Nanozeolite-based antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral platform using transition metal ions
ZeoVation's nanozeolite platform encapsulates transition metal ions (silver, zinc, copper) as stable colloidal suspensions for antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral applications. The technology enables long-lasting pathogen protection on textiles, surfaces, polymers, and coatings, with synergy with quaternary ammonium compounds and potential for Fenton chemistry-enhanced bleach formulations.
Overview
ZeoVation has developed a nanozeolite platform that encapsulates transition metal ions such as silver, zinc, and copper to create stable colloidal suspensions with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Unlike conventional micron-sized zeolites or nanometallic particles, this platform protects active metal ions from environmental degradation, maintains colloidal stability for years without settling, and allows particles small enough to enter pathogen cells. The technology has been applied across sprays, paints, coatings, dryer sheets, textiles, wood, glass, leather, wallboard, and polymers, and is compatible with both conventional polymer processing and electrospinning.
Technical specifications
- Nanozeolite platform: Encapsulates transition metal ions (silver, zinc, copper) via ion-exchange, protecting actives from environmental conditions
- Colloidal stability: Suspensions remain stable for years without gravitational settling
- Particle size advantage: Particles under 70 nm can enter pathogens through cellular channels
- Surface derivatization: Zeolite surfaces can be functionalized with dyes to signal when reapplication is needed
- Fenton chemistry capability: Enables advanced oxidative antimicrobial mechanisms
- Synergy with quats: Combined use with quaternary ammonium compounds allows lower dosages for equivalent efficacy
- Biofilm disruption: Effective at both inhibiting biofilm growth and disrupting existing biofilms
- Heat-activated transfer: Dryer sheet technology imparts antipathogen properties to textiles during drying
- Versatile application: Suitable for incorporation into polymers via conventional processing or electrospinning
- EPA status: Active ingredients have received EPA approval; non-public health EPA application in progress
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated through extensive laboratory testing against a wide range of pathogens. Multiple product formats including sprays, paints, coatings, and heat-activated dryer sheets have been developed and tested. EPA has approved the active ingredients used in ZeoVation products, and an application for non-public health use is currently under review. The company has demonstrated efficacy on textiles, wood, glass, leather, and wallboard, and has shown biofilm inhibition and disruption capabilities. Supported by federal agencies including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, the technology is positioned for commercial deployment with ongoing formulation development and regulatory advancement.
About ZeoVation
ZeoVation is an advanced materials company that specializes in the development and production of nanozeolite and hierarchical zeolite particles. The company utilizes a patent-pending, controlled-release smart particle platform that allows these porous minerals to be functionalized for specific industrial and consumer applications. By engineering these materials to be stable, efficient, and easily formulated, ZeoVation provides additive solutions designed to enhance product performance, safety, and effectiveness. The firm operates at the intersection of bioscience and manufacturing, leveraging deep R&D expertise to create technologies that can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes across diverse sectors such as textiles, polymers, paints, battery separation, and personal care.
These technologies offer significant value to customers by solving complex technical challenges, such as improving battery separator stability, enhancing antimicrobial properties in surfaces, or creating specialized formulations for products like sunscreens and beverages. ZeoVation’s approach is validated through a history of support from federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, as well as joint development agreements with industrial partners. By focusing on practical application and commercialization, the company seeks to improve the quality of everyday products while addressing environmental and public health concerns. Their work spans high-stakes environments, including medical devices and advanced energy storage systems, demonstrating the versatility of their zeolite-based solutions in modern manufacturing.
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