Botanical-based skin cleanser and surface disinfectant development
Development of effective skin cleansers and surface disinfectants using synergistic combinations of botanical extracts and essential oils as natural alternatives to quat-based actives. Validated formulations achieve broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy at high dilutions (1:10–1:200), passing EPA tests EN1276, EN13697, and E2783 with greater than 5 log reduction against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Overview
This offering leverages decades of expertise from Columbia University's Infection Control (Modak) Lab to develop skin cleansers and hard surface disinfectants formulated with synergistic combinations of botanical extracts and essential oils. The goal is to replace traditional quaternary ammonium compound (quat)-based actives with cost-effective, naturally derived alternatives that deliver broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance even at high dilutions.
The approach is particularly relevant for manufacturers seeking safer, more sustainable hygiene products without sacrificing efficacy. Validated botanical combinations have demonstrated effectiveness against bacteria, viruses (including COVID-19), and fungi, making them suitable for a wide range of consumer and institutional applications.
Technical specifications
Key features and validated performance:
- Botanical actives replace quat-based ingredients while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy
- Effective at high dilutions ranging from 1:10 to 1:200, reducing formulation costs
- Greater than 5 log reduction in E2783 rapid kill test (15-second contact time)
- Greater than 5 log reduction in EN1276 (5-minute contact time)
- Greater than 5 log reduction in EN13697 (5-minute contact time)
- Greater than 3 log reduction in E2274-16 (Petrocci and Clarke method)
- Demonstrated improvement of Dettol efficacy against P. aeruginosa at 1:200 dilution
- All validation conducted in vitro with minimum of 3 groups in triplicate, with log reduction calculated against control groups
Development methodology:
- High-throughput screening of inexpensive botanicals for synergistic combinations
- Evaluation of natural and synthetic surfactants combined with botanical actives
- Focus on non-toxicity under high-dilution conditions
- Targeting efficacy against viruses, bacteria, and fungi
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated through multiple successful projects. Botanical-based laundry sanitizers and surface disinfectants have passed required EPA tests EN1276 and EN13697 at high dilutions. The team has a proven track record of improving commercial product efficacy, demonstrated by enhancing Dettol's performance against P. aeruginosa.
Future validation will follow a two-step plan: first, conducting high-throughput screening of botanical combinations for synergistic antimicrobial effects at high dilution; second, optimizing surfactant systems to develop finished products effective against a broad range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The approach is ready for collaborative product development and pilot-scale formulation work.
About Academic Medical Center
Academic Medical Center (AMC) is a leading academic hospital of the University of Amsterdam, uniting patient care, research, and education at scale. In 2018 AMC merged with VU University Medical Center to form Amsterdam UMC and now operates as 'location AMC' with expanded clinical and research capacity. Co-located hospital services, core facilities, translational suites, and secure clinical data platforms enable rapid piloting with industry. A trials office, large biobanks, and proximity to the European Medicines Agency and the city’s life-sciences hub streamline regulatory work and multicenter studies. Research is funded by national agencies such as NWO and ZonMw and the European Union, with a dedicated tech transfer office managing IP, licensing, and partnerships.
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