Quick acting chemical sterilant

Abstract

A low odor, aqueous, quick acting cold temperature disinfectant solution primarily useful for medical instruments to disinfect within a half hour or less. The composition comprises a reacting or synergistic combination of hydrogen peroxide and from about 1% to 30% by weight of a carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt buffered solution.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical, dental and other instruments are often made of high quality stainless steel that can be cleaned and sterilized between uses for different patients by high temperature steam under pressure. This sterilization procedure is quick, reliable, odorless, non-toxic and inexpensive. In contrast to this situation, more and more instruments are now made of heat-sensitive plastic, rubber, glass lenses and electronic components. These flexible, flexible-lensed, and rigid-lensed instruments allow relatively non-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures within the body. The non-invasive procedures allowed by these heat-sensitive instruments are responsible for great advances in medical practice. During use, these instruments can be contaminated with deadly pathogens such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses, and antibiotic drug-resistant tuberculosis and other bacteria. For these reasons, it is imperative that these heat-sensitive instruments be sterilized of all microbes prior to each use. The chemical germicides available for sterilization of heat-sensitive instruments have in the past had many problems that made their use difficult.

The antimicrobial properties of hydrogen peroxide have been known for many years. However, 6% hydrogen peroxide requires a minimum of 6 hours at room temperature to pass the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Sporicidal Test. This is the test that defines "sterilant" for liquid chemical germicides in the United States. The antimicrobial properties of peracetic acid are also well known. Peracetic acid has a very sharp pungent odor, and is known as a tumor-promoting agent when tested on mouse skin. For these reasons, the use of peracetic acid as a chemical sterilant is limited to low concentrations used with enclosed systems.

Antimicrobial synergism between hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid is a well established fact. Such compositions are prepared by mixing hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid to give equilibrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and peracetic acid. There is a great deal of scientific and patent literature regarding hydrogen peroxide-peracetic acid solutions for sterilization. By way of example only, Minntech Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn., has a kit or sterilization console for disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide-peracetic acid solutions (U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,818). However, this combination is limited by the same problems of pungent odor and potential toxicity as peracetic acid alone. This often means that such formulations are used at such dilute concentrations that rapid sporicidal activity is lost, or the solutions are limited to enclosed systems that contain the pungent fumes.

Steris Corporation of Mentor, Ohio, markets a Steris System 1 product. This uses a low concentration of peracetic acid (about 0.2%) contained within a machine, and is heated to 122.degree. F. to achieve rapid sterilization. The relatively low peracetic acid concentration, coupled with the high temperature, breaks down the peracetic acid, limiting it to one single use cycle. The heated, enclosed, single-use machine system is expensive and less than desirable.

Another chemical sterilant is 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde requires about 10 hours at 25.degree. C. to pass the AOAC Sporicidal Test. Because of this long exposure time, the use of glutaraldehyde is usually compromised to accept disinfection from a shorter exposure time rather than the safer condition of sterilization. Furthermore, glutaraldehyde has an odor that irritates eye, nose, and throat mucous membranes. Repeated exposure to glutaraldehyde causes headaches and allergic reactions for some people. For these reasons, glutaraldehyde is a less than desirable chemical germicide.

Many chemicals that contain chlorine are rapidly sporicidal and capable of sterilization. Examples are bleach, the active agent of which is HOCl, HClO.sub.2, ClO.sub.2, and HCl. However, while these chemicals are rapidly sporicidal, they are too corrosive to metals and elastomers to find any practical use in sterilization of medical, dental and other instruments.

It can therefore be seen that there is a continuing need for an effective, practical, safe, affordable sterilant for heat-sensitive instruments, as well as for all applications that are beyond the scope of steam sterilization. This invention has as its primary objective the fulfillment of this need.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a sterilant which is effective at cold temperature, 18-60.degree. C.

It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a sterilant which has a long shelf life.

The method and means of accomplishing each of the above objectives as well as others will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows hereafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a rapid acting cold temperature sterilant which is effective at a temperature of less than about 60.degree. C. It is a low odor, aqueous sterilizing or disinfecting solution having a pH within the range of 2-6, and a preferred pH of 3-5. It comprises in combination a solution of from about 1% to about 30% by weight of peroxide capable of releasing hydroxyl free radicals, and from about 1% to about 30% by weight of a water soluble organic acid or salt form of a C.sub.3 or higher mono, or a di-, tri-, or poly carboxylic organic acid, with the organic acid preferably selected from the group consisting of malonic acid and succinic acid, or combinations thereof. The carboxylic acid is present in a combination acid/salt to form a buffering system for precise control of product pH.

It is believed there may be a reaction between the peroxide and carboxylic acids that produces a third chemical or condition that causes rapid kill of bacterial spores and other microbes at ambient temperatures (18.degree. C.-24.degree. C.) in short times (i.e. within 30 minutes) and at slightly elevated temperatures (50.degree. C.-60.degree. C.) and even shorter times (i.e. within 12-15 minutes). The carboxylic acids that can be used are relatively odor-free, non-toxic, soluble and inexpensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the effect of pH on the formation of active oxygen species with a formulation of the present invention containing 12% hydrogen peroxide after 11 days of storage.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the effect of pH on the formation of active oxygen species with a formulation of the present invention containing 8% hydrogen peroxide.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting the survivor curve of M. bovis when exposed to RSS at 20.+-.1.degree. C. and Cidex.RTM. (2% alkaline glutaraldehyde) at 25.+-.1.degree. C. in accordance with Example 6.

FIG. 4 is a graph depicting the survivor curve of C. sporogenes when exposed to RSS at 20.degree. C. and Cidex.RTM. at 25.degree. C. in accordance with Example 7.

FIG. 5 is a graph depicting the stability of a formulation of the present invention. As shown, the solution remains stable for over 80 weeks at ambient temperature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The sterilizing and disinfecting solutions of this invention have a variety of uses. The solutions have excellent sterilization and disinfecting properties and can be used to sterilize sophisticated medical instruments such as endoscopes without causing damage to sensitive parts of such instruments.

The fact that this process can be used with endoscopic instruments is significant since relatively non-invasive endoscopic procedures have revolutionized the way that surgery is performed. As earlier mentioned, few rigid or flexible endoscopes can be sterilized by the quick and sure method of steam sterilization because the plastic, rubber and precisely-positioned glass lenses of endoscopes make them incompatible with the heat of a steam sterilizer. Instead they must be sterilized using lower temperatures and typically slower processes. They also must use a sterilizing solution that is non-corrosive.

Endoscopes are but one example of the type of instrument that can be effectively sterilized with the present compositions. Conventional surgical instruments of all types, microsurgery instrument sets, anesthesia equipment, etc. can also be treated. Generally, the composition disclosed herein can be used for sterilization of any products that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system or have tissue contact during any surgeries. Necessarily, if the solution is effective for these critical medical instruments, it also can be used for intermediate level and low level instruments and surfaces. Because the formulation is relatively odorless and non-toxic, one can sterilize surfaces that formerly were only disinfected or sanitized, or one can dilute the formula for disinfection rather than sterilization. The composition may also be used as an antiseptic to kill germs on skin. It is therefore versatile in use.

As used herein, "cold sterilant" is a term of art used in the sterilizing/disinfecting field which generally refers to a sterilant that is effective at a temperature of 60.degree. C. or less. The sterilizing/disinfecting solutions of the present invention are effective within this temperature range from as low as 18-24.degree. C. to an elevated temperature of 50-60.degree. C. The sterilizing/disinfecting solutions can also be heated to a temperature above 60.degree. C. and used as a gas sterilant.

It had previously been thought that effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid combinations to pass standard "AOAC" sterilization tests was due to the substantial enhancement of formation of free hydroxy radicals from the "per" acid in combination with hydrogen peroxide. Accordingly, it was thought necessary to add peroxyacetic acid directly to germicidal formulations. Quite surprisingly, the inventors found that it was not necessary to add the toxic and malodorous peracetic acid to sterilizing formulations. Instead, certain lower carboxylic acids selected for its solubility, lack of odor, and non-toxic nature can be used in combination with hydrogen peroxide to achieve sterility at ambient and slightly elevated temperatures and short exposure times. In particular, the carboxylic acid could be a C.sub.3 or higher mono or a di- or poly carboxylic acid of up to C.sub.12 chain length and can be saturated or unsaturated. As a result of this composition, complex and expensive equipment needed to contain toxic chemicals can be eliminated, and since the acids employed are weak organic acids, corrosion of materials is significantly reduced. As a result, providing the levels herein described are used, there is a reacting or synergistic relationship between the defined water soluble organic acid and the peroxide such that even at lower temperatures non-corrosive sterilization is achieved. Moreover, the chemicals are generally inexpensive and odor-free, and are therefore economically and simply packaged. Of course, less odor and less toxic mean that higher concentration can be used with accompanying faster rate of sterilization. At higher exposure temperatures of 30, 40, or 50.degree. C., for example, the exposure time needed to achieve sterilization is even faster than at ambient temperatures.

The disinfecting/sterilizing solutions of the present invention include a novel buffering system which greatly increases the stability of the solution. Once activated, conventional disinfecting/sterilizing solutions begin to degrade immediately and become subpotent in as little as 2-4 weeks. Further, some sterilants, such as the sterilant sold under the trade name Steris.RTM., are designed and packaged as a one time use only product because of this rapid degradation. In contrast, solutions made in accordance with the present invention are stable and effective for over a year.

The first component of the composition is from about 1% to about 30% by weight of a peroxide. Preferably, the amount of peroxide is from about 1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the disinfecting solution, and most preferably from about 6% by weight to about 10% by weight of the disinfecting solution. The preferable concentration of peroxide may be varied depending on the application from lower concentration for an antiseptic to higher concentrations for a low-temperature, rapid-acting sterilant. The peroxide of choice is, of course, the most commonly available peroxide, hydrogen peroxide. However, the invention is not limited to hydrogen peroxide, and other peroxy compounds may be employed. These include, for example, perborates, saturated and unsaturated peralkanoic acids such as peracetic acid, performic acid, perpropionic acid, etc. The critical factor is that it be a water soluble peroxide compound that is compatible with the weak carboxylic acid component.

The weak carboxylic acid component of the present invention can be a tri-, di-, or mono- acid. It is preferably a di- acid of lower C.sub.12 or less carbon length carboxylic acid preferably selected from the group consisting of malonic acid and succinic acid. Also, examples of acids in this class would be malic, oxalic, tartaric, citric, azelaic, and glutaric acids. These acids, when in the proper concentrations, are low odor, reasonably soluble and non-corrosive.

While acetic acid is unacceptable by itself because of its normal pungent odor, it is possible that some acetic acid, in combination with other of the acids described here, can be successfully used. Thus, the key to the present invention is the presence of the herein-described combination or perhaps the reaction product itself.

The amount of the carboxylic acid component generally is in the range of from about 1.0% by weight to 30% by weight of sterilizing or disinfecting solution, preferably from about 1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the solution, and most preferably from about 3% by weight to about 6% by weight of the solution composition. As with the peroxide, the preferred concentration of carboxylic acid is related to the intended end use.

The carboxylic acid component is included in the formulation as a carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt combination. In combination with the peroxide component, the carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt provides a strong buffering system allowing for precise control of product pH, and at the same time allowing the controlled, stable formation of the active peroxycarboxylate oxygen species. The buffered solution is highly resistant to destabilizing pH changes caused during use of the solution and dilution by such factors as hard water, blood, bile, other body fluids and organic contaminants.

The buffering system provides a stabilized peroxy species that remains active and is not broken apart when the solution is heated sufficient to vaporize into a gas to also provide a low odor, quick acting, gas disinfectant/sterilant for medical instruments and devices. Existing gas disinfectants/sterilants, such as ethylene oxide (EtO) and ethylene oxide mixed with diluent gas which are toxic, mutagenic, possibly carcinogenic and, in high concentration, flammable and explosive. In contrast, the gas disinfectant/sterilant of the present invention which includes the stabilized peroxy species is safe to use and has a reduced cycle time.

Attached as FIG. 1 is a stability plot showing that the amount of active oxygen in a 12% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in accordance with the invention decreases rapidly with increasing pH. This rather extreme and sensitive response to pH makes solutions of organic peroxides that are not pH stabilized in some fashion more susceptible to active oxygen content instability in comparison to pH stabilized solutions.

The fact that the organic acids giving rise to these active, oxygen-generating peroxy acids also produce a very powerful and stable buffer system makes it the most straight-forward and elegant means of pH stabilizing the solution. These acids also produce buffers in the range of pH values that are very compatible with biological tissues and, in particular, human skin, membrane, and ocular tissue. Thus, the pH of the solutions produced by these buffered organic acid systems do not increase the dermal and/or ocular toxicity of the product, and actually help to maintain the physiological pH during exposure until the product is washed off.

Thus, the advantage of a strong buffering system in the product is two-fold. First, the solution is very resistant to destabilization of the active oxygen generating system from the slow degradation of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution. Second, the solution is more resistant to pH changes that can occur with dilution and contamination of the solution in routine use as a sterilizing or disinfecting solution.

The preferred buffering system for the product is to use the salt of the organic acid that is used to generate the active oxygen species (e.g. for succinic acid, a succinate salt such as sodium succinate is used; for malonic acid, a malonate salt such as sodium malonate is used, etc.). The sodium or potassium salts are preferred due to their excellent compatibility with biological systems. The most preferred carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt combination is succinic acid/succinate salt and the most preferred succinate salt is sodium succinate hexahydrate.

The buffering system can also consist of a salt which is different from the organic acid included such as, for example, malonic acid and a succinate salt or succinic acid with sodium malonate. The result is a buffering system with overlapping buffering regions and, therefore, a wider pH range than would be the case when only one carboxylic species is used.

If a wide buffering range is desired, carboxylic components with differing pKa values may be combined. For example, the acids and salts of malonic, citric and succinic acid may be combined to produce a solution that has strong buffering capacity over the pH range of 2.5 to 4.5.

While other buffers may be used to maintain the product within the desired pH range, they are not preferred because they do not also provide the large, stable reservoir of organic acid that is used for the generation of the active oxygen species. Further, they may limit the shelf life and pH stabilization in comparison to a buffering system composed of the preferred saturated or semi-saturated solution of the complimentary acid and its salt used to generate the active oxygen species.

Examples of buffer systems which may be used in the solution which are compatible with the organic acids used to generate active oxygen species in the presence of hydrogen peroxide are:

Citric acid (pKa=3.1); buffer range pH 2-4 Malic acid (pKa=3.4); buffer range pH 2-4 Acetic acid (pKa=4.7); buffer range pH 4-6 Lactic acid (pKa=3.8); buffer range pH 3-5 Propionic acid (pKa=4.9); buffer range pH 4-6

The concentration of the buffer system is based on the total amount of both the salt and acid forms of the parent carboxylic acid combined and is also in the range of 1-30% by weight, with 1-12% being preferred and 3-6% being most preferred.

The concentration ranges of the organic acid and its salt that are most effective in buffering the solution depend on the pKa of the acid and the water solubility of the acid. In general, the preferred buffering range is at or near the pKa value of the carboxylic component. The ideal molar ratio for the carboxylic acid relative to the concentration of its salt form in the formulation is an equimolar solution of the acid and salt forms as near saturation as possible. The molar ratio can generally be in the range of 1:9 to 9:1 (acid:salt), with the preferred range being from 1:4 to 4:1. These molar ratios may be used to produce an adjustable buffering range for a particular carboxylic in the region of its pKa value.

For succinic acid (pKa=4.18), the best buffering range is between pH 3-5 with an optimal pH of about 4.2. Thus, the molar concentration of the acid form and salt form should be close to equal in the ideal product. An equimolar concentration nearer the saturation point of both the salt and acid forms is most preferred.

For malonic acid (pKa=2.88), the best buffering range is between pH 2-4 with an optimal pH of about 3.0. The molar concentration of the acid form and salt form should be close to equal in the ideal product and, again, an equimolar concentration nearer the saturation point of both the salt and acid forms is most preferred.

Generally speaking, and as a guideline, the peroxide should have a concentration of within the range of 0.2M to about 10M, preferably within the range of 0.2M to 4.0M. The carboxylic acid component should have a concentration within the range of 0.05M to 4.0M, and preferably of 0.05M to 2.0M.

Generally, the amount of peroxide component and the amount of carboxylic acid component are balanced or buffered such that the pH will be within the range of about 2.0 to 6.0, preferably about 3.0 to 5.0. The most preferred pH is from 3.0-4.5 which allows for the more stable formation of the active oxygen species. Malonic acid formulations have a slightly different preferred buffering range of between 2.5-3.5.

If desired, a buffer other than the carboxylic component can be used. The buffer used is ideal if its buffering region is at or near that of the pKa for the carboxylic component at set forth above. The concentration of the non-carboxylic buffer solution may be in the range of 0.1 M to 10.0 M. Examples of non-carboxylic buffer systems include phosphate buffers, MES, ADA, PIPES, ACES, BES, TES, TRIS, and HEPES. Some of these buffers impart the additional characteristic of binding divalent ions and copper in the solution and reducing the degradation of the hydrogen peroxide component by these ionic species.

While a suitable sterilizing and disinfecting solution can be achieved with these two components only, as is understood by those skilled in the art, other ingredients may be added. In fact, the sterilizing and disinfecting capabilities can be enhanced by adding a small amount of detergent such as nonionic or anionic detergent. The amount of detergent can be within the range of from about 0.05% by weight to about 1.0% by weight, preferably from about 0.1% by weight to about 0.5% by weight. The amount of detergent should be enough to enhance the sterilization and disinfection, but less than the amount which would provide substantial sudsing.

Suitable synthetic detergents are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, but generally these surface active agents can be selected from the group consisting of anionic and nonionic surfactants. Non-ionic, ether-linked surfactants such as Laureth.RTM.4 or Laureth.RTM.23 are preferred.

Alkyl sulfate surfactants are a type of anionic surfactant of importance for use herein. Alkyl sulfates have the general formula ROSO.sub.3 M wherein R preferably is a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having a C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 alkyl component, more preferably a C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium), substituted or unsubstituted ammonium cations such as methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, e.g., tetramethylammonium and dimethyl piperdinium, and cations derived from alkanolamines such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like. Typically, alkyl chains of C.sub.12-16 are preferred for lower wash temperatures (e.g., below about 50.degree. C.) and C.sub.16-18 alkyl chains are preferred for higher wash temperatures (e.g., above about 50.degree. C.).

Alkyl alkoxylated sulfate surfactants are another category of useful anionic surfactant. These surfactants are water soluble salts or acids typically of the formula RO(A).sub.m SO.sub.3 M wherein R is an unsubstituted C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 alkyl component, preferably a C.sub.12 -C.sub.20 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, more preferably C.sub.12 -C.sub.l8 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy unit, m is greater than zero, typically between about 0.5 and about 6, more preferably between about 0.5 and about 3, and M is H or a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), ammonium or substituted-ammonium cation. Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates as well as alkyl propoxylated sulfates are contemplated herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations include methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium, dimethyl piperydinium and cations derived from alkanolamines, e.g., monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary surfactants are C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulfate, C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate, C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulfate, and C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alkyl polyethoxylate (4.0) sulfate wherein M is conveniently selected from sodium and potassium.

Other anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can also be included in the compositions hereof. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap, C.sub.9 -C.sub.20 linear alkylbenzenesulphonates, C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 primary or secondary alkanesulphonates, C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 olefinsulphonates, sulphonated polycarboxylic acids, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isothionates such as the acyl isothionates, N-acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C.sub.6 -C.sub.14 diesters), N-acyl sarcosinates, sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside, branched primary alkyl sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formula RO(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)CH.sub.2 COO--M+ wherein R is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation, and fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Further examples are given in Surface Active Agents and Detergents (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

Suitable nonionic detergent surfactants are generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975, at column 13, line 14 through column 16, line 6, incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary, non-limiting classes of useful nonionic surfactants are listed below.

The polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols. In general, the polyethylene oxide condensates are preferred. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with the alkaline oxide. These compounds are commonly referred to as alkyl phenol alkoxylates, (e.g., alkyl phenol ethoxylates).

The condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branches, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 18 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially-available Pluronic TM surfactants, marketed by BASF.

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available Tetronic TM compounds, marketed by BASF.

Semi-polar nonionic surfactants are a special category of nonionic surfactants which include water-soluble amine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; water-soluble phosphine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms 31 and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl moieties of from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms.

Semi-polar nonionic detergent surfactants include the amine oxide surfactants having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 is an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or alkyl phenyl group or mixtures thereof containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; R.sup.4 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from about 2 to about 3 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof; x is from 0 to about 3; and each R.sup.5 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms or a polyethylene oxide group containing from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. The R.sup.5 groups can be attached to each other, e.g., through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure.

These amine oxide surfactants in particular include C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides.

Alkylpolysaccharides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued Jan. 21, 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about 1.3 to about 10, preferably from about 1.3 to about 3, most preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7 saccharide units. Any reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for the glucosyl moieties. (Optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, etc. positions, thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside). The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of the additional saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6-positions on the preceding saccharide units.

Fatty acid amide surfactants having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.6 is an alkyl group containing from about 7 to about 21 (preferably from about 9 to about 17) carbon atoms and each R.sup.7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl, and --(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.x H where x varies from about 1 to about 3.

In addition to the above, if desired, corrosion inhibitors at very minor levels can be used, i.e. at levels of 0.01% to 0.1% on a weight basis. Suitable corrosion inhibitors can include those available and known, for example, complex fatty amine salts such as n,n'dibutylthiourea, etc.

Nonionic ether linked surfactants are preferred such as Laureth.RTM.23 or Laureth.RTM.4.

The remainder of the sterilant solution is water. The type of water used in the sterilant solution is not critical. Purified water is preferred, however, since it increases the shelf life of the solution. The inventors have found that under commercially manufactured conditions, the product made in accordance with the invention has at least 15 months stability.

In addition to all of the above, as is well understood by those skilled in the art, other minors can be employed to make the basic composition more pharmaceutically elegant. For example, odorants can be added at very minor levels as can dyes, diluents such as alcohol, buffers, etc. With the exception of diluents such as alcohols which are used at higher levels, the levels of these minors are generally not more than 0.001% to 0.01% by weight.

As explained above, disinfecting/sterilizing solutions made in accordance with the present invention are extremely stable at ambient temperature, unlike conventional solutions. FIG. 5 is a graph demonstrating the stability of a solution made in accordance with the present invention containing 2.3% by weight sodium succinate, 3.0% by weight succinic acid, and 35% by weight hydrogen peroxide. As shown, the solution substantially maintains its concentration of active oxygen species at ambient temperature for a term of 80 weeks. It is estimated according to this study that the solution maintains its stability at least 15 months.

The composition can be used as a sterilant for medical, dental, and veterinary equipment, implanted medical and dental devices and appliances, can be used as a disinfectant for inanimate surfaces, can be used as an antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal treatment for skin disorders, can be used as an antiseptic for skin disinfection, such as for patient preoperative skin disinfection or health personnel, a hand wash, may be used as a disinfectant for contact lenses, an oral disinfectant or antiseptic, and can be used generally for conventional, intermediate and low level disinfection, and as a sterilant in industrial applications.

Packaging of the composition is not complex. It may be prepackaged in dry form if desired with instructions for mixing solutions on the spot, or it may be prepackaged in solution form, ideally in two packages (one the peroxide and one the organic acid component) to be mixed at point of use. This enhances freshness and accuracy of compliance with directions.

The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not limit, the process of the present invention and to demonstrate the surprising result that satisfactory results in comparison with acetic acid can be achieved with weaker longer chain acids such as succinic acid.

EXAMPLE 1

Historically, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates germicides in the United States, and the test for a sterilizing claim (a sterilant) by a liquid germicide is the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Sporicidal Activity of Disinfectants Test 966.04. This test exposes spores dried onto carrier surfaces to the germicide. To make a label claim as a sterilant, a germicide must produce 720 sterile cylinders of 720 total cylinders within a specified exposure time and temperature range. A legal definition of sterilant in the United States is one that can pass this test. In the following tests peroxide composition alone was compared with an acetic acid composition alone and with sodium acetate composition with regard to ability to sterilize carriers labeled with spores according to the methods of the AOAC Sporicidal Test.

TABLE 1A______________________________________ Number of Positive (+) Cylinders per Total Number Tested. 30 Min. Percent SterileFormulation Exposure at 20 .+-. 1.degree. C. Cylinders______________________________________6% H.sub.2 O.sub.2, pH 4.7 20/20 Zero6% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 2/20 90%0.5% Acetic AcidpH 2.70.5% Acetic Acid 20/20 ZeropH 2.86% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 20/20 Zero0.5% Sodium AcetatepH 6.70.5% Sodium Acetate 20/20 ZeropH 7.7______________________________________

This test was repeated with some modifications in an attempt to sterilize 100% of the C. sporogenes-labeled cylinders. The results were as follows:

TABLE 1B______________________________________ Number of Positive Percent Time in Min. Cylinders (+) Per SterileFormulation at 20 .+-. 1.degree. C. Total Number Tested Cylinders______________________________________8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 30 20/20 ZeropH 4.58% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 10 9/20 55%2% Acetic Acid 20 0/20 100%pH 2.4 30 0/20 100%8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 10 10/20 50%1% Acetic Acid 20 8/20 60%pH 2.6 30 0/20 100%8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 10 11/20 45%0.5% Acetic Acid 20 9/20 55%pH 2.7 30 0/20 100%2% Acetic Acid 30 20/20 ZeropH 2.7______________________________________

Tests were done at ambient conditions comparing the rapid sporicidal activity of hydrogen peroxide in combination with the carboxylic acids acetic, malonic, succinic, glutaric and citric acids. Compositions from the data are reported in Table 1C.

TABLE 1C______________________________________Sterilization of C. sporogenes-labeled porcelaincylinders by formulations of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus acetic,malonic, or succinic acid. Percentage of Twenty Exposure Time C. sporogenes-labeledFormulation Min. .times. 20.degree. C. Cylinders Sterilized______________________________________8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 10 50%1% acetic acid 20 80pH 2.5 30 1008% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 10 Zero %1% malonic acid 20 40pH 1.8 30 858% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 10 5%0.5% malonic acid 20 25pH 1.9 30 1008% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 10 Zero %1% succinic acid 20 15pH 2.4 30 95______________________________________

Further tests combined H.sub.2 O.sub.2 with glutaric acid and citric acid. The results are shown in Tables 1D and E.

TABLE 1D______________________________________Sterilization of C. sporogenes-labeled porcelaincylinders by formulations of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus acetic,glutaric, and citric acid. Percentage of Twenty pH Exposure Time C. sporogenes-labeledFormulation Value Min. .times. 20.degree. C. Cylinders Sterilized______________________________________8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 2.4 20 100%0.2M Acetic 30 100Acid 4.3 20 100% 30 1008% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 2.2 20 1000.2M Glutaric 30 100Acid 5.0 20 Zero 30 Zero8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 1.9 20 Zero0.2M Citric 30 ZeroAcid 6.6 20 Zero 30 Zero______________________________________ TABLE 1E__________________________________________________________________________Surviving Colonies of Wet Spores of B. subtilis AfterExposure to Formulations of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 Plus Acetic Acid, Glutaric Acid, or Citric Acid. Surviving Colonies of Exposure B. subtilis at pH Time Dilution FactorsFormulation Value Min. .times. 20.degree. 5 .times. 10.sup.1 5 .times. 10.sup.2 5 .times. 10.sup.3 5 .times. 10.sup.4 5 .times. 10.sup.5__________________________________________________________________________8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 2.8 15 19 1 Zero Zero0.2 M Acetic 30 Zero Zero ZeroAcid 60 Zero Zero Zero 4.4 15 236 121 26 1 30 Zero Zero Zero 60 Zero Zero Zero8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 2.6 15 CONF CONF CONF 265 700.2 M Glutaric 30 25 13 60 Zero Zero Zero 5.0 15 CONF CONF CONF TNTC 101 30 TNTC 206 39 60 Zero Zero Zero8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 2.0 15 CONF CONF CONF TNTC 1980.2 M Citric 30 CONF CONF CONF TNTC 60 CONF CONF TNTC 6.4 15 CONF CONF CONF CONF 283 30 CONF CONF CONF CONF 60 CONF CONF CONF__________________________________________________________________________ CONF = Confluent = in excess of 1000 colonies all touching together (confluent). TNTC = Too Numerous to Count = 300-1000 colonies/plate.

The following example in Table VI compares the rate of kill of B. subtilis spores by formulations of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus acetic, malonic, or succinic acid. The test method was wet spores of B. subtilis in suspension (not on carriers). This is a quantitative test that allows comparison of formulations with more precision than a qualitative (sterile or not sterile) test such as the AOAC Sporicidal Test. The results are reported below.

TABLE 1F______________________________________Formula D-valuesNumber Formula Description pH in Min.*______________________________________1. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (1.2%) acetic acid, pH 2.7 7.52. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (1.2%) acetic acid, pH 4.2 8.53. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.1%) malonic acid, pH 1.8 8.54. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.1%) malonic acid, pH 3.0 7.85. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.4%) succinic acid, pH 2.4 6.06. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.4%) succinic acid, pH 4.2 9.0______________________________________ *The Dvalues were calculated as the time to kill four log.sub.10 of B. subtilis divided by four.

The general conclusion is that combinations of 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus acetic, malonic, or succinic acid surprisingly have about the same rate of kill of B. subtilis spores (wet) in suspension. The more acid pH values of about 2-3 were consistently killing faster than the less acid pH values of above 4.

The tests shown in Tables 1G and 1H measure the relationship between increasing concentrations of acetic or succinic acid plus 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and the rate of kill of wet spores of B. subtilis. The test using suspensions of wet spores of B. subtilis, and measuring surviving spores as a function of exposure time to various formulations is a quantitative test that is better able to measure small differences between formulations than the AOAC Sporicidal Test. All tests were at 20.+-.1.degree. C.

Acetic Acid: The formulations tested with acetic acid, and D-value results were as follows: TABLE 1G______________________________________FormulaNumber Formula Description pH Value D-value______________________________________1. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 1.0M (6%) Acetic Acid 4.2 less than 0.5% BioTerge AS-40 3 Min.2. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 0.5M (3%) Acetic Acid 4.2 3.5 Min. 0.5% BioTerge AS-403. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 0.25M (1.5%) Acetic Acid 4.3 3.75 Min. 0.5% BioTerge AS-404. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 0.125M (0.75%) Acetic Acid 4.3 4.0 Min. 0.5% BioTerge AS-40______________________________________ BioTerge is a trademark of Stepan Company and is a sodium olefin sulfonat The formulations tested with succinic acid, and D-value results were as follows in Table 1H: TABLE 1H______________________________________FormulaNumber Formula Description pH Value D-value______________________________________1. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 less than 1.0M (11.8%) Succinic Acid 4.3 3 Min. 0.5% BioTerge AS-402. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 3.5 Min. 0.5M (5.9%) Succinic Acid 4.2 0.5% BioTerge AS-403. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 3.5 Min. 0.25M (2.95%) Succinic Acid 4.2 0.5% BioTerge AS-404. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 3.0 Min. 0.125M (1.47%) Succinic Acid 4.2 0.5% BioTerge AS-40______________________________________ As demonstrated in Tables 1G and 1H at equal molarities, and equal pH values of about 4.2, there is very little difference between acetic acid and succinic acid to enhance spore kill in combination with 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and BioTerge AS-40.

As one covers a range from a high of 1.0M to a low of 0.125M, an eight-fold difference, the rate of spore kill changes very little from the slowest rate of about 4.0 min. to the fastest rate of about 3.0 min. The change is consistent with 1.0M acetic or succinic acid always showing a faster spore kill than lesser concentrations, but it is a very small change.

8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 (2.35M) plus 1% (0.17M) acetic acid, or plus 0.2M acetic acid at pH 2.5 (all of the acetic acid in the acid form), or pH -4.3 (about half of the acetic acid in the acid form, and half as sodium acetate) killed spores of C. sporogenes and B. subtilis within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. More B. subtilis spores were killed within 15 min. at the lower pH (about 2.5) than at the higher pH (about 4.3), but complete kill happened within 30 min. for both pH values.

8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.5% malonic acid or 0.5% succinic acid ##STR3## all at pH 1.8-2.4 sterilized porcelain cylinders labeled with C. sporogenes within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C.

8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2M glutaric acid (COOH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --COOH) was less active than succinic acid, and more active than citric acid. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2M glutaric acid at pH 2.2-2.6 killed wet B. subtilis spores within 60 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C., but not within 30 min., and sterilized C. sporogenes dried onto porcelain cylinders within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C., pH 2.2, but not at pH 5.0 (where half of the glutaric acid exists as the acid and half exists as the sodium salt).

8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2M citric acid, a tricarboxylic acid, COOH--CH.sub.2 --COHCOOH--CH.sub.2 --COOH, did not kill wet B. subtilis spores at all within 60 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. either at pH 2.0 or 6.4. Similarly, 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2M citric acid at pH 1.9 or 6.6 could not sterilize any C. sporogenes-labeled cylinders at 20.+-.1.degree. C.

The above tests lead to the following observations:

The initial testing was performed because of the similar structural chemistry between peracetic acid (CH.sub.3 --COOOH) and acetic acid (CH.sub.3 --COOH). The following formulations were tested: (1) 6% H.sub.2 O.sub.2, pH 4.7, (2) 6% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 +0.5% acetic acid, pH 2.7, (3) 6% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 +0.5% sodium acetate, pH 6.7, (4) 0.5% acetic acid, pH 2.8, and (5) 0.5% sodium acetate, pH 7.7. Unglazed porcelain cylinders labeled with approx. 10.sup.6 dry spores of Clostridium sporogenes according to the methods of the AOAC Sporicidal Test 966.04 were exposed to these above five formulations for 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. Of a total of 20 spore-labeled cylinders, 18 were sterilized when exposed to 6% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 +0.5% acetic acid (Formula #2 above). None (zero) of 20 were sterilized when similarly exposed to the other formulas.

Two cylinders from a total of 20 tested were not sterilized by formula #2 above. Next tested were increased concentrations of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and acetic acid for ability to sterilize dry cylinders labeled with C. sporogenes. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 2% acetic acid sterilized within 20 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C., 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 1% acetic acid, and also 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.5% acetic acid sterilized within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C.

The above tests were then expanded to determine if other weak di- or poly carboxylic acids could act synergistically with H.sub.2 O.sub.2 for rapid sporicidal activity. The dicarboxylic acids, malonic (COOH--CH.sub.2 --COOH), and succinic (COOH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --COOH) were tested. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 1% acetic acid, pH 2.5, sterilized within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 1% malonic acid, pH 1.8, sterilized 17 cylinders out of 20 within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C., and 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.5% succinic acid pH 2.4, sterilized 19 cylinders out of 20 within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. The test was C. sporogenes on porcelain cylinders.

H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus the weak carboxylic acids produce a formula with acidic pH values of 2-3. However, the carboxylic acids can act as buffers by taking them up to a pH value where half of the molecules are in the acid form (CH.sub.3 --COOH) and half of the molecules are the conjugate base (CH.sub.3 --COO--). These higher pH values (pH 4-5) might be more compatible with materials than the lower pH values. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M citric acid (a tricarboxylic acid) did not sterilize C. sporogenes-labeled cylinders at pH 1.9 or 6.6. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M glutaric acid (COOH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --COOH) did sterilize within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. at pH 2.2, but not at pH 5.0. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M succinic acid (COOH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --COOH) sterilized within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. at both pH 1.8 and 3.0. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M acetic acid sterilized within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. at both pH 2.7 and 4.2. These studies were all against C. sporogenes-labeled cylinders.

Studies have been performed using these formulations against Bacillus subtilis spores both in the form of dry spores carried on porcelain cylinders, or wet spores in suspension. The results against B. subtilis are consistent with results against C. sporogenes as follows: 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M citric acid at pH 2.0 or 6.4 did not kill wet spores of B. subtilis within 60 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M acetic acid (pH 2.7 or pH 4.2) killed wet or dry B. subtilis within 30 min. at 20.+-.1.degree. C. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 +0.2 M malonic killed wet spores of B. subtilis faster at pH 1.8 than at pH 3.0. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 +0.2 M succinic acid at pH 2.4 killed wet or dry spores of B. subtilis, but was less effective at pH 4.2. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus 0.2 M glutaric acid was more effective against wet spores of B. subtilis at pH 2.6 than at pH 5.0. The specific test results are described below.

This example compares the rate of kill of B. subtilis spores by formulations of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus acetic, malonic, or succinic acid. The test method utilized wet spores of B. subtilis in suspension (not on carriers). This is a quantitative test that allows comparison of formulations with more precision than a qualitative (sterile or not sterile) test such as the AOAC Sporicidal Test. The starting number of cells of B. subtilis was very high at about 3.1.times.10.sup.8 cells. It required about 60 min. of exposure time at 20.+-.1.degree. C. to kill all of these cells.

The results were as follows:

TABLE 1I______________________________________Formula D-valuesNumber Formula Description pH in Min.______________________________________1. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (1.2%) acetic acid, pH 2.7 7.52. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (1.2%) acetic acid, pH 4.2 8.53. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.1%) malonic acid, pH 1.8 8.54. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.1%) malonic acid, pH 3.0 7.85. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.4%) succinic acid, pH 2.4 6.06. 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.2 M (2.4%) succinic acid, pH 4.2 9.0______________________________________ The Dvalues were calculated as the time to kill four log.sub.10 of B. subtilis divided by four.

The general conclusion is that combinations of 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 plus acetic, malonic, or succinic acid have about the same rate of kill of B. subtilis spores (wet) in suspension. The more acid pH values of about 2-3 were consistently killing faster than the less acid pH values of about 4.

EXAMPLE 2

Three formulations of 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 (a pH 2.00 succinic acid formulation, a pH 4.35 succinic acid formulation, and a pH 4.23 acetic acid formulation) were placed into plastic trays with loose-fitting plastic lids. Various combinations of stainless steel instruments, endoscope parts, and respiratory care equipment were soaked in the formulations for fourteen days at ambient temperature (22.+-.2.degree. C.). Two marketed disinfectants (2% alkaline glutaraldehyde, and 0.25% quaternary ammonium compounds in 15% isopropanol) were also used in the study for comparison.

After fourteen days of continuous soaking in the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 formulations, quality Sklarlite.RTM. stainless steel instruments appeared unchanged. Less expensive, poorly-plated instruments became mildly tarnished by the three H.sub.2 O.sub.2 formulations. By comparison, the quality Skarlite.RTM. instruments had become slightly rusted by 2% alkaline gluteraldehyde and extremely rusted by the alcohol disinfectant. With one exception, the endoscope parts and respiratory care equipment appeared unchanged by any of the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 +carboxylic acid formulations. The details of the test are reported below.

The study of this example was limited to visual observations of materials compatibility with the formulations as previously described. In particular, the formulations used were:

Formulation #1 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 0.5 M Acetic Acid 0.25% Bio-Terge AS-40 detergent 0.25 M NaOH Prepared with USP purified deionized H.sub.2 O pH 4.23 Formulation #2 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 0.5 M Succinic Acid 0.25% Bio-Terge AS-40 detergent 0.5 M NaOH Prepared with USP purified deionized H.sub.2 O pH 4.35 Formulation #3 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 0.5 M Succinic Acid 0.25% Bio-Terge AS-40 detergent Prepared with USP purified deionized H.sub.2 O pH 2.00

The materials were soaked in the above test formulas or in:

0.25% quaternary ammonium chloride in 15% isopropanol, or 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde.

The items soaked were:

Eight Cambro plastic trays with loose-fitting plastic lids; Five Sklarlite.RTM. stainless steel Halsted Mosq. STR 5" Hemostats. Sklar Hospital Catalog #23-2105. New; Three pair of inexpensive scissors, poorly plated, but otherwise in good condition with no tarnish; One set of respiratory care equipment: a "Y" plastic connector a face mask an endotracheal tube a section of a blue latex breathing bag Two sets of endoscope parts, the first being: insertion tube, bending rubber, biopsy channel, pliable.apprxeq.1/3" id connector, hard.apprxeq.1/2" id connector, and hard.apprxeq.1/2" diam. cap. The second set was an insertion tube, bending rubber, biopsy channel, hard.apprxeq.1/2" id connector, hard.apprxeq.1/2" diam. cap, and hard.apprxeq.1/2" diam. cap with stainless steel opening. All parts were new or in good condition at the start.

Two hundred ml of disinfectant and various instruments, parts, and equipment were placed into eight plastic trays. The trays were covered and left at ambient temperature (22.+-.2.degree. C.) for fourteen days. Observations were made at various intervals throughout the fourteen day time. The results are reported in Table 2A, below.

TABLE 2A______________________________________Observations of Materials CompatibilityExposure Time to DisinfectantDisinfectant Instrument Day 2 Day 3 Day 6 Day 9 Day 14______________________________________2% Alkaline Hemostats N.C. N.C. N.C. slight slightglutar- rust in rust inaldehyde hinge hinge0.25% Hemostats N.C. 2-3 mm major major majorquaternary rust rust in rust in rust inammonium spot in hinge hinge hingechloride in hinge15%isopropanolFormulation#18% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 Hemostats N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.0.5 MAcetic Acid0.25% Bio- Scissors N.C. N.C. Mild Tarnish TarnishTerge AS-40 tarnish on on0.25 M handle handleNaOH & &pH = 4.23 hinges hingesFormulation#38% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 Hemostats N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.0.5 MSuccinicAcid0.25% Bio- Scissors N.C. N.C. Mild Tarnish TarnishTerge AS-40 tarnish on onpH = 2.00 handle handle & & hinges hingesFormulation#28% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 Hemostats N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.0.5 MSuccinicAcid0.25% Bio- Scissors N.C. Slight Mild Tarnish TarnishTerge AS-40 tarnish tarnish on on0.5 M in handle handleNaOH hinge & &pH = 4.35 hinges hingesFormulation#28% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 "Y" N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.0.5 M Connector N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Succinic Face MaskAcid0.25% Bio- Endo- N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Terge AS-40 tracheal0.5 M TubeNaOH Breathing N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.pH = 4.35 TubeFormulation#38% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 Insertion N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.0.5 M TubeSuccinic Biopsy N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Acid Channel0.25% Bio- Bending N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Terge AS-40 RubberpH = 2.00 Pliable N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. Broke Connector into small pieces Hard N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. Connector Hard Cap N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Formulation#28% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 Insertion N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.0.5 M TubeSuccinic Biopsy N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Acid Channel0.25% Bio- Bending N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.Terge AS-40 Rubber0.5 M Hard Cap N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.NaOH Hard N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.pH = 4.35 Connector Hard Cap N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. with stainless steel opening______________________________________ N.C. = No Change

As seen from data in Table 2A, formulations 1, 2 and 3 did not cause any apparent changes to the quality Sklarlite.RTM. instruments. The formulations did cause some tarnishing of the poorly-plated instruments. The pH 2.00 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2, succinic acid formulation caused more tarnishing than the other two formulations.

In comparison, 2% alkaline gluteraldehyde caused minor rusting of the quality Sklarlite.RTM. hemostats, and 0.25% quaternary ammonium chloride in 15% isopropanol caused major rusting of the Sklarlite.RTM. hemostats.

The pH 2.00, 8% H.sub.2 O.sub.2, succinic acid formulation did cause major disintegration of one piece, the pliable endoscope connector, which fell apart when squeezed slightly. It was not known whether this aberation was caused by the nature of the elastomer of this single part or not. However, no other parts during testing showed any damage by succinic acid compositions.

Formulations 2 and 3 did not cause any apparent change to the other endoscope parts. Formulation 2 did not cause any apparent change to the respiratory care equipment.

While not wishing to be bound by a theory of why the invention works, the data in the above examples demonstrates an apparent reaction and a synergistic relationship between hydrogen peroxide specifically and certain of the described carboxylic acids. It probably extends to peroxides in general that release hydroxyl free radicals that together cause rapid kill of bacterial spores and all other microbes at ambient (approximately 18.degree. C.-24.degree. C.) temperatures. There is no need for heating, and moreover the kill is generally accomplished within 30 min. It also suggests that a reaction product may be formed in situ which could be isolated and itself used as the quick acting sterilant, and thus the invention contemplates such an embodiment as being within its scope.

EXAMPLE 3

AOAC Sporicidal Effectiveness Tests

RSS (Rapid Sterilant Solution) is a tradename for a formulation made in accordance with the present invention. It contains the following ingredients:

______________________________________ % w/w Amount______________________________________Surfactant PhasePurified Water USP 1.00 10 L/KgLaureth-23 0.050 0.50 KgPrimary PhasePurified Water USP 55.0 550 L/KgHydrogen Peroxide 35% 36.6 366 KgPurified Water USP 2.00 20 L/KgSodium Succinate 2.30 23.0 KgHexahydrateSuccinic Acid 3.00 30.0 KgDipicolinic Acid 0.050 500 gm______________________________________

Cidex.RTM. is a commercial sterilant product containing glutaraldehyde. Table 3A sets forth the glutaraldehyde concentrations for two different samples from Lot No. 2117AX of Cidex:

TABLE 3A______________________________________Chemical Analysis of the Active Ingredient for CidexLot No. 2117AX % Glutaraldehyde______________________________________Sample 1 1.37Sample 2 1.36______________________________________

Table 3B sets forth the culture results following 30 minute exposure to 4 different lots (LDGI, LEEW, LEEU, and LEEW) of RSS at 20.+-.1.degree. C.:

TABLE 3B______________________________________Culture Results Following 30 MinuteExposure to RSS at 20 .+-. 1.degree. C.Results Expressed as Number of PositiveTubes/Total Number of Tubes Lot No. LEEWLot No. LDGI Lot No. LEEW Lot No. LEEU (unstressed)Score Penicyl- Penicyl- Penicyl- Penicyl-Type Silk inders Silk inders Silk inders Silk inders______________________________________B. 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60subti-lisC. 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60 0/60sporo-genes______________________________________

As shown in Table 3B, none of the tubes exposed to RSS for 30 minutes demonstrated any measurable sporicidal growth.

In comparison, Table 3C sets forth the culture results following 10 hours of exposure to Cidex.RTM. at 25.+-.1.degree. C.:

TABLE 3C______________________________________Culture Results Following 10 Hour Exposureto Cidex at 25 .+-. 1.degree. C.Results Expressed as Number of PositiveTubes/Total Number of TubesChallenge Organism Silk Penicylinders______________________________________B. subtilis 60/60 34/60C. sporogenes 0/60 0/60______________________________________

As shown above, while none of the C. sporogenes tubes tested positive following exposure to Cidex.RTM., all of the silk samples tested positive for B. subtilis and 34 of 60 penicylinders tested positive, even after being exposed to Cidex.RTM. for a time period 20 times longer than the tubes exposed to the RSS.

EXAMPLE 4

AOAC Fungicidal Effectiveness Tests

Test Conditions Microorganism: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, ATCC 9533 Active Ingredient in Test Products: hydrogen peroxide Neutralizer Used: neopeptone glucose broth+0.2% Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3 +catalase (NGB+) Contact Time: 3 minutes Contact Temperature: 20.+-.1.degree. C. Testing Supplies: neopeptone glucose agar, neopeptone glucose broth (NGB), neopeptone glucose broth+1% polysorbate 80 (NGB++), 0.85% saline solution, phenol stock solution 5%, sterile deionized water Results TABLE 4A______________________________________Culture Results Expressed as Number of PositiveTubes/Total Number of TubesThree Minute Exposure at 20 .+-. 1.degree. C. to RSS PreviouslyStressed for Seven DaysAverage CFU/mL Inoculum: 3.1 .times. 10.sup.6Lot Numbers______________________________________ LDGI LEEW 0/10 0/10______________________________________ TABLE 4B______________________________________Culture Results - Phenol ResistanceCulture Results Expressed as Number of PositiveTubes/Total Number of TubesPhenol Concentration______________________________________ 1:60 1:70 0/10 10/10______________________________________ TABLE 4C______________________________________Results From Fungistasis Control CulturesNo. of Tubes Confirmation No. PositiveInoculated Control Cultures______________________________________10 38 CFU 10______________________________________ TABLE 4D______________________________________Various Control ResultsResults Expressed as Growth (+)/No Growth (-)Control Media Replicate +/-______________________________________ NGB 1 +Positive NGB+ 1 + NGB++ 1 + NGB 1 - 2 -Sterility NGB+ 1 - 2 - NGB++ 1 - 2 -______________________________________ Conclusion

When tested as described, RSS previously stressed for seven days passes the AOAC Fungicidal Test. All of the control cultures meet the resistance required to meet the criteria for a valid test.

EXAMPLE 5

Virucidal Effectiveness Tests

Test Materials

The test included the hydrogen peroxide/sodium succinate hexahydrate/succinic acid formulation, the specific ingredients and percentages of which are set forth in Example 3. The formulation was previous stressed according to MicroBioTest, Inc., protocol 357-114.

Test Conditions Microorganisms: Herpes simplex, Type I, ATCC VR-260 Poliovirus, Type II, ATCC VR-61 Cell Line(s): African Green Monkey Kidney Cells, VERO, ATCC CCL 81 Active Ingredient in Test Products: hydrogen peroxide Neutralizer Used: M199+Catalase+0.02% Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3 Contact Time: 5 minutes Contact Temperature: 20.+-.2.degree. C. Testing Supplies: M199 Dilution Media M199+2% newborn calf serum Results TABLE 5A______________________________________Results of Cytotoxicity Controls Test material lot/toxicityCell line Tested LDGI LEEW______________________________________Vero 10.sup.-2 10.sup.-2______________________________________ TABLE 5B______________________________________Results of the Neutralizer Effectiveness Controls Zero time Final time for test material lotVirus CCID.sub.50 /mL CCID.sub.50 /mL______________________________________Herpes 1.0 .times. 10.sup.6 3.2 .times. 10.sup.5______________________________________ TABLE 5C______________________________________Control and Test Results for Herpes NeutralizerStock Test Results ResultsDilution Titer IPR LDGI LEEW 0 Time LDGI______________________________________10.sup.-1 ++++ ++++ XXXX XXXX NA NA10.sup.-2 ++++ ++++ XXXX XXXX ++++ ++++10.sup.-3 ++++ ++++ ---- ---- ++++ ++++10.sup.-4 ++++ ++++ ---- ---- ++++ ++++10.sup.-5 ++++ ++++ NA NA ++++ ++++10.sup.-6 ++++ ++++ NA NA +-+- ----10.sup.-7 ++-- ---- NA NA ---- ----10.sup.-8 ---- ---- NA NA ---- ----CCID50/ 1.0 .times. 10.sup.7 3.2 .times. <10 <10 1.0 .times. 10.sup.6 3.2 .times.ml 10.sup.6 10.sup.5______________________________________ - = No CPE observed + = CPE observed X = Cytoxicity observed IPR = Initial Plate Recovery NA = Not Applicable TABLE 5D______________________________________Control and Test Results for Poliovirus Test ResultsDilution Stock Titer IPL LDGI LEEW______________________________________10.sup.-1 ++++ ++++ XXXX XXXX10.sup.-2 ++++ ++++ XXXX XXXX10.sup.-3 ++++ ++++ ---- ----10.sup.-4 ++++ ++++ ---- ----10.sup.-5 ++++ ++++ NA NA10.sup.-6 ++++ ++++ NA NA10.sup.-7 ++++ +-+- NA NA10.sup.-8 ++-+ ---- NA NACCID.sub.50 /mL 2.1 .times. 10.sup.-8 1.0 .times. 10.sup.-7 <10 <10______________________________________ - = No CPE observed + = CPE observed X = Cytoxicity observed NA = Not Applicable Conclusion

According to EPA, the compound passes the test if there is a minimum of a three-log reduction between the cytotoxicity level and the PBS recovery control with no surviving virus particles after exposure to the test material. When tested as described, the formulation meets the requirements set forth in EPA DIS/TSS 7.

EXAMPLE 6

Quantitative Tuberculocidal Effectiveness Tests

Test Conditions Microorganisms: Mycobacterium bovis, ATCC.sub.35743, TMC.sub.1028 Active Ingredient in Test Products: Test Agent--Hydrogen Peroxide The test agent is the hydrogen peroxide/sodium succinate hexahydrate/succinic acid formulation set forth in Example 3. Predicate--Glutaraldehyde Neutralizer Used: Test Agent--sterile saline+0.2% Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3 +catalase Predicate--Glutaraldehyde Contact Time: Test Agent--1, 3, 5, 10, and 12 minutes Contact Temperature: Test Agent--20.+-.1.degree. C. Predicate--25.+-.1.degree. C. Testing Supplies: 7H11 agar, sterile saline, phenol 4% stock solution, sterile deionized water, 7H9 broth, sterile saline+1.0% Polysorbate 80 Results TABLE 6A______________________________________Chemical Analysis of the PredicateCidex Lot No. 2117AXTest Date % Glutaraldehyde______________________________________9/19/97 1.2411/6/97 1.17______________________________________ TABLE 6B__________________________________________________________________________Survivor Counts (cfu/mL) of M. bovis After Exposureto Test Agents at 20 .+-. 1.degree. C. and Predicate Agent 25 .+-.1.degree. C.__________________________________________________________________________ InitialTest Counts Contact Time in MinutesAgents Lot No. (SS "0") 1 3 5 10 12__________________________________________________________________________Test LDGI 7.80E + 06 4.10E + 02 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Solution 8.20E + 06 4.40E + 02 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Previously 6.40E + 06 4.10E + 02 2.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Stressed 9.80E + 06 4.10E + 02 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00for 7 daysAverage cfu/mL 8.05E + 06 4.18E + 02 1.25E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Log Reduction 4.3 6.8 6.9 6.9 6.9Test LEEW 7.80E + 06 5.00E + 02 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Solution 8.20E + 06 6.00E + 02 2.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Previously 6.40E + 06 5.10E + 02 2.50E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Stressed 9.80E + 06 4.40E + 02 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00for 7 daysAverage cfu/mL 8.05E + 06 5.13E + 02 1.63E + 02 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00 1.00E + 00Log Reduction 4.2 6.7 6.9 6.9 6.9__________________________________________________________________________ InitialPredicate Counts Contact Time in MinutesAgent Lot No. (SS "0") 15 20 30 45 60__________________________________________________________________________Cidex 2117AX 7.80E + 06 1.40E + 04 6.70E + 03 4.10E + 03 3.20E + 03 3.50E + 02Previously 8.20E + 06 1.10E + 04 6.10E + 03 3.20E + 03 3.10E + 03 3.60E + 02Stressed 6.40E + 06 1.40E + 04 7.00E + 03 4.20E + 03 3.30E + 03 3.30E + 02for 14 9.80E + 06 1.20E + 04 7.60E + 03 3.90E + 03 3.10E + 03 3.30E + 02daysAverage cfu/mL 8.05E + 06 1.28E + 04 6.85E + 03 3.85E + 03 3.18E + 03 3.43E + 02Log Reduction 2.8 3.1 3.3 3.4 4.4__________________________________________________________________________ Note: 1.00E + 00 represents no recovery in the lowest dilution (10.sup.0) TABLE 6C______________________________________Various Control Results (cfu/mL) ConfirmationControl Counts 0 20 min 30 min______________________________________Neutralizer 4.70E + 01 4.70E + 01 NA 5.80E + 01Effectiveness 5.30E + 01 5.30E + 01 NA 5.00E + 01Lot No. LDGIAverage 5.00E + 01 5.00E + 01 NA 5.40E + 01cfu/mLNeutralizer 3.80E + 01 3.80E + 01 NA 3.90E + 01Effectiveness 4.60E + 01 4.60E + 01 NA 5.40E + 01Lot No.2117AXAverage 4.20E + 01 4.20E + 01 NA 4.65E + 01cfu/mLNeutralizer 4.00E + 01 4.00E + 01 NA 5.20E + 01Toxicity 3.90E + 01 3.90E + 01 NA 4.70E + 01Lot No. LDGIAverage 3.95E + 01 3.95E + 01 NA 4.95E + 01cfu/mLNeutralizer 4.20E + 01 4.20E + 01 NA 4.30E + 01Toxicity 5.80E + 01 5.80E + 01 NA 5.10E + 01lot No.2117AXAverage 5.00E + 01 5.00E + 01 NA 4.70E + 01cfu/mLInitial Counts NA 7.80E + 06 NA NA NA 8.20E + 06 NA NA NA 6.40E + 06 NA NA NA 9.80E + 06 NA NAAverage NA 8.05E + 06 NA NAcfu/mLInoculum NA 8.80E + 07 NA NACounts NA 9.40E + 07 NA NA NA 6.90E + 07 NA NA NA 8.20E + 07 NA NAAverage NA 8.33E + 07 NA NAcfu/mLPhenol NA 7.90E + 06 1.26E + 06 NAResistance NA 8.00E + 06 1.15E + 06 NAAverage NA 7.95E + 06 1.21E + 06 NAcfu/mL______________________________________ NA = not applicable

FIG. 3 depicts the survivor curve of M. bovis when exposed to the formulation set forth in Example 3 at 20.+-.1 C and Cidex at 25.+-.1 C.

Conclusion

As described, the challenge organism demonstrated a greater than six log.sub.10 reduction after three minutes exposure to the test agent. The challenge organism met the required phenol resistance as described in the protocol. The neutralizer was observed to be effective and non-toxic.

EXAMPLE 7

D-Value Comparisons at 20.+-.1.degree. C.

Test Materials

The hydrogen peroxide/sodium succinate hexahydrate/succinic acid formulation set forth in Example 3, Lot No. LDGI

Cidex, Lot No. 1227AX

Chemical Analysis

Prior to the start of the test phase, the predicate was analyzed for the concentration of the active ingredient by MicroBioTest using a titration method. Aliquots of the test agent were sent to the sponsor via overnight delivery for analysis of the active ingredient.

Neutralizer Effectiveness Control

Four tubes containing nine mL of the appropriate neutralizer(s) were prepared and allowed to equilibrate to the test temperature. To each tube one mL of the test agent was added and mixed. To each tube 0.1 mL of the 10-6 dilution of the inoculum was added. At zero time (less than 30 seconds) and at 30 minutes the entire contents of two of the tubes were filtered and each filter membrane plated onto TSA. The plates were incubated along with the test, counted, and the CFU calculated. This procedure was repeated for the predicated agent. The CFU added to the tubes was confirmed.

Test Conditions Microorganisms: Clostridium sporogenes, ATCC.sub.3584 Active Ingredient in Test Products: Test Agent--hydrogen peroxide Predicate--glutaraldehyde Neutralizer Used: Test Agent--deionized water+0.2% Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3 +catalase Predicate--deionized water+2.0% glycine Contact Time: Test Agent--1, 5, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes Predicate--15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes Contact Temperature: Test Agent=20.degree. C. Predicate=25.degree. C. Testing Supplies: deionized water, tryptone soya agar TABLE 7A______________________________________Test Results for C. sporogenes Following Exposure toTest Agent and CidexResults Expressed as Colony Forming Units Recoveredper Contact Time Test Material Test Agent Cidex______________________________________ Baseline 1.00E + 06 1.10E + 06 CountsContact Time 1 7.90E + 05 NA(minutes) 5 5.80E + 04 NA 15 4.00E + 02 1.10E + 06 20 1.80E + 01 NA 25 1.00E + 00 NA 30 1.00E + 00 1.20E + 04 45 NA 3.10E + 03 60 NA 4.20E + 02 90 NA 7.00E + 01 120 NA 2.10E + 01 180 NA 1.00E + 00 240 NA 1.00E + 00 300 NA 1.00E + 00______________________________________ Note: 1.00E + 00 represents no recovery in the lowest dilution (10.sup.0) NA = Not Applicable TABLE 7B______________________________________Neutralizer Effectiveness ControlResults Expressed as Colony Forming Units RecoveredPer TubeTest Material Contact Time CFU/Tube______________________________________Test Agent "0" (<30 sec.) 2.00E + 01 30 minutes 1.90E + 01 Confirmation 1.70E + 01 CountCidex "0" (<30 sec.) 2.50E + 01 30 minutes 1.80E + 01 Confirmation 1.70E + 01 Count______________________________________ TABLE 7C______________________________________Chemical Analysis of the Predicate AgentLot No. % Glutaraldehyde______________________________________1227AX 2.5______________________________________ Conclusion

When tested as described, Test agent has a D-Value of 4.2 minutes at 20.degree. C. The Predicate agent, Cidex has a D-Value of 25.4 minutes at 25.degree. C. The test culture met the required baseline counts and the neutralizer was effective.

EXAMPLE 8

Effect of Time, pH and Dilution on Sterilant Solution Viability at 50.degree. C.

Test Materials

A formulation in accordance with the present invention was prepared as follows:

12% (v/v) Hydrogen Peroxide 0.25M Succinic Acid (2.95% w/v) 0.05% Laureth-23 (v/v) Solutions were tested against C. sporogenes-labeled cylinders: TABLE 8______________________________________ No. of Cylinders with Growth Per TotalTest Formula Exposure Cylinders Percentand Dilution pH Temperature Time Tested Sterile______________________________________12% F 1:5 3.95 50.degree. C. 10 min 29/40 28% 20 min 1/40 98% 30 min 2/40 95%12% F 1:3 3.95 50.degree. C. 10 min 11/40 72% 20 min 10/40 75% 30 min 0/40 100%12% F 1:2 3.95 50.degree. C. 10 min 0/40 100% 20 min 0/40 100% 30 min 0/40 100%12% F Neat 4.0 50.degree. C. 15 min 0/40 100% 30 min 0/40 100%Cidex Neat 8.4 20.degree. C. 60 min 7/40 83%______________________________________ F = Formula

In summary, the present invention provides a new sterilant solution which offers several advantages over prior art sterilants: 1) it can be used at room temperature; 2) it is effective in as little as 30 minutes; 3) it is effective in sterilizing heat-sensitive medical instruments without corrosion; and 4) it has a shelf life of at least 15 months at ambient temperatures. It therefore can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Having described the invention with reference to particular compositions, theories of effectiveness, and the like, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that it is not intended that the invention be limited by such illustrative embodiments or mechanisms, and that modifications can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. It is intended that all such obvious modifications and variations be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The claims are meant to cover the claimed components and steps in any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the context specifically indicates to the contrary.

Claims

1. A low odor, aqueous quick acting cold temperature disinfecting and/or sterilization solution for medical instruments, comprising:

from 1% to about 30% by weight of hydrogen peroxide;

a C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 dibasic carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt buffering system, wherein the carboxylic component of the buffering system has a concentration of from about 1% to about 30% by weight, and the weight ratio of carboxylic acid to carboxylate salt is between 1:9 to 9:1; and

water;

said solution having a pH within the range of from about 2 to 6, its buffering capacity being achieved by the carboxylic acid/carboxylate buffering system, and being effective at room temperature to disinfect medical instruments within 30 minutes without corroding the surface of said instruments;

said solution being stable and effective for over a year.

2. The solution according to claim 1 wherein the carboxylic component of the carboxylate salt corresponds to the carboxylic component of the carboxylic acid.

3. The solution according to claim 2 wherein the carboxylic acid is succinic acid and the carboxylate salt is a succinate salt.

4. The solution according to claim 3 wherein the succinate salt is sodium succinate hexahydrate.

5. The solution according to claim 1 wherein the peroxide has a concentration of from about 1%-12% by weight.

6. The solution according to claim 5 wherein the peroxide concentration is from about 6%-10% by weight.

7. The solution according to claim 1 wherein the pH is within the range of from about 3.0-4.5.

8. The solution according to claim 1 wherein the carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt buffering system has a concentration of from about 1%-12% carboxylic component by weight.

9. The solution according to claim 8 wherein the carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt has a concentration of from about 3%-6% by weight.

10. The solution according to claim 1 wherein the carboxylic acid and the carboxylate salt are present in about equimolar concentrations.

11. The solution according to claim 1 wherein the water is purified water.

12. The solution according to claim 11 wherein the solution has a shelf life of at least 15 months.

13. The solution according to claim 1 further including a nonionic surfactant.

14. The solution according to claim 13 wherein the concentration of surfactant is from about 0.1%-0.5% by weight.

15. The solution according to claim 13 wherein the nonionic surfactant is an ether linked surfactant.

16. The solution according to claim 1 which includes minors selected from the group consisting of compatible corrosion inhibitors, diluents, odorants and dyes.

17. The solution according to claim 1 which is effective at a temperature of about 60.degree. C. or less.

18. The composition of claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of the carboxylic acid to the carboxylate salt is between 1:4 to 4:1.

19. A method of quick action cold temperature disinfecting of medical instruments without damaging the instruments, comprising:

contacting at room temperature the instruments for a sterilizing effective amount of time with a low odor, aqueous, quick acting, room temperature disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution for medical instruments, comprising:

from about 1% to about 30% of hydrogen peroxide; from about 1% to about 30% by weight of a C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 dibasic carboxylic acid/carboxylate salt buffering system, the weight ratio of dibasic carboxylic acid to carboxylate salt of said buffering system is between 1:9 to 9:1; and

water;

said solution having a pH within the range of from about 2 to 6, its buffering capacity being achieved by the carboxylic acid/carboxylate buffering system, and being effective at room temperature to disinfect medical instruments within 30 minutes without corroding the surface of said instruments;

said solution being stable and sterilizing effective for over a year.

20. The process of claim 19 wherein the solution further includes a nonionic detergent.

21. The process of claim 19 wherein the carboxylic acid is succinic acid and the carboxylate salt is a succinate.

22. The process of claim 21 wherein the succinate is sodium succinate hexahydrate.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the ratio of carboxylic acid to carboxylate salt is between 1:4 to 4:1.

24. A low odor, aqueous, quick acting cold temperature disinfecting and/or sterilization solution having a pH within the range of from about 2.0 to about 6.0, comprising water; from about 1% to about 30% by weight of hydrogen peroxide; and from about 1% to about 30% by weight of a succinic acid/succinate salt buffering system, wherein the weight ratio of the succinic acid/succinate salt is 1:9 to 9:1, and the buffering capacity of the solution is achieved by the succinic acid/succinate buffering system; said solution being stable and sterilizing effective for over a year.

25. A low odor, quick acting, disinfecting and/or sterilization vapor, wherein the vapor is obtained from a solution comprising:

from about 1% to about 30% by weight of hydrogen peroxide;

from about 1% to about 30% by weight of succinic acid/succinate salt buffering system, wherein the weight ratio of the succinic acid to succinate salt is between 1:9 to 9:1 and the buffering capacity of the solution is achieved by the succinic acid/succinate buffering system; and

water;

wherein the solution has a pH within the range of from about 2 to 6 and is stable and is sterilizing effective for over a year.

26. The composition of claim 25 wherein the ratio succinic acid to succinate salt is 1:4 to 4:1.