Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Reformulated NanoBio Nontoxic Hard Surface Sanitizer/Disinfectant Formulation To Inactivate and Kill B. Anthracis and Other Bioattack Pathogens
EPA Contract Number: EPD04025Title: Reformulated NanoBio Nontoxic Hard Surface Sanitizer/Disinfectant Formulation To Inactivate and Kill B. Anthracis and Other Bioattack Pathogens
Investigators: Hamouda, Tarek
Small Business: NanoBio Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004
Project Amount: $69,906
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Homeland Security , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This technology is based on antimicrobial nanoemulsion technology developed by Dr. James Baker at the University of Michigan Medical School over a period of 6 years. This research was funded by grants from several federal agencies, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, because it identified a need to have a nontoxic, noncorrosive, biodefense decontamination material that can decontaminate equipment, personnel, structures, and terrain in the event of a bio incident.
Nanoemulsions are oil-in-water emulsions that employ droplets ranging from 200-800 nanometers. They are composed of detergents, vegetable oil, salt, water, a food-grade alcohol, and for anthrax decontamination, a spore germination enhancer. The emulsion droplet disrupts microorganisms through fusion with and destabilization of the cell membrane, leading to lysis. Surfactant lipid “nanoemulsions” were developed that have extensive antimicrobial activity and are not toxic to tissues.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
During this project, NanoBio® Corporation’s spore germination enhancers, formulation stability, and treatment/efficacy time course were researched with the goal of improving efficacy against Bacillus spores.
Spore Germination Enhancers
The goal of this research project was to modify the new, safer nanoemulsion formulation to be effective against Bacillus spores by incorporating nontoxic spore germination enhancers. It has been shown previously that the selection of the germination enhancers and their concentration have a significant impact on the efficacy of the nanoemulsion against Bacillus spores.
Two different germination enhancers were tested, individually and in combination, at different concentrations for a total of 86 different formulations. The sporicidal activity of the emulsion with each of these mixtures was determined in tests against B. anthracis Sterne strain. The germination enhancers tested included nitrogenous bases, amino acids, salt solutions, and physiological buffers. Optimal formulations show greater than 3-log reductions within 1 hour of a single application, and promise higher reductions after two applications.
Formulation Stability
Based on these experiments, the six most effective formulations were selected and submitted for additional efficacy and stability tests. The primary sporicidal formulation also was selected. Originally, it was believed that salts and buffers would improve efficacy. After evaluation, these potential additives were eliminated from the final formulation to improve stability. Optimal formulations showed prolonged stability, even when stored at 40°C.
Treatment Time Course
Using the most efficacious formulation, the exposure time was optimized from an initial requirement of 4 hours to less than 1 hour. This research project provided efficacy and stability data that helped identify the primary formulation to be advanced for further development and commercialization. These next steps will include the completion and verification of a field-use protocol that will result in a greater than 6-log killing efficacy against Bacillus spores as well as an efficacy against other potential bioattack pathogens.
Conclusions:
Commercialization of this technology, known as NanoProtect™, should result in a safe biodecontaminate that will kill bacteria (e.g., Salmonella), enveloped viruses (e.g., smallpox), fungi (e.g., black mold), as well as fungal and bacterial spores (e.g., anthrax), while presenting no toxic threat to humans or the environment. The key innovation of NanoProtect™ is that it is safe for both humans and the environment, works on a broad range of pathogens, and can be used by personnel with minimal training to safely neutralize and decontaminate any surface containing anthrax, smallpox, or other pathogen. NanoProtect™ is a biodecontaminate that serves as the first line of defense for buildings and building contents in an emergency. In the event of a bio terrorist act, this technology could be used by building occupants to begin immediate decontamination of the terrorist agent. The technology also is most appropriate for use with automatic decontamination sprinkler systems in buildings, subway stations, and other public areas. NanoProtect™ also would be effective for field use by the military for equipment and the immediate environment of troops.
Supplemental Keywords:
sanitizer, disinfectant, Bacillus anthracis, anthrax, pathogens, nanoemulsions, spore germination enhancer, bacteria, fungi, virus, safe buildings, NanoProtect™, biodecontaminate, smallpox, bioterrorism, SBIR,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, RESEARCH, Sustainable Industry/Business, Environmental Chemistry, Technology, Monitoring/Modeling, Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, decontamination, biosensing, homeland security, anthrax decontamination, bioterrorism, antimicrobial nanoemulsion technology, nanotechnology, anthrax, biodefense technology, biomonitoring, biotechnology, nano engineering, biocidesSBIR Phase II:
Determine and Confirm the Field Use Protocol for NanoProtect™ Nontoxic Decontaminate for Facilities and Equipment Following a Bioincident | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.