Decontamination solution and its use for denaturation, modification, degradation, solubilisation and removal of proteins, nucleic acid molecules and microorganisms

Abstract

The invention concerns a three component system comprising surface-active substances, vitamins and metal ions for efficient destruction and removal of contaminating proteins, nucleic acids and microorganisms from surfaces like for example laboratory benches, floors, equipment and instruments. These non-corrosive and non-toxic solutions for removal of proteins, nucleic acids and microorganisms are applied by spraying, rubbing or immersion of contaminated surfaces thereby destroying, solubilizing inactivating and removing proteins and nucleic acids. In that way also microorganisms are killed with high efficiency and at the same time all genetic information is inactivated.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . Method for adjusting the pH value of a solution which comprises at least a mixture of
 a) at least one vitamin, and   b) at least one metal ion, and   c) at least one surface-active substance,   
       wherein said mixture is adjusted by the buffer system comprising carbonates and derivatives of succinic acid to a pH value ranging from 2 to 8.5. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said mixture is adjusted to a pH value ranging from 3 to 7. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said mixture is adjusted to a pH value ranging from 4 to 6. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the solution additionally comprises a buffer system including carbonates and derivatives of succinic acid. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the carbonates and derivatives of succinic acid are each present in a concentration between 1 mM and 500 mM. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said vitamins, their related salts or acidic derivates are at least one compound selected from the group of the water-soluble vitamins having characteristics of an antioxidant. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the metal ions are taken from metals from the 4th group and sub-groups I, II, or VIII of the periodic table of the elements. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the metals are provided as salts of their acids or bases. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the surface-active substance is at least one compound of the group of the anionic, non-ionic, amphometeric or cationic tensides or suitable mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said vitamin according to a) is provided in concentrations from 1 mM to 1000 mM. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said metal ions according to b) are provided in concentrations of 1 mM to 100 mM. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said surface-active substances according to c) are provided in concentrations of 0.1% to 10% (weight) in relation to the total solution. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein
 the at least one vitamin is present in a concentration from 1 mM to 1000 mM,   the at least one metal ion is present in a concentration from 1 mM to 100 mM, and   the at least one surface-active substance is present in a concentration of 0.1% to 10% by weight in relation to the total solution.