COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE: BIO-SAFE BIO-BASED ANTI-VIRAL DISINFECTANT FOGGING TECHNOLOGY

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The University of Missouri-Rolla1 and the U.S. Department of Defense conducted extensive research from 2003-2012concerning the efficacy of utilizing methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel), a derivative of soybean and other vegetable oils, as a decontaminant released through a fogging machine to impact bacteria and pathogens present in business and agricultural operations, including viruses. This technology showed tremendous promise as a safe, natural, and highly effective broad-spectrum disinfectant for applications in nearly any type of enclosed structure that may have been contaminated with a virus or nearly any other pathogen. Data indicate the chemistry to be effective at concentrations safe for humans and should have no impact on sensitive electronics. This proposal is seeking funding for phase 1 of the commercialization of this technology to build on the existing data and to get the technology registered and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The total funding amount requested is $100,000.00. The proposal's technology will have tremendous impacts and benefits to rural and urban health locally, nationally, and potentially globally. In addition, market implications will positively affect the economy. The technology will allow institutions and businesses the ability to decontaminate bacterial and viral pathogens in their establishments. Such establishments will vary and may include hospitals, nursing homes, universities and retail businesses. This technology will significantly reduce the vulnerabilities of rural communities from hazards and illnesses, is innovative and has the potential to lead to commercialization. The proposed innovative technology meets both the goals of the USDA and the purpose of the SBIR legislation by transforming scientific discovery and innovation into both social and economic benefit. Once established, the technology can be rapidly deployed for private sector commercialization. The aim of the SBIR project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the technology bringing the innovation closer to commercialization. The project involves a high degree of technical risk, as emphasized in the Request for Proposal as the technology does not yet successfully have a patent and is facing hurdles that funding can help overcome. The project will be led by Joe Jobe of Rock House Advisors LLC. Joe Jobe's professional profile can be seen under the leadership tab at www.rockhouse.us. Jobe has led or coordinated with the development of research on soy methyl esters for the last two decades. The project has a high probability of advancing to the second phase of the SBIR.