biofilm quantity after 48 h Biofilm quantity after 48 Dosage of contact time in R2-broth h contact time in SPW Gramicidin Abs. at Biofilm Abs at Biofilm [mg/l] 595 nm reduction, [%] 595 nm reduction, [%] 0 2.78 — 2.37 — 3 2.80 −0.8 2.25 5.4 10 2.55 8.7 2.41 −1.8 25 0.19 98.1 2.42 −2.2

EXAMPLE 3

[0082] Tables 5 and 6 demonstrate the ability of Compound C and Compound E to prevent biofilm formation of Meiothermus silvanus and Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis. Test conditions are identical to test conditions of Example 1. It was observed that Compound C and Compound E were able to control biofilms at a very low concentration. Already a dosage of 0.2 mg/I active Compound C or Compound E gave over 90% biofilm reduction effect.

[0083] Table 5 shows the effect of Compound C dosage to Meiothermus silvanus biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Compound C dosage is given as active compound.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Dosage of Compound C Biofilm quantity after 48 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction [%] 0 0.85 0.06 0.64 29.7 0.2 0.15 98.2

[0084] Table 6 shows the effect of Compound E dosage to Meiothermus silvanus biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Compound E dosage is given as active compound.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Dosage of Compound E Biofilm quantity after 48 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction [%] 0 2.25 0.06 1.43 38.8 0.2 0.14 99.6

[0085] Results in Tables 5 and 6 demonstrate that Compound C and Compound E are capable to prevent biofilm formation of dominant industrial biofilm-formers under paper machine conditions at a very low dosage when compared to conventional biocide used in paper industry.

EXAMPLE 4

[0086] Tables 7 and 8 demonstrate the ability of Compound D and Compound F to remove already formed biofilms of Meiothermus silvanus or Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis. Test conditions simulated paper making process conditions (synthetic paper machine water, high temperature, fibres present, high flow). Compound D and Compound F were observed to remove already formed biofilms.

[0087] Table 7 shows the effect of Compound D dosage to Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was pre-grown for 24 h after which Compound D was added in given amount. After 24 hours the biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Compound D dosage is given as active compound.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Biofilm quantity after 24 h pre-growth Dosage of Compound D and 24 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction [%] 0 2.25 0.2 2.07 8.4 0.6 0.18 97.9

[0088] Table 8 shows the effect of Compound F dosage to Meiothermus silvanus biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was pre-grown for 24 h after which Compound F was added in given amount. After 24 hours the biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Compound F dosage is given as active compound.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Biofilm quantity after 24 h pre-growth Dosage of Compound F and 24 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction [%] 0 1.29 0.2 1.21 6.4 0.6 0.86 37.3

EXAMPLE 5

[0089] Table 9 demonstrates the ability of Compound C to remove already formed biofilms of Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis. Test conditions simulated paper making process conditions (synthetic paper machine water, high temperature, fibres present, high flow). Compound C was observed to remove already formed biofilms.

[0090] Table 9 shows the effect of Compound C dosage to Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis biofilms in SPW at 45° C. and 150 rpm (high mixing). Biofilm was pre-grown for 24 h after which Compound C was added in given amount. After 24 hours the biofilm was stained and quantified by absorbance measurement. Compound C dosage is given as active compound.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Biofilm quantity after 24 h pre-growth Dosage of Compound C and 24 h contact time [mg/l] Abs. at 595 nm Biofilm reduction [%] 0 1.05 0.2 0.15 98.5 0.4 0.15 99.0

[0091] Even if the invention was described with reference to what at present seems to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is appreciated that the invention shall not be limited to the embodiments described above, but the invention is intended to cover also different modifications and equivalent technical solutions within the scope of the enclosed claims.