Patent Picks—Selective Microbial Growth/Inhibition, Gentle Disinfectants, Improved Resistance and More

Based on trends in literature and at conferences, it is safe to say the industry is interested in perservation and antimicrobials: preservatives for the simple fact that consumers don't want them in products, so alternatives are necessary. Antimicrobials not just because they relate to preservation; selective antimicrobials in particular because research shows the benefits of maintaining healthy skin microflora. Taken from recent patent applications and issuances, the following "Patent Picks" were chosen for their relevance to these subjects.

Chitosan-derived compounds and methods of controlling microbial populations
US Patent Application 20120329753
Publication date: Dec. 27, 2012
Inventors: S Baker, WP Wiesmann and S Ryan

According to this patent, the ability to control microbial populations by selective enhancement or inhibition via natural polysaccharides is advancing. Biopolymers have evolved due to the versatility of their applications and a greater understanding of their function in natural symbiotic processes. This is particularly true for chitosan. Previous work describes chitin nanofibrils for delivery. Also, the synthesis and application of chitosans using methods to produce the quaternary amine with the action of cation-active polymers, particularly polymers that have quaternary ammonium groups, as conditioning compositions for hair. The present invention is directed at chitosan-derived compounds and structures, methods of making chitosan-derived compounds, and applications for their use in controlling, inhibiting and enhancing microbial populations in a variety of environments.

Isoprenoid synthases for improved fungal resistance
US Patent 8338663
Publication date: Dec. 25, 2012
Assignee: Monsanto Invest NV

Disclosed herein is a method for enhancing the fungal resistance of a plant that involves providing the plant with an increased amount of linalool, nerolidol or farnesol, which in turn encodes the gene for the proteinaceous molecule of SEQ ID NO: 19 or 21, expressing it. This application is useful for genetically engineering flavor, fragrance and biocontrol agents. Mono- and sesquiterpenes, the C10 and C15 branch of the isoprenoid family, were investigated as flavor and fragrance compounds in foods and cosmetics, and their anti-carcinogenic and antimicrobial properties. Mono- and sesquiterpenes have also been shown to be of ecological significance, for instance, in the interaction between plants, plants and insects/spider mites, and plants and microorganisms.

Microorganism-comprising particles for purification
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/160526
Publication date: Nov. 29, 2012
Assignee: O Menashe

This invention seeks to reduce nitrate overload in water, purifying foods industry or pharmaceutical industry wastewater. The method involves contacting the water with a particle comprising: a) at least one inner core including a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; b) an inner membrane fabricated from a water-soluble polymer that surrounds the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and c) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane that is insoluble in water. In some embodiments, the invention relates to microorganism-comprising particles and to the use of same for the removal of contaminants for the production of pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions.

Gentle-acting octoxyglycerin combinations as skin disinfectants
US Patent 8293802
Publication date: Oct. 23, 2012
Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University (New York)

This patent describes antimicrobial compositions having synergistic combinations of octoxyglycerin and at least one other antimicrobial agent, which are reportedly more effective than prior art compositions and do not cause increased irritation to the skin. The inventors hypothesize the unexpected antimicrobial effectiveness of said combinations may result from an enhancement of the permeability of microbes to antimicrobials. In certain embodiments, skin irritation is minimized by low concentrations of antimicrobials and/or the presence of soothing compounds such as zinc. A hydroalcoholic gel composition is described, containing alcohol, water, hydrogel and emollient or emulsifier, and having a viscosity of below 2,000 centipoises at between 20°C and 40°C. This skin-friendly hydroalcoholic gel composition can be further combined with silicone polymer, emollient solvent, thickening agent and antimicrobial agent to enhance rapid and long-term antimicrobial efficacy.

Silver (III) periodate for improved antimicrobial properties
US Patent Application 20120328713
Publication date: Dec. 27, 2012
Inventors: ME Olson, NA Allan, AM Omar, JJ Anderson, P Nadworny and MW Harding

Described by this invention are methods and compositions for preventing or reducing microbial contamination using a silver (III) periodate as antimicrobial active. In a preferred embodiment, the silver (III) periodate is used in a coating upon a medical device or implant to confer coating uniformity and antimicrobial efficacy. Also provided is a method of synthetizing the silver (III) periodate. The compositions and methods of the present invention are also effective as a preservative for plant-based cosmetics, as an ingredient or incorporated into the packaging, among other applications.

Alkylaminoalkyl oligomers as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents
US Patent Application 20120328683
Publication date: Dec. 27, 2012
Inventors: Z Song and T Deisenroth

The present application relates to oligomeric antimicrobial compounds and compositions comprising them. The oligomers are formed by polymerizing aminoalkyl (meth)acrylate or aminoalkyl (meth)acrylamide monomer(s). In addition to imparting materials with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, the oligomers can impart antimicrobial activity to substrates such as hair and skin.

Lactobacillus species for selective microbial growth, inhibition
US Patent Application 20120328586
Assignee: Organobalance GmbH
Publication date: Dec. 27, 2012

This invention describes microorganisms that are, in a first aspect, able to stimulate the growth of resident skin microbial flora without stimulating the growth of transient pathogenic microflora. In a second aspect, the microorganisms are able to inhibit the growth of microorganisms of the transient pathogenic skin microflora without inhibiting the growth of resident skin microflora. Also described are compositions comprising such microorganisms in cosmetic, prophylactic or therapeutic applications. The microorganism of the present invention is preferably a Lactobacillus species. The lactic acid bacteria of the present invention are preferably rod-shaped or spherical, varying from long and slender to short bent rods; preferably immotile and/or asporogenous; and produce lactic acid as a major or sole product of fermentative metabolism.

Mild, non-drying skin sanitizing compositions
US Patent Application 20120328548
Publication date: Dec. 27, 2012
Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd.

Provided in this patent are novel compositions exhibiting highly effective antiviral, antimicrobial and/or antifungal activity for sanitizing and/or disinfecting inanimate or animate surfaces. Preferred compositions include a synergistic combination of an alcohol, docusate, geraniol and, optionally, menthol. The compositions have high antimicrobial activity yet are mild, non-irritating, quick-drying, non-sticky and not drying to the skin. Processes for manufacturing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

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