Photodeoxygenation-based disinfection technology
A novel light-driven disinfection approach that uses photodeoxygenation of organic molecules to generate atomic oxygen, which subsequently produces potent disinfectants like ozone and hypochlorite for deactivating bacteria and viruses on surfaces.
Overview
This research proposes photodeoxygenation as a novel method for surface disinfection. The core concept involves organic molecules that, when exposed to light, undergo photodeoxygenation to release atomic oxygen. This highly reactive species rapidly interacts with surrounding small molecules and ions to form established disinfectants such as ozone and hypochlorite. By harnessing a photochemical trigger to generate these reactive disinfectants in situ, the approach offers a potentially light-activated, chemistry-driven alternative to conventional disinfection methods.
The value proposition centers on using light as an activation mechanism to drive disinfectant generation, which could enable targeted, on-demand surface treatment. The research team plans to synthesize custom molecules with tailored photophysical properties and solubility, leveraging prior expertise in photodeoxygenation chemistry. Subsequent biological testing will evaluate antimicrobial performance using established microbiological assays.
Technical specifications
Mechanism of action:
- Organic molecules undergo photodeoxygenation upon light exposure, releasing atomic oxygen
- Atomic oxygen reacts rapidly with surrounding molecules and ions to generate secondary disinfectants
- Secondary disinfectants include ozone and hypochlorite, both well-characterized antimicrobial agents
Development approach:
- Design and synthesis of molecules with desired photophysical properties for efficient photodeoxygenation
- Optimization of solubility characteristics to enable practical formulation and surface application
- Molecule design informed by the principal investigator's prior published research in photodeoxygenation
- Biological validation using three complementary methods: disk diffusion assays, turbidity assays, and surface application assays
Project timeline:
- 6 to 12 months for molecule design, synthesis, and characterization
- 6 months for biological testing and efficacy evaluation
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early research stage. The hypothesis is supported by established photochemistry of photodeoxygenation and the known disinfectant properties of ozone and hypochlorite. Future validation work will synthesize purpose-designed molecules and evaluate their antimicrobial effectiveness through standardized biological assays. The project is currently seeking funding to support materials costs and key personnel. The research is conducted at Saint Louis University, which provides centralized core facilities and research computing support to advance the project toward proof-of-concept demonstration.
About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a private Jesuit research university with comprehensive academic programs and an expanding research portfolio across urban and health‑sciences campuses in Midtown St. Louis. Industry engages through co‑located hospital and clinical environments that enable observational studies, trials, and access to diverse patient populations, supported by centralized core facilities and research computing. The university’s location in a dense innovation economy—near major corporate R&D, a mature startup district, and the region’s emerging geospatial corridor—facilitates sponsored research, internships, and joint development. Research activity is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP management, licensing, and startup support with streamlined contracting for industry partners.
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