Introduction

An antimicrobial coverage to the high-contact surfaces. This product, based on nanotechnologies, can reduce the microbial load on the surfaces over time and is resistant to water. The technologies for obtaining this product are those necessary to produce polymeric materials and add them with nanomaterials. The product has been excellently tested on metal, plastic and tissue.

Technical features

The present invention describes a multilayer coating with antimicrobial properties that can be used in various fields, including the hospital one. It is easily applied by spraying the surfaces of interest. It is effective again pathogens, and removable if need be. This water-resistant coating is characterised by the fact that it uses, as an antimicrobial agent, graphene nano-pads decorated or not with zinc oxide nano-sticks deposited by spraying on the surface of a polymeric material as a host layer to favour dispersion and uniform surface distribution. Compared to chemical treatments, this product achieves the result without giving rise to bacterial resistance. Furthermore, the non-toxicity of this compound guarantees an immediate usability of the treated material and an ease of application by operators. It does not replace regular cleaning but protects the surfaces between one cleaning and the next. The antimicrobial activity of the coatings was evaluated in relation to Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, which are the main pathogens associated with nosocomial infections. The results obtained from the test carried out using the “colony forming units count” (CFU) method show an excellent antimicrobial behaviour of the coatings object of this patent.

Possible Applications

• Disinfection of nosocomial surfaces;
• Disinfection of surfaces in bars and restaurants;
• Disinfection of surfaces in schools.

Advantages

• Non-toxic;
• Does not lead to bacterial resistance;
• Ease of industrial scale-ups;
• Low cost;
• High workability;
• Ecological coating;
• High degree of adhesion to resin, metal or imitation leather surfaces.