Broad Spectrum Sanitizing Wipes with Food Additives, Phase I

Microcide proposes to develop novel multipurpose non-toxic sanitizing wipes that are aqueous based, have shelf life of 3-5 years, have broad spectrum microbicidal activity, detergency for cleaning and chelating properties to bind toxic metal ions. The proposed wipes can eliminate undesirable characteristics of presently used commercial sanitizing wipes by NASA. The commercial sanitizing wipes use ethyl and isopropyl alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds (Qacs), bezyl-4-chlorophenol and phenylphenol as active microbicidal agents. The proposed sanitizing wipes will use FDA approved food additive non-corrosive ingredients. By raising the pH, the microbicidal activity of the wipes can be terminated, which can help biodegradation and recycling the wipes. The wipes will also use recyclable cellulose carrier fabric. With food additive ingredients, these wipes will be safe for use on environmental and food contact surfaces, on fruits and vegetables as well as on skin, hands and outer body parts. The wipes will be free from any undesirable organoleptic properties. The wipes will have efficacy against a broad spectrum of environmental, pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms and also against both antibiotic sensitive and resistant bacteria. These wipes will be suitable for prolonged space missions for use on the shuttle, the ISS and the Planetary Outposts.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.