(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)

(19) World Intellectual Property Organization

International Bureau

(43) International Publication Date (10) International Publication Number

20 November 2008 (20.11.2008) PCT WO 2008/138359 Al
(51) International Patent Classification: AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA,
C02F 1/46 (2006.01) A61Q 19/00 (2006.01) CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE,
C02F 9/06 (2006.01) A61L 2/18 (2006.01) EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID,
C02F 103/02 (2006.01) A61L 101/20 (2006.01) IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC,
AOlN 25/02 (2006.01) LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN,
MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH,
(21) International Application Number: PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, SV,
PCT/EG2008/000007 SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN,
ZA, ZM, ZW
(22) International Filing Date: 6 February 2008 (06.02.2008)
(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
(25) Filing Language: English kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM,
(26) Publication Language: English
ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
(30) Priority Data: European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI,
2007050234 13 May 2007 (13 .05 .2007) EG FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,MC, MT, NL,
NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG,
(71) Applicants and CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
(72) Inventors: AMIN, Magued George [EG/EG]; 33,
Demeshk Street, Mohandeseen, Giza (EG). KAMEL, Declaration under Rule 4.17:
Heba-T-Allah Fekry [EG/EG]; 33, Demeshk Street, — of inventorship (Rule 4.17 (iv))
Mohandeseen, Giza (EG).
Published:
(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every — with international search report
kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, — with amended claims

(54) Title: ELECTROLYZED ACIDIC WATER FOR STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION PH 2.5+/- 1.5

(57) Abstract: Electrolyzed acid water with pH 2.5 +/-1.5, ORP + 1 100, high amount of dissolved oxygen and chlorine used as a
safe, environment friendly broad spectrum antimicrobial agent in many fields. It is used safely in agriculture field to kill germs,
as disinfectant for all types of food, surfaces, utensils, in hospitals, in dentistry, in endoscopes. It is used as antiseptic for different
dermatologic diseases as bed sores, athletes foot, diabetic foot even that which reaches the stage of gangrene, different wounds even
deep ones, burns, Eczema, Dermatitis, Skin Rashes, Psoriasis, Acne..., in peptic and duodenal ulcers.
 Electrolyzed Acidic Water For Sterilization And
Disinfection pH 2.5+/-1.5

Technical Field

Multipurpose Sterilization, Disinfectant and Antiseptic

Background Art

1- Chemical Disinfectants used in agriculture fields

2- Chemical Antiseptics used for wounds and ulcers
3- Disinfectants used for cleaning of surfaces and grounds in hospitals, hotels, homes,
restaurants, Etc
4- Disinfectants for vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, etc
5- Sterilizing products
6- Products used for treatment of dermatological diseases
7- Disinfectants used in sterilization of Endoscopes
8- Disinfectants used in sterilization of Dentists' utensils, hands, mouths of patients to
protect the dentist and patient against different bacterial and viral infections

Problems in Background Art;

1- In Agriculture field
a- Chemical products used as disinfectants and pesticides in agriculture field may
affect human health as these chemicals may not be easily washed off the plants
especially in case of some fruits and vegetables as peach, strawberry, cabbage,
okra,...etc. They also don't taste so good
b- Precipitation of these chemical products in the soil will affect the environment
c- These chemicals are toxic for the workers and farmers who spray it, thus they
have to wear protective garments, thick rain coats, long boots, gloves, protective
masks etc while spraying it which makes their work tougher
2-Antiseptics: present in the market contain chemicals as cetrimide, chlorhexidine
gluconate, ethanol.... etc which affects our skin and causes its dryness especially
for those who need to use it frequently as doctors, nurses, dentists, patients with
chronic infections as bed sores, diabetic foot etc

3- Disinfectants used for cleaning of surfaces: in hospitals may not be effective

against all types of bacteria and fungi. Besides, they have pungent odor which
might disturb patients

4- Disinfectants used in sterilization of food: as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish,....

May leave chemical traces on food and thus affect our health.
5- Disinfectants used in sterilization of utensils may leave some traces on it and
thus affects its efficacy.

6- Antiseptics used for treatment of dermatological diseases contains chemicals

which might have some side effects on our skin.

7- Frequent use of Adrenocortical hormones and steroids in treatment of severe

itchiness and inflammation accompanying dermatitis may cause a reduction in
immunity, a lowering of the functions of the adrenal gland, cataract problems and
other side effects

8- Too much frequent use of antibiotics in treatment of peptic and duodena

ulcers to kill Helicobacter pylori results in emerging of antibiotic resistant strains
of Helicobacter pylori.

9- Disinfection of endoscopes by soaking in 2% solution of glutaraldehyde for

20minutes: where it is
• too time consuming especially in larger hospitals where many patients are
examined daily
• highly toxic as it is classified as a strong poison.
• It is also expensive.
• It may cause some inflammation or allergic reactions for the staff
responsible for disinfection with this chemical.

Disclosure of the Invention

1- Pure water is subject to electrolysis process after adding minute amount of

salt, where positive ions are separated from negative ions and positive ions are
collected together to produce strong oxidized acidic water with pH= 2.5 +/-
1.5.
2- It also has high oxidation reduction potential (ORP= + 1 100).
3- A high amount of Chlorine and oxygen is also dissolved in this water
4- How does it work? It works as an oxidizing agent that withdraws electrons
from bacteria, fungi and viruses, thus destroying them. Also the high amount
of chlorine and oxygen dissolved in that water promote its antimicrobial
activity. Thus it has high sterilizing properties and works as strong antiseptic
and disinfectant.
 Clinical Study on Anti Microbial effect of Acidic Water on Bacteria

Bacteria Count prior to 5 sec 10 sec 30 sec

testing
E-CoIi [3.94 mil i<100 <100 <100
Staphylococcus aureaus 2 .5 HIiI <100 <100 <100
Streptococcus pyogenes 18.95 m i ,<100 <100 <100
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; 17.82 mil <100 <100 <100
MRSA 1 1.24 m i ;<100 <100 <100
Salmonella ;13.80 mil <100 <100 <100
Sporular bacteria ϋ 1.40 mi 7,500 3,100 <100

Testing agency: Food & Drug Safety Center, Japan

Bacterial broth: Low pH acidic water = 1 : 100

Sterilization comparison of conventional disinfectant pr oducts

 E: Effective
L: Less Effective
N : Not Effective

5- This water is very safe as it is transformed to normal water in few minutes

after doing its action , thus it is used in many fields
6- It is non toxic if accidentally ingested
7- It doesn't cause irritation if it comes in contact with eyes accidentally
8- It is used in many fields as:
• Agriculture field to kill germs instead of agricultural chemicals
• Growing plants and vegetables and maintaining Golf courses
• In sterilizing surfaces
• In sterilizing utensils ... .etc
• In sterilizing food as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, ... etc to prevent food
poisoning
• In hospitals: for sterilizing ICU, surgery rooms, medical instruments,
hands of doctors and nurses.
• In treatment and prophylaxis of different dermatologic diseases
• As a powerful non toxic antiseptic, it can be used to suppress bleeding.
• In treatment of peptic and duodenal ulcers
• As disinfectant for endoscopes
• It is also used by dentists to sterilize their dental instruments, their
hands, and to suppress bleeding from patients and prevent infections

How To Use

1- In Agriculture field: To grow plants and vegetables and maintain Golf courses as
a substitute for agricultural chemicals which might remain in the soil and become a
source of pollution. It is sprayed over different plants, vegetables and fruits to protect
and kill germs where it is transformed to ordinary water when it reaches the soil, thus
it is non toxic to the soil. Also farmers and workers don't need to wear protective
garments, thick rain coats, long boots, gloves, protective masks... etc while spraying it
as it is non toxic which makes their work easier.

2- In sterilizing surfaces: by wiping surfaces with it.

3- In sterilizing utensils: by wiping them with it and drying them at once.

4- In sterilizing food: by washing vegetables, fruits, meat, fish,. ... Etc with the water
thus killing all types of bacteria and fungi protect us from food poisoning

5- In treatment and prophylaxis of different dermatologic diseases: by washing

the affected area with electrolyzed acidic water and it is better than chemical
antiseptics in treatment of many diseases as bed sores, athletes foot, diabetic foot even
that which reaches the stage of gangrene different wounds even deep ones, burns,
Eczema, Dermatitis, Skin Rashes, Psoriasis, Acne... etc.

6- In hospitals: for sterilizing Intensive Care Unit, surgery rooms, medical

instruments, hands of doctors and nurses especially before operations.... etc as it has
sterilizing activity against all types of bacteria, fungi and viruses even MRSA, HIV
and HBV. This is done by wiping the things needed to be sterilized and for metal
instruments they need to be dried after wiping with water

7- In Dentistry: It is used by dentists to sterilize their dental instruments and instantly

drying them, their hands,. ...etc to protect themselves and their patients against dental
infection by different bacteria, fungi and viruses especially AIDS, HBV, MRSA It
is also very effective in accelerating the healing of surgical wound and in arresting the
bleeding. It makes it easier to perform surgery.

8- Help in treatment of peptic and duodenal ulcers by washing the ulcer with
highly disinfectant hyperoxidized water. This is done as follows.
One of the main causes of the peptic and duodenal ulcer is helicobacter pylori bacteria
which secretes urease enzyme that dissolves uric acid in the lining of the stomach and
creates ammonia. This ammonia neutralizes the strong acid in our digestive organs
and changes the environment, enabling the bacteria to live. The cellular toxins from
pylori and ammonia that these bacteria create damage membranes in the body. These
agents together with free radicals created by factors in the immune system create
ulcers. If you overuse antibiotics, the danger is that antibiotic resistant strains of
Helicobacter pylori might emerge. Thus using hyperoxidized water help kills
helicobacter without creating resistant bacteria.

9- Hyperoxidized water is used as disinfectant for endoscopes instead of 2%

solution of glutaraldehyde:
Hyperoxidized water is better than glutaraldehyde in that :
• It is faster
• Non Toxic
• Less expensive.
• Non sensitizing thus causes no allergic reactions.
• Has immediate disinfectant capabilities against almost all types of bacteria and
viruses including Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus and AIDS virus.
• The wear and tear on the equipment is less than with conventional

The endoscope is an indispensable piece of medical equipment used for internal

examination of the stomach and duodenum. There has always been a risk that any
bacteria that live inside the patient's body, including Helicobacter pylori, causing
stomach and duodenal ulcers, can attach themselves to the endoscope during use.
Therefore, extreme care must be taken in disinfecting the endoscope after each use.
Bacteria are often seen on the tip and extractor area.

Hyperoxidized water is put through the tip and the extractor of the endoscope. Then
we wash it with high alkaline water that dissolves protein, blood and stomach fluids.
Then we soak it in hyperoxidized water for 1Oseconds. Finally, we wash the unit with
tap water. The entire cleaning time takes only about five minutes.

10- It is non toxic if accidentally ingested.

11- It doesn't cause irritation if it comes in contact with eyes accidentally.

 Claims

1- Pure water is subject to electrolysis process after adding minute amount of salt,
where positive ions are separated from negative ions and positive ions are collected
together to produce electrolyzed acid water with pH 2.5 +/- 1.5. It has high oxidation
reduction potential (ORP= + 1 100) and thus works as an oxidizing agent that
withdraws electrons from bacteria, fungi and viruses, thus destroying them. It also
contains a high amount of chlorine and oxygen dissolved in that water which promote
its broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Thus it has high sterilizing properties and
works as strong antiseptic and disinfectant.

2- 100% natural water and it may contain minute amount of salt

3- Completely safe for man, environment and plant as it is quickly transformed into
ordinary water as soon as it has done its action

4- Since it is safe it is used in many fields as:

• Agriculture field to kill germs instead of agricultural chemicals by spraying
it on the plants with no harm to the plants, the soil and the workers as it is
transformed to ordinary water when it reaches the soil

• Growing plants and vegetables and maintaining Golf courses

• In sterilizing surfaces by wiping them with the electrolyzed acid water

• In sterilizing utensils by wiping them with it and drying them at once

especially if they are metallic

• In sterilizing food as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish,. ..etc by washing with the
water thus killing all types of bacteria and fungi and prevent food poisoning
with no side effects as it is 100% natural water.

• In hospitals: as disinfectant for sterilizing ICU, surgery rooms, medical

instruments and as antiseptic for hands of doctors and nurses where it is mild
to our skin and doesn't cause any dryness unlike conventional chemical
antiseptics.

Very effective in treatment and prophylaxis of different dermatologic

diseases as bed sores, athletes foot, diabetic foot even that which reaches the
stage of gangrene different wounds even deep ones, burns, Eczema,
Dermatitis, Skin Rashes, Psoriasis, Acne. . .etc. This can be done by applying
to the affected area instead of conventional antiseptics with no side effects.

As a powerful non toxic antiseptic, it can be used to suppress bleeding.

• Helps in treatment of peptic and duodenal ulcers as it is very effective
against helicobacter pylori bacteria accompanied by ulcers.

• As disinfectant for endoscopes by soaking in it for 10 seconds and then

washing with tap water as it has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, fast,
non toxic and less expensive than conventional 2% glutaraldehyde.

• It is also used by dentists to sterilize their dental instruments and their hands
to prevent infection especially against serious ones by HIV, HBV viruses
and MRSA bacteria. It also helps in suppressing bleeding from patients.
 AMENDED CLAIMS
received by the International Bureau on 19 June 2008 (19.06.2008)

1- An active acidic aqueous solution of pH between 1 and 4 , and more preferably

1.9 which can be used as is or after addition of certain additives -chosen according to
the end use required - in pickling ( metals) , as mouth refresher , in sterilization &
disinfection ,in treatment of peptic and duodenal ulcers , at pH range specially 1-1.9
in the agriculture field , treatment and prophylaxis of different dermatologic diseases

2.The way of use of the electrolyzed solution in claim 1 wherein it can be used as is or
its effect can be enhanced by adding some additives which will differ according to the
end use required .The additives concentration ranges between 0.5 % - 5 % .
Example of additives : ethanol & hydrogen peroxide for sterilization and disinfection
purposes , glycerin to enhance wet ability in case of application on surfaces ,
approved flavors and colors in case of mouth refresher , etc .

3 .The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this electrolyzed acidic aqueous solution is
very effective in the pickling process which is a process of treatment of metallic
surfaces in order to remove impurities , stains , rust or scale .

4. The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this electrolyzed acidic aqueous solution is
used as mouth refresher as is or after adding approved flavors as menthol , and
approved colors .

5. The feature of the electrolyzed solution in claim 1 as it has a positive oxidation

reduction potential ranging from + 500 mV to about + 1300 mV and thus works as an
oxidizing agent that withdraws electrons from bacteria, fungi and viruses, thus
destroying them.

6. The feature of the electrolyzed solution in claim las it contains chlorine which
ranges from 10 to about 80 ppm and dissolved oxygen ranging from 10 to about 25
ppm .This promotes its broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.

7. The characteristics of this solution indicated in claims 5&6 leads to high

sterilizing properties so it works as strong antiseptic and disinfectant.

8. The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this electrolyzed acidic aqueous solution is
used in sterilization and disinfection of surfaces , utensils , ICU, surgery rooms,&
medical instruments in hospitals & endoscopes .It is also used as antiseptic for
hands of doctors and nurses where it is mild to skin and doesn't cause any dryness.

9. The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this electrolyzed acidic aqueous solution is
used in sterilization of food as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish,... etc by washing with the
water thus killing all types of bacteria and fungi and prevent food poisoning with no
side effects as it does not leave any residue and it is biodegradable .
S.
10

10. The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this electrolyzed acidic aqueous solution is
used by dentists to sterilize their dental instruments and their hands to prevent
infection especially against serious ones by HIV, HBV viruses and MRSA bacteria. It
also helps in suppressing bleeding from patients.

11. The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this electrolyzed acidic aqueous solution
helps in treatment of peptic and duodenal ulcers as it is very effective against
helicobacter pylori bacteria accompanied by ulcers.

12.The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this solution is used at pH range of specially
1-1 .9 in the agriculture field to kill germs instead of agricultural chemicals by
spraying it on the plants .

13. The use claimed in claim 1 wherein this solution is used at pH range of specially
1-1.9 in treatment and prophylaxis of different dermatologic diseases as bed sores,
athletes foot, diabetic foot even that which reaches the stage of gangrene different
wounds even deep ones, burns, Eczema, Dermatitis, Skin Rashes, Psoriasis,
Acne... etc.

14.The use claimed in claim 1 wherein it is used as bacteriostatic against different

types of bacteria .

15. The use claimed in claim 1 as raw material involved in different dermatological
products to treat different skin diseases as acne, black dots, blisters, rashes, dry skin,
dandruff,... etc.

16. The use claimed in claim 1 as raw material involved in different personal care
products as conditioners, creams, lotions, masks... etc
 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No
PCT/EG 2008/000007
A CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
IPC8: C02F 1/46 (2006 0 1 ); C02F 9/06 (2006 01), C02F 103/02 (2006.01); A01N 25/02 (2006 01);
A61Q 19/00 (2006.01 ); A61L 2/18 (2006 0 1 ), A61L 101/20 (2006.01 )
According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC

B FIELDS SEARCHED
Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
IPC 8 : C02F, A01N, A61Q, A61L

Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched

Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used)
EPODOC, WPI, X-FULL

C DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT

Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim N o

WO 2003/045446 A 1 (Radical Waters (IP) (PTY) Limited) 1, 4

5 June 2003 (05.06.2003)
Abstract; Description, p . 1, 1. 5 - 10, p . 12, 1. 9 - 25, p . 13, 1. 1 - 13,
20 - 24, p . 14, 1. 7 - 13; Claims 1, 6, 8, 10, 16, 19

JP 2002/338417 A (Yoshikawa Takayuki) 27 November 2002 1. 4

(27.11.2002) (Computer-supported translation [online]
[Downloaded on 20.03 2007] Downloaded from:
http:/www19. ipdl.ncipi.go.jp/)
Abstarct; Description, [0003], [0005], [0010], [0016], [0020]; Claim
1

Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C See patent family annex

* Special categories of cited documents "T" later document published after the international filing date or
"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not considered priority date and not m conflict with the application but cited
to be of particular relevance to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention
"E" earlier application or patent but published on or after the international "X" document of particular relevance, the claimed invention
filing date cannot b e considered novel or cannot be considered to involve
"L" document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is an inventive step when the document is taken alone
cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other "Y" document of particular relevance, the claimed invention
special reason (as specified) cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
"O" document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other document is combined with one or more other such
means documents, such combination being obvious to a person
"P" document published p π or to the international filing date but later than skilled in the art
the priority date claimed "&" document member of the same patent family

Date of the actual completion o f the international search Date of mailing of the international search report
20 March 2008 (20.03.2008) 8 May 2008 (08.05.2008)
Name and mailing address of the ISA/ A T Autho π zed officer
Austrian Patent Office AIGNER M.
Dresdner Stra βe 87, A-1200 Vienna
Facsimile No +43 / 1 / 534 24 / 535 Telephone No +43 / 1 / 534 24 / 458

Form PCT/ISA/21Q (second sheet) (January 2004)

 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.
PCT/EG 2008/000007
C (Continuation). DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.

X WO 2001/054704 A 1 (California Pacific Labs, Inc.) 1, 4

2 August 2001 (02.08.2001)
Abstract; Description, p . 1, 1. 4 - 10, p . 5, 1. 10 - 27, p. 6, 1. 1 - 3, 8 -
20, 26, p. 7, I. 1, p . 8, I. 15 - 21, p . 12, 1. 11 - 20, p . 14, 1. 6 - 11, p .
18, I. 23 - 28, p . 19, 1. 1 - 6, p . 22, 1. 25 - 27, p. 23, 1. 1 - 7, p . 24, I.
6 - 22; Tab. 1 - 2; Fig. 1; Claims 1 - 4, 6, 12 - 19

JP 2003/32131 1 (Hoshizaki Electric Co. Ltd.) 11 November 2003 1. 4

(11.11.2003) (Computer-supported translation [online]
[Downloaded on 20.03.2007] Downloaded from:
http:/www1 9.ipdl.ncipi. go.jp/)
Abstract; Description, [0001], [0003], [0005] - [0007], [0013],
[0022], [0026]; Claims 1, 5 - 7

Form PCT/1SA/210 (continuation of second sheet (I)) (January 2 004)

 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT I International application No.
PCT/EG 2008/000007
Continuation of first sheet

Continuation No. II:

Observations where certain claims were found unsearchable

(Continuation of item 2 of first sheet)

This international search report has not been established in respect of certain claims under
Article 17(2)(a) for the following reasons:

1. With regard to any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence disclosed in the international
application and necessary to the claimed invention, the international search was carried out
on the basis of:

Claims Nos.: 2 - 3 because they relate to parts of the international application that do not
comply with the prescribed requirements to such an extent that no meaningful international
search can be carried out, specifically:

Claim 2 permits an unmanageable plurality of possible salts. Claim 3 only describes general
properties of an unspecified product without giving any further technical details, especially in
which way "it is quickly transformed into ordinary water as soon as it has done its action".

Form PCT/ISA/2 10 (continuation of first sheet ( I )) (January 2004)

 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.
Information on patent family members PCT/EG 2008/000007
Patent document cited Publication Patent family Publication
in search report date member(s) date

wo 03045446 ZA A 200304583 2004-06-29

WO Al 03045446 2003-06-05
AU Al 2002342361 2003-06-10

JP 2002338417 vJ A 2002338417 2002-11-27

WO 0154704 HK Al 1053423 2007-07-13

US Al 2004137078 2004-07-15
US Al 2003185704 2003-10-02
ZA A 200205574 2003-10-13
MX A PA02006847 2003-12-12
U Al 2002176885 2002-11-28

JP 2003321311 JP 2003321311 2003-11-11

Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) QuIy 1998; reprint January 2004)