Patent ID: 8206732
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: A01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of free-living microorganisms, parasitic microorganisms, adherent microorganisms, biofilms, and combinations thereof, characterized by the step of contacting said microorganisms with an antimicrobial composition comprising a pyrithione salt selected from the group consisting of sodium pyrithione, zinc pyrithione, copper pyrithione, and combinations thereof; and a copper source selected from the group consisting of copper salts, copper oxides, copper hydroxides, copper metals, and combinations thereof; wherein the weight ratio of said copper source to said pyrithione salt is in the range from about 1:100 to about 1:1, and wherein said antimicrobial composition has an enhanced biocidal effect against said microorganisms, wherein said copper salt is selected from the group consisting of copper disodium citrate, copper triethanolamine, copper carbonate, cuprous ammonium carbonate, cupric hydroxide, copper chloride, cupric chloride, copper ethylenediamine complex, copper oxychloride, copper oxychloride sulfate, cuprous oxide, copper thiocyanate, and combinations thereof.