Anti-Microbial Nanoparticles Composed of a Magnetic Core and Covered with Photocatalytic TiO2

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has utilized reverse micelles as constrained nanoreactors to controllably fabricate magnetically-extractable, anti-microbial nanoparticles for the purpose of disinfecting wounds. A nanopowder, consisting of 25 nm diameter particles and composed of a magnetite core surrounded by a titanium dioxide (anatase phase) shell, has been successfully fabricated. Critical to the success of this effort was the ability to maintain stable micelle geometries during synthesis and to minimize the processing temperature necessary for crystallization of the anatase layer. PSI has demonstrated the ability to control within the micelle's aqueous core, the formation of a thin, uniform, conformal anatase layer over the surface of the magnetite nanoparticles. Properties of the nanoparticle commensurate with anti-microbial use were demonstrated during Phase I. On the proposed Phase II program, PSI will further optimize the anti-microbial and magnetic removal efficacy of the nanoparticles in coincidence with extensive anti-microbial testing. Performance will be measured initially using both gram positive and gram negative microbes, eventually moving to surrogate testing as development progresses in the program. Additionally, examination of the nanoparticles for B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) efficacy will also be tested. CIMIT, a consortium of physicians and scientists, will act as a Phase III partner.