N-chloramine MC as a biodegradable quat replacement for disinfectant wipes and sprays

Overview

Auburn University researchers have developed a highly stable organic N-chloramine, 1-chloro-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-imidazolidinone (referred to as MC, CAS 38951-85-8), designed to replace quaternary ammonium (quat) compounds as the active antimicrobial ingredient in alcohol-based disinfectant sprays, wet wipes, and cleaning solutions. MC offers a non-bleaching, biodegradable alternative that disinfects at low concentration, tolerates alcohol solvents without protonation, and demonstrates low cytotoxicity and skin sensitivity. The technology draws on more than 40 years of N-halamine research at the institution and is being explored in collaboration with industry partners such as Clorox, Inc.

Technical specifications

• Active chemistry: Organic N-chloramine (MC) with a hydrolysis constant of approximately 10E-11, producing no measurable free chlorine in water and no bleaching effect.
• Solvent compatibility: Stable in alcohol and alcohol/water mixtures; not subject to protonation by alcohol, preserving antimicrobial activity in spray and wipe formulations.
• Antimicrobial performance: A 1 wt% MC solution in alcohol inactivated 6 logs of S. aureus and E. coli, and over 4 logs of influenza virus, within 10 minutes of contact on coated fibers used in masks and air filters.
• Wet-wipe performance: 1 wt% MC in alcohol killed 6 logs of the two bacteria within 1 minute of contact on a CVS wet wipe substrate.
• Safety profile: Cytotoxicity evaluations indicate MC is significantly less cytotoxic than silver and polybiguanide materials used in wound dressings, and skin sensitivity testing classifies MC as a non-irritant.
• Degradability: Once chlorine is exhausted, the underlying amine degrades, supporting a biodegradable lifecycle.
• Planned validation: Solubility measurements in ethanol, 2-propanol, and water/alcohol mixtures; shelf-life studies; efficacy testing against bacteria and molds in solution and after solvent evaporation; impregnation of commercial wipes; and demonstration that surface films can be removed with a water-soaked sponge.

Technology readiness level

MC has demonstrated proof-of-concept performance in laboratory testing, including bacterial inactivation on coated fibers and commercial wet wipes and viral inactivation on filter substrates. Cytotoxicity and skin sensitivity screening have been completed. Remaining work focuses on formulation optimization, shelf-life determination, and broader antimicrobial efficacy testing against bacteria and molds in partnership with industry collaborators. The technology is positioned for sponsored research and co-development with disinfectant product manufacturers.