Frozen biocidal compositions and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to frozen biocidal compositions. Specifically, the biocidal compositions comprise a frozen aqueous solution of a plurality of ions selected from the group consisting of halide and oxyhalide ions. The frozen biocidal compositions are useful in preserving or extending the shelf-life of perishable articles.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . A method of preserving a perishable article comprising providing a liquid aqueous solution comprising at least one halide and at least one oxyhalide ion and wherein the pH of the solution is at least about 6.0; applying the solution to a perishable article; and freezing the solution such that the perishable article and the solution are frozen together.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein providing a liquid aqueous solution comprises providing a solution comprising water, a source of chlorite ions, a source of chloride ions and a source of chlorate ions.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein applying comprises spraying the solution on the perishable article.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein applying comprises submerging the perishable article in the solution.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising melting the frozen perishable article and solution; removing the perishable article from the melted solution; providing a frozen aqueous solution in particulate form, the solution comprising water, a source of chlorite ions, a source of chloride ions and a source of chlorate ions; and contacting the perishable article with the frozen solution.  
     
     
         26 . A preserved perishable article comprising a frozen aqueous solution comprising at least one halide ion and at least one oxyhalide ion and wherein the pH of the solution is at least about 6.0; and a perishable article in contact with the frozen solution.  
     
     
         27 . The preserved perishable article of  claim 26 , wherein the frozen aqueous solution comprises water, a source of chlorite ions, a source of chloride ions and a source of chlorate ions.  
     
     
         28 . The preserved perishable article of  claim 26 , wherein the perishable article is selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish.  
     
     
         29 . A preserved perishable article comprising a frozen aqueous solution comprising water, about 0.00075 weight percent to about 0.37 weight percent chlorite ions, about 0.00006 weight percent to about 0.18 weight percent chloride ions, and about 0.000078 weight percent to about 0.039 weight percent chlorate ions and wherein the solution has a pH of at least about 6.0; and a perishable article in contact with the frozen solution.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the the oxyhalide and halide ions are respectively chloride and oxychloride ions.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the source of chlorite ions is an alkali metal chlorite, the source of chloride ions is an alkali metal chloride and the source of chlorate ions is an alkali metal chlorate.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the pH of the solution is about 6.0 to about 12.0.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the solution further comprises a buffering agent.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the buffering agent is selected from the group consisting of phosphates, sulfates, borates, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the perishable article is selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish.  
     
     
         36 . The preserved article of  claim 26 , wherein the the oxyhalide and halide ions are respectively chloride and oxychloride ions.  
     
     
         37 . The preserved article of  claim 27 , wherein the source of chlorite ions is an alkali metal chlorite, the source of chloride ions is an alkali metal chloride and the source of chlorate ions is an alkali metal chlorate.  
     
     
         38 . The preserved article of  claim 26 , wherein the pH of the solution is about 6.0 to about 12.0.  
     
     
         39 . The preserved article of  claim 26 , wherein the solution further comprises a buffering agent.  
     
     
         40 . The preserved article of  claim 39 , wherein the buffering agent is selected from the group consisting of phosphates, sulfates, borates, and mixtures thereof.