Non-irritating topical antimicrobial and skin disinfectant

This technology is a synergistic blend of antimicrobial compounds and essential oils for topical disinfection suitable for sensitive skin and mucous membranes.

Unmet Need: Non-irritating topical antimicrobials for the prevention of skin infection

Many topical antimicrobials use high concentrations of chemical agents, which can lead to irritation and avoidable chemical exposure to patients. Widely used disinfectants such as over the counter iodine solutions typically feature concentrations of up to 10% and can cause irritations, rashes, and other more serious side effects that are especially common in people with sensitive skin.

The Technology: Gentle and effective skin disinfectant for preventing microbial growth

These topical disinfectants comprise a combination of quaternary ammonium compounds and essential oils to provide effective antimicrobial outcomes while maintaining low concentrations of the primary agent. By utilizing the synergistic effects of the quaternary ammonium compounds and select essential oils, this technology is effective with active agent concentrations between 0.01% and 2.0%. This technology can be applied to creams, lotions, soaps, and other topical formulations to gently treat even sensitive skin and mucous membranes with higher antimicrobial efficacy than existing treatments.

Applications:

• Topical disinfectant
• Non-irritating antibacterial creams and lotions for sensitive skin
• Antimicrobial additive to deodorants, perfumes, and other cosmetics
• Therapeutic for dermatologic conditions caused by surface flora such as tinea versicolor
• Preparatory solution for disinfecting wounds and skin lesions prior to treatment

Advantages:

• Low, safe doses of antimicrobial agents
• Non-irritating
• Compatible with numerous formulations
• Synergistic effects allow for fewer active agents
• Can be used on skin and mucous membranes
• Ideal for both personal care and professional medical products

Lead Inventor:

Shanta Modak, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Shintre MS, Gaonkar TA, Modak SM. “Evaluation of an alcohol-based surgical hand disinfectant containing a synergistic combination of farnesol and benzethonium chloride for immediate and persistent activity against resident hand flora of volunteers and with a novel in vitro pig skin model.” Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2007 Feb; 28(2): 191-197.

• Shintre MS, Gaonkar TA, Modak SM. “Efficacy of an alcohol-based healthcare hand rub containing synergistic combination of farnesol and benzethonium chloride” Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2006 Sep 25; 209(5): 447-487.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR 1506

• Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik