Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:43
High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices
Published on: November 5, 2016
Long-lasting antimicrobial surface coating
Jinquan Wang1, Shook Pui Chan1, Siew Ping Teong1
1Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road Jurong Island, Singapore 627833. zhang_yugen@a-star.edu.sg.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel, durable polymer composite coating for long-term antimicrobial protection on hard surfaces. The transparent coating offers easy application and sustained release of active components against microbes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Rising infectious disease incidence and pandemic risks necessitate advanced antimicrobial solutions.
- Existing technologies may lack long-term efficacy, durability, or ease of application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel polymer composite coating with sustained antimicrobial activity.
- To assess the coating's durability and effectiveness on various hard surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a sol-gel method incorporating silane precursors and hydroxyl-functionalized antimicrobial polymers.
- Formulated a transparent, easily applicable coating for hard surfaces.
- Validated antimicrobial efficacy against clinically relevant microbes.
Main Results:
- The novel polymer composite coating demonstrated long-term antimicrobial activity.
- The coating exhibited durable performance in real-world application scenarios.
- The formulation enabled sustained release of active antimicrobial components.
Conclusions:
- The developed polymer composite coating represents a promising technology for effective and durable antimicrobial surfaces.
- This innovation addresses the need for reliable solutions against infectious diseases.
- The coating's properties make it suitable for diverse applications requiring surface protection.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
01:24Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...
01:29Biofilms
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
01:05Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...