Southwest Research Institute 2006 Annual Report, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering

Southwest Research Institute applies chemistry and engineering technologies to address complex homeland security, health, safety and environmental challenges. Our scientists and engineers work with government and industry clients to develop new chemical products or processes, address environmental concerns and investigate the chemical properties or flammability of existing products and materials.

In 2007, we successfully developed the process to produce a new broad-spectrum nerve agent antidote for the Department of Defense, and we are currently developing clinical supplies to support Phase 1 clinical trials. Follow-on efforts will investigate microencapsulation techniques to stabilize ingredients for a long shelf life under a broad range of conditions and to deploy the antidote through an autoinjector (drugdelivery.swri.org).

SwRI is breaking new ground in microencapsulation, using high-temperature thermoplastic melts, molten metals and air-sensitive materials and developing microfluidic encapsulation techniques to produce uniformly sized monodispersed micro-particles for pharmaceutical, microelectronic and micromechanical applications (microencapsulation.swri.org).

Our scientists are developing nanoparticulate delivery systems formulated in topical creams as a therapeutic strategy for viruses. For a virus to proliferate in the human body, it sends messenger RNA to signal host cells to start generating disease proteins. RNA-silencing nanoparticles could prevent the messenger RNA from being translated into proteins or, if they perfectly match a target sequence, mark the messenger RNA for destruction.

Collaborating with food manufacturers, SwRI developed novel nanoencapsulation and nanoparticle stabilization techniques for nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, including a technique to create water-insoluble nutraceutical additives suitable for clear beverages.

The Institute is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on an internal research program to model and develop chemical attractants and inhibitors to control mosquito populations. While billions of dollars are spent annually vaccinating for and treating mosquito-borne illnesses, the most effective route for controlling these diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.

In 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency will require all public water systems to monitor and verify that their water is free of the pollutants outlined in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation. The Institute is one of a limited number of laboratories participating in the analytical validation approval process to conduct UCMR water monitoring and analysis.

As part of our longstanding, comprehensive fire technology program, SwRI houses one of three facilities in the U.S. capable of conducting large-scale fire testing with heat release rates in excess of 25 megawatts. The facility accommodates a growing performance evaluation program for sprinkler systems and smoke detectors used in warehouses, chemical plants and office buildings (fire.swri.org).

We also established new capabilities to conduct mattress flame spread tests to help manufacturers meet a new federal regulation. In addition, SwRI's ISO 17025 testing laboratory accreditation expanded to include two new categories, fire suppression and smoke toxicity, and we added 70 new test designations.

For more than 25 years, SwRI has supported Army efforts to destroy chemical munitions stockpiles, conducting workplace and air monitoring of destruction facilities. In 2007, our chemists assisted the U.S. Army by analyzing heavy metals in blister agents destined for incineration at a chemical disposal facility in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to ensure compliance with environmental emission limits for agent destruction. SwRI also received a contract to support the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility at Newport, Indiana.

Copyright© 2007 by Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved under U.S. Copyright Law and International Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to the Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, phone (210) 522-3305, fax (210) 522-3547.