Germany. Researchers at Leibniz's Institute for New Materials (INM) have produced abrasion-resistant antimicrobial coatings with silver and copper colloids with a long-term effect that reliably kill germs while preventing germs from establishing themselves. Coatings are particularly suitable for application on large, solid surfaces, door handles and textiles.
"The new development combines two properties that mean the presence of germs and fungi on these surfaces is zero," explained Carsten Becker-Willinger, Chief of Nanomer's Program Division.
Silver or copper colloids that gradually release germicidal metal ions into the environment are incorporated into the coating. "Metal colloids are only a few nanometers in size, but their size ratio on the surface produces a distinctive long-term effect. The 'consumption' of metals to metal ions is now so low that the coating can be effective for several years," the chemist said.
The long-term effect will also be increased by the high abrasion resistance. At the same time, the surface of the coating is anti-adhesive, so that neither dead nor fresh germs can adhere to the surface. As a result, the coating mainly counteracts the formation of extensive biofilm.
The researchers were able to demonstrate the dual microbicidal and biofilm-inhibiting action using the standardized ASTM E2 180 assay process. The new material can be applied to a variety of substrates such as plastic, ceramic or metal using conventional techniques such as spraying or immersion, and is thermally or photochemically cured.
