Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions including a vacancy-engineered (VE)-ZnO nanocomposite, methods of making a composition, methods of using a composition, and the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions including a vacancy-engineered (VE)-ZnO nanocomposite, methods of making a composition, methods of using a composition, and the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions including a vacancy-engineered (VE)-ZnO nanocomposite, methods of making a composition, methods of using a composition, and the like.

A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil.

A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil.

The present invention provides microcapsules encapsulating hydrophilic or hydrophobic active agents in an inorganic shell, processes for their preparation and compositions comprising them.

The present invention provides microcapsules encapsulating hydrophilic or hydrophobic active agents in an inorganic shell, processes for their preparation and compositions comprising them.

Spray formulations comprising metal nanoparticle agglomerates dispersed in an aerosolizable fluid medium may be utilized to promote disinfection of various types of surfaces and/or to facilitate reuse of masks and other types of personal protective equipment. The spray formulations may be dispensed using an aerosol propellant, or by mechanical pumping or gas compression. Metal nanoparticles, such as copper and/or silver nanoparticles, may be present in the spray formulations and aid in inactivating pathogens such as viruses and bacteria once the spray formulations have been deposited upon a surface. An adhesive may be present in the spray formulations to promote adherence of metal nanoparticle agglomerates to the surface.

Spray formulations comprising metal nanoparticle agglomerates dispersed in an aerosolizable fluid medium may be utilized to promote disinfection of various types of surfaces and/or to facilitate reuse of masks and other types of personal protective equipment. The spray formulations may be dispensed using an aerosol propellant, or by mechanical pumping or gas compression. Metal nanoparticles, such as copper and/or silver nanoparticles, may be present in the spray formulations and aid in inactivating pathogens such as viruses and bacteria once the spray formulations have been deposited upon a surface. An adhesive may be present in the spray formulations to promote adherence of metal nanoparticle agglomerates to the surface.

Spray formulations comprising metal nanoparticle agglomerates dispersed in an aerosolizable fluid medium may be utilized to promote disinfection of various types of surfaces and/or to facilitate reuse of masks and other types of personal protective equipment. The spray formulations may be dispensed using an aerosol propellant, or by mechanical pumping or gas compression. Metal nanoparticles, such as copper and/or silver nanoparticles, may be present in the spray formulations and aid in inactivating pathogens such as viruses and bacteria once the spray formulations have been deposited upon a surface. An adhesive may be present in the spray formulations to promote adherence of metal nanoparticle agglomerates to the surface.