Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Novel Polymeric Building Decontamination Technologies

EPA Contract Number: EPD06059
Title: Novel Polymeric Building Decontamination Technologies
Investigators: Ehntholt, Daniel J
Small Business: TIAX, L.L.C.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006
Project Amount: $69,995
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2006) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Homeland Security , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Formulations containing three levels of the neutralizing agents were prepared and applied to glass plates, which had been seeded with Bacillus atrophaeus, a benign surrogate for Bacillus anthracis. After 2 hours, the dried polymer films were peeled from the glass substrate. Any remaining spores on the glass were assayed for both number and cultivability. Results were outstanding; the formulations with the two higher concentrations of neutralizing agent showed complete inactivation of the spores.

Each of the three formulations tested showed destruction of the challenge bacterial spores. The formulation containing 1% of the proprietary biocidal ingredients showed significant reduction in cultivability of the challenged spores. Formulations containing 2% or 4% of the ingredients showed complete inactivation of the spores (i.e., no evidence of colony forming units [CFUs] when applied to an approximately 10¹³ spores/m² challenge of the spores). Because bacterial spores represent one of the most resistant forms of biocontaminants, success in these tests indicates that a broad spectrum biocide mixture can be combined successfully with a peelable polymer formulation, with each component retaining its desirable characteristics. Figure 1 depicts typical test results.

Figure 1. Cultivability of Unremoved Spores Following Polymer Decon Treatment

Preliminary commercialization plans were provided by an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contractor, Foresight Science & Technology, working in consultation with TIAX LLC staff. Although this technology concept was developed for mitigation of an intentional biological agent release, other parallel market opportunities also were considered. A technology niche analysis identified a major market opportunity in the building remediation business related to the cost-effective and efficient removal of mold contamination.

Product(s) arising from a successful Phase II effort, and from TIAX independent research and development (IR&D) and commercialization efforts already underway, will permit cost- efficient remediation of buildings that have been contaminated with bacteria or molds—species that are recognized as difficult contaminants to remove. A follow-on Phase II effort is recommended to evaluate the use of these and other similar coating formulations on porous materials, such as concrete, wood, and carpeting to extend and optimize results to date.

Conclusions:

This project demonstrated that a broad spectrum biocide can be incorporated successfully into a formulation for a peelable polymer film. Spores contained in the film were deactivated. For the higher concentrations of biocide, all residual (i.e., those not removed by the film) biomaterials were no longer viable when using standard cultivation methods. This innovative work indicates that a safe (to the environment and people), effective decontaminant can be formulated for the control and removal of biological contaminants on smooth, non absorbent building surfaces. Further work to optimize the formulation and test its broader efficacy on other surface materials and against other biochallenges will be necessary to facilitate its commercialization.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 1 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, polymeric materials, chemical decontamination, biological decontamination, chemical agents, biological agents, polymeric building decontamination technologies, homeland security, terrorism, EPA, neutralization, biological agent neutralization, building decontamination, building cleanup, peelable coatings, CBW agent decontamination, building restoration,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Technology, biotechnology, homeland security, decontamination, polymeric materials