Limonene nanodroplet disinfectant with reduced benzalkonium chloride
Researchers at the University of Turin have created a sustainable spray disinfectant by co-encapsulating benzalkonium chloride (BKC) and limonene into nanodroplets. This formulation significantly reduces the necessary concentration of BKC, lowering its toxicity and environmental footprint while enhancing antimicrobial efficacy against common bacteria. Developed for household use, the system is stable, scalable, and compatible with standard industrial production methods.
Overview
Researchers at the University of Turin have developed a sustainable, nanotechnology-based approach to spray disinfectants that significantly reduces the concentration of benzalkonium chloride (BKC) required while maintaining or improving antimicrobial efficacy. By co-encapsulating BKC and limonene—a natural essential oil—into vesicle-like nanodroplets, this innovation addresses growing environmental and health concerns regarding the toxicity and antimicrobial resistance associated with traditional high-concentration BKC cleaners. The formulation is designed for household use, with potential applications as a medical device, providing a greener alternative that minimizes chemical consumption and environmental impact without compromising disinfection performance.
Technical specifications
- Formulation: The system utilizes stable nanodroplets where BKC acts as both an antimicrobial agent and a surfactant, stabilizing the vesicle interface.
- Core composition: The core contains limonene, which acts as a synergistic natural antimicrobial agent. More sustainable versions are solvent-free, removing previous additives like decafluoropentane while retaining efficacy.
- Antimicrobial Performance: Demonstrates superior efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to traditional aqueous BKC solutions.
- Physicochemical Properties: The spray disinfectant is characterized by high wettability, a wide spray angle, and long-term storage stability.
- Scalability: The formulation relies on low-cost ingredients and can be processed using standard industrial equipment, such as high-shear mixers, facilitating easy scale-up.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 4 (Lab validation). Research conducted at the University of Turin has successfully developed and characterized the formulation, demonstrating superior antimicrobial properties in vitro, long-term stability, and physicochemical viability for household spray...
About University of Turin
The University of Turin is a comprehensive public research university with a broad disciplinary footprint and strong regional engagement. Industry connects through a dedicated knowledge‑transfer function and 2i3T, the university’s business incubator and technology‑transfer company, which supports IP protection, licensing and spin‑out creation. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with the Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, a large university hospital system. Situated in a metropolitan area anchored by leading automotive and aerospace players, the university collaborates within a mature industrial ecosystem. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding, including Horizon Europe and Italian ministerial programs.
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