Synthesis models for antimicrobial agents via the halogenation of organic/inorganic composites
Inventors
Dickerson, Matthew B. • Naik, Rajesh R.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9028807-B2
Publication Date
2015-05-12
Expiration Date
2033-03-14
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A method of forming a biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite material may include providing at least one inorganic precursor, providing at least one organic agent, precipitating an organic/inorganic composite material by contacting the at least one inorganic precursor with the at least one organic agent, and halogenating the organic/inorganic composite material by contacting the organic/inorganic composite material with a halogen. Also, a halogenated organic/inorganic composite material may include an inorganic composition comprising a metal oxide and a halogenated organic composition. The inorganic composition and the halogenated organic composition are dispersed throughout the composite material.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for forming a biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite material by precipitating a composite from at least one inorganic precursor and at least one organic agent, and subsequently halogenating the composite by contacting it with a halogen. This process creates a composite material with an inorganic composition, such as a metal oxide, and a halogenated organic composition, where both components are dispersed throughout the material.
Conventional halogen-based biocidal materials, typically in liquid form such as bleach, have limitations for use in applications requiring solid forms, such as paint additives, surface coatings, or filtration materials. The disclosed invention addresses the need for a solid, convenient source of halogen that can act as a biocidal agent across a variety of uses.
The disclosed composite materials may be synthesized using various inorganic precursors (including ceramics, metal oxides like silica or titania) and organic agents rich in nitrogen-containing moieties, such as protamine or peptides. These composites can be repeatedly halogenated (reloaded) and may be applied to surfaces, serve as decontaminants against toxic chemicals or biological agents, and can be tailored in their organic/inorganic ratios and physical forms.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims, each describing a method for forming a biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite material with particular inventive features.
Formation of a biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite material using protamine
This inventive feature involves: - Providing at least one inorganic precursor chosen from a group including metal oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, oxalates, citrates, halides, sulfides, selenides, or tellurides. - Providing at least one organic agent comprising at least 20 wt% organic nitrogen-containing moieties, wherein the organic agent is protamine. - Precipitating an organic/inorganic composite material by contacting the inorganic precursor with the organic agent. - Halogenating the composite material by contacting it with a halogen.
Formation of a biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite material using arginine-rich peptide
This inventive feature involves: - Providing at least one inorganic precursor chosen from a group including metal oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, oxalates, citrates, halides, sulfides, selenides, or tellurides. - Providing at least one organic agent that is a peptide comprising at least 20 wt% organic nitrogen-containing moieties, with at least 25% of the amino acids of the peptide being arginine. - Precipitating an organic/inorganic composite material by contacting the inorganic precursor with the peptide. - Halogenating the composite material by contacting it with a halogen.
The patent claims cover methods of creating biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite materials by selecting nitrogen-rich organic agents (such as protamine or arginine-rich peptides), combining them with a wide range of inorganic precursors, and halogenating the resulting composites to impart biocidal properties.
Stated Advantages
Provides a solid and convenient source of halogen for use as a biocidal agent in a variety of applications where liquid halogen solutions are unsuitable.
Allows periodic reloading (re-halogenation) of the composite to maintain biocidal activity over time.
Enables the formation of composite materials with tunable physical forms and compositions for diverse applications.
Can be applied to surfaces or incorporated into coatings for persistent decontamination of chemical and biological contaminants.
Documented Applications
Decontaminating a toxic chemical or biological agent susceptible to oxidation via halogen by contacting the agent with the biocidal halogenated organic/inorganic composite material.
Serving as an additive to paints or surface coatings and being applied to surfaces to degrade biological and chemical contaminants.
Use as a coating or additive to fibrous materials such as silk, cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers for self-decontaminating fabrics.
Source of active halogen for disinfection and decontamination of water sources, especially when applied as a filter coating or a dual-purpose filter media.
Use in ordinance and incendiary devices as a dual source oxidizer when combined with metal powders.
Application to self-cleaning surfaces in settings susceptible to biological contamination, such as food preparation surfaces or wet environments prone to algal or fungal contamination.
Deodorization, odor neutralization, cleanup of decomposition, and neutralization of biological, chemical, and environmental contaminants.
Substitute for halogens, oxidizing agents, laundry additives, cleaning agents, whitening agents, disinfectants, or decontaminants where bleach is used.
Interested in licensing this patent?