Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Melissa A Manuszak-Guerrini

William H Daly

Doris A Culberson

3-trimethylammonium-2-hydroxypropyl-N-chitosan (CHI-Q188) and related chitosan derivatives exhibit antimicrobial activity at concentrations as low as 10-20 &mgr;g/mL, an order of magnitude lower than the concentrations at which any previous chitosan derivative has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity. These compounds may be used as preservatives in cosmetic formulations, and as antimicrobial pharmaceutical agents.

Biocidal chitosan derivatives

Water-soluble quaternary ammonium cellulosic derivatives of controlled charge density are disclosed. These derivatives are useful in cosmetic preparations, such as hair and skin formulations, for example hair conditioners. These quaternized cellulosic derivatives are useful as thickeners, conditioners, film formers, fixatives, emulsifiers, or additives in hair or skin formulations to improve combing, manageability, body, curl retention, moisture resistance, and binding of ingredients to keratin. Compared to existing agents, these compounds have improved temperature stability, improved interactions with surfactants (such as in shampoos), improved binding to keratin, improved mechanical properties, and can mend split ends on hair. A major advantage of these compounds is that they may be applied to hair directly from an aqueous solution, and do not require a volatile organic compound solvent as carrier. Alternatively, smaller amounts of VOC's may be used than is the case in current products, to improve drying times for the formulations. The compounds are also useful as antistatic agents, bactericides, flocculating agents, and as drug binding or drug delivery agents.

Growing community of inventors

Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America

Melissa A Manuszak-Guerrini