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Invisible Bactericidal Coatings on Generic Surfaces through a Convenient Hand Spray
Joey Andrew A Valinton1, Alfin Kurniawan1, Ren-Huai Jhang1
1Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung80424, Taiwan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|December 6, 2022
Summary
This study developed transparent, durable antimicrobial coatings using a spray method for smartphones and other surfaces. These coatings effectively kill bacteria, offering a new way to prevent disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Developing effective antimicrobial surfaces is crucial for public health and pandemic prevention.
- Existing solutions often lack transparency, durability, or ease of application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create robust, transparent, and easily applicable antimicrobial coatings.
- To investigate the efficacy of complex oxide coatings against bacterial contamination.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hand-sprayer-based acidic redox-assisted deposition (ARD) method.
- Deposited Co-Mn-Cu-Zn-Ag complex oxide coatings on smartphone screen protectors.
- Evaluated coating transparency, durability (swiping, wet cleaning), and bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- Achieved coatings with high transparency (99.74% transmittance at 550 nm).
- Demonstrated long-lasting durability against physical and chemical cleaning.
- Significantly reduced Escherichia coli viability from 3.14% to 0.21% with optimized composition.
- Confirmed efficacy on various public surfaces like stainless steel and plastic.
Conclusions:
- The ARD method provides a viable approach for creating effective antimicrobial coatings.
- The Co-Mn-Cu-Zn-Ag complex oxide coatings exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties and durability.
- These coatings show potential for widespread application in public spaces to enhance hygiene and prevent pandemics.
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