Novel clo2 disinfectant technologies for sprays, wipes, and self-decontaminating textiles
Novel chlorine dioxide (ClO2) formulations that produce disinfectant without acids, enabling safer sprays, wipes, laundry additives, and a portable sterilizer. Effective at 1-100 ppm versus 52,500 ppm for bleach, these EPA- and FDA-approved chemistries kill C. difficile spores and are ready for commercialization with a consumer products partner.
Overview
This suite of novel chlorine dioxide (ClO2) technologies offers safer and more effective alternatives to traditional disinfectants such as bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds ("Quats"). The portfolio includes D-FENS, PCS (Portable Chemical Sterilizer), CoD (Compartment of Defense packaging), D-FEND ALL spray, and self-decontaminating textiles. Together, they address cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing needs across consumer, healthcare, military, and humanitarian applications. ClO2 is effective at very low concentrations (1-100 ppm) compared to bleach (52,500 ppm) and Quat-based wipes (3,600 ppm), and is approved by both the FDA and EPA. The formulations use novel redox chemistry to produce ClO2 without acids, reducing corrosion, hazards, and disposal concerns.
Technical specifications
Key features and technologies:
- D-FENS and D-FEND ALL: Sprayable ClO2 formulations for surface decontamination, validated chemically and microbiologically
- Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS): A sterilizer for medical instruments that operates without electricity, suitable for austere environments such as military deployments, disaster response, and humanitarian aid
- Compartment of Defense (CoD): Novel packaging that enables on-demand ClO2 generation
- Self-decontaminating textiles: ClO2-treated fabrics that do not cause skin rashes associated with Quat-treated textiles
- Field Decontamination Kits (FDKs): Portable kits for field-use decontamination
- Redox chemistry approach: Produces ClO2 without acids, preventing corrosion and improving handling safety
- Broad-spectrum efficacy: Kills Clostridioides difficile bacterial spores; previously deployed during the 2014-15 Ebola outbreak
Technology readiness level
All five technologies have been tested and validated in laboratory settings using chemical and microbiological methods, including microbial indicators and live cultures. The next phase focuses on commercialization: sourcing reagents, selecting packaging, integrating with existing product platforms, initiating regulatory approval, assembling and testing prototypes, and conducting end-user evaluations. These technologies are ready for co-development and licensing with a consumer products company to bring new sprays, wipes, laundry products, and sterilizers to market.
About Brandeis University
Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, combining a liberal‑arts ethos with discovery‑driven research across a broad range of fields. Industry partners engage through a corporate relations function that structures sponsored research, data‑sharing, and master agreements aligned to timelines and IP. Shared core facilities and advanced instrumentation are available through collaboration or service models, with professional staff and user workflows. Proximity to Greater Boston’s innovation cluster links faculty to startups, venture networks, and major corporate R&D hubs. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NIH, NSF, and DOE, and a technology transfer office supports invention disclosure, IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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