As technology evolves, humans continue to improve and improvise new things. There are a wide variety of coatings available that can be used to cover a large number of surfaces. One example is antimicrobial coatings, which are a true gift of science. These coatings are made from composite materials that have many beneficial qualities. Yes, they can affect the appearance of a surface. But in addition, these coatings provide a great deal of protection and prevention. Antimicrobial coatings are also widely used to protect surfaces and the human body.
What is an antimicrobial coating?
Antimicrobial coatings use chemicals to stop the growth of pathogens through cell membrane perturbation. In layman’s terms, antimicrobial coatings are chemical agents applied to surfaces that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. In addition to improving the durability, appearance, and corrosion resistance of the surface, these coatings also protect against harmful disease-causing microorganisms.
What is the need for antibacterial coatings?
The fight against disease infection is a major issue for the global healthcare industry and there is an increasing need to protect surfaces from bacteria and microorganisms. This does not only apply to healthcare equipment/surfaces. The need is much broader. Everything from surfaces, equipment and walls, to textiles and food, is susceptible to microorganisms that can eventually be transmitted to humans. It is not always possible to clean, disinfect or use strong chemicals on surfaces to prevent bacterial growth. In this case, an antimicrobial coating seems to be the best option. It is a simple process of coating a surface with an antimicrobial agent, resulting in a safer and long-term solution.
How are antibacterial surfaces made?
Surfaces that hinder the growth of microorganisms can be obtained in two ways. The first method is physical modification, which involves material alteration and surface roughness. The second method involves chemical changes. Chemical changes include grafting of polymers, superhydrophobic surfaces, nanomaterials and the use of coatings. These include self-cleaning coatings and coatings with antibacterial additives.
What materials are used in antibacterial coatings?
- Graphene materials: Graphene materials consist of antimicrobial materials such as fullerenes, graphite, graphene oxide, pristine graphene flakes and graphite oxide. These materials affect the growth of microorganisms because they disrupt bacterial films, oxidative stress and microbial sequestration.
- Graphene-like 2D materials: Here, raw and chemically exfoliated MoS 2 sheets are used as graphene-like 2D materials due to their antimicrobial activity.
- Polycationic hydrogels: Polycationic hydrogels consist of antimicrobial hydrogels that are based on dimethyl-decylammonium chitosan-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. This material is believed to cause microbial death.
- Silver nanoparticles: Silver nanoparticles are bactericidal in the 1-10 nm range and are size dependent.
- Polymer brushes: Three types of polymer brushes are used in antimicrobial coatings: functionalized polymer brushes, brushes containing bactericidal polymers, and anti-fouling polymer brushes.
- Dendritic macromolecules: Dendritic macromolecules are used in antimicrobial coatings because of their ability to cross cell membranes.
- Copper and its alloys: Copper and its alloys, such as bronze, brass, copper-nickel-zinc and white copper, are known to be natural antimicrobial elements. These elements can inhibit and destroy the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
Where are antimicrobial coatings used?
Today, in addition to healthcare, antimicrobial surface coatings are used in a variety of consumer and industrial applications, such as:
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Architectural products
- Outdoor
- Home furnishings
Antimicrobial coatings are used in a variety of buildings, such as schools, office buildings, restaurants, public spaces and residential buildings for long-term protection against disease-causing microorganisms. They are also widely used to maintain indoor air quality in air handling systems, such as ventilation, heating, air conditioning, ceilings and fans. The coatings are effective in preventing the growth and regeneration of mold and mildew on various surfaces such as automotive parts, walls, ceiling ducts, etc.
What are the benefits of antibacterial coating?
1.Microbial protection
First of all, these surface coatings can prevent the growth of various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, molds, etc. Studies have shown that the application of these coatings on surfaces can inhibit the growth of different microorganisms. As long as the coating is present, the surface becomes an unfavorable environment for microorganisms to grow and survive. It also prevents staining, the presence of any unpleasant odor or the degradation of the applied surface.
2. Less disinfectant required
The use of antimicrobial coatings on surfaces reduces the need for harsh cleaning agents and disinfectants needed to treat stubborn microorganisms in public facilities. This gradually reduces the environmental impact of using these cleaners in building facilities.
3. Cost-effective
Antimicrobial coatings help reduce maintenance costs. When the coating is applied to a surface, it prevents staining, discoloration, bleeding or other factors that affect the appearance of the object. It saves the additional financial burden and labor required to maintain or replace these items.
4. Extended life
Protection against microorganisms coupled with the maintenance provided by antimicrobial coatings can extend the general life of an object because they prevent discoloration, odor and other damage caused by microbial activity.
What is the future of antibacterial coatings?
The field of antimicrobial coatings is dynamic. Research and innovation continue to deliver better, safer and innovative and affordable antimicrobial coatings. Demand is steadily growing in North American and European countries, and increasing in Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The future demand for antimicrobial coatings will expand to an increasing number of public buildings. The future may see antimicrobial coatings in almost all buildings as an easy way to keep bacteria out and maintain a healthy environment.
