Global technological trends in sustainable antimicrobial surface formulations: a patent-based review for cleaner healthcare environments

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a global challenge, exacerbated by multidrug-resistant pathogens. This study systematically maps antimicrobial surface formulations (1995-2024), analyzing gaps in regulatory readiness, toxicological validation, and sustainability.

Using the Espacenet database and PRISMA guidelines, 49 patents were analyzed. Innovation surged post-2015, led by private corporations (72.09%) in the USA, Canada, and China (67.35%). Synthetic actives, primarily quaternary ammonium compounds, dominated (71.43%), while natural (16.33%) and hybrid (10.20%) approaches were less frequent. Key targets included S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli. Although 38.77% of patents claimed sustainability (biodegradability/low toxicity), only 40.82% disclosed mechanisms of action, and 34.69% provided toxicological data.

A significant gap exists between technological innovation and regulatory/safety validation. Future developments must integrate life-cycle assessments and robust toxicological testing. Harmonized regulatory pathways and public-private partnerships are essential to translate these innovations into scalable, sustainable, and safer disinfectant solutions for healthcare environments.