GS-2 antimicrobial technology - water-soluble capric acid alternative to quaternary ammonium compounds
GS-2 is a patented antimicrobial technology that makes capric acid water-soluble by combining it with L-arginine, eliminating the need for chemical solvents. Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses including medically important pathogens, GS-2 provides residual sanitizing action after application. Commercialized as the Doxall cleaning range in Australia, with active exploration of medical, waste management, crop protection, and animal health applications.
Overview
GS-2 is a patented antimicrobial technology developed at the University of Canberra that makes capric acid (decanoic acid) water-soluble by combining it with the amino acid L-arginine and heat. This innovation eliminates the need for chemical solvents traditionally required to incorporate fatty acids into cleaning products. GS-2 has demonstrated effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including medically important fungal pathogens. A key differentiator is its residual sanitizing capability, meaning it continues to kill microbes after initial application.
The technology is commercially deployed as the Doxall cleaning range in Australia and represents a compelling alternative to quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which face increasing scrutiny over efficacy and environmental concerns. Applications under active development include healthcare and care settings, waste management, crop protection, and animal health.
Technical specifications
Core innovation:
- Combines capric acid with L-arginine and heat to achieve water solubility without chemical solvents
- Patented process for combining fatty acids with amino acids to enhance solubility
Antimicrobial performance:
- Broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and viruses
- Effective against medically important fungi
- Residual sanitizing action that continues after application
- Potential efficacy against C. difficile and C. auris, two major healthcare-associated pathogens
Current commercial deployment:
- Doxall cleaning product range launched in Australia
- Parent company pursuing medical applications of the technology
- Ten Carbon Chemistry pursuing industrial uses
Targeted application areas:
- Healthcare and care facility surface sanitization (hand rails, high-touch surfaces)
- Waste management
- Crop protection
- Animal health
Technology readiness level
GS-2 has progressed beyond laboratory validation into commercial deployment. The Doxall brand is already available in the Australian market, demonstrating real-world manufacturing and distribution capability. The core solubility technology is patented. Ongoing validation efforts focus on improving kill times and demonstrating efficacy against priority healthcare pathogens such as C. difficile and Candida auris. The technology is seeking partnership with established cleaning industry players to accelerate market expansion and pursue additional application areas including medical, agricultural, and animal health markets.
About University of Canberra
The University of Canberra is a young, comprehensive public research university with more than 18,000 students and a civic, professionally oriented character. Its Bruce campus is a growing partnership precinct, integrating university facilities with the University of Canberra Hospital, Health Hub, specialist medical services, and enterprise spaces. The university connects with industry, government, community organisations, and defence through contract research, consultancy, internships, co-funded doctoral work, and collaborative funding proposals. Research is supported by the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, and other Australian Government programs, alongside IP and commercialisation support.
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