OVERVIEW

We're looking for a replacement for triclosan, a popular anti-microbial agent used for more than 20 years in a variety of household products.

BACKGROUND

Triclosan -- 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol)- is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial and anti-fungal that has been used for more than 20 years in plastics (notably polyolefins), detergents, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants, and cosmetics. Concentrations in such products have run below 0.5%. Nevertheless, triclosan has been found in breast milk, indicating that it is widely present in the environment.

The substance is often combined with a co-polymer and formed into kitchen tools and surfaces that resist microbial infection, rather than being used to treat infections or to disinfect. It also acts as a preservative and anti-microbial in cosmetics. It works by attacking enzymes that build the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell membranes.

Because triclosan is built into many objects, any replacement anti-microbial needs substantial thermal stability to withstand manufacturing temperatures (polymer melt temperatures, for example, during molding), UV stability, and compatibility with anionic detergents.

Ideally, your replacement for triclosan will be "green", sustainable, broad spectrum, and cause no color change or odor in the product to which it is applied.

CONSTRAINTS

• Safe, with safety and toxicity data to back up your claims.

• Should offer a broad-spectrum anti-microbial preservative that can be used in a wide variety of household products both when used for personal care and when formed into products such as utensils and countertops. The replacement for triclosan as used in soaps and detergents may be distinct from the triclosan replacement used in materials protection. There could easily be a different solution for each application.

• Should withstand manufacturing temperatures.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION AREAS

Biocides, antimicrobials. Preservatives.
Chemically engineered compounds.