Natural photosensitizers supported on graphene for surface disinfection
Graphene hydrogel materials embedded with plant-derived photosensitizers (chlorophyll, curcumin, hypericin) that generate reactive oxygen species under visible light for antibacterial and antiviral surface disinfection of washable surfaces and fabrics.
Overview
This technology uses water-dispersible graphene hydrogels loaded with naturally occurring photosensitizers such as chlorophyll, curcumin, and hypericin to disinfect washable surfaces and fabrics. When exposed to visible white light, the hybrid materials produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen, that deactivate viruses and bacteria on contact. The approach combines sustainable, plant-derived antimicrobial agents with the high surface area and porosity of graphene to create a novel, light-activated disinfection platform suitable for common surfaces such as metal, wood, and glass.
Technical specifications
- Photosensitizer loading: Graphene hydrogels are prepared via a simple hydrothermal method and loaded with naturally sourced photosensitizers including chlorophyll (from green plants), curcumin (from turmeric rhizomes), and hypericin (from St. John's Wort).
- ROS generation: Exposure to visible white light triggers rapid production of reactive oxygen species, confirmed using the singlet oxygen probe 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) and measured via fluorescence spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Material properties: The hybrid nanomaterials exhibit high porosity, water dispersibility, and long-term stability of the embedded photosensitizer.
- Surface compatibility: Designed to bind to common washable surfaces including metal, wood, and glass, enabling use on fabrics and hard surfaces.
- Kinetics: ROS production kinetics and photosensitizer stability over time are characterized to optimize disinfection performance.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary laboratory research has demonstrated successful preparation of graphene hydrogels containing plant-extract photosensitizers and confirmed rapid ROS generation under white light. Planned next steps include expanding the library of photosensitizer variants, characterizing hydrogel stability in aqueous solution, measuring binding characteristics on common surfaces, and assessing antibacterial and antiviral efficacy. The research team is actively seeking an industry partner to evaluate the disinfectant effectiveness of the materials against bacteria and viruses.
About Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology is a private, doctoral‑granting, research‑intensive technological university in Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast. Industry collaboration is anchored by the Vertex Applied Innovation Hub, offering co‑location through a business‑in‑residence program, contract R&D, and access to advanced prototyping and digital engineering resources, alongside targeted workforce development. A structured co‑op program and employer‑hosted externships connect companies with faculty and student talent year‑round, amplified by proximity to the region’s aerospace and defense cluster. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including the National Science Foundation and NASA. Clear IP policies and university support streamline collaboration terms and commercialization pathways.
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