Plant pathogen-based hydroxyl radical disinfectant formulation

Overview

This research proposes a novel disinfectant formulation that harnesses the specialized extracellular hydroxyl radical (OH) production systems naturally found in plant pathogens. These systems, which certain plant pathogens use to damage host plant surfaces and create infection sites, can be enhanced through the addition of specific inorganic and organic compounds. The resulting formulation aims to deliver potent antimicrobial action suitable for disinfection applications.

The value proposition centers on using biologically derived hydroxyl radical production systems as the active mechanism, offering an alternative approach to conventional disinfectant chemistries. By isolating and formulating factors from pathogens responsible for rapid plant infections such as rust, smuts, powdery mildew, and root rots, the approach seeks to create effective antimicrobial compositions.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• Two distinct types of pelleted extracellular hydroxyl radical (OH) production systems derived from plant pathogens
• Enhanced lethality through mixture of inorganic and organic compounds
• Mode of action based on hydroxyl radical generation for microbial inactivation

Target microorganisms for validation:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacterium)
• Staphylococcus aureus (bacterium)
• Bacteriophage MS2 (virus surrogate)

Validation methodology:

• Antimicrobial formulations tested by application to glass slides with immobilized test microorganisms
• Comparative evaluation of different formulations containing varying combinations of pelleted OH production systems and enhancing compounds

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early research stage. Preliminary indications suggest that certain factors can enhance the lethality of extracellular hydroxyl radicals produced by plant pathogens. The principal investigator brings relevant prior experience in plant pathology, having worked on disease-causing agents responsible for rusts, smuts, powdery mildew, and root rots from 1986 to 1995, and has identified and isolated factors associated with rapid crop infection. Proposed next steps include systematic formulation evaluation against representative bacterial and viral targets using a standardized glass slide assay methodology.