New biocide compounds to fight against hospital infections

Developing new disinfection strategies is considered a priority for infection-control members in order to eliminate microorganisms from high-risk areas in hospitals and prevent infections in patients and workers. To develop an effective, long-lasting solution the plastics technology centre (AIMPLAS) is part of the project called “Multicide”, which is funded by the Valencian Innovation Agency (AVI).

Multifunctional biocide compounds with increased antibacterial activity

The project’s objective is to develop an innovative proposal to obtain multifunctional biocide compounds with increased effectiveness against bacteria, fungi and viruses, and to provide longer periods with aseptic conditions. The project, therefore, studies the effectiveness of combining disinfecting agents, immediate-action biocidal polymers and nanostructured materials that allow for gradual, controlled release of encapsulated disinfecting molecules.

The project is led by the company Betelgeux-Christeyns, which plans to launch the final product on the market. Other entities are also participating, including researchers from the chemistry technology institute (ITQ, a UPV-CSIC joint centre); the materials technology institute (UPV) and the La Fe research institute.

More infos can be found on AIMPLAS’s website.

Book tip

The comprehensive textbook Microbicides in Coatings provides a extensive overview of the working mechanisms and possible applications of microbicides for coatings and helps formulators and technicians as well as business people with a basic knowledge of chemistry and biology.