Application development & testing for surfactans and products for infection control

Supported by an EIC Transition Grant, PureSurf has developed more than 70 novel surfactants using our patent pending synthesis platform, including anionic, cationic, zwitterionic & non-ionic surfactants. The synthetic flexibility of our platform is only possible by embracing the inherent complexity of renewables -such as highly functionalised bio-based aromatics- & by using them as spacers between the polar head- & the non-polar tail group to form the final surfactant structure.

Gratifyingly, e.g. one of our zwitterionic surfactants achieves 10% lower surface tension (water-air), 8x lower interfacial tension (water-oil) with 6x higher foam stability, up to 17x lower critical micelle concentration, at ¼ of the acute toxicity to invertebrates (A. fischeri) compared to the commercially most relevant zwitterionic surfactant. All these factors together have the potential to significantly reduce the surfactant loading in the final product, thereby decreasing both the carbon footprint & environmental burden.

Similarly, the inherent antimicrobial properties of lignin & it building blocks obtainable via various depolymerisation techniques, have been exploited to produce novel renewable cationic disinfectants. By carefully evaluating the interactions between bacteria & surfactants, particularly the mode of action, we optimized their synthesis for improved activities. This led to the discovery of novel hit-to-lead candidates with a broad antimicrobial spectrum, effectively combating both Gram-positive & Gram-negative bacteria, including key hospital pathogens like MRSA. Here, we manage to even outcompete traditional disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride, CTAB & chlorhexidine under real-life conditions, with a reduced risk for resistance development due to a fast & non- specific mode of action.

We are now interested in learning more about the challenges in the healthcare sector regarding cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation and how our platform/products can make a positive contribution.