Title: TOPICAL USE OF AN ANTIMICROBIAL FORMULATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35USC§119(e) of US patent application 13/790,911 , filed March 8, 2013, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to a method of reducing a microbial presence on a part of a live subject by topically applying to the subject's part with an antimicrobial formulation for a time sufficient to reduce the microbial presence.

(b) Related Prior Art

[0003] Pathogens such as fungi, viruses, bacteria and bacterial spores are responsible for a plethora of human and animal health problems, as well as contamination of food and biological and environmental samples. The first step in microbial infections is generally attachment or colonization of skin or mucus membranes, followed by subsequent invasion and dissemination of the infectious microbe. The portals of entry of pathogenic bacteria are predominantly the skin and mucus membranes.

[0004] In spite of modern improvements in hygiene and infection prevention, human and livestock health has become an increasingly important public health issue. This has been due in part to the fact that infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi have increased as a result of travel and global interconnections.

[0005] Effective disease prevention is key in maintaining healthy human and animal populations. Over the years the improvement in and availability of vaccines has greatly assisted in the prevention of a large number of diseases. However, even well vaccinated human and animal population can succumb under severe challenge. Moreover, since vaccines are not available for all the diseases to be prevented, well planned and monitored bio-security program, coupled with an effective disinfection and vaccination program, are essential for maintaining the health of these populations.

[0006] Antimicrobials formulations play a vital role in any biosecurity system, both in the process of terminal disinfection and in the ongoing hygiene maintenance. Apart from relatively minor changes and improvements in formulations, there has been little innovation in human or livestock antimicrobial formulations and large-surface antimicrobial formulations development for some fifteen to twenty years.

[0007] A great many of the current antimicrobial formulations, including sanitizers and disinfectants, contain antimicrobial agents which are not naturally occurring. Typical antimicrobial agents used in sanitizers and disinfectants include chemical disinfectants such as phenolic compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, formaldehyde and halogen containing compounds. Such materials are not of natural origin (i.e. not found in nature) and are prepared through chemical processing and synthesis. A great many of these "synthetic" disinfectants cause undesirable effects on both the environment and on human health.

[0008] Benefect Natural Hand Sanitizer is a thyme oil based hand cleaner. Hence Benefect's product can be applied on human skin for disinfecting hands. Although this is a thyme oil based antimicrobial for topical application on human skin, it does not include an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier. [0009] CleanWell's hand sanitizer has 0.05% thyme oil as one of the ingredients as well as citric acid as per the detailed product material safety data sheet. Although this is a thyme oil based antimicrobial for topical application on human skin, it does not include an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

[0010] International Publication No. WO 2010/010320 discloses the use of a composition which comprises a 100% of carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene only as a therapeutic agent or disinfectant with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, this document does not teach the topical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

[0011] US Patent No. 8,293,286 discloses a method for killing parasites that includes the step of topically applying onto a companion animal a composition which includes a natural, non-synthetic active ingredient. However, the disclosed composition includes ingredients such as methyl salicylate and vanillin. However, this document does not teach the topical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

[0012] US Patent No. 6,884,763 discloses a waterless hand cleaner formulation which includes an organic solvent, a quantity of water and a surfactant present to form a gelatinous emulsion. The gelatinous emulsion is loaded with 0.1 to 25 total weight percent of a natural essential oil having topical antimicrobial activity. However, this document does not teach the topical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier. [0013] US Patent Publication No. 2011/0223114 discloses an antimicrobial composition. It particularly relates to an antimicrobial composition for cleansing or personal care. However, this document does not teach the topical use of an antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin in combination with a surfactant, a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound and an aqueous carrier.

[0014] US Patent Publication No. 2010/0272818 discloses compositions which include terpenes which are particularly suitable for treating plant infections, to methods of making such composition, and to methods of using them. However, the composition disclosed is in the form of liquid, pellets or tablets and may include hollow glucan particles or cell wall particles.

[0015] US Patent Publication No. 2011/0206790 discloses natural essential oil based foamable compositions to be used as antimicrobial substances which include essential oils as antimicrobial agent. Additionally, the composition includes a source of divalent copper ions.

[0016] US Patent Publication No. 2009/0258098 discloses an antifungal composition and penetrating carrier system for topical treatment of dermatophytic infection and secondary bacterial infections. The composition includes an excipient, a penetration enhancer and at least one antifungal essential oil component.

[0017] Moreover, US Patent Publication No. 2009/0269394 discloses a method for treating and completely curing fungal, yeast and/or mold infections in human subjects comprising the step of topically administering to a human subject in need an antifungal nanoemulsion composition. The composition includes an aqueous phase and about 1 % to 80% of essential oil.

[0018] There is therefore a need for an improved method for reducing a microbial topical presence on a live subject without the health hazards and drawbacks of the prior art. SUMMARY

[0019] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of reducing a microbial presence on at least one part of a live subject comprising topically applying to the subject's part with an antimicrobial formulation for a time sufficient to reduce the microbial presence, the antimicrobial formulation consisting of:

a) one antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin selected from the group consisting of thymol and carvacrol;

b) at least one anionic, cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactant, or combinations thereof sufficient to form a solution or dispersion of the phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;

c) a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound; and

d) a sufficient aqueous carrier quantity to make 100% (w/w).

[0020] The formulation may comprise from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of the phenolic compound.

[0021] The formulation may comprise from about 0.1% to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant.

[0022] The formulation may comprise from about 0.1% to about 40% (w/w) of the solvent.

[0023] The phenolic compound may be thymol.

[0024] The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, sorbitan esters and ether ethoxylate.

[0025] The part of a live subject may be one of a skin, a limb, a head, an ear, a nose, a hand, a foot, a mucosa, a hoof, or combinations thereof.

[0026] The subject may be a mammal, or a poultry. [0027] Reducing a microbial presence may be for preventing or treating a disease chosen from a hoof rot, hoof scald, hoof abscesses, and combinations thereof.

[0028] Topically applying to may be with one of a spray, a bath, a footbath, a direct application, a wipe, a cream, an ointment, an unguent.

[0029] The reduction in a microbial presence may be for preventing or treating a disease chosen from a skin lesion, a disease of an appendage, a bacterial infection, and a fungal infection.

[0030] The bacterial infection may be one of a salmonella infection, an E. Coli infection, a staphylococcal infection, a spirochete infection, an impetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, a folliculitis, an erysipelas, an aeromonas infection, an african tick bite fever, an american tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, a bacillary angiomatosis, a bejel, a blastomycosis-like pyoderma, a blistering distal dactylitis, a botryomycosis, a Brill— Zinsser disease, a brucellosis, a bullous impetigo, a canker, a cat scratch disease, a chancre, a chancroid, a chlamydial infection, a chronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a chronic undermining burrowing ulcers, a chromobacteriosis infection, a condylomata lata, a cutaneous actinomycosis, a cutaneous anthrax infection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group B streptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, a cutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, a desert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosum, a ehrlichiosis ewingii infection, a elephantiasis nostras, a endemic typhus, a epidemic typhus, a erysipelas, a erysipeloid of rosenbach, a erythema marginatum, a erythrasma, a external otitis, a felon, a flea-borne spotted fever, a flinders island spotted fever, a flying squirrel typhus, a folliculitis, a foot abscess, a Fournier gangrene, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, a Glasser's disease, a gonococcemia, a gonorrhea, a gram-negative folliculitis, a gram-negative toe web infection, a granuloma inguinale, a green nail syndrome, a group jk corynebacterium sepsis, a haemophilus influenzae cellulitis, a helicobacter cellulitis, a hospital furunculosis, a hot tub folliculitis, a human granulocytotropic anaplasmosis, a human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, an impetigo contagiosa, an infected oil gland, an interdigital dermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italian foot rot a japanese spotted fever, a joint-ill, a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, a listeriosis, a Ludwig's angina, a lupoid sycosis, a lyme disease, a lymphogranuloma venereum, a malakoplakia, a mediterranean spotted fever, a melioidosis, a meningococcemia, a missouri lyme disease, a mycoplasma infection, a necrotizing fasciitis, a neonatal toxic shock-like exanthematous disease, a nocardiosis, a noma neonatorum, a north asian tick typhus, an ophthalmia neonatorum, an erysipelas, an oroya fever, a pasteurellosis, a periapical abscess, a pinta, a pitted keratolysis, a plague, a pododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a pseudomonal pyoderma, a pseudomonas hotfoot syndrome, a pyogenic paronychia, a pyomyositis, a Q fever, a Queensland tick typhus, a rat-bite fever, a recurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema, a rhinoscleroma, a rickettsia aeschlimannii infection, a rickettsialpox, a ringbone, a rocky mountain spotted fever, a saber shin, a saddle nose, a salmonellosis, a scarlet fever, a scrub typhus, a shigellosis, a staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a streptococcal intertrigo, a super foot rot, a superficial pustular folliculitis, a sycosis vulgaris, a syphilid, a syphilis, a thrush, a tick-borne lymphadenopathy, a toxic shock syndrome, a trench fever, a tropical ulcer, a tularemia, a verruga peruana, a vibrio vulnificus infection, or a yaws.

[0031] The skin lesion may be one of an ulcer, a diabetic ulcer, a furuncle, a carbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or a blister.

[0032] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of reducing a microbial presence on at least one part of a live subject comprising topically applying to the subject's part with an antimicrobial formulation for a time sufficient to reduce the microbial presence, the antimicrobial formulation consisting of: a) one antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin selected from the group consisting of thymol and carvacrol;

b) at least one anionic, cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactant, or combinations thereof sufficient sufficient to form a solution or dispersion of the phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;

c) a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound; and

d) a sufficient aqueous carrier quantity to make 100% (w/w), and at least one of :

- a sequestering agent;

- an essential oil; and

- a fragrance.

[0033] The formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% (w/w) of the sequestering agent.

[0034] The sequestering agent may be selected from the group consisting of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) sodium salt, sodium gluconate, sodium citrate, citric acid, trisodium NTA, trisodium ethylene disuccinate, sodium phosphate and sodium choleate.

[0035] The essential oil may be selected from the group consisting of origanum oil, thyme oil, and eucalyptus oil.

[0036] The essential oil may be from about 0.0001% to about 4% (w/w) of the formulation.

[0037] The formulation may comprise from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of the phenolic compound.

[0038] The formulation may comprise from about 0.1 % to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant.

[0039] The formulation may comprise from about 0.1 % to about 40% (w/w) of the solvent. [0040] The phenolic compound may be thymol.

[0041] The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, sorbitan esters and ether ethoxylate.

[0042] The fragrance may be citral.

[0043] The part of a live subject may be one of a skin, a limb, a head, an ear, a nose, a hand, a foot, a mucosa, a hoof, or combinations thereof.

[0044] The subject may be a mammal, or a poultry.

[0045] Topical application may be effected with a spray, a bath, a footbath, a direct application, a wipe, a cream, an ointment, or an unguent.

[0046] The reduction in a microbial presence may be for preventing or treating a disease chosen from a skin lesion, a disease of an appendage, a bacterial infection, and a fungal infection.

[0047] The bacterial infection may be one of a salmonella infection, an E. Coli infection, a staphylococcal infection, a spirochete infection, an impetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, a folliculitis, an erysipelas, an aeromonas infection, an african tick bite fever, an american tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, a bacillary angiomatosis, a bejel, a blastomycosis-like pyoderma, a blistering distal dactylitis, a botryomycosis, a Brill— Zinsser disease, a brucellosis, a bullous impetigo, a canker, a cat scratch disease, a chancre, a chancroid, a chlamydial infection, a chronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a chronic undermining burrowing ulcers, a chromobacteriosis infection, a condylomata lata, a cutaneous actinomycosis, a cutaneous anthrax infection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group B streptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, a cutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, a desert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosum, a ehrlichiosis ewingii infection, a elephantiasis nostras, a endemic typhus, a epidemic typhus, a erysipelas, a erysipeloid of rosenbach, a erythema marginatum, a erythrasma, a external otitis, a felon, a flea-borne spotted fever, a flinders island spotted fever, a flying squirrel typhus, a folliculitis, a foot abscess, a Fournier gangrene, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, a Glasser's disease, a gonococcemia, a gonorrhea, a gram-negative folliculitis, a gram-negative toe web infection, a granuloma inguinale, a green nail syndrome, a group jk corynebacterium sepsis, a haemophilus influenzae cellulitis, a helicobacter cellulitis, a hospital furunculosis, a hot tub folliculitis, a human granulocytotropic anaplasmosis, a human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, an impetigo contagiosa, an infected oil gland, an interdigital dermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italian foot rot a japanese spotted fever, a joint-ill, a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, a listeriosis, a Ludwig's angina, a lupoid sycosis, a lyme disease, a lymphogranuloma venereum, a malakoplakia, a mediterranean spotted fever, a melioidosis, a meningococcemia, a missouri lyme disease, a mycoplasma infection, a necrotizing fasciitis, a neonatal toxic shock-like exanthematous disease, a nocardiosis, a noma neonatorum, a north asian tick typhus, an ophthalmia neonatorum, an erysipelas, an oroya fever, a pasteurellosis, a periapical abscess, a pinta, a pitted keratolysis, a plague, a pododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a pseudomonal pyoderma, a pseudomonas hotfoot syndrome, a pyogenic paronychia, a pyomyositis, a Q fever, a Queensland tick typhus, a rat-bite fever, a recurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema, a rhinoscleroma, a rickettsia aeschlimannii infection, a rickettsialpox, a ringbone, a rocky mountain spotted fever, a saber shin, a saddle nose, a salmonellosis, a scarlet fever, a scrub typhus, a shigellosis, a staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a streptococcal intertrigo, a super foot rot, a superficial pustular folliculitis, a sycosis vulgaris, a syphilid, a syphilis, a thrush, a tick-borne lymphadenopathy, a toxic shock syndrome, a trench fever, a tropical ulcer, a tularemia, a verruga peruana, a vibrio vulnificus infection, or a yaws.

[0048] The following terms are defined below.

[0049] The term "about" is intended to mean a value includes an inherent variation of error for the device or the method being employed to determine the value.

[0050] The term "hard water" is intended to mean a water having a high concentration of dissolved minerals and solids.

[0051] The terms "phenolic compound", "natural origin", "phenolic compound of natural origin" is intended to mean a phenolic compounds that exist or are produced in nature. Such phenolic compounds can be extracted or isolated from their natural environment by any suitable means. Of course, such phenolic compounds can also be synthetically produced by the hand of man. Such synthetic equivalents are within the definition of "natural origin". It is important to note that in cases where the formulation would include a combination of more than one phenolic compound, the combination would not consist of i-carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene or ii- thymol and terpineol together or in combination with other phenolic compounds.

[0052] The term "appendage" is intended to mean an external body part, or natural prolongation, that protrudes from an organism's body, such as the arm, hand, leg, foot, hoof, sexual organs, tails, ears, nose, udder, etc.

[0053] The term "skin" is intended to mean the soft outer covering of vertebrates. In mammals, the skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of ectodermal tissue, and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. This includes the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and the hair and fur. [0054] The terms "topical" or "topically" are intended to mean the body and body surface of a subject, including the skin and/or mucous membranes, as well as the appendages covered by the skin.

[0055] The term "time sufficient" is intended to mean any time necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic or preventive results. For example, the time may be 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 30, 60 seconds or minutes, or 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more hours. The time sufficient may also be numerous repetitions of the treatment.

[0056] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one", but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one". Similarly, the word "another" may mean at least a second or more.

[0057] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "include" and "includes") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contain" and "contains"), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or process steps.

[0058] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0060] Fig. 1 illustrates the adhesion of cfu treponemes per # of viable keratinocytes in vitro at three concentrations of formulation 56.

[0061] Fig. 2 illustrates the percentage of healthy hooves (no clinical sign of digital dermatitis) in Herd A (footbaths of CuS0 ₄ ) and Herds A', B and C (footbaths of formulation 56) at Day 0 and 12 weeks after the beginning of footbaths. At 12 weeks, it was calculated that there was no significant evolution in the % of healthy hooves in Herd A (p > 0.05; not significant "ns"), while there were significant increases of healthy hooves in Herds A', B and C ( ^* p < 0.05; ^*** * p < 0.0001 ; unpaired f-test)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In embodiment there is disclosed a method of reducing a microbial presence on at least one part of a live subject. The method includes topically applying to the live subject's part with an antimicrobial formulation for a time sufficient to reduce the microbial presence. The antimicrobial formulation includes :

[0063] a) at least one antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin;

[0064] b) at least one surfactant sufficient to form a solution or dispersion of the phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;

[0065] c) a solvent for dissolving the phenolic compound; and

[0066] d) a sufficient aqueous carrier quantity to make 100% (w/w). Phenolic compounds of natural origin

[0067] The phenolic compounds of natural origin used in the present invention are antimicrobial agents that are so-called "natural" antimicrobial actives. These actives derive their names from their natural occurrence in plants. These antimicrobial phenolic compounds are the key chemical components of plant essential oils that have been found to provide the antimicrobial benefit.

[0068] The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present invention can be synthetically made by known methods within the capacity of a skilled technician, or can be obtained from plant oil extracts. In an embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin are obtained from plant extracts. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin are commercially available.

[0069] The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present invention can include, but are not limited to, thymol (present for example in thyme), eugenol (present for example in cinnamon), menthol (present for example in mint), geraniol (present for example in geranium or rose), verbenone (present for example in vervain), eucalyptol (present for example in eucalyptus), cedrol (present for example in cedar), pinocarvone, carvacrol (which is isomeric with thymol, and is present for example in oregano), anethol (present for example in aniseed) hinokitiol, berberine, terpineol, limonene, ratanhiae, citral (present for example in lemon myrtle) and mixtures thereof. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present invention are thymol, eugenol, carvacrol, and citral. In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin comprise carvacrol and thymol. In a most preferred embodiment, the phenolic compounds of natural origin comprise thymol. It is important to note that in cases where the formulation would include a combination of more than one phenolic compound, the combination would not consist of i-carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene or ii- thymol and terpineol together or in combination with other phenolic compounds.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w) of the phenolic compound. According to another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 5% to about 25% (w/w) of the phenolic compound. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 15% to about 25% (w/w) of the phenolic compound. According to another embodiment, the formulation may comprise thymol from about 0.05% to about 25% (w/w). According to another embodiment, the formulation may comprise thymol from about 0.05% to about 0.49% (w/w) of the formulation. In a particular embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention comprise 0.18% (w/w) thymol. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise thymol from about 0.23% (w/w) of the formulation.

Essential oils

[0071] In an embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention may further comprise one or more essential oils. Essential oils derive their names from their natural occurrence in plants. Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, and other plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets between the plant's cells, and can be extracted by several methods known to those of skill in the art (e.g., steam distillation, enfleurage (i.e., extraction using fat(s)), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing). Essential oils are typically named by the plant or vegetable in which the oil is found. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil is derived from rose or peppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oils that can be used in the context of the present invention include oils of anise, lemon oil, orange oil, oregano, rosemary oil, wintergreen oil, thyme oil, lavender oil, clove oil, hops, tea tree oil, citronella oil, wheat oil, barley oil, lemongrass oil, cedar leaf oil, cedar wood oil, cinnamon oil, fleagrass oil, geranium oil, sandalwood oil, violet oil, cranberry oil, eucalyptus oil, vervain oil, peppermint oil, gum benzoin, basil oil, fennel oil, fir oil, balsam oil, menthol, ocmea origanum oil, Hydastis carradensis oil, Berberidaceae daceae oil, Ratanhiae and Curcuma longa oil, sesame oil, macadamia nut oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sage oil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berries oil, rose oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, cypress oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrh oil, neroli oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepper oil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, or ylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art are also contemplated as being useful within the context of the present invention (e.g., International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 10th edition, 2004, which is incorporated by reference).

[0072] According to an embodiment, the essential oil may be essential oil chosen from the origanum oil, thyme oil, and eucalyptus oil. According to a preferred embodiment, the essential oils used in the present invention are enriched in thymol and/or carvacrol. Thymol and carvacrol are naturally occurring disinfectants which are readily degraded in the environment. As such, there is little or no accumulation in the environment or in living organisms, even following repeated application of the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.0001 % to about 4% (w/w) of the essential oil. According to another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 4% (w/w) of the essential oil. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 1% to about 4% (w/w) of the essential oil. Surfactants

[0074] A surfactant (surface active agent) is generally intended to refer to a substance which when dissolved in water, or other aqueous system, reduces the surface or interfacial tension between it and another substance or material. According to another embodiment of the present invention the antimicrobial formulations used in the method of the present invention further comprise a surfactant. A suitable surfactant comprises a water soluble or water dispersible nonionic, anionic, cationic, or an amphoteric compound. In a further embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention comprise one or more of the conventional anionic surfactants known in the art. A representative listing of surfactants and properties thereof is detailed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th edition (Mack Publishing Company). Non-limiting examples of surfactants according to an embodiment of the present invention include sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan esters, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylate, hexadecylbetaine, lauryl betaine, and ether ethoxylate. According to another embodiment, one or more additional surfactants may be included in the antimicrobial formulations used in the methods of the present invention.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant aids in the dispersion or emulsification of the phenolic compounds and/or the essential oils used in the present invention, within the aqueous carrier. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the surfactants aids in braking down the structure of biofilms through denaturation. In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant allows for the creation of a "foaming effect" when the antimicrobial solution is applied to a topical surface to be treated. In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant allows for an improvement of the viscosity response of another surfactant. The creation of a foam allows for the antimicrobial solutions to remain in contact with the topical surface to be treated for longer periods of time. In yet a further embodiment, the surfactant acts as a "wetting" agent. Wetting agents typically reduce the surface tension of the water molecules, allowing for a greater spreading of the solution and a deeper penetration into small crack and crevices of the surface to be treated.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.1% to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant. According to another embodiment, formulation may comprise from about 5% to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant. According to another embodiment, the formulation comprises from about 10% to about 15% (w/w) of the surfactant.

Solvents

[0077] The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present invention (e.g. carvacrol, thymol) are typically not sufficiently soluble in an aqueous medium. The antimicrobial formulations used in the present invention thus typically comprise a solvent. The solvents may be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic in nature. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention comprise an amphiphilic solvent. Amphiphilic solvents are capable of solubilizing the phenolic compounds of natural origin and/or the essential oil(s) in the aqueous carrier. Non-limiting examples of solvents according to an embodiment of the present invention include methanol, ethanol, hexadecane, propylene glycol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol and hexylene glycol. The addition of a significant amount of solvent to the antimicrobial solutions of the present invention, allows for the solutions to be used at temperatures slightly inferior to 0°C. It is well within the capacity of a skilled technician to determine such amounts of solvent. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the preferred solvent is propylene glycol methyl ether. [0078] According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.1 % to about 40% (w/w) of the solvent. According to another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 5% to about 35 % (w/w) of the solvent. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 15% to about 30 % (w/w) of the solvent.

Sequestering agents

[0079] According to yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations used in the method of the present invention are often prepared on site from mixtures of ingredients in concentrated solution. According to an embodiment, tap water is used for dilution. Tap water generally has a certain amount of hardness. Since the presence of dissolved minerals (e.g. Ca++, Mg++) may adversely affect the performance and properties of the antimicrobial formulation, a sequestering agent is included in the formulation to chelate the dissolved minerals in the form of a water soluble complex. Sequestering agents are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples include ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) sodium salt, sodium gluconate, sodium citrate, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, citric acid, trisodium NTA, sodium phosphate and sodium choleate. Sequestering agents typically prevent the dissolved minerals from binding to the surfactant molecules. Moreover, sequestering agents may remove minerals from the surface to be disinfected.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.01 % to about 10% (w/w) of the sequestering agent. According to another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 1 % to about 5% (w/w) of the sequestering agent. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 1 % to about 3% (w/w) of the sequestering agent.

Fragrance

[0081] Phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present invention typically have an associated pungent odor which may impede large- scale applications. Thus, according to yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention may further comprise one or more agents having the function of imparting a more pleasant odor thereto. According to yet another embodiment, the agent may have the dual function of further enhancing the antimicrobial properties of the formulations used in the present invention while imparting a more pleasant odor thereto. Non-limiting examples of agents imparting a pleasant odor and/or enhancing the antimicrobial properties comprise carvacrol, cymene, cineol, eugenol, thymol, menthol, citral and limonene.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.01 % to about 5% (w/w) of the fragrance. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.03% to about 5% (w/w) of the fragrance. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.5% to about 5% (w/w) of the fragrance. According to yet another embodiment, the formulation may comprise from about 0.01 % to about 0.15% (w/w) of the fragrance.

Other ingredients

[0083] The antimicrobial formulations of the present invention may optionally include a wide range of additional ingredients non-limiting examples of which include colorants, thickening agents, aloe vera, glycerine, vitamins and pH adjusting agents. Such additional ingredients are within the capacity of a skilled technician. Preferably, the pH of the antimicrobial formulation may be from about 6 to about 10.

Method of disinfection

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention may be applied onto a live subject's part to be topically contacted by means of a variety of techniques. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention are applied using a diffuser or a mist blower. Alternatively, the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention can also be formulated into aerosol formulations. Further means of applying the antimicrobial solutions of the present invention are within the capacity of a skilled technician. For example, the contact may be by means of a bath, a footbath, a direct application, a wipe, a cream, an ointment, an unguent. Preferably, the topical contact may be with a footbath.

[0085] The antimicrobial formulations of the present invention can either be applied directly or can be diluted prior to application. Due to the substantially non-corrosive nature of the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention, the formulations can be readily applied without undue damage to the live subject's part. Non limiting example of a live subject's part that may be treated according to the method of the present invention include a skin, a limb, a head, an ear, a nose, a hand, a foot, a mucosa, a hoof, or combinations thereof.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the live subject to be contacted according to the method of the present invention may be a mammal or poultry. According to embodiments, the mammal may be chosen from a bovine, an ovine, a canine, a caprine, an equine, a feline, a porcine, a rodent and a human. According to embodiments, the poultry is chosen from a chicken, a duck, an emu, a goose, a turkey, and a pheasant.

[0087] According to yet another embodiment, the method of the present invention may be used for reducing a microbial presence for preventing or treating a disease such as a hoof rot, hoof scald, hoof abscesses, and combinations thereof. According to yet another embodiment, the method of the present invention may be used for preventing or treating a disease chosen from a skin lesion, a disease of an appendage, a bacterial infection, and a fungal infection.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the bacterial infection may be one of a salmonella infection, an E. Coli infection, a staphylococcal infection, a spirochete infection, an impetigo, an ecthyma, a carbunculosis, a folliculitis, an erysipelas, an aeromonas infection, an african tick bite fever, an american tick bite fever, an arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection, a bacillary angiomatosis, a bejel, a blastomycosis-like pyoderma, a blistering distal dactylitis, a botryomycosis, a Brill— Zinsser disease, a brucellosis, a bullous impetigo, a canker, a cat scratch disease, a chancre, a chancroid, a chlamydial infection, a chronic lymphangitis, a chronic recurrent erysipelas, a chronic undermining burrowing ulcers, a chromobacteriosis infection, a condylomata lata, a cutaneous actinomycosis, a cutaneous anthrax infection, a cutaneous diphtheria infection, a cutaneous group B streptococcal infection, a cutaneous pasteurella hemolytica infection, a cutaneous streptococcus iniae infection, a dermatitis gangrenosa, a desert sore, a digital dermatitis, a ecthyma gangrenosum, a ehrlichiosis ewingii infection, a elephantiasis nostras, a endemic typhus, a epidemic typhus, a erysipelas, a erysipeloid of rosenbach, a erythema marginatum, a erythrasma, a external otitis, a felon, a flea-borne spotted fever, a flinders island spotted fever, a flying squirrel typhus, a folliculitis, a foot abscess, a Fournier gangrene, a furunculosis, a gas gangrene, a glanders, a Glasser's disease, a gonococcemia, a gonorrhea, a gram-negative folliculitis, a gram-negative toe web infection, a granuloma inguinale, a green nail syndrome, a group jk corynebacterium sepsis, a haemophilus influenzae cellulitis, a helicobacter cellulitis, a hospital furunculosis, a hot tub folliculitis, a human granulocytotropic anaplasmosis, a human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, an impetigo contagiosa, an infected oil gland, an interdigital dermatitis, an interdigital phlegmon, an Italian foot rot a japanese spotted fever, a joint-ill, a leptospirosis, a Listeria monocytogenes infection, a listeriosis, a Ludwig's angina, a lupoid sycosis, a lyme disease, a lymphogranuloma venereum, a malakoplakia, a mediterranean spotted fever, a melioidosis, a meningococcemia, a missouri lyme disease, a mycoplasma infection, a necrotizing fasciitis, a neonatal toxic shock-like exanthematous disease, a nocardiosis, a noma neonatorum, a north asian tick typhus, an ophthalmia neonatorum, an erysipelas, an oroya fever, a pasteurellosis, a periapical abscess, a pinta, a pitted keratolysis, a plague, a pododermatitis, a primary gonococcal dermatitis, a pseudomonal pyoderma, a pseudomonas hotfoot syndrome, a pyogenic paronychia, a pyomyositis, a Q fever, a Queensland tick typhus, a rat-bite fever, a recurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema, a rhinoscleroma, a rickettsia aeschlimannii infection, a rickettsialpox, a ringbone, a rocky mountain spotted fever, a saber shin, a saddle nose, a salmonellosis, a scarlet fever, a scrub typhus, a shigellosis, a staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a streptococcal intertrigo, a super foot rot, a superficial pustular folliculitis, a sycosis vulgaris, a syphilid, a syphilis, a thrush, a tick-borne lymphadenopathy, a toxic shock syndrome, a trench fever, a tropical ulcer, a tularemia, a verruga peruana, a vibrio vulnificus infection, or a yaws.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the fungal infection may be one of a aspergillus infection, a cryptococcosis, a ringworm, a candidiasis, a psoriasis, a thrush, a blastomycosis, a chytridiomycosis, a coccidioidomycosis, a histoplasmosis, a tinea (pityriasis) versicolor, an african histoplasmosis, an alternariosis, an antibiotic candidiasis, a black piedra, a candidal intertrigo, a candidal onychomycosis, a candidal paronychia, a candidal vulvovaginitis, a candidid, a chromoblastomycosis, a chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a coccidioidomycosis, a congenital cutaneous candidiasis, a cryptococcosis, a dermatophytid, a diaper candidiasis, a disseminated coccidioidomycosis, a distal subungual onychomycosis, an entomophthoromycosis, an erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica, a favus, a fungal folliculitis, a fusariosis, a geotrichosis, a granuloma gluteale infantum, a histoplasmosis, a hyalohyphomycosis, a kerion, a lobomycosis, a mucormycosis, a mycetoma, a north american blastomycosis, an onychomycosis, an oral candidiasis, an otomycosis, a perianal candidiasis, a perleche, a phaeohyphomycosis, a piedra, a pityrosporum folliculitis, a primary cutaneous aspergillosis, a primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis, a primary cutaneous histoplasmosis, a primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, a primary pulmonary histoplasmosis, a progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, a proximal subungual onychomycosis, a rhinosporidiosis, a south american blastomycosis, a sporotrichosis, a systemic candidiasis, a tinea barbae, a tinea capitis, a tinea corporis, a tinea corporis gladiatorum, a tinea cruris, a tinea faciei, a tinea imbricata, a tinea incognito, a tinea manuum, a tinea nigra, a tinea pedis, a tinea versicolor, a white piedra, a white superficial onychomycosis, or a zygomycosis.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the skin lesion may be one of an ulcer, a diabetic ulcer, a furuncle, a carbuncle, a fissure, a crack, or a blister.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the disease of an appendage may be a mastitis.

[0092] Formulations of the present invention can include any number of combinations of ingredients discussed throughout this specification (e.g., phenolic compounds of natural origin, essential oils, surfactants, solvents, sequestering agents, water, etc.). It is also contemplated that that the concentrations of the ingredients can vary.

[0093] The present invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following examples which are given to illustrate the invention rather than to limit its scope.

EXAMPLE 1

ANTIMICROBIAL FORMULATIONS

Antimicrobial formulations

n/a: Not applicable this formula requires dilution before use

[0094] When a sequestering agent such as sodium citrate is present, it is first dissolved in a predetermined amount of water and stirred until dissolution. Glycol ether PM or 1 ,3-propanediol (solvent), thymol, essential oil (origanum oil) and optionally a fragrance are then added and stirred until dissolution. Surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and/or Sodium Laureth Sulfate and/or Cetyl Betaine) and additional water are then added and stirred until dissolution to provide a 100% (w/w) formulation. The final formulation is stirred until a homogeneous solution is obtained. Formulation 1 , obtained from Formulation 2 by means of dilution with water (1 % w/w), is considered a "ready to use" formulation. Formulation 3, obtained from Formulation 4 by means of dilution with water (3% w/w), is considered a "ready to use" formulation. Formulation 6, obtained from Formulation 5 by means of dilution with water (1 % w/w), is considered a "ready to use" formulation. Formulation 8, obtained from Formulation 7 by means of dilution with water (3% w/w), is considered a "ready to use" formulation. Formulation 9 is a ready to use formulation.

[0095] As illustrated hereinabove, the formulations are first formulated as a "concentrate" (Formulations 2, 4, 5 and 7), dilution of which provides for the preparation of Formulations 1 , 3, 6 and 8. Formulations A, B, C, D, E, 1 and 2 comprise essential oil (Origanum Oil). Formulations 3 and 4 do not comprise any fragrance. Formulations 5,6,7,8, and 9 can comprise a fragrance. Formulations 5,6 and 9 do not comprise any sequestering agent. The formulations have a pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 9.7.

[0096] As illustrated herein above, Formulation A and D have no solvent and are neither stable nor soluble in water. The solvent helps for solubility and stability of the Formulations 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Formulation B and E have no surfactant and are not stable, not soluble in water, and have no foaming effect. Surfactant(s) help for the stability, solubility and foaming effect of Formulations 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Formulation C has a solvent and surfactant, and is stable, soluble in water and has a foaming effect._Dilution using hard water did not affect the characteristics of Formulations 1 , 3 and 8 which is indicative of the efficacy of the sequestering agent for Formulations 1 ,3 and 8.

EXAMPLE 2

SEQUESTERING AGENT

[0097] Foaming capacity is a very important characteristic of disinfectants. It is crucial that disinfectants foam even when formulated of diluted with hard water. This is especially important in rural setting, where the water used to dilute agricultural disinfectant will almost always be hard water.

[0098] Formulations 10 to 17 (Table 2) were prepared using 400ppm hard water. 20 mL of formulations 10 to 17 were dispensed in cylindrical graduated cylinders. The cylinders were shaken for 10 seconds, and then left to stand for 1 minute. Foam height and thickness were then measured for each formulation (Table 3). The test was repeated 2 other times, for a total of 3 measurements for each formulation.

Table 2 - Formulations with hard water

Q.S. stands for quantity sufficient or to add enough of the major ingredient until a total of 100% of the formula is reached.

Table 3 - Foam height (cm) and thickness after 1 minute, when using standard AOAC 400 ppm hard water

Foam thickness: 1 = thin, bubble bath like; 5 = thick, shaving cream I

[0099] As illustrated herein above, Foam thickness was higher for Formulations 10, 1 1 , 12 and 13 containing a sequestring agent (2.75) than Formulations 14, 15, 16 and 17 not containing a sequestring agent (2.42), a difference of 14%. Foam height was significatively higher (p<0.05, unpaired t- test) for formulations containing a sequestring agent (13.75 cm) when compared to formulations not containing a sequestring agent (10.75 cm), a difference of 23%. The results clearly indicate that the presence of a sequestring agent affects the quantity of foam yielded by a formulation. The importance of foam in disinfecting applications in very important, especially in agricultural settings.

EXAMPLE 3

BIOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF SELECTED PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND

ESSENTIAL OILS

[00100] The minimum concentration at which a total antimicrobial activity could be observed is determined for selected phenolic compounds of natural origin and selected essential oils using the AOAC method 955.15 ("Phenol Coefficient Method") with minor modifications. Different concentrations of essential oils and phenolic compounds of natural origin are incorporated into formulation F (see table hereinbelow) and inoculated with a 0.05 % bacterial suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538; concentration of about 8 logs). After a contact time of 10 minutes, 0.1 ml of the inoculated solution is transferred to a broth culture with neutralizing (Difco 2681 10) and incubated over a period of 72 hours at 37°C. The presence of turbidity in the broth culture is indicative of the survival of the microorganism

[00101] As illustrated herein below in Table 4, the results are indicative of the excellent antimicrobial activity of both thymol and carvacrol. Thymol and carvacrol need a much lower concentration (0.07% v/v) to achieve total antimicrobial activity than other phenolic compounds and essential oils.

Table 4 - Minimal concentration of antimicrobial agents

EXAMPLE 4

QUANTITATIVE MICROBIAL REDUCTION ASSAY

[00102] The antimicrobial activity for selected formulations of the present invention is determined. The different formulations (Table 5) are inoculated with 0.05% of a bacterial culture of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) freshly incubated over a period of 48 hours at 37°C in an optimal growth medium. After a contact time of 10 minutes, 0.1 ml of the inoculated solution is seeded at different dilutions on TSA agar (Difco 255320) with neutralizing to determine the residual microbial load. The log reduction is determined by calculating the logarithm of the residual charge obtained with the reference formulation (i.e. water) and comparing it with the residual charge obtained using any of the formulations comprising either a phenolic compound or an essential oil. [00103] Several formulations comprising a phenolic compound of natural origin or an essential oil (0.18%) are tested to determine their effectiveness in reducing the load of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The solutions are prepared from a concentrate and diluted with water (1 :100). As illustrated herein below in Table 5, the results are indicative of the high efficiency of Formulations 10, 11 and 12 in reducing the load of Staphylococcus aureus.

Table 5 - Microbial reduction

EXAMPLE 5

BIOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF INDIVIDUAL INGREDIENTS

[00104] Formulations 8 and 13 to 25 are prepared with individual ingredients and combinations of ingredients of the formulations of the present invention (Table 6). Formulations Formulations 8 and 13 to 25 are then tested for their biological efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Briefly, 0.1 mL of bacterial culture containing 1X10 ⁸ CFU of Staphylococcus aureus (i.e. 100 000 000 bacteria) is inoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of a given formulation (diluted at a given ratio). The tube's content is then mixed and let stand for 2 minutes (the "contact time"). After 2 minutes, 0.01 mL of tube content is transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of a neutralizing bacterial culture media (Letheen Broth) that stops the antimicrobial action of the formulation and allows microbial growth. Tubes are then checked for presence of microbial growth after 72h. The more potent the antimicrobial effect of the formulation, the more it can be diluted before it is no longer potent enough to kill at least 99.999% (5 logs) of the bacteria during the given contact time.

Table 6 - Formulations with individual or combined ingredients

Water % (w/w) Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.

[00105] As illustrated herein below in Table 7, it is evident that Formulations 8, 23, 24 and 25, embodiments of the present invention, are vastly superior to formulations containing only some of the ingredients described in the present document. Formulations 8, 23, 24 and 25 can still kill all the bacteria when diluted 1/4. The other formulations cannot kill the bacteria even when undiluted (except formulation 17, which cannot once it is diluted 1/2).

[00106] From those results, it is evident to those skilled in the art that there is a very significant difference in efficacy between the formulations containing all the ingredients and those that contain only some of them. Likewise, the combination of all the ingredients yields formulations that are much more powerful than what could have been expected when considering the properties of the individual ingredients by themselves.

Table 7 - Antimicrobial effect of the formulations

Dilution/Growth 23 24 25

1

1/2

1/4

1/8

(+) Indicates that the cu Iture tube shows bacterial growt h. This indicates that the formulation at that dilution was not able to kill all of the bacteria during the 2 minutes contact time, and thus the bacteria multiplied in the culture tube.

(-) Indicates that the culture tube does not show bacterial growth. This indicates that the formulation at that dilution was not able to kill all of the bacteria during the 2 minutes contact time, and thus the bacteria multiplied in the culture tube.

EXAMPLE 6

BIOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF FORMULATION 1 ON SELECTED

MICROORGANISMS

[00107] The antimicrobial formulations of the present invention exhibit a broad spectrum of activity on a variety of microorganisms. As shown herein below, the efficacy of Formulation 1 against a variety of microorganisms is determined. Table 8 - Microbial activity on various microorganisms

; Association of Analytical Communities, : American Society for Testing and Materials

EXAMPLE 7

BIOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF FORMULATIONS

WITH SHORT CONTACT TIME

[00108] Various formulations intended to disinfect or sanitize an appendage (ex. skin) do not allow, in real life situation, a long contact time between the formulation and the appendage. For example, the foam, gel, mist, etc. of a hand sanitizer stands on the hands of a live subject approximately 30 seconds at best. It is thus crucial that formulations intended to disinfect or sanitize skin have an antimicrobial efficacy in short contact times.

[00109] Formulations 9 and 26 to 29 are prepared as illustrated in Table 9 herein below. Formulations 26 to 29 are based on Formulation 9, with decreasing concentrations of thymol. Formulations are then tested for their biological efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Briefly, 0.1 mL of bacterial culture containing 1X10 ⁷ , 1X10 ⁶ , 1 X10 ⁵ , 1X10 ⁴ or 1X10 ³ CFU of Staphylococcus aureus is inoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of the given Formulation. The tube's content is then mixed and let stand for 15 seconds (the "contact time"). After 15 seconds, 0.01 mL of tube content is transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of a neutralizing bacterial culture media (Letheen Broth) that stops the antimicrobial action of the formulation and allows microbial growth. Tubes with different concentrations of bacteria (5, 4 , 3, 2, 1 logs) are then checked for presence of microbial growth after 72h. The more potent the antimicrobial effect of the formulation, the more it can kill high logs of the bacteria during the given contact time. The same experiment was done with Pseudomona aeruginosa.

Table 9 - Formulations with decreasing concentration of thymol and antimicrobial efficacy with a 15 seconds contact time

[00110] As illustrated herein above in Table 9, with a contact time of 15 seconds, Formulations 9, 26 and 27, embodiments of the present invention, are superior to formulations containing lower concentrations of thymol. At thymol concentrations of 0.05 and 0.01 , we no longer observe a Log reduction of S. aureus, while we still kill 1 Log of P. aeruginosa. This can be explained by the structural differences between Gam-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

[00111] From those results, it is evident to those skilled in the art that there is a significant difference in efficacy between the formulations containing decreasing concentration of thymol for a short contact time to achieve antimicrobial efficacy. Likewise, the formulations are more likely to be effective in short contact times when the thymol concentration is above 0.05%. EXAMPLE 8

TOXICITY OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL FORMULATIONS

[00112] Toxicity tests (LD ₅₀ ) are performed on selected ingredients of the antimicrobial formulations of the present invention. Formulation 1 is determined as having a LD ₅₀ of > 5 g/ g. Based on the Hodge and Sterner toxicity scale, Formulation 1 is considered relatively harmless. As shown in Table 10, the toxicity of isolated ingredients of the formulations from the present invention was tested and they are considered from slightly toxic to relatively harmless. The toxicity of active ingredients present in other disinfectants was also tested and the results are shown in Table 11. These examples are more toxic than each ingredient of the formulations of the present invention.

Toxicity of various ingredients of Formulation 1 of the present

EXAMPLE 9

FOOTBATH PRODUCT COMPARISON

[00113] Typically, treatment of hoof infection in cattle consists of topical application of antibiotic and footbaths with disinfectant solution to control the transmission of etiological agents in the infected herd. Formulation 5 of the present invention can be used in footbaths for the control of hoof infections in cattle. Copper sulfate pentahydrate and Formaldehyde are two other commonly used solutions in footbaths. Table 12 describes characteristics of Formulation 5 and the two other solutions.

Table 12 lists the following characteristics of Formulation 5, an embodiment of the present invention : i) needs a low dilution; ii) is biodegradable; iii) is not irritant; iv) is not toxic; v) has no carcinogenic effects and vi) the active ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. These are beneficial features as it renders the formulation efficient to reduce microbial presence while being safe and non-toxic to humans and animals. Copper sulfate and Formaldehyde do not possess these features.

Table 12 - Characteristics of footbaths solutions

¹ Information: MSDS Copper Sulphate, ClearTech

² Information: MSDS Formaldehyde 37%, SicenceLab.com

EXAMPLE 10

IN VITRO EFFICACY OF FORMULATION 5 AND COPPER SULFATE

AGAINST TREPONEMES

[00114] Digital dermatitis (DD) is one of the major hoof diseases in cattle. Digital dermatitis (DD) also known as foot rot is a highly contagious disease commonly found in sheep, goats, and cattle. Control and treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle is commonly done via footbaths and localized application of antibiotics. A spirochete (Treponema) is strongly suspected to be the etiological agent and is found in almost all cases of digital dermatitis. The efficacy of Formulation 5 and Copper Sulfate is evaluated in vitro against a Treponema.

[00115] The treponemes (T. phagedaenis-WWe bacteria at a concentration of about 10 ⁶ CFU/ml) were exposed to the solutions in triplicate with a 50% (volume/volume) dilution series. The starting %(w/w) of Formulation 5 is 1 % and Copper Sulfate, 5%, i.e. the usual working concentrations for these solutions in footbaths. Exposition to the solutions is 10 minutes and minimal exposure time in presence of 10% and 20% sterilized manure. MICs are determined as the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration of the solutions. MICs for Formulation 5 and Copper Sulfate are presented in Table 13.

Table 13 - MICs on treponemes of footbath solutions

[00116] As illustrated herein above in Table 13, Formulation 5 and copper sulfate have MICs below the working concentrations in footbaths for these solutions. Also, these formulations can achieve a good efficacy in presence of manure. Formulation 5's MIC is roughly 10 times lower than copper sulfate. From these results, it becomes evident that Formulation 5 can achieve an efficacy against treponemes at lower concentrations than Copper Sulfate in vitro. EXAMPLE 11

USE OF FORMULATION 5 FOR SHORT TERM USE OF FOOTBATHS IN

CATTLE POSITIVE TO DIGITAL DERMATITIS

[00117] Formulation 5, embodiment of the present invention, is evaluated on a short period (3 weeks) combined to a topical antibiotic treatment to control and treat DD in cattle. Three free-stall herds of dairy cattle positive to DD were selected totalizing 400 animals. Characteristics of the involved herds are presented in Table 14. Formulation 5 is diluted 1 :100 in water, and introduced into the baths. During the experiment, cows of each herd go through the footbath 3 times a week. Two hundred cows are allowed to go through the footbaths before the solution is changed to a fresh one. Lesions of posterior hoofs are evaluated throughout the experiment based on the Mortellaro lesion scale: M0, no lesion; M1 , small active lesion; M2, large active lesion; M3, healing lesion and M4, chronic lesion. When active lesions (M1 and M2) are observed, tetracycline is applied on the hoofs. The "lesion status" of a cow is determined by the most severe lesion of the two posterior hoofs. Most severe lesion to less severe: M2>M1 >M4>M3>M0. At week 0 before the beginning of foot baths and Week 3, lesion score were compiled based on the hoof cage (week 0) and milk parlor (week 3) observations. A statistical McNemar test was done to determine if there was a significant reduction in active lesions M1 and M2 (most severe and painful) in the herds. Results are presented in Table 15.

Table 14 - Characteristics of herds involved in the study

Table 15 - Percentage of cows with absence of lesions (MO), early and active lesions (M1 + M2), healing lesions (M3) and chronic lesions (M4) at Week 0 and Week 3 after the beginning of footbaths.

[00118] As illustrated and described herein above, Formulation 5 diluted 1 :100 in water was tested in footbaths for the control of DD in three positive herds. The herds have different starting levels of DD, different foot baths installations, different herd sizes. Nevertheless, in the three herds, after three weeks of footbaths, the percentage of cows with active lesions dropped significantly (p < 0.0001 ). It is evident to those skilled in the art that the level of significance of this finding is very high. It is thus evident that the footbaths of formulation 5, combined to local application of antibiotic, contribute to decrease the most severe lesions in the herds.

[00119] Formulation 5 of the present invention has i) beneficial features compared to other foot bath solutions (Table 12), ii) has a higher efficacy in vitro against a DD pathogen (Table 13) and iii) allows a reduction of active DD lesion in cattle after a short period of use. It is evident to those skilled in the art that these findings combined makes formulations of the present invention the preferred solution for foot baths. [00120] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

EXAMPLE 12

EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY

[00121] The antimicrobial efficacy of the formulations of the present invention (formulation 50, with one phenolic compound) is compared to formulations with two phenolic compounds at a specific ratios (formulations 52 and 54).

Formulations

[00122] The formulations are prepared with the % (w/w) of ingredients found in Table 16. Formulation A (embodiment of the present invention) has only one phenolic compound, while formulations B and C have both thymol and carvacrol at ratios of 3:2 and 1 :4.

Table 16 - Formulations tested

Antimicrobial efficacy test

[00123] 0.1 ml. of bacterial culture containing 1x10 ⁶ CFU of Staphylococcus aureus (i.e. 1 000 000 bacteria) is inoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of a given formulation (undiluted or diluted at a given ratio). The content of the tube is then mixed and left to stand for 2 minutes (the "contact time"). After 2 minutes, 0.01 mL of tube content is transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of a neutralizing bacterial culture media (Letheen Broth) that stops the antimicrobial action of the formulation and allows microbial growth. Tubes are then checked for presence of microbial growth after 72h.

Table 17 - Antimicrobial efficacy results

[00124] (+) Indicates that the culture tube shows bacterial growth. This signifies that the formulation at that dilution is not able to kill all of the bacteria during the 2 minutes contact time, and thus the bacteria multiplied in the culture tube. (-) Indicates that the culture tube does not show bacterial growth. This signifies that the formulation at that dilution is able to kill all of the bacteria during the 2 minutes contact time, and thus the bacteria did not multiply in the culture tube.

Conclusions

[00125] The more potent the antimicrobial effect of the formulation, the more it can be diluted before it is no longer potent enough to kill at least 99.999% of the bacteria during a given contact time. For instance, formulation 52 and 54 can kill 99.999% of bacteria when they are diluted 1/4, but they no longer can when diluted at a 1/8 ratio. [00126] From the results, it is clear that formulation 50, embodiment of the present invention, is superior to formulations 52 and 54. Formulation 50 can kill 99.999% of bacteria when diluted 1/8 in two minutes contact time, while 52 and 54 cannot.

EXAMPLE 13

TREPONEME ADHESION ASSAY UNDER CHEMICAL CHALLENGE

[00127] Species of bacteria from the genus Treponema were found to be the etiological agent of digital dermatitis (DD), a highly contagious, erosive, and proliferative infection of hooves in cattle. In order to be able to initiate the infection, treponemes attach to the keratinocytes of the hoof via surface proteins like adhesins. This adhesion complex was recreated in vitro between treponemes and cultured keratinocytes, and challenged with the applicant's formulation in order to evaluate the effect of the applicant's formulation on the adhesion of treponemes.

Formulation

[00128] The formulation is prepared with the % (w/w) of ingredients found in Table 18.

Table 18 - Formulation tested

Assay

[00129] The host-pathogen interaction was simulated while treponemes (5 x 10 ⁴ to 1 x 10 ⁶ T. phagedaenis-Wke bacteria originating from active lesion of DD) were exposed to formulation 56 and the effect of the formulation on the adhesion of treponemes was tested after 40 minutes incubation time to monolayers of bovine keratinocyte cell cultures. The cells are primary cell cultures of bovine keratinocytes from the skin-horn border of the bovine foot co-cultured with fibrocytes from the dermis as feeder cells. The formulation was tested at 1 x MIC, 2 x MIC and 4 x MIC. The MIC was determined in previous work as being 0.00781 % for formulation 56 on T. phagedaenis-Wke bacteria. Following the incubation time, the treponemes were quantified using the Ct values and standard curve for a Real-Time PCR assay as reported previously (Dopfer et al. 2012), and a "trypan blue exclusion assay" was used to differentiate live from dead keratinocytes. The results from the treponeme adhesion assay under chemical challenge are reported as average cfu treponemes / live keratinocytes.

Results

[00130] The results show that the number of treponemes adhered to the viable keratinocytes decreased with increasing concentration of formulation 56. These results are shown in Fig. 1.

Conclusion

[00131] The results from the treponemes adhesion assay under chemical challenge indicate that formulation 56 reduces the presence of treponemes adhered to keratinocytes in vitro with increasing concentrations. The observed effect of this formulation, embodiment of the present invention, on the adhesion of bacteria demonstrates it can prevent the colonization of bacteria on live surfaces. EXAMPLE 14

LONG TERM EFFICACY TEST ON COWS WITH DIGITAL DERMATITIS

[00132] Species of bacteria from the genus Treponema were found to be the etiological agent of digital dermatitis (DD), a highly contagious, erosive, and proliferative infection of hooves in cattle. Treponemes exist in two major morphological forms: the spiral form as found in digital dermatitis active lesions, and the encysted form which is the metabolically dormant stage of the bacteria. The encysted (or dormant) treponemes are linked to the problematic chronic lesions of digital dermatitis (DD), i.e. lesions that are precursors of new active lesions of DD. Antimicrobials typically fail to eliminate the dormant stage of treponemes (so no cure of digital dermatitis), and are even sometimes a stimulus for the transition between the spiral and the encysted form of the bacteria. In a field trial, a formulation of the present invention was applied on cow's hooves via the crossing of cows in footbaths to evaluate its efficacy on digital dermatitis, including chronic lesions, after a long period of use of footbaths (12 weeks).

Formulation

[00133] The formulation is prepared with the % (w/w) of ingredients found in Table 1.

Table 19 - Formulation tested

Field trial

[00134] Three free-stall herds of dairy cattle positive to DD were selected. The selected herds did not share the same buildings. Herd A was treated with footbaths of the most commonly used chemical, and standard of care: Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuS0 ₄ ) from day 0 to week 12, then switched to the formulation 56 for another 12 weeks. Herds B and C both underwent 12 weeks of formulation 56 footbaths. Characteristics of the herds and the treatments are presented in Table 20.

Table 20. Characteristics of the herds involved in the study.

Herd A Herd A' Herd B Herd C

# of cows 135 ¹ 135 1 15 165 observed

Beginning of trial Week 0 Week 12 Week 0 Week O

End of trial Week 12 Week 24 Week 12 Week 12

Footbath CuS0 ₄ Formulation 56 Formulation 56 Formulation 56 treatment (5%) (1 %) (1 %) 0%)

Frequency of 3 x / week _; 3 x / week 3 x / week 3 x / week footbaths

[00135] Observations of the posterior hooves of the cows in a trimming chute were done at Day 0 (before treatments) and 12 weeks after the beginning of footbaths by a trained veterinarian. Hooves were scored as healthy (no clinical sign of digital dermatitis) or affected (clinical signs of early, ulcerative, chronic or healing stages of digital dermatitis).

Results

[00136] Fig. 2 shows the evolution of the percentage of healthy hooves for each herd involved in the study. Herds A, B and C had different levels of digital dermatitis at the beginning of the trial (Day 0). After 12 weeks of footbaths, Herd A did not improve (same level of digital dermatitis) while Herds A', B and C improved significantly: 28.5%, 7.0% and 16.2% increase of healthy hooves respectively. These herds were associated with footbaths with the formulation 56 of the present invention.

Conclusion

[00137] Digital dermatitis is a multifactorial disease with Treponema as etiological agent. Treponemes are bacteria that colonize the hoof skin by attaching to keratinocytes. They can cause chronic lesions by entering a metabolically dormant stage that typical antimicrobials fail to eradicate. For this reason, herds of cattle positive to digital dermatitis can be managed by chemicals in footbaths, but these chemical do not eradicate the chronic infections. This is in agreement with what was observed during the trial where copper sulfate in footbaths was not associated with a positive evolution of healthy hooves after a long period of use of footbaths. In this exact same herd and two other herds, formulation 56 was tested and a significant increase in healthy hooves was observed. This result suggests that the formulation of the present invention can resolve digital dermatitis, including chronic lesions caused by dormant bacteria. These results were surprising and unexpected when considering the results normally obtained with other common footbath agents used in the art, and this could not have been anticipated.

EXAMPLE 15

DEMONSTRATION THAT ALL TYPES OF SURFACTANTS CAN BE USED IN THE DISINFECTANT FORMULATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[00138] Surfactants can be grouped by the charge characteristics of their polar head groups. The four groups are:

1. Anionic: Negative charge on the polar head group. These include surfactants like sulfates, sulfonic acids and carboxylic acids.

2. Cationic: Positive charge on the polar head group. These include surfactants like amines and Quaternized Ammonium Compounds (Quats). 3. Amphoteric: Can have both positive and negative charge. Primarily used as secondary surfactants. These include betaines and imidazolium compounds.

4. Non-ionic: No specific charge. By far the most frequently used surfactants. These include alcohols, alkanolamides, esters and amine oxides.

[0080] The antimicrobial efficacy of the formulations of the present invention is evaluated with all types of surfactants. The different formulations tested differ only for the surfactant. All formulations are based on the general formula presented in Table 21. The different surfactants tested are presented in Table 22. The surfactants were tested at a concentration of 0.12 % (w/w) and or/ 0.35% (w/w).

Table 21. General formula of formulations 1 to 124.

Ingredient % (w/w)

Thymol 0.23

Surfactant 0.12 - 0.35

Solvent 0.9

Sequestrant 0.09

Water Q.S.

Table 22. Surfactants tested in formulations 1 to 68

# Type Chemical group INCI Name # CAS

57 Anionic Alpha Sulfo Methyl Sodium Met yl 2-Sulfolaurate 149458-07-1

Ester (and) Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate

58 Anionic Diphenyl Oxide Sodium Dodecyl Diphenyl 119345-04-9

Disulfonate Ether Disulfonate

59 : Anionic Diphenyl Oxide Sodium Decyl Diphenyl Oxide 36445-71-3

Disulfonate Disulfonate

60 Anionic Dodecylbenzene Sodium 68081 -81 -2

Sulfonic Acid & Salts Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

61 Anionic Dodecylbenzene Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic 68584-22-5

Sulfonic Acid & Salts Acid

62 Anionic ether carboxylate Capryleth-9 carboxylic acid/ 53563-70-5 and hexeth-4 carboxylic acid 105391 -15-9

63 Anionic ether carboxylate Glycolic Acid Ethoxylate Lauryl 27306-90-7

Ether

64 Anionic Isethionate Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate 61789-32-0

65 Anionic Lauryl Ether Sulfates Sodium lauryl ether sulfate 9004-82-4 Anionic Lauryl Sulfates Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 151-21-3

Anionic Lauryl Sulfates Triethanolamine Lauryl 90583-18-9

Sulfate

Anionic Lauryl Sulfates Magnesium Lauryl Sulfate 3097-08-3

Anionic Phosphate Esters Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate 51609-41-7

Anionic Phosphate Esters Deceth 4 Phosphate 68921 -24-4

Anionic Phophanates Amino tri (methylene 20592-85-2 phosphonic acid)

pentasodium salt, NaSATMP

Anionic Phophanates 1-Hydroxyethylidene -1,1,- 2809-21-4 diphosphonic acid

Anionic Sarcosinate Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 137-16-6

Anionic Sulfosuccinates Disodium Laureth 68815-56-5

Sulfosuccinate

Anionic Xylene Sulfonates Sodium Xylene Sulfonate 1300-72-7

Cationic Amine Oxides Lauramine Oxide 1643-20-5

Cationic Amine Oxides Cocamidopropylamine Oxide 68155-09-9

Cationic Amine Oxides Lauryl/Myristyl amidopropy! 61792-31-2 and amine oxide 67806-10-4

Cationic Amine Oxides tallow amine + 2 EO 6 791-46-6

Cationic Amine Oxides Myristamine Oxide 3332-27-2

Cationic Onium compound Soyethyl morpholinium 61791-34-2 ethosulfate

Cationic Quaternized Dioleyloy!ethyl 94095-35-9

Ammonium Compound hydroxyethylmonium

methosulfate

Cationic Quaternized Quaternium 18 (Disteary! 61789-80-8

Ammonium Compound Dimethyl Ammonium

Chloride)

Cationic Quaternized Alky! Dimethyl Benzyl 68424-85-1

Ammonium Compound Ammonium Chloride

Cationic Quaternized Quaternium 12 (Didecyl 7173-51-5

Ammonium Compound Dimethyl Ammonium

Chloride)

Cationic Quaternized Dialkyl dimethyl ammonium 68424-95-3

Ammonium Compound chloride

Amphoteric Betaine Cocamidopropyl Betaine 61789-40-0

Amphoteric Betaine Cetyl Betaine 693-33-4 and

683-10-3

Amphoteric Betaine Lauramidopropyi Betaine 4292-10-8

Amphoteric imidazolium Disodium 68604-71-7 compound Cocoam phodipropionate

Amphoteric Imidazolium Disodium 68650-39-5 compound Cocoam phodiacetate

Amphoteric Imidazolium Sodium Cocoam phoacetate 68608-65-1 compound

Amphoteric Sultaine Lauryl Hydroxysultaine 13197-76-7

Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Linear alcohol (C11 ) 34398-01-1 ethoxylate, POE-7

95 Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Linear alcohol (C9-11) 68439-46-3 ethoxylate, POE-2.5

96 Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, 9002-92-0

POE-8

S 97 Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Secondary Alcohol 84133-50-7

Ethoxylates

98 Nonionic Alkanolamides Trideceth-2 Carboxamide 107628-04-6

MEA

99 Nonionic Alkanolamides PEG-4 Rapeseedamide 85536-23-8

100 Nonionic Alkanolamides PEG 5 Cocamide 68425-44-5

101 Nonionic Alkanolamides Cocamide DEA 68603-42-9

102 Nonionic Alkanolamides Lauramide MEA 142-78-9

103 Nonionic Alkanolamides Cocamide MEA 68140-00-1

104 Nonionic Alkanolamides Lauramide DEA 120-40-1

105 Nonionic Alkanolamides Oleamide DEA 93-83-4

106 Nonionic Alkyl polyglycosides Caprylyl/ Myristyl Glucosid 68515-73-1 and

110615-47-9

107 Nonionic Alkyl polyglycosides Lauryl/ Myristyl Glucosid 1 10615-47-9

108 Nonionic Alkyl polyglycosides Caprylyl/ Decyl Glucoside 68515-73-1

109 Nonionic Amide N, N- Dimethyidecanamide 14433-76-2

110 Nonionic Biosurfactant Sophorolipid -

111 Nonionic Esters Isopropyl Myristate 1 10-27-0

112 Nonionic Esters Isopropyl Palmitate 142-91 -6

113 Nonionic Fatty acid, natural Glycereth-17 Cocoate 68201 -46-7 origin

114 Nonionic Fatty acid, natural Glycereth -6 Cocoate 68201 -46-7 origin

115 Nonionic Fatty acid, natural PEG/PPG-6/2 Glyceryl 72245-11 -5 origin cocoate

116 Nonionic Fatty Alcohol Cetostearyl Alcohol 67762-27-0

117 Nonionic Fatty Amine PEG 2 Cocamine 61791 -14-8

Ethoxylate

118 Nonionic Fatty Amine PEG 2 Tallow Amine 61791 -26-2

Ethoxylate

119 Nonionic Glycerol ester Glycereth-7 36145938-3

Caprylate/Caprate

120 Nonionic Glycerol ester caprylic/capric triglyceride 73398-61 -5

121 Nonionic Glycerol ester Glyceryl oleate 37220-82-9

122 Nonionic Glycerol ester Glyceryl stearate 123-94-4

123 Nonionic Lactate Lauryl Lactyl Lactate 910661 -93-7

124 Nonionic Sorbitan Ester Polysorbate 80 9005-65-6 [00139] Antimicrobial efficacy test

[00140] 0.1 mL of bacterial culture containing Staphylococcus aureus is inoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of a given formulation. The content of the tube is then mixed and left to stand for 2 minutes (the "contact time"). After 2 minutes, 0.01 mL of tube content is transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of a neutralizing bacterial culture media (Letheen Broth) that stops the antimicrobial action of the formulation and allows microbial growth. Tubes are then checked for presence of microbial growth after 72h. For each antimicrobial efficacy test, the plating of positive controls followed by colony counting was done to establish the log reduction of S. aureus as a result of 2 minutes contact with formulations 1 - 68. If no growth is observed in the tested tube, the formulation is considered to kill at least the bacterial load of the positive control.

[00141] Table 23 presents the results of the efficacy tests for formulations 1 - 68. The Log reduction of S. aureus is indicated for each formulation. Each formulation is formulated with the different surfactants at a concentration of 0.12 and/or 0.35% weight.

Table 23. Antimicrobial efficacy results against Staphylococcus aureus.

Formulation Surfactant at 0.35% (w/w) Surfactant at 0.12% (w/w)

1 > 7.98 > 5.84

2 > 5.04 > 5.84

3 > 5.04 N/A

4 > 7.98 N/A

5 > 5.51 > 5.64 o 6 > 5.76 > 5.64

Έ

o 7 > 5.76 > 5.64

c

< 8 > 5.76 > 5.64

9 > 7.98 > 5.84

10 > 7.98 > 5.84

11 > 5.04 > 5.64

12 > 5.04 > 5.64

13 > 5.04 > 5.64 Non-ionic Amphoteric Cation ic

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■P _*

N/A

N/A

4.43

5.76

4.43

4.43

5.51

N/A

5.76

4.43

7.98

N/A

5.76

4.43

[00142] Conclusions

[00143] Each type of surfactants (anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non- ionic) was tested in the disinfectant formulation of the present invention. Formulations 1 - 68 covered the different types of surfactants, but also the most common chemical groups of surfactants available on the market. The formulation of the present invention therefore can be formulated with any surfactant, while maintaining the antimicrobial efficacy.

[00144] From the results found in Table 23, it is clear that formulations 1 - 68 of the present invention maintain antimicrobial efficacy with a contact time of 2 minutes.

[00145] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts as described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims. [00146] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants are comprised in the scope of the disclosure.