Project Grant R41AI197639

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded Chitozan Health, LLC $320,600 on September 1, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop innovative flame-retardant antimicrobial textiles for healthcare and protective applications.

Chitozan Health will develop a dual-function textile finish combining antimicrobial and flame-retardant properties by leveraging chitosan and 0.25-micron silver chloride particles. The work involves phosphorylating chitosan hydroxyl groups and integrating phosphate ions into silver chloride crystal lattice through novel precipitation chemistry, followed by evaluation of coated materials for antimicrobial efficacy, durability, and flame resistance against regulatory standards. The recipient will scale up to a pilot coating machine and assess manufacturing feasibility.

The research targets applications in medical facilities, military field hospitals, children's clothing, and nursing homes. The project builds on prior work demonstrating that the antimicrobial finish kills harmful bacteria and airborne fungus while preventing microbial resistance development—a property critical to combating antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Current flame-retardant textile finishes face EPA scrutiny for potential health and environmental toxicity, making a safer alternative with dual functionality commercially relevant.

The University of Georgia serves as a research partner. Work is performed in Rochester, New York, with performance concluding August 31, 2027. The award is classified as a Project Grant, an assistance type supporting research on infectious diseases and related areas.