Process and composition for killing spores
AssigneeAmerican Sterilizer Company
InventorsPeter A. Burke, Mark James Leggett, Michael A. Centanni
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to an aqueous composition and a process for killing spores. The process may comprise contacting the spores with the aqueous composition for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth. The aqueous composition may comprise water, an antimicrobial agent (e.g., peracetic acid) and a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The process may be a two-step process involving the use of a first aqueous composition, which may comprise water and the peroxide, and a second aqueous composition which may comprise water and the antimicrobial agent.
Claims112
An aqueous composition for killing spores, comprising:
- water;
- an antimicrobial agent;
- and a peroxide;
- the concentration of the peroxide in the water being in the range from about 0.01 to about 14% by weight.
30-43. (canceled)
A process for killing spores, comprising:
- contacting the spores with an aqueous composition comprising water, an antimicrobial agent and a peroxide for a sufficient period of time to effect at least a 4 log reduction, in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth, the aqueous composition having a concentration of peroxide in the water in the range from about 0.01 to about 14% by weight.
A process for killing bacterial spores, comprising:
- contacting the spores with an aqueous composition comprising water, an antimicrobial agent and hydrogen peroxide for a sufficient period of time to effect at least a 4 log reduction in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth, the aqueous composition having a concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the range from about 0.05 to about 7% by weight.
85-108. (canceled)
A process for killing spores, comprising:
- contacting the spores with a first aqueous composition comprising water and a peroxide, the aqueous composition having a concentration of peroxide in the range from about 0.01 to about 14% by weight;
- and
- contacting the spores with a second aqueous composition comprising water and an antimicrobial agent for an effective period of time to effect at least a 4 log reduction in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.