Background

Bacterial contamination is an invisible problem that occurs in the sources of food and drinking water or even in the air and on different surfaces with pathogens, whether bacterial, viral or parasitic, or even the toxins of these microbes, leading to injury of humans and animals with many infectious diseases. Food contamination occurs at any stage of its production or manufacture, during transportation, storage, distribution or consumption, as a result of any change or malfunction in surrounding environmental conditions resulting in health hazards or diseases that may cause life. It is noted that the poor environmental situation and the spread of infectious diseases lead to an increase in the mortality rate in the world’s most densely populated and least developed countries or so-called developing countries. The spread of insects and rodents carrying disease with lack of health awareness and the lack of food or pollution are all environmental factors increase the spread of these Epidemics.

Technology Overview

This Innovation focuses on converting bulk Green tea oil and Peppermint oil to nanoparticles (whether in powder or liquid). This nano-transformation resulted in unique properties and results such as: (i) water solubility enhancement, (ii) broad antibacterial and antifungal activities (iii) prolonged and effective antimicrobial power of more than 96 hours (iv) Enhanced thermal stability.

Both models of powders and nanoparticles are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

Benefits

Improve the thermal stability of green tea oil and Peppermint oil after it is encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles
Promote antibacterial activity in a wide range
Work effectively for long periods (96 hours).
Green tea oil and Peppermint oil are converted into a more stable powder form.

Applications

This project is based on the use of nanotechnology to convert some volatile natural herbal oils such as Green Tea oil and Peppermint oil into nanoparticles after mixing with some natural polysaccharides such as chitosan and non-anionic non-ionic surfactants, all of which meet the specifications of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and be eco-friendly to the environment. These nanoparticles have multiple uses in specially the field of antiseptics due to their superior antibacterial and antifungal properties. These nanoparticles are easily formed into multiple formulations such as powders, liquids, soap, creams, as well as hydrogels, which are easy to use in the manufacture of detergents and disinfectants and can be safely applied on the skin or mucous membranes to prevent the infections and improve the freshness of the skin. It can be used and sprayed on different surfaces such as the walls and walls of hospitals and medical and food factories, which prevent and limit the spread of bacteria on the surfaces better than the liquids used in markets as well as being environmental friendly products. These particles can finally be used as preservatives for different food industries.

Opportunity

Available for exclusive and non-exclusive licensing
Exclusive/non-exclusive evaluation for defined period (set up for options).
Collaborative/supportive research

Eco-friendly Formulations and Disinfectants Made of Nano-powders and Liquids From Green Tea and Peppermint Oils

Patents

IP Status

Seeking