Repurposing fluorophores as photochemical disinfectants for home surfaces
A photochemical disinfection technology that reformulates low-cost commercial fluorophores in surfactants or solvents for enhanced penetration into household surfaces. UV or visible light activation generates reactive oxygen species that are antimicrobial against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, offering a light-activated, spatiotemporally controlled alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants.
Overview
This technology repurposes commercially available, low-cost fluorophores as light-activated disinfectants for home surfaces. By reformulating fluorophores in surfactants and/or solvents, the technology enables enhanced penetration into common household materials. When activated by UV or visible light, the fluorophores generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are highly antimicrobial against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The approach leverages existing expertise in phototoxicity, photosensitizer design, and nano-formulation to deliver a spatiotemporally controlled disinfection solution that targets pathogens on surfaces while sparing surrounding areas.
Technical specifications
Core mechanism:
- Fluorophores are activated by UV/visible light to produce reactive oxygen species that inactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact surfaces
- Nano-formulation in surfactants and/or solvents improves delivery, photochemical properties, and safety of the fluorophores
- Light-based activation allows precise spatial and temporal control over disinfection
Key capabilities under development:
- Reformulation of lead fluorophores in consumer-appropriate surfactants and solvents
- Measurement of photostability, quenching, and photobleaching behavior of formulated fluorophores
- Evaluation of nano-formulation impact on fluorophore delivery and singlet oxygen yield
- Characterization of light sources commonly present in homes for compatibility testing
Potential applications:
- Surface disinfection in residential and consumer environments
- Light-controlled antimicrobial treatment for high-touch surfaces
- Potential extension to healthcare, public, and institutional settings
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early research and development stage. The underlying science of fluorophore phototoxicity and nano-formulation has been studied in the context of tissue-based applications, and the team is now extending this work toward consumer surface disinfection. Planned validation activities include formulating lead fluorophores in home-appropriate surfactant and solvent systems, characterizing photochemical performance, and measuring singlet oxygen yield over an estimated one-year timeframe. The team is seeking a partnership that can provide support in identifying suitable surfactants and solvents, supplying equipment for characterizing household light sources, and funding for supplies, reagents, and key personnel.
About University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is the state's flagship public research university in College Park, serving a large student body and offering comprehensive academic and research programs. Industry engages through an adjacent research park, shared prototyping facilities, and dedicated corporate partnership channels, plus joint pathways to a medical campus for clinical and regulatory engagement. Its Washington–Baltimore location places partners near federal agencies, national labs, and prime contractors, while a statewide extension network supports collaboration with companies. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, NASA, and USDA, and coordinated commercialization services advance IP, startup formation, licensing, and industry-sponsored research.
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