Development of novel antimicrobial coatings to disinfect implants and smartphones

Developing innovative coating materials that can act as a shield against bacteria and prevent further infection is a task undertaken by many scientists across the world. Research and development activities are undergoing. Some of the coating materials have been already developed, while some are in testing phase, and when fully developed would reap great benefits. Researchers have been working on applications in different sectors such as medical and tech gadgets. A team of scientists has been developing coating that does not cause side effects when used on implants. Moreover, another team has been developing a coating that can be applied on smartphone and screens of other gadgets. The demand for anti-microbial coating would increase in different applications in the coming years. According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the anti-microbial coatings market to reach $11.6 billion by 2027. Following are some of the activities taking place across the industry.

Scientists and researchers have undertaken the task of development coatings that would eliminate optimum amount of microbial pathogens. NUST MISIS material scientists developed antibacterial nano-coatings by using boron nitride. These coatings are effective in elimination of antimicrobial pathogens by nearly 99.99%. They can become an alternative to conventional antibiotics in implantology as these coatings do not present any negative side effects. With growing issues related to microbial infections caused by implants used during surgical procedures, scientists have been exploring different solutions.

The infections due to implants are serious issues for orthopedic and dental operations. Scientists developed an antibacterial film using boron nitride nanoparticles and the application of this film on the implant can reduce the risk of microbial contamination. This is attributed to the physical characteristics of the surface and provides minimum bactericidal component that does not weigh much on the implant. One of the striking features of this film is no side effect on the tissues of the body, and boron nitride nanoparticles do not cause any cytotoxicity. The team has been working on optimization of the coating method for application in the future.

Along with developing coatings for healthcare applications, researchers have been working toward developing coating to protect gadgets from spreading infections. Scientists from Latvia have been developing transparent antimicrobial coatings for smartphone screens. These coatings would help in fighting viruses in the future. These screen covers have been developed in collaboration between the University of Latvia (LU), Microbiology Laboratory, the Biomedical Research and Studies Centre, and Rīga Technical University. 

Determining the need to protect screens as they become significant parts of the human lives with growing usage of tablets, smartphones, ATMs, and others, researchers decided to find a way to prevent microbial infections from touch screens. Mārtiņš Zubkins, the lead researcher at the LU Institute of Solid State Physics, outlined that they developed a very thin coating, which when placed above each other can provide antimicrobial and antiviral protection. With development of transparent films, bacteria and viruses will be disinfected quickly from the screens of smartphones, ATM screens, and others. Moreover, researchers have been planning to use this new material on tapes as well. It can be fixed on door handles to prevent infection from spreading. The trials have been ongoing with local producers and the production will start as this material is tested, patented, and certified.   

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