Super-Efficient, Low Toxicity, Dendrimer-Quaternary Ammonium Compound Biocides

The service member currently has no visual means to determine the residual service life of his or her respirator. Early pioneers recognized the acute need for an ESLI in the 1920's and later several authors addressed different ESLI construction conceptsand designs. However, due to the instability of the selected colorimetric chemistries and/or the suspected poor mechanical properties of the support media, the devices were rendered impractical for ESLI use. The overall objective of this proposal is todevelop non-specific, colorimetric ESLI chemistry concepts designed to target major classes of organic vapors and/or acid vapors, and to determine their feasibility through testing with chemical agent simulants.To achieve these objectives, the feasibility of producing two non-specific colorimetric chemistries will be pursued. The first approach involves the modification and adaptation of an existing proprietary technology owned by the proposing company. Thesecond approach involves a novel non-specific colorimetric detection mechanism. A proprietary technology will also be utilized to overcome the drawbacks of the previous art. The ELSIs will be tested ex-situ against agent simulants in environmentalchambers capable of controlled temperature, humidity and velocity conditions.The anticipated benefit of the proposed ESLI for respirator cartridges and/or canisters would be that it enables the user to visually monitor, in real time, the service life ofthe respirator filter in a quantitative and qualitative manner. The use of these products will result in reduced risk to the user of potential exposure to hazardous industrial contaminants.Non-specific colorimetric chemistries for acid vapors, warfare agents and organic vapors are considered the major components for the development of end of service life indicators. The high market demand of these products will be driven by the cost savingsand the superior features of these products.