Compositions and methods for treating biofilms

Abstract

Disinfecting compositions containing hypochlorous acid and acetic acid are useful for treating biofilms in or on tissue, including biofilms related to wounds or other skin trauma. The compositions are useful for treating a variety of types of tissue, both on the surface on beneath the surface of tissue. Compositions are provided having various concentrations for different tissue types and infection levels. Compositions may be provided in gel form, and may include nanoparticle encapsulated molecules for controlled release.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising acetic acid and hypochlorous acid sufficient to treat a bacterial biofilm without harming surrounding tissue. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the acetic acid concentration is greater than about 0.25%. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the acetic acid concentration is greater than about 1.0%. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the acetic acid concentration is greater than about 2.0%. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid concentration is between 50 ppm and 500 ppm. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid concentration is approximately 200 ppm. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the acetic acid is present in a concentration sufficient to penetrate skin and treat a biofilm beneath the skin. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid is present in a concentration sufficient to modulate a toxic property of the acetic acid. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the acetic acid is present in a concentration sufficient to treat a biofilm on the skin or on teeth. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is formulated in a gel, cream, ointment, or oil. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the acetic acid is encapsulated in a nanoparticle. 
     
     
         12 . A method for treating a bacterial infection in tissue, the method comprising providing to the tissue a composition comprising acetic acid and an amount of hypochlorous acid effective to modulate a toxic property of the acetic acid. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the acetic acid is in a concentration sufficient to penetrate skin. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said acetic acid is present in an amount from about 0.25% to about 2.0% and said hypochlorous acid is present in a concentration from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the tissue is dental tissue, and wherein the hypochlorous acid concentration is about 200 ppm, and wherein the acetic acid concentration is between about 0.1% and about 0.5%. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the tissue is skin, and wherein the hypochlorous acid concentration is about 200 ppm, and wherein the acetic acid concentration is between about 0.1% and about 0.5%. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the tissue comprises a wound, and wherein the hypochlorous acid concentration is about 200 ppm, and wherein the acetic acid concentration is between about 1.0% and 2.0%. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the tissue comprises a root of a tooth, and wherein the hypochlorous acid concentration is about 200 ppm, and wherein the acetic acid concentration is between about 1.0% and 2.0%.