Stabilized hydroxyl-radical activated water sanitizer for surface decontamination

Overview

This solution is a stabilized hydroxyl-radical activated water sanitizer designed for decontaminating food and non-food surfaces. Unlike conventional chemical sanitizers, it delivers broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance while remaining non-toxic and leaving no residues on treated surfaces. The technology adapts principles from a gas-phase hydroxyl radical process into a practical liquid format, enabling simple generation, storage, and on-demand application. The sanitizer is intended for use across food processing environments, healthcare settings, and other industries where effective surface disinfection without chemical contamination is critical.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• Based on a Fenton-like reaction in which hydrogen peroxide is degraded by UV-C in the presence of a ferric catalyst
• Unlike traditional Fenton chemistry, the reaction is initiated during generation rather than requiring all reactants to be present at the point of use
• Produces hydroxyl radicals that have been confirmed using methylene blue assays and demonstrated through inactivation of E. coli in both suspension and on surfaces
• Uses low concentrations of reactants, making it simple and cost-effective to produce
• Designed to retain antimicrobial activity for up to 12 months when stored in light-protected containers

Key advantages:

• Broad antimicrobial spectrum against bacteria, viruses, and moulds
• Non-toxic and residue-free application
• Compatible with food-contact and non-food surfaces
• Stable liquid format enables easy storage, distribution, and deployment

Technology readiness level

The technology has reached proof-of-principle status. The hydroxyl-radical activated water has been generated, stored, and successfully applied to disinfect surfaces, with antimicrobial activity validated through E. coli inactivation studies. The next phase of research will focus on verifying performance against a broader range of microbes including viruses, bacteria, and moulds across different surface types. Further work will include optimization studies, residue and surface alteration assessments, skin compatibility testing, shelf-life evaluation under varied conditions, and preliminary scale-up investigations.