Virucidal Activity of Jungbunzlauer L(+)-Lactic Acid

Interview with Alina Matt, Technical Service Manager
Jungbunzlauer International AG

You recently published a Press Release titled “Virucidal activity of Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid”. Please share some details with us. 

This is very exciting for us. The pandemic has brought a lot of attention to hygiene and disinfection, a segment in which we have already been promoting our L(+)-lactic acid. Bacteria was always in the spotlight. Recently, wealso successfully tested the antiviral power of our L(+)-lactic acid by performing a “proof of principle” testing. Our L(+)-lactic acid passed the test with a concentration of 0.90 % in water at a contact time of one minute and a concentration of 0.45 % at a contact time of five minutes.

Based on your results, does your lactic acid show an effect on the corona virus?

Yes, our L(+)-lactic acid is effective against the corona virus. The corona virus belongs to the virus type «enveloped virus». Reliable test protocols have been established to assess the susceptibility of enveloped viruses towards disinfectants, while non-enveloped viruses are harder to inactivate. 

So, how is the testing conducted?

We conducted an external official testing, the European standard test method EN 14476. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) 528/2012 propose this test protocol as one official method. The test virus is a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), which acts as representative for all enveloped viruses. The test criterion is a  4 log10 reduction ( 99.99 % inactivation) of the MVA titre within the recommended exposure period. We conducted the tests in a challenging environment (“dirty conditions”), to better mimic an organic load in real life. Passing the test allows to declare antiviral activity against all enveloped viruses, incl. the corona virus. 

What are your next planned steps?

The journey in this test series has just begun. It is important to share the first “proof of principle” with our customers. At the same time, we already launched additional tests under more challenging conditions and with final formulations.

Of course, we appreciate the role in supporting our customers in the development of final formulations. In addition to L(+)-lactic acid as active substance, lactates as moisturisers are worth mentioning. Formulating a disinfectant with lactic acid results in an effective and gentle product, while disinfectants with a high alcohol content may lead to dry skin. Jungbunzlauer also produces xanthan gum, a fermentation derived biodegradable hydrocolloid. 

Xanthan gum can be used as a thickener in hand disinfectant gels with lower alcohol content, also together with L(+)-lactic acid. We expect to share the next supportive test results in Q1 2021.

In summary, why is Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid a valuable biocide?

Our L(+)-lactic acid is a natural, sustainable and less hazardous ingredient in the formulation of surface and hand disinfectants. It is derived from renewable raw materials via fermentation and is readily biodegradable.

L(+)-lactic acid has dual power: it is active against viruses and bacteria. Test results obtained for antiviral (EN14476) and antibacterial (EN1040, EN1276 and EN13697) disinfection applications are available on request and on our homepage www.jungbunzlauer.com. Particularly important is the regulatory status: Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid conforms to the BPR 528/2012 and can be used as active substance for product types (PT) 1, 2, 3 and 4. Jungbunzlauer is an Article 95 listed supplier. 

Do you have a message for our readers? 

Lactic acid is a very versatile acid in countless applications and we are glad that we can now deliver the proof on the virucidal activity, so lactic acid can help with an important feature in a very challenging time. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are happy to hear from you. Stay safe and healthy.

For further information please visit our website >>

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