U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center, Food Technology
| name |
email |
phone |
|
| Christopher J Doona |
christopher.j.doona.civ@army.mil |
508-206-3970 |
Effector-driven oxidation-reduction reactions are uniquely complex in terms of chemical kinetics and mechanisms through the involvement of electron transfer reactions and reactive intermediates that take place on-site, at-will, and near neutral pH without electrical power or flames. Such chemistry has progressed from the laboratory to an array of embodiments that have found commercial applications (Novel Chemical Combination) that were used at the epicenter of the Ebola crisis in West Africa during Operation United Assistance. These reactions have the potential to act as environmentally friendly chemical heaters to replace the Flameless Ration Heater for individual meals, but which also evolves copious (and hazardous) hydrogen gas. Another embodiment, "D-FEND ALL" (Disinfectant for ENvironmentally-friendly Decontamination, ALL-purpose) controllably produces chlorine dioxide to kill microbes and decontaminate bacterial spores (surrogates for the bio-weapon Anthrax, Bacillus anthraces spores) on textiles, individual protective garments, and equipment. D-FENDA ALL can also be used to disinfect graywater and render potable water. Other embodiments include (1) the Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS) and (2) "D-FENS" (Disinfectant-sprayer for Foods and Environmentally-friendly Sanitation). The PCS is a lightweight, energy-independent, plastic suitcase that conveniently sterilizes surgical instruments (in stringent conditions) or disinfects fresh fruits and vegetables (in mild conditions). D-FENS creates chlorine dioxide on-site, at-will in a collapsible, reusable plastic spray bottle and conveniently sprays-on and wipes-off bacteria on surfaces in Medical Units, Army Field Kitchens and Navy Galleys, textiles and shelters, and showers and latrines to ensure the safety of the Soldier. Another embodiment is called the "CoD" (Compartment of Defense) that generates low levels of chlorine dioxide in-containers to extend the safe shelf-life of fresh produce, or to prevent mold growth on textiles and parchute components during storage to remove dampness. This research has led to published books and chapters, peer-reviewed articles and reviews, numerous patents, Technology Transfer with commercial industry, other government agencies, and academia, and awards from NSRDEC, the Department of the Army, the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Excellence in Technology Transfer, and the Institute of Food Technologists. Improving the understanding of the complex reaction kinetics and mechanisms furnishes insight for exploiting these as novel technologies for the Army in chemical and biological defense, textiles, water disinfectant, and more!
Chlorine dioxide; "D-FENS"; Portable chemical sterilizer; "D-FEND ALL"; Novel chemical combination; Compartment of Defense CoD; Thermochemistry; Surface chemistry;