Washing Away the Worries About Germs

About this technology

Overview

Microcide was introduced to NASA through the Glenn Research Center-sponsored Garrett Morgan Commercialization Initiative (GMCI), a program for small, minority- and woman-owned businesses that can benefit from NASA resources. As a result of this meeting, Microcide was welcomed to join the NASA Food Technology for Commercial Space Center as an affiliate partner, with sponsorship from GMCI. As an affiliate partner, the company interacted with personnel from Johnson Space Center and learned that there was a need for a safe and non-toxic, biodegradable, microbicidal product to disinfect fresh fruit and vegetables for Space Shuttle crews. Microcide developed PRO-SAN, a technology comprised of safe sanitizing agents that could possibly be used as a disinfectant. A NASA-commissioned study proved the potential of PRO-SAN as a safe, stable, and biodegradable product for use in space; however, at the time, it was only available as a concentrated powder and a ready-to-use liquid. The powder is difficult to handle in zero gravity and the use of liquid presents increased payloads for flights. NASA and Microcide decided that the alternative would be to have the PRO-SAN powder concentrate available as a water-soluble package. Once this package is dropped in water, it can be stirred until it dissolves, creating a ready-to-use sanitizer. Based on this research, Microcide has perfected a food-grade soluble packaging design for use on Earth. A ready-made spray bottle formula is also available.