Agency FAPESP* – Researchers at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) have developed a disinfectant that instantly turns into a gel when applied to a surface in an aqueous form. This property prevents the product from quickly running through the material, prolongs its shelf life and increases efficiency in the fight against microorganisms. On the other hand, cracks, pores and grooves can be reached that a highly viscous formulation could hardly penetrate.
“The aim of the research was to develop a disinfectant with high bactericidal power that, when applied in aqueous form, reacts immediately on site, forming a gel with a less toxic and less corrosive composition for cleaning environments and various surfaces,” comments the professor at the Institute for Chemistry (IQ-Unicamp) “Edvaldo Sabadini.
The invention, explains the scientist, is based on one of the basic principles of chemistry. “The same mechanism that led to the formation of membranes in the most primitive organisms that gave rise to life, the so-called ‘hydrophobic effect’, promotes the formation of the bactericidal gel.” This creates giant micelles, molecular aggregates also known for their elongated shape are.
The work was funded by FAPESP as part of the thematic project “Organizing Matter: Colloids formed by the association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles“.
The new formulation contains two compounds that are known on the market for their bactericidal activity and are used in mouthwashes. They are cetylpyridinium chloride and thymol. “The bactericidal effects of cetylpyridinium and thymol have long been reported in the literature. We believed that the two bactericidal substances have all the necessary structural properties for the formation of giant micelles in water,” emphasizes Sabadini.
phase transition
The formation of hydrogels occurs when the two substances, dissolved in water but in separate compartments, are combined in the spray. Separately, they have the same viscosity as water, but when combined, they quickly form a gel. The formed mesh is able to capture a large amount of water, which ensures the properties of the bactericidal gel.
An interesting aspect of the invention, which can bring innovations in the field of cleaning products, is the viscosity of the gel, which can be easily adjusted by varying the concentration and proportion of the two components. More uniform gels can be achieved with a higher concentration of giant micelles, since more of these “molecular spaghetti” are formed in this case, which means that they intertwine more.
“When you combine these two ingredients, in addition to making the gel, there is a synergism in terms of bactericidal power,” explains Sabadini. Laboratory tests have shown that the product has a special effect against an animal species salmonella Cause of recurring infections in pig production.
applications
According to Sabadini, the gel disinfectant can be used to clean various surfaces – such as metal, plastic, glass, wood and tiles – especially on more porous and inclined surfaces where it is desirable for the product to maintain its disinfecting power over a longer period of time , some time without dripping.
“You can get a bactericidal gel by adding a polymer to a bactericidal formulation, but in this case the gel might not reach more restricted regions because it’s viscous. The difference of this invention is that the increase in viscosity only occurs when the two liquids, which are not very viscous when separated, come into contact. This achieves greater coverage of porous surfaces and better disinfection,” he explains as an example.
The formulation proposed in the invention does not contain sodium hypochlorite, which is an alternative to most cleaning products available on the market. The compound does not have any disadvantages such as degradation of the active ingredient through microbial action or chemical degradation.
The bactericidal gel also has no corrosive properties that can damage equipment. The micelles act without damaging the structure they disinfect. The product is still washable and easy to remove. By applying water to the surface that has received the gel, the dilution results in instant dissolution of the giant micelles and their components can be easily removed.
technology transfer
The originality of the scientific research and the potential for industrial application of the antimicrobial composition prompted the Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency to apply to the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) for intellectual property protection of the invention. Currently, the technology is part of Unicamp’s patent portfolio and is available for licensing.
Companies and public or private entities interested in technology transfer to innovate their products or processes can contact Inova Unicamp directly using the market research connection form available on the agency’s website. In addition to providing access to cutting-edge technologies, technology transfer reduces risks associated with the development of new products and innovative processes and contributes to socio-economic development based on scientific knowledge.
* With information from Inova Unicamp.