Bio-based disinfectant from cucurbitaceae amine compounds and carbon nanoparticles
A novel bio-based disinfectant leveraging amine and polyamine compounds extracted from Cucurbitaceae plants, functionalized onto biocompatible carbon nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. Targets foodborne pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and E. coli. Seeking funding partners for prototype development and standardized validation.
Overview
This research proposes a bio-based disinfectant product derived from natural Cucurbitaceae plant extracts, which are rich in amine and polyamine compounds. By combining these natural bioactive molecules with biocompatible carbon nanoparticles at the nanoscale, the resulting product is designed to achieve enhanced disinfectant performance comparable to conventional chemical agents such as sodium hypochlorite. The approach addresses growing demand for sustainable, food-grade disinfection solutions in the food safety and sanitation sectors.
The value proposition centers on replacing or supplementing synthetic amine-based disinfectants with a renewable, plant-derived alternative. Existing commercial amine-based products like Korsolex® and Sencron2® have demonstrated up to 98% efficacy at 4% concentration after 5 minutes, establishing a benchmark that this natural-source innovation aims to meet or exceed through nanoscale architecture.
Technical specifications
Core technology components:
- Natural amine and polyamine extraction from Cucurbitaceae plant biomass, yielding food-grade bioactive compounds
- Biocompatible carbon nanoparticles functionalized with extracted amines and polyamines to create a nanoscale delivery architecture
- Enhanced disinfectant activity attributed to the combined action of bioactive amines and the increased surface area and reactivity provided by nanoparticle functionalization
Target pathogen spectrum:
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Salmonella spp.
- Escherichia coli
Key features:
- Renewable, plant-based raw material source
- Food-grade amine and polyamine compounds suitable for applications involving food contact surfaces
- Nanoscale formulation designed to maximize antimicrobial contact efficiency
- Potential alignment with bioeconomy and green chemistry initiatives
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Prior research has established the disinfectant rationale by benchmarking commercial amine-based products, and the hypothesis is grounded in demonstrated efficacy of similar amine chemistries. Future validation activities include functionalizing carbon nanoparticles with the natural plant extracts, conducting disinfectant activity essays against the target pathogens, and performing testing under international protocols. The research team is actively seeking partnership funding to support prototype development, standardized efficacy testing, and key personnel to advance toward a commercially viable product.
About Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile is a comprehensive public research university in Santiago and one of the country’s largest, with a broad academic portfolio and national reach. Industry engages through co‑located laboratories and shared facilities, a university research and technology park, and an integrated teaching hospital that enables clinical translation. Its urban location places partners near regulators and the headquarters of major Chilean firms, supporting agile contract research, testing services, and talent pipelines. Research is backed by Chile’s national science and innovation agencies, competitive international programs, and industry funding. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with corporate‑friendly agreements.
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