Development of Reactive Topical Skin Protectants Against Sulfur, Mustard, and Nerve Agents

The potential of Destructive Adsorbent Technology (DAT) to detoxify sulfur mustard and nerve agents has been demonstrated in the laboratory. DAT employs a new class of reactive adsorbent materials, known as nanoparticles, to detoxify such hazardous substances by removing halogen or phosphorous elements from them. Developed at Kansas State University, DAT has been licensed to Nantek, Inc. for further development and commercialization. Most of the prior work focused on use of DAT as an alternative to high temperature incineration for the bulk destruction of organophosphorus and chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds. This proposal seeks to build on the prior research, and extend it to use of reactive nanoparticles in a base cream for skin protection against chemical agents. The proposed work will focus on: (1) confimation of nanoparticle efficacy at skin surface temperatures, particularly rates of reaction; (2) calibration of the reaction kinetics of mimic compounds relative to real chemical agents; (3) confirmation of chemical and physical compatibility of nanoparticles with the skin cream matrix; and (4) preliminary testing of prototypical skin cream products to confirm nanoparticle reactivity is sustained. The proposed research, if successful, would enable work to: (a) optimize nanoparticle design and synthesis for protective skin applications; (b) design and develop a specific protective skin cream delivery system incorporating nanoparticles; and (c) develop other military and civilian applications for protection of personnel against hazardous chemical substances.