Visible-light-activated disinfectant nanogels with organic photocatalysts for enhanced antimicrobial action

Overview

This technology introduces water-soluble ionic nanogels functionalized with organic photocatalysts that can be added to standard disinfection formulations. The nanogels harness visible light at household intensities to drive a novel photocatalytic scheme that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidizes chlorine ions into chlorine oxides (ClOx). By replacing the high-energy UV light traditionally required for chlorine oxide production, the approach makes advanced disinfection chemistry accessible in everyday environments. The goal is to provide a long-lasting, light-activated antimicrobial effect that integrates seamlessly into existing aqueous cleaning and disinfection products.

Technical specifications

• Core mechanism: Consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (con-PET) using FDA-approved organic photosensitizers activated by polychromatic light from commercial LEDs.
• Nanogel platform: PEG-based ionic water-soluble nanogels synthesized under low-intensity visible-light irradiation at low catalyst loadings.
• Integration: One-step continuous-flow chemistry enables facile functionalization of nanogels with selected organic photocatalysts sourced from chemical vendors.
• Synergy: Functionalized nanogels work in combination with compounds already present in standard disinfection formulations to amplify antimicrobial activity.
• Analytical validation: Real-time monitoring of oxygen consumption and ROS production kinetics using absorbance, fluorescence, reflectance, and Raman spectroscopy, supplemented by HRP assays.
• Diagnostic amplification: A photoredox autocatalysis strategy provides exponential amplification of photocatalytic initiation signals for diagnostic readouts.

Technology readiness level

The concept is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Theoretical work has confirmed that the energies accessible through the con-PET scheme match those used in ozone-based chlorine oxide production. Hydrogels have been synthesized under low-intensity visible light, and a photoredox autocatalysis strategy has been developed for diagnostic amplification. Next steps include selecting photocatalysts with confirmed con-PET potential, functionalizing PEG-based nanogels via continuous-flow chemistry, incorporating prototypes into aqueous base formulations, and conducting standardized antimicrobial testing with partners at the School of Medicine and the Microbiology Department at UANL. Iterative lab troubleshooting and partner feedback will guide refinement toward formulation-ready prototypes.