Plasmonic Photocatalytic Disinfectant for Home Use
A visible-light-activated photocatalytic disinfectant combining a plasmonic photocatalyst with a low level of household chemical agent to generate chlorine dioxide and hydroxyl radicals for rapid antimicrobial action on soft and hard surfaces.
Overview
This solution offers a next-generation photocatalytic disinfectant designed for everyday home consumers. By combining a plasmonic photocatalyst with a small amount of a common household chemical agent in water, the formulation activates under visible light from standard household fluorescent lamps and LEDs. Upon illumination, the system generates two powerful sanitizing radicals—chlorine dioxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals—that work together to kill microorganisms on contact. The result is a fast-acting, easy-to-use disinfectant that can be applied to both soft and hard surfaces, including fabric, glass, and steel.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Plasmonic photocatalyst combined with a low concentration of a household chemical agent in an aqueous solution
- Surface plasmon resonance extends light absorption into the visible-light range, enabling activation by common home light sources such as fluorescent lamps and LEDs
- Generates chlorine dioxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals under light irradiation for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Synthesized from inexpensive, commercially available precursors for cost-effective production
- Applicable as a spray or wipe to soft surfaces (fabric) and hard surfaces (glass, steel)
- Designed for rapid disinfection, with a target efficacy of greater than 99% microbial kill within 15 minutes
Technology readiness level
The project team has prior experience synthesizing and characterizing multiple plasmonic photocatalysts and has demonstrated visible-light absorption and controllable radical generation. Antimicrobial testing expertise is also established within the team. Planned next steps include developing a scalable synthesis protocol, full physicochemical characterization (composition, crystal structure, optical band gap), identification of generated radicals, and disinfectant efficacy studies using E. coli and MRSA strains via minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Surface testing on fabric, glass, and steel with and without light is also planned to confirm performance targets. The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development, progressing toward formulation optimization and validation for consumer applications.
About University of Massachusetts, Amherst
UMass Amherst is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, with a large student body and a robust research enterprise. Industry engagement centers on company access to an integrated network of shared core facilities and co-located labs, with options for on‑site residency in an adjacent research and technology park. A dedicated industry partnerships team streamlines sponsored research, material transfer, and confidentiality agreements and connects partners to faculty expertise, prototyping, and pilot‑scale testing. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A technology transfer office advises on IP strategy, manages licensing, and supports new venture formation.
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