Surfaces with Instant and Persistent Antimicrobial Efficacy

Surfaces in our environment contaminated with bacteria and viruses contribute to the transmission and spread of a range of infectious diseases, and pose a significant threat to global public health. For example, the long-term stability of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on virtually all contacting surfaces has in part fueled the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Modern day disinfection either relies on fast-acting, yet impermanent, liquid-, vapor- or radiation-based disinfection techniques, or slower-acting, passive antimicrobial surfaces based on heavy metals or metal alloys. There is currently no surface that can provide instant and persistent antimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses. In this work, we are developing a new class of surfaces based on naturally occurring antimicrobial molecules which are capable of rapid disinfection of different pathogens within minutes, while maintaining persistent efficacy over several months and under extreme environmental duress.

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Project ID: 1052