KEY EXPLOITABLE RESULTS
RELIANCE has successfully designed, developed and validated a new generation of smart-response, self-disinfecting, sustainable antimicrobial nanocoating solutions addressing the growing industrial and societal demand for safer, more durable and environmentally responsible surface technologies. By combining bio-based active agents, controlled-release nanostructures and application-specific coating deposition technologies, the project has delivered a coherent innovation pipeline spanning materials development, formulation, validation and end-use integration.
On this page, we are presenting the six Key Exploitable Results (KERs) that the consortium identified as having strongest market potential upon project’s conclusion in May 2026.
Antimicrobial peptides from keratin waste - lead beneficiary HES-SO
A new, nature-inspired antimicrobial solution made from keratin proteins extracted from chicken feathers - an abundant, low-value byproduct from the poultry industry.
These proteins are processed into short bioactive peptides that can destroy bacteria and viruses when directly deposited as a thin coating on plastic or metal surfaces through cold atmospheric plasma. This application method is a clean and dry process that does not require solvents or high temperatures, allowing for precise, uniform coverage and easy integration into existing industrial production lines.
Together with Molecular Plasma Group and MAIER, HES-SO will demonstrate how this plasma-assisted nanocoating can be used on chrome-plated components in shared vehicles, offering long-lasting antimicrobial protection without toxic additives or heavy metals.
Innovative Copper-Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (Cu-MSN) with Smart Release of Essential Oils - lead beneficiary Fundación Tekniker
A new class of copper-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cu-MSN) with smart release of essential oils that offers a safer and more sustainable way to protect surfaces from harmful microbes, without the drawbacks of traditional antimicrobial additives.
The technology uses specifically designed nanoparticles that gradually release natural essential oils. The innovation lies in the controlled release system in response to changes in the pH or Temperature and ensures long-lasting antimicrobial protection while avoiding the toxicity and environmental concerns often associated with metal-based solutions.
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