Eco-friendly amphoteric antimicrobial compound for cleaning and disinfection
A novel amphoteric small molecule (non-quaternary ammonium) offering broad antifouling and antimicrobial activity with extremely low ecotoxicity. The compound degrades fully in seawater within 24 hours into non-toxic products and shows no adverse health effects in in vivo and in vitro testing.
Overview
This proposal presents a novel amphoteric small molecule synthesized as an environmentally benign antimicrobial active for cleaning and disinfection applications. Unlike conventional quaternary ammonium compounds, this new chemistry combines broad antifouling performance with extremely low ecotoxicity and no observed adverse health effects. Its rapid degradation in natural seawater and surfactant-like properties position it as a promising next-generation alternative for industries seeking safer, greener disinfection solutions.
Technical specifications
Key features and demonstrated properties:
- Broad antifouling spectrum: prevents settlement of mussel larvae, inhibits biofilm formation by a marine bacterium, and reduces pre-formed biofilms
- Non-toxic to Artemia salina and a marine microalgae species
- Negative LogKow value indicating low tendency to bioaccumulate in marine organism adipose tissue
- Complete degradation in natural seawater within 24 hours, producing non-toxic transformation products confirmed by HPLC-DAD and A. salina mortality bioassays
- No interference with endocrine processes mediated by PPARγ and PXR nuclear receptors
- No effect on viability of hTERT-RPE1 cell line in MTT assays
- Amphoteric structure associated with surfactant properties, suggesting utility for cleaning and disinfection beyond anti-settlement and anti-biofilm activity
Research collaborations planned:
- Identification of major transformation products persisting in water using high-resolution LC/MS
- Evaluation of transformation product effects on zebrafish as a model species for ecotoxicity assurance
Technology readiness level
The compound has been synthesized and validated through multiple in vitro and in vivo tests demonstrating antimicrobial efficacy, low ecotoxicity, rapid environmental degradation, and absence of endocrine disruption. The research team is actively seeking a partnership to evaluate the surfactant effect and broader cleaning and disinfection efficacy, representing the next critical step toward commercial application development.
About Universidade do Porto
Universidade do Porto is one of Portugal’s largest public universities, combining comprehensive education with research that engages regional and global industry. A university‑anchored science and technology park links corporate R&D, startups, and faculty labs, offering incubation, workspace and access to shared facilities. Clinical and translational work benefits from co‑location with major teaching hospitals, enabling access to patients, data and regulated studies. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding, including programs of the European Commission and Portugal’s national science foundation. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP strategy, licensing, industry contracts and startup support to accelerate commercialization.
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