Aerosol Decontaminant for Use in Patient Care Areas

This Phase I STTR project will develop an innovative aerosol-based decontamination product effective against common nosocomial organisms. Nosocomial transmission of multi-drug-resistant microorganisms is an increasing concern at military and civilian healthcare facilities. The proposed project focuses on the development of an easily dispersed, nontoxic product capable of providing the rapid decontamination of a variety of microorganisms. The key component(s) of this proposed product are not only biocompatible, their method of action is such that they will not contribute to the development of microbial resistance to antibiotic medications nor cause harm to hospital equipment. A product such as the one proposed, providing accurate and prompt decontamination, would greatly mitigate the spread of nosocomial infection. An additional benefit of this material is that it provides a prophylactic against future contamination as well as a persistence of potentially over a month. This Phase I effort shall culminate in a fully operational proof of concept unit capable of demonstrating the feasibility and utility of the proposed technique, including bactericidal and bacteriostasis ability for decontamination and prophylactic use in compliance with EPA regulations.