Nanoemulsions Creating Method

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PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES Food disinfectant and sanitizer Sterilization of industrial equipment Decontamination of sprouting seeds Technology A novel method of creating acidified antimicrobial nanoemulsions utilizing spontaneous emulsion. This invention produces a food grade, label friendly, GRAS alternative to current caustic calcium hypochlorite or expensive pasteurization units by incorporating a natural essential oil and an organic acid into the aqueous phase. The utilization of an essential oil permeabilizes and depolarizes the cytoplasmic membrane while the organic acid has a direct impact on the intracellular pH of pathogens. This combination has been proven to be effective with significant log reductions of various pathogens on both food and non-food surfaces. The utilization of spontaneous emulsification allows for minimal equipment, nominal training, and low energy by employing the stored chemical energy of the system. Unlike current applications, this invention involves simple stirring rather than expensive homogenization equipment to produce small droplets with increased water solubility of the hydrophobic essential oils. The water-dispersible form of the essential oil is then able to act on any pathogens also present in the surrounding aqueous phase or at surfaces. AVAILABILITY: Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research DOCKET: UMA 16-001 PATENT STATUS: Patent Pending