Clemson University bioengineer receives $2.1 million SBIR grant to develop long-lasting natural disinfectants superior to currently available disinfectants

Alexey Vertegel, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, has been awarded a $2.1M Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to develop long-lasting natural disinfectants. Currently used surface disinfectants provide high-level activity over a relatively short period of time, typically less than 4 hours. During the Phase I study, his team developed a novel film-forming disinfectant based on chitosan, alcohol, and a natural antimicrobial, which is slowly released from the coating providing complete protection from microbial contamination for up to 72 hours. Its performance is superior to currently available long-lasting disinfectants, which are all synthetic and provide protection for only 24 hours. This novel formulation is expected to provide longer and higher quality protection of frequently touched surfaces while requiring fewer applications. The goal of the Phase II grant is to collect the data required for regulatory approval of this disinfectant.

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