Environmentally friendly against germs and bacteria

All the more I appreciate antimicrobial surfaces. Thus, unwanted microorganisms can be eliminated reliably and infections through transmission can be avoided using an appropriate coating on metal, ceramic, glass and polymer materials, for instance in hospitals, sanitary installations or cooling units.

Even better are coatings and also adhesives and sealants with both antimicrobial and environmentally friendly characteristics – bearing in mind that regulations on the use of biocides are increasingly strict.

I found two interesting projects on environmentally friendly antimicrobial surfaces when I looked through the latest research news.

Across borders: “Sustainable Surfaces & Membranes”

The research project “Sustainable Surfaces & Membranes (S²M)”, initiated by Netzwerk Oberfläche NRW in Germany, involves 19 partners located in the Netherlands and Germany. The projected focusing on the development of antimicrobial surfaces and membrane technology was kicked off only recently in Enschede.

Martin Gründkemeyer, Geschäftsführer Netzwerk Oberfläche NRW, emphasises that the parties involved do not use conventional biocides and heavy metals in order to obtain antimicrobial surfaces. Alternatively, intrinsic antimicrobial polymers and high-energy nanoparticles are being analysed and developed further depending on the application.   

Antimicrobial coatings from China

Matching the topic, I found this news on the internet: “Synthesis of chitosan copolymers as antimicrobial coatings for leather”. 

Scientist from Sichuan University in China have developed an antimicrobial polymeric coating for leather surfaces that is both economic and ecological. Chitosan copolymers are used for this water-based coating in order to fight degradation and bad smells.

I’m looking forward to hear more about these two projects. Are you, too?