Glycerin Based Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Nanowires

Introduction

Currently, there is a rising problem of antibiotic resistance due to certain bacteria exhibiting immunity. Also, there are no completely efficient treatments or vaccines to prevent or treat viral diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, and human papillomavirus.

Invention Description

This technology employs silver nanoparticles and nanowires as biocides to replace some current antibiotics. Glycerin is used to produce these nanoparticles, and provides the medium into which the silver can dissolve.

Benefits

• Glycerin is versatile
• The silver used has biocidal properties
• Glycerin is biocompatible with the human body
• Glycerin is a GRAS (FDA term meaning "generally regarded as safe") compound
• Inexpensive operating conditions
• Nanoparticles are stable and display no risk

Features

• The glycerin used acts as a solvent and a reducing agent.
• Silver particles are completely and evenly dispersed in glycerin.

Market Potential/Applications

This technology can be applied to nanoparticles and nanowires comprised of gold, copper, iron, palladium, platinum, alloys composed of these metals, and various metal oxides. Further, this technology can be used in physical, biological, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. Finally, a wide range of applications exist due to the glycerin used in this technology. These include, but are not limited to, antiseptics, paints, plastics, suspensions, gels, and soaps.

IP Status

One U.S. Patent Application filed
One PCT Application filed

UT Researcher

Miguel Jose Yacaman, Ph. D., Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin

For further information please contact

University os texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu