Safe, Low-Cost, and Sustainable Algae Derived Incapacitating Foams (a strategic nonlethal weapon reborn)

MacroVation’s program objective is to provide the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO) with a novel, non-lethal biofoam technology  that may be used to incapacitate human targets safely, quickly, and easily. In that vein, MacroVation successfully accomplished its Phase I SBIR program objectives through the design, synthesis, and empirical optimization of novel, biodegradable high strength biofoams. These high strength, nontoxic materials are created using proprietary and industrially scalable synthetic procedures that are positioned for a low-risk transition to industrial manufacturing levels supporting Phase III commercialization. The production yields for these reactions are >95%, and the direct waste stream is only water and inert salts. As a result, this manufacturing process is inherently eco-friendly, low-cost, and sustainable. During the proposed Phase II SBIR program, MacroVation will work to transition its biofoam restraint technology to field deployable spray systems capable of rapidly, safely incapacitating targets within multiple USMC operational scenarios. This will be accomplished through the combinatorial testing and refinement of spray dispensing hardware and parameters, biofoam resin (proprietary polyamide biopolymer) expansion chemistry, and target entanglement patterns / shapes that afford 100% macroporous breathable incapacitation foams.  The successful execution of MacroVation’s Phase II SBIR program will establish a robust foundation for continued research and development, facilitating the transition of its biofoam restraint technology from laboratory-scale prototypes to field-deployable solutions for both military and civilian applications. Building upon the achievements of Phase I, which demonstrated the feasibility of designing biodegradable, high strength biofoams using proprietary polyamide biopolymers, Phase II aims to optimize the material properties and delivery systems to meet the complex requirements of non-lethal restraint applications. The anticipated outcomes of Phase II include a deeper understanding of the structure-property relationships that govern the performance of biofoams, particularly in their mechanical robustness, adhesion, cellular architecture, and tunable degradation rates in water. These insights will inform the design of next-generation materials tailored for diverse operational scenarios, including military operations and law enforcement applications. By refining both the chemistry and the hardware for spray-based delivery systems, MacroVation will enhance the rapid incapacitation capability of its biofoams while ensuring breathability and minimizing risks to targets.