Novel antiviral and antimicrobial avalanching nanoparticles (anps)
Avalanching nanoparticles that convert safe near-infrared light into UVC and blue light for surface disinfection. Designed for incorporation into aqueous solutions or embedded into materials, enabling effective antiviral and antimicrobial treatment of hard and porous surfaces at significantly reduced dosages.
Overview
Avalanching Nanoparticles (ANPs) are a novel class of nanomaterial that converts near-infrared (NIR) light into shorter-wavelength emissions, including UVC (200–280 nm) and blue light (450–470 nm). These wavelength ranges have been validated in prior studies as effective for viral inactivation and antimicrobial action, including limiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Because the ANPs emit disinfecting light locally when excited by a safe NIR source, the technology avoids the hazards associated with direct UVC exposure to skin and eyes, while also reducing material degradation. Potential applications include aqueous disinfection sprays for hard surfaces and textiles embedded with ANPs for soft surfaces such as personal protective equipment and clothing.
Technical specifications
- Light conversion mechanism: ANPs absorb NIR photons and emit in the UVC (200–280 nm) and blue (450–470 nm) ranges, enabling targeted antiviral and antimicrobial action
- High quantum yield: Among the highest reported for photon upconverting nanomaterials, meaning highly efficient conversion of incident NIR light into disinfecting wavelengths
- Synthesis: Produced using a robotic, one-pot method developed by the inventors, amenable to scale-up manufacturing
- Deployment formats: Can be formulated into aqueous disinfection solutions or embedded directly into porous materials such as N95 mask fibers
- Local emitter advantage: Placing emitters within material pores overcomes the shadowing effect that traditionally requires high UVC dosages, while NIR penetrates deeper than UV
- Cost projection: Scaled production is projected to enable N95 mask disinfection (supporting up to 100 reuse cycles) at a nanoparticle cost of less than $5 per mask
Technology readiness level
The ANP platform has been published in Nature and demonstrated as a functional nanomaterial class. Near-term validation work focuses on developing aqueous disinfection solutions for hard surfaces, textile-embedded ANPs for soft surfaces, and establishing the NIR dosage required for effective disinfection of porous materials. Parallel R&D efforts aim to further enhance upconversion efficiency. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development, with ongoing optimization and application-specific validation.
About Columbia University
Columbia University is a comprehensive private research university in New York City, combining an Ivy League academic profile with globally engaged scholarship and professional education. Its integration with a major hospital system through Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian enables clinical collaboration, access to diverse patient populations, and regulated studies at scale. State-of-the-art laboratories and shared core facilities across the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses support co-located industry projects, while proximity to New York’s finance, media, and healthcare ecosystems streamlines talent pipelines and pilot deployments. Industry engages via sponsored research, affiliate programs, executive education, and convenings that connect faculty expertise with corporate R&D priorities. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD, alongside New York State and philanthropic sources. Columbia Technology Ventures provides IP management, licensing, startup support, and translational funding mechanisms that lower barriers to commercialization.
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