RELIANCE partners came together on July 9^th in the vibrant city of Ghent for a highly productive two-day meeting to report on significant work progress and achieved results. The dynamic sessions were rich in exciting technical updates that underscored the project’s forward momentum in the development of advanced antimicrobial materials aimed at creating safer spaces. The meeting served as a beneficial platform for partners to update on various work packages and discuss future strategies, demonstrating the project's continued evolution towards its ambitious goals. Key highlights from the technical sessions included remarkable progress in textile validation and the development of two novel families of antimicrobial additives.

Partners reported excellent results in the creation of protective clothing for the medical and pharmaceutical applications. This involved the careful selection of fabrics suitable for these demanding environments, which underwent advanced treatments and were rigorously tested and validated for properties such as antimicrobial effectiveness and water repellency. The consortium was happy with the outcome, confirming promising prototypes that demonstrate strong potential for real-world use in safeguarding health.

Meanwhile, work package 2 has successfully advanced the synthesis of two new additive families: smart-released Cu-SMIN encapsulating essential oils for targeted, sustained antimicrobial action and Cu-SMIN, which harnesses antimicrobial peptides for potent contact-killing performance. Early testing delivered impressive antimicrobial activity with the AMP-based formulation showing more than 80% inhibition against the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and above 70% inhibition against E. coli. The team is now working towards scaling up production of each additive, for broader application.

Upon technical discussions' conclusion, our hospitable host Centexbel gave us an interesting tour of their cutting-edge textile research, testing and validation facilities and processes. The day concluded with the consortium partners also enjoying Ghent’s rich culture, with a guided tour of the city center and refreshing stops at popular drink and dine locals, offering delicious food and delightful social time. We were introduced to some of Ghent's most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Gravensteen Castle, the historic Ghent Belfry - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval bell tower symbolizing the city’s independence - and the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the legendary Ghent Altarpiece. This masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is renowned as one of the most influential works of early Northern Renaissance art, celebrated for its intricate detail and groundbreaking use of oil paint.

Adding to the charm of the experience was Ghent’s unique dusk setting at the confluence of the Lys and Scheldt rivers, which weave through the city and lend a serene and romantic atmosphere to its lively streets and historic architecture.

As RELIANCE continues to push the boundaries of smart, sustainable surface technology, meetings like these are vital touchpoints for sharing knowledge and reinforcing the strong partnerships and spirit of collaboration driving the project forward.