USE OF N-HALAMINE BIOCIDAL POLYMER FOR ODOR CONTROL

• US 20030143187A1
• Filed: 11/13/2002
• Published: 07/31/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Auburn University
• Original Assignee: Auburn University
• Inventors: Broughton, Royall M., Williams, Jeffrey F., Worley, Shelby D.
• Application Number:
  US10/295,001
• Publication Number:
  US 20030143187A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/78.22
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 2300/00 Combinations or mixtures of active ingredients covered by classes A01N27/00 - A01N65/48 with other active or formulation relevant ingredients, e.g. specific carrier materials or surfactants, covered by classes A01N25/00 - A01N65/48
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 25/10 Macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 25/34 Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other sub-group of this main group
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 59/00 Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0082 using chemical substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/014 containing sorbent material, e.g. activated carbon
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2525 Coating or impregnation functions biologically [e.g., insect repellent, antiseptic, insecticide, bactericide, etc.]

Abstract

The present invention is a method of using a polymeric N-halamine biocidal material as an agent preferably used in conjunction with a matrix material for the reduction of noxious odors caused by the decomposition of organic compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the biocidal N-halamine polymer is provided in a comminuted form and mixed with super absorbent polymer to provide a treatment composition. The treatment composition is emplaced within an article to provide intimate contact between the composition and a microorganism-containing fluid. The fluid is absorbed by the super absorbent polymer thereby providing a surface for the biocidal polymer to contact the

Claims

1. A method of controlling the activity of a microorganism in a fluid using N-halamine polymer, comprising:

providing a quantity of biocidal N-halamine polymer;

combining the polymer with a matrix material to provide a treatment composition; and

contacting the composition with a microorganism-containing fluid to modulate the activity of the microorganism.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymer is an insoluble N- halamine polymer.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the polymer is poly-1,3-dichloro-5-methyl-5-(4′

-vinylphenyl)hydantoin.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the matrix material is selected from the group consisting of swellable clays, zeolites, alumina, silica, cellulose, wood pulp, fibers, adhesives, coatings, super absorbent polymers, papers and any combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the polymer is coated onto any one of the matrix materials.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the polymer is imbedded into any one of the matrix materials.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising mixing the composition with an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of deodorants, fragrances, pigments, dyes, and any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

absorbing-the fluid containing the microorganism onto the matrix material thereby providing the contact between the microorganism with the polymer.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising emplacing the composition within an article selected from the group consisting of diapers, incontinence pads, bandages, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, sponges, litter, carpets, fabrics, and air filters.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymer comprises an amount of about 0.1 to about 5.0 percent by weight of the composition.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the polymer comprises an amount of about 0.5 to about 1.0 percent by weight of the composition.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is a bacterium, yeast, fungus, protozoan, virus, mold, or algae.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is a bacterium selected from the group consisting of Bacterium ammoniagenes and Proteus mirabilis.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is in the liquid phase.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is in the gas phase.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is a pathogen selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Klebsiella terrigena, and rotavirus.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the quantity of biocidal polymer is comminuted.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the polymer and the matrix material are mixed.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the modulating activity occurs to urease enzymes in the microorganism.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the pH of the fluid is about 4.5 to about 9.0.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is effective at temperatures of about 4°

C. to 37°

C.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymer has a shelf life of at least one year at ambient temperature.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the modulating activity controls noxious odors.

24. A method of using N-halamine polymer, as an odor control agent comprising:

providing a quantity of comminuted biocidal N-halamine polymer,

mixing the biocidal polymer with super absorbent polymer to provide a treatment composition; and

emplacing the composition within an article to provide for contact between a microorganism-containing fluid and the composition, wherein the super absorbent polymer absorbs the fluid thereby providing a surface for contact between the microorganism and the biocidal polymer.

25. An article of manufacture for controlling noxious odors, comprising:

a quantity of comminuted biocidal N-halamine polymer; and

a quantity of super absorbent polymer mixed with the biocidal polymer to provide a treatment composition, wherein the composition is emplaced within the article to provide for contact between the composition and a microorganism-containing fluid wherein the super absorbent polymer absorbs the fluid thereby providing a surface for contact between the microorganism and the biocidal polymer.

26. An article of manufacture for controlling noxious odors, comprising:

a quantity of biocidal N-halamine polymer; and

a fiber wherein the biocidal polymer is coated or imbedded onto the fiber to provide for contact between the polymer and an odor-causing microorganism present in a fluid medium.