Methods and compositions for on-demand release of ci02 gas from uv-activated chlorite ion

Abstract

Compositions and methods for generating ClO2 gas are disclosed. A composition that includes a chlorite salt is activated by exposure to ultraviolet light. After an optional storage period, the composition is then exposed to moisture, resulting in the generation of ClO2 gas. Exemplary compositions include polymers in which the chlorite salt is dispersed. The polymers may be used to form films that can be used to package, e.g., food products, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and/or laboratory devices. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture, the packaging releases controlled quantities of ClO2 gas, which may disinfect and/or deodorize the packaged device or product.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A composition comprising:
 a polymer; and   a source of chlorite ions (ClO2-) dispersed in the polymer,   wherein the composition is capable of generating ClO2 gas after being exposed to a two-stage gas generation protocol comprising a first stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to ultraviolet light and a second stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to moisture, and   wherein the composition comprises 2% by weight or less of an energy-activated catalyst and comprises no acid-releasing agent,   wherein a ratio of the energy-activated catalyst to the source of chlorite ions is 1:20 or less.   
     
     
         30 - 77 . (canceled) 
     
     
         78 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a chlorite salt. 
     
     
         79 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         80 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises sodium chlorite. 
     
     
         81 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the composition comprises a moisture content of less than 500 ppm. 
     
     
         82 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the composition is capable of generating ClO 2  gas after being exposed to a two-stage gas generation protocol comprising a first stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to ultraviolet light and a second stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to moisture. 
     
     
         83 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the polymer the polymer is selected from the group consisting of a melt processable polymer, an extrudable polymer, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyolefin, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyvinyl chloride, an ionomer, a polyamide, a polyester, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polylactic acid, a polyvinylidene chloride, and copolymers and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         84 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a salt, wherein the salt is present in the composition in an amount within a range from 0.1 weight percent to 30 weight percent. 
     
     
         85 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a salt, wherein the salt is present in the composition in an amount within a range from 1 weight percent to 20 weight percent. 
     
     
         86 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a salt, wherein the salt is present in the composition in an amount within a range from 5 weight percent to 20 weight percent. 
     
     
         87 . A laboratory or medical device comprising the composition of  claim 29 . 
     
     
         88 . A laboratory or medical device according to  claim 87 , wherein the device is a catheter or a glove. 
     
     
         89 . A composition comprising:
 an inorganic support structure; and   a source of chlorite ions (ClO2-) dispersed in the inorganic support structure,   wherein the composition is capable of generating ClO2 gas after being exposed to a two-stage gas generation protocol comprising a first stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to ultraviolet light and a second stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to moisture, and   wherein the composition comprises 2% by weight or less of an energy-activated catalyst and comprises no acid-releasing agent,   wherein a ratio of the energy-activated catalyst to the source of chlorite ions is 1:20 or less.   
     
     
         90 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a chlorite salt. 
     
     
         91 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         92 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises sodium chlorite. 
     
     
         93 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the composition comprises a moisture content of less than 500 ppm. 
     
     
         94 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the composition is capable of generating ClO 2  gas after being exposed to a two-stage gas generation protocol comprising a first stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to ultraviolet light and a second stage comprising exposure of the chlorite ions to moisture. 
     
     
         95 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a salt, wherein the salt is present in the composition in an amount within a range from 0.1 weight percent to 30 weight percent. 
     
     
         96 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a salt, wherein the salt is present in the composition in an amount within a range from 1 weight percent to 20 weight percent. 
     
     
         97 . The composition of  claim 89 , wherein the source of chlorite ions comprises a salt, wherein the salt is present in the composition in an amount within a range from 5 weight percent to 20 weight percent.