When cleaning surfaces that require control against the proliferation of microorganisms, reaching cracks, pores and grooves can be quite laborious and requires different products. Aqueous solutions tend to run off surfaces easily, reducing action time, and other gel solutions may not be as effective and safe, compromising hygiene. A composition developed by researchers from the Chemistry Institute (IQ) at Unicamp, however, manages to bring together the best of both worlds.
“The objective of the research was to develop a disinfectant with high bactericidal power that, when applied in aqueous form, would react on site instantly forming a gel, with a less toxic and less corrosive composition for cleaning environments and different surfaces”, said the professor and researcher at Unicamp Edvaldo Sabadini.
The invention is based on one of the fundamentals of chemistry, as commented by the researcher responsible for the study. “The same mechanism, called the hydrophobic effect, which led to the formation of membranes in the most primitive organisms linked to the origin of life, promotes the formation of the bactericidal gel”, he explains. This involves the creation of giant micelles, molecular aggregates also known for their elongated shape, as shown in the image obtained by electron microscopy of a solution of frozen micelles.
The new formulation contains two compounds well known on the market for their bactericidal power, and are used in mouthwashes. They are cetylpyridinium chloride and thymol. “The literature has been reporting the bactericidal action of cetylpyridinium and thymol for a long time. We believed that the two bactericidal substances had all the structural characteristics necessary for the formation of giant micelles in water and this was demonstrated in Rafael Ishikawa's master's work”, said the researcher.
Phase transition
The formation of hydrogels occurs when the two substances, which are dissolved in water but in separate compartments, are combined in the spray. Separated, they have the same viscosity as water, but when combined they quickly form a gel. The formed mesh is capable of trapping a large amount of water, presenting the characteristics of a bactericidal gel.
An interesting aspect of the invention capable of generating innovation in the cleaning products sector is the viscosity of the gel, which can be easily adjusted by varying the concentration and proportion of the two components. More consistent gels can be obtained using a higher concentration of giant micelles, as, in this case, more of these “molecular spaghetti” are formed, which, therefore, intertwine more.
“When you combine these two ingredients, in addition to producing the gel, it creates synergism in terms of bactericidal power.” Tests carried out in the laboratory demonstrated that the product has special synergy against a species of Salmonella that causes recurrent infections in pig farming.
Applications
According to Sabadini, gel disinfectant can be used to clean different surfaces – such as metal, plastic, glass, wood and tiles – and especially to clean more porous and inclined surfaces, where it is desirable for the product to maintain its disinfectant act for some time without running.
“You can have a bactericidal gel by placing polymer in a bactericidal formulation, but in this case, the gel may not reach more restricted regions, as it is viscous. The difference with this invention is that the increase in viscosity only occurs when the two liquids, which are not very viscous if separated, come into contact. This allows you to achieve greater coverage of porous surfaces and better disinfection”, he explains.
The formulation proposed in the invention does not contain sodium hypochlorite, being an alternative to most cleaning products available on the market. The compound does not present disadvantages such as degradation of the active ingredient by microbial action or chemical degradation.
The bactericidal gel also does not have corrosive properties, which can damage equipment, which is another advantage. The micelles act without damaging the structure they are sanitizing. The product is also washable and easy to remove. By applying water to the surface that received the gel, dilution results in the instantaneous disintegration of the giant micelles, and their components can then be easily removed.
Technology transfer
The novelty of the scientific research and the potential for industrial application of the antimicrobial composition led the Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency to request protection of the invention's intellectual property from the National Institute of Industrial Property (Inpi). Currently, technology is part of the Unicamp Patent Portfolio and is available for licensing.
Companies and public or private institutions interested in transferring technology to innovate their products or processes can contact Inova Unicamp directly at research-market connection form available on the agency's website. In addition to access to cutting-edge technologies, technology transfer reduces risks associated with the development of new innovative products and processes and contributes to socioeconomic development based on scientific knowledge.
