Methods for forming stabilized metal salt particles

A process comprising

• a. forming a first solution comprising at least one carbonate salt precursor;
• b. forming a second solution comprising a complex formed from at least one zinc metal agent and at least one dispersing agent in a particle size stabilizing effective amount;
• c. adding said second solution to said first solution at a rate sufficient to maintain a clear solution throughout addition and to form a product solution comprising stabilized metal salt particles having a mean particle size of less than about 200 nm;
• d. drying said product solution to form Zn(CO3)2 antimicrobial metal salt powder comprising 0.01 to about 10 weight % Zn in the antimicrobial metal salt powder.