Scientists have developed a new antimicrobial paint that could greatly improve hospital hygiene by wiping out harmful pathogens, including MRSA and COVID-19, on hard surfaces.
This innovative coating incorporates chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), a widely used disinfectant in surgical settings, combined with standard epoxy resin.
The University of Nottingham, in collaboration with Indestructible Paint, has created a prototype of this novel paint.
The application of this coating to various surfaces has demonstrated its ability to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens effectively. The study, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship Scheme, has been published in Scientific Reports.
On drying, the antimicrobial coating retains a uniform distribution of the biocide at the molecular level.
This ensures consistent effectiveness against a variety of bacteria, including resilient strains such as MRSA and influenza.
Project leader, Felicity de Cogan, emphasised its versatility, confirming that the paint is suitable for use on numerous plastic and non-porous hard surfaces typically found in clinical environments.
In hospitals, surfaces like beds and toilet seats can harbour bacteria for extended periods, even under stringent cleaning protocols.
The new paint offers a solution by providing ongoing antimicrobial protection, which may reduce the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. Significantly, the addition of chlorhexidine does not affect the paint’s application or durability, nor its optical transparency, thus making it an attractive option for healthcare settings.
De Cogan highlights that the paint is effective against bacteria resistant to traditional antibiotics and biocides, positioning it as a critical tool in combating the global issue of antimicrobial resistance.
The paint’s self-cleaning properties imply that, after initial application, it continuously kills microbes, mitigating the risk of contamination in vulnerable populations.
Beyond clinical use, the research team is exploring applications for this antimicrobial coating in the transport and aerospace industries, indicating its potential for widespread impact.
Brian Norton, the managing director of Indestructible Paint, has expressed enthusiasm for the innovation, recognising its capacity to prevent bacterial and viral proliferation across various environments.
The team is now focusing on conducting extensive testing in more challenging environments, alongside long-term durability assessments that will extend over several months and years. This ongoing research aims to validate the effectiveness and longevity of the coating in real-world applications.
The introduction of this bacteria-killing paint marks a significant advancement in hygiene management, particularly within hospital settings.
By reducing the reliance on traditional cleaning methods and effectively addressing antimicrobial resistance, this innovative solution could transform how surfaces are treated and maintained in the fight against infectious diseases.
