A novel class of iodine technology has been developed producing iodophors in many product forms that control release iodine in minute, biocompatible quantities resulting in sanitizing products with superior biocidal efficacy, and lower toxicity than many traditional biocidal agents. Iodine is of natural origin and already present in our bodies.
My name is Solomon Rosenblatt, a biomedical chemist with more than 50 years experience in medical device development. I first became interested in the antimicrobial properties of iodine while working with the Apollo Mission program, where I focused on lateral infection control among the astronauts in the space capsule and moon surface contamination. Decades later, being familiar with the broad spectrum antimicrobial properties of iodine, I became aware of the problem of increasing drug resistance to many microbes from antibiotic overuse. This led me to develop a more effective biocompatible antimicrobial bandage to treat resistant wound infections. This dressing was approved by the FDA and is distributed by Medline, branded as “IoPlex” with satisfactory acceptance with rapidly growing sales over 2 years of marketing.
The antimicrobial properties of this innovation and its added capability for treating biofilms (resistant bacteria) in general, is an important contribution to today's microbial environment. Improved effectiveness against biofilms could be an special advantage for a household sanitizer, on masks or other medical instruments.
A novel class of iodine technology has been developed producing iodophors in many product forms that control release iodine in minute, biocompatible quantities resulting in sanitizing products with superior biocidal efficacy, and lower toxicity than many traditional biocidal agents. Iodine is of natural origin and already present in our bodies. The broad spectrum effectiveness of iodine against both gram positive/negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and some spores is well known. These new iodophors are based on iodine combined with special organics, controlling its release to safe levels, enabling formulation into antimicrobial sponges, liquids, powders, first aid gels and creams, and super absorbent wound healing dressings, inks and dyes. A common characteristic of these iodophor based products is that they turn color as their iodine content is depleted, indicating both confidence in functionality and time for replacement.
Inspired by the needs of the COVID-19 epidemic, a novel re-usable sanitizing sponge foam wipe was developed utilizing another version of this same technology. However, EPA and FDA requirements limited its distribution after a successful local market study and rapid sales. This antimicrobial soft absorbent sponge was initially intended for hand sanitizing (instead of alcohol gels), but customers also found it useful to wipe down home surfaces (faucets, counter tops, door knobs, handles, etc). They noted special appreciation that the wipe changed color indicating when its iodine content was depleted so that they knew when they should replace the wipe to maintain effectiveness. The response was very satisfactory both from sampling and limited sales.
Current development status
Finished technologies
Intellectual property status
Other forms of protection
The technologies scale up and applications are provisionally patented. If P&G has interest in applying these technologies to its sanitizing needs, FDA data, log reduction times, list of microorganisms treated, lab studies, and samples are available. For example, attached is a photo of a quick conception of a selectively printed disposable paper towel with antimicrobial “ink,” emphasizing the Bounty logo, as well as a photo of packaging for our pandemic project: The IoWipe. Other adaptations of the technology in development are on site water purification, use in filters for sanitizing air, and antimicrobial surfacing of wall coverings, face masks and gloves. Included in the attachments are some of the original slides from a pitch deck we developed in connection to this product, as well as other images you may find useful.
Desired business relationship
Technology selling
Joint ventures
Adaptation of technology to other markets
My name is Solomon Rosenblatt, a biomedical chemist with more than 50 years’ experience in medical device development.
In the early 1960s my job was with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company, building a space capsule for the Apollo program. Fuel cells were necessary for power so I invented insulating separators to prevent overheating and membranes to make the fuel cell waste water potable. I then developed a self-sealing device to close potential meteorite holes in fuel cell radiators.
In 1964 I invented a porous Teflon membrane called Zitex and joined Chemplast Corporation as Director of Research. The company was eventually sold. I next founded Polytech Company to refine Teflon waste. There were many uses for filters, including Teflon filters for poison gas detection by the U.S. Navy.
Continuing with my interest in the medical field, I developed semi-permeable membranes for heart-lung machines. Johnson & Johnson (J&J) brought in Dr. Brian Bellhouse from the University of Oxford to provide an oxygenator for my membranes. Meanwhile, Electro-Catheter Corporation used my expertise in diagnostic catheter development.
In the 1970s, reading about J&J’s legal difficulties due to lint from gauze left behind in surgery, I invented a lint-free sponge. I called it Merocel, based on Dr. Christopher Wilson’s polyvinyl alcohol sponge chemistry, and founded Merocel Corporation. The company grew to one hundred employees in Mystic, Connecticut. With world-wide sales, the company was purchased by MedTronic in the 1990s. The facility that manufactures this product today makes a variety of different kinds of surgical sponge products. These products make procedures safer due to the product’s significant improvements over gauze and by providing a cleaner operational site. Thirty years later, what was created as Merocel, is still used for many medical applications especially for cataract and other microsurgery.
My growing awareness of the increasing drug resistance among microbes due to antibiotic overuse in animals and humans, led me to develop a biocompatible antimicrobial bandage for chronic wounds that would not heal due to resistant microbes. This bandage, now called IoPlex, is distributed by MedLine. It is currently used to heal thousands of patients who previously had no other option but to nurse their chronic wounds for years and remain compromised and vulnerable.
I am very proud of my Merocel and IoPlex developments, but the invention of which I am proudest is the anti-microbial IoWipe, which I am proposing to you, a consumer application of the wound care bandage in the form of a wipe, as well as the next generation of this technology in the forms of iodine-based inks, dyes and other products.
In 2017 I was inducted into The Science History Institute, which collects and documents the stories of innovators and scientific discoveries that have shaped our lives in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences.
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