Objectives
Specific objectives of the project:
· Develop a new class of biocidal additives based on Cu-SMIN with a synergistic mode of action and a low impact on the environment
· Accomplish the green synthesis of sustainable binder formulations for nanocoatings
· Develop smart response, safe, high-performance and sustainable antimicrobial nanocoatings
· Validate the new nanocoatings (performance and durability) through demonstrators
· Ensure the non-toxicity, sustainability and economic validation of the proposed nanocoatings
· Promote novel technologies for uptake by the industry
Sustainability
Sustainability and green chemistry criteria will be considered for bioactive compounds’ selection and nanocoatings’ development:
Nanoparticles:
• Mesoporous silica: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are not toxic, no adverse effect in in-vivo tests.
• Cu: metallic copper as it is an essential micronutrient for humans. Unlike silver, which requires temperatures of 35 ºC and 95% RH, copper is antimicrobial across all temperatures and all levels of humidity. Other advantages of copper are it is Less toxic than silver and is low cost (Ag=$400/pound, while Cu=$3.50/pound).
• AMPs and EO are biobased (waste streams or plants), highly effective (with low active content) against a wide range of viruses, bacteria and fungi and are generally
recognized as safe and non-toxic materials, even if some of them can be toxic. Moreover, EO do not cause bacterial resistance when leached to the environment and are easily biodegradable.
Binder formulations and deposition techniques:
• Binders: No use of fluorine groups, no use of organic solvents, recyclability in some products, thus addressing important REACH and EU societal concerns.
• Deposition: no organic solvents, high throughput, selective methods
Expected Results
At least 2 additives as novel smart-response nanoparticles, easily incorporated in nanocoatings to achieve antimicrobial surfaces.
At least 2 new sustainable nanocoating formulations easily applicable to various substrates to allow for a long-lasting antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles.
3 types of nanocoatings with antimicrobial effect against a wide range of pathogens, sustainable enough to inhibit colonization, without toxic active agents’ migration into the environment, easy to clean and durable.
Novel deposition techniques and nano-structuring to achieve surfaces that repel microbe adhesion.
Recycling possibilities for the antimicrobial organic coatings so that the treated surfaces can easily be taken up in a circular economy.
Publication of scientific papers featuring new strategies for designing and developing antimicrobial nanocoatings.
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