Spray-on antimicrobial qac-cellulose nanomaterial coating for extended surface disinfection
Nanocellutions offers a plant-based, biodegradable spray coating using quaternary ammonium chloride cellulose nanomaterials (QAC-CNM) that reduces microbial growth on high-touch surfaces by over 90% for at least two weeks. The non-toxic, EPA List-N-based formulation can be tuned for diverse surfaces and is advancing toward ASTM-standard validation for healthcare, public, and food packaging applications.
Overview
Nanocellutions LLC has developed a spray-on antimicrobial coating based on quaternary ammonium chloride cellulose nanomaterials (QAC-CNM). The technology leverages plant-derived cellulose combined with EPA List-N approved QAC disinfectants to create a hydrophilic surface coating that significantly reduces microbial viability on contact. In preliminary field testing on over 25 high-traffic locations such as doorknobs and elevator buttons, the coating achieved greater than 90% reduction in bacterial counts, with efficacy persisting for at least two weeks under ambient conditions. The solution is biodegradable, non-toxic, and designed to deliver consistent disinfectant performance across varied surface types.
Technical specifications
- Active ingredient chemistry: Quaternary ammonium chloride compounds from the EPA List-N approved disinfectants, attached to cellulose nanomaterials through ionic and covalent bonding, confirmed by FTIR and NMR analysis.
- Formulation flexibility: Spray composition can be tuned by adjusting the type and amount of active ingredients to control disinfectant effectiveness, gas permeability, and hydrophilicity.
- Surface compatibility: Designed for even coating distribution across diverse surfaces, including metals and potentially food products such as bananas, where effects on color, smell, firmness, and fermentation can be evaluated.
- Biodegradability and safety: Plant-based cellulose nanomaterial backbone has been shown to break down naturally and is non-toxic in mammalian models, supporting safe handling and environmental compatibility.
- Antimicrobial mechanism: Hydrophilic QAC-CNM surfaces interact with microbes to significantly reduce viability upon contact.
Technology readiness level
The QAC-CNM coating chemistry has been validated through spectroscopic characterization (FTIR and NMR), and preliminary antimicrobial swab assays on real-world high-traffic surfaces have demonstrated over 90% microbial reduction sustained for two weeks. Planned next-stage validation includes ASTM E2180-18 standard testing for antimicrobial activity on surfaces, extended-duration efficacy studies, and application testing on food packaging substrates. The technology is currently advancing through regulatory certification requirements in the United States, with scaleup manufacturing preparation underway. A one-year validation timeline is anticipated to confirm extended performance and broaden application readiness.
About Nanocellutions LLC
Nanocellutions LLC is a Northwest Arkansas-based startup that develops natural, nontoxic, and biodegradable products using plant-based resources and advanced nanotechnology. Founded in April 2020 by John P. Moore II, the company utilizes patent-pending technology licensed from the University of Arkansas. Their team of scientists focuses on research and development aimed at creating sustainable alternatives for everyday applications, leveraging local renewable resources to reduce waste and pollution.
The company is currently working to establish necessary testing requirements for regulatory certification in the United States and is preparing for scaleup manufacturing to reach large-scale distribution. By integrating cellulose- and nanotechnology-based research, Nanocellutions aims to create a cleaner, greener future while fostering job growth in the region. Their business model emphasizes the use of renewable materials to drive innovation in sustainable product development.
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