IonArmour Next Generation Antimicrobial Technology

This SBIR Phase II proposal to the Department of Defense, Army, requests funding for Innova Dynamics to optimize and scale up the Innlay-based IonArmour Next Generation technology for deployment, providing the highest levels of safe, cost-effective, continuous antimicrobial protection for military personnel and materials. IonArmour NG is initially targeting application to US Army Deployable Medical Systems (DEPMEDS) and other shelters, and also has other important applications across the Army. As described in Army Topic A09-168,"Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Shelters,"there are several serious shortcomings to existing antimicrobial technology, including inadequate efficacy, lack of amenability to application to walls, toxicity/health concerns, easy damageability in the field, poor durability, and high cost. The key proposed innovation involves a new method of incorporating antimicrobial ingredients into materials. While the focus in the antimicrobial industry has historically been placed on antimicrobial ingredients themselves, IonArmour NG focuses on alternative overlooked optimization pathways such as how those ingredients are incorporated into materials, which can dramatically alter antimicrobial properties, cost, and other considerations. Phase II work is expected to proceed directly to Phase III and commercialization.