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 . Method for removing proteins, nucleic acid molecules and microorganisms from surfaces, said method comprising: providing a decontamination solution comprising a synergistic mixture of
 a) at least one vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavine and niacin in a concentration between 10 mM and 100 mM in relation to the total volume of the solution,   b) at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc in a concentration between 1 mM and 10 mM in relation to the total volume of the solution, and   c) at least on surface-active substance selected from the group consisting of alkylethersulfate, alkyl- and/or arylsulfonate, alkylsulfate, amphotensides, betaines, alkylamidoalkylamines, alkyl substituted amino acids, alkyl substituted imino acids, acylated amino acids, and amphotenside combinations in a concentration between 0.2% and 0.5% (weight) in relation to the total volume of the solution, adjusting said mixture to a pH value between pH 2 and 6, and treating a surface that is contaminated by proteins, nucleic acid molecules and/or microorganisms with said mixture, wherein the proteins and nucleic acids are denatured, solubilised, inactivated and degraded, and wherein the microorganisms are killed by denaturing, solubilising, inactivating and degrading their proteins and nucleic acids.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mixture is adjusted to a pH value ranging between pH 3 and 5. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the used metal ions are salts from the respective acids or bases. 
     
     
         7 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is accomplished by spraying or rubbing said mixture onto the contaminated surface or by immersion. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is accomplished with a residence time of 0.5 to 2 minutes at room temperature. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM vitamin C, 10 mM FeCl 3 , and 0.5% SDS. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM vitamin C, 10 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM vitamin C, 10 mM FeCl 3 , and 0.2% Triton X-100. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 50 mM vitamin C, 5 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 10 mM vitamin C, 10 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM vitamin C, 5 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM Na-ascorbate, 5 or 10 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM thiamin, 5 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM Na-ascorbate, 10 mM ZnCl 2 , 0.2% Triton X-100. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM Na-ascorbate, 10 mM FeCl 3 , 0.2% Triton X-100. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM vitamin C, 10 mM ZnCl 2 , and 0.2% TritonX-100. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises 100 mM vitamin C, 10 mM ZnCl 2 , 0.2% TritonX-100, and 0.2% Tween 20. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mixture comprises between 5 mM and 10 mM of said at least one metal ion.