Experiment based mathematical model to assess liquid transfer and performance of fibre based hygiene wipes in disinfection of hard surfaces

For an efficient use of biocides the requested reduction in viability of microorganisms should be achieved with minimum consumption of biocidal product. In a new test protocol the liquid transfer from a wipe to a test surface has been determined as function of wiping length. The experimentally determined liquid transfer was approximated by an exponential decay function, which enables prediction of the liquid transfer per area as function of wiping length. From the test the characteristic parameters m 0 the total transferable amount of water and k a liquid transfer constant can be extracted. The liquid transfer from a wipe to the hard surface in terms of mass per area can be calculated as function of the wiping length. The capacity limit of a wipe will depend on concentration and type of biocide in solution, wipe characteristics and properties of hard surface. Prediction of a capacity limit for a chosen sanitation concept below which the amount of applied biocide falls under the minimal inhibitory amount is possible. Knowledge about liquid transfer capacity of a wipe assures reliable results in disinfection, minimises the risk of biocide and antibiotic resistance and prevents use of an unnecessary high surplus of biocidal products.