TAGS: Plastic Coatings Wood Coatings
Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a Multilevel Antimicrobial Polymer (MAP-1) coating that is effective in killing viruses, bacteria and even hard-to-kill spores.
Coating with Lasting Protection and Surface Disinfection
Developed by a team led by Prof. YEUNG King Lun, Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Division of Environment and Sustainability, the new MAP-1 coating is highly versatile with an effective period of up to 90 days. MAP-1 coating provides lasting protection and surface disinfection against microbial contamination.
MAP-1 coating is confirmed to be effective against drug-resistant microorganisms during two field studies in the Kowloon Hospital and Haven of Hope Woo Ping Care and Attention Home. Its use in hospital privacy curtains saw over 98.7 percent reduction in drug-resistant bacteria in 3 weeks. Beyond hospitals, the team works with the Water Supplies Department and the Drainage Service Department to field test MAP-1 in coating materials for water pipes and sewage drainages to prevent microbial contamination and infrastructure corrosion.
Coating Designed for Use on Different Surfaces
This product is designed for use on different surfaces including metals, concrete, wood, glass, plastics as well as fabrics, leathers and textiles without changing the materials’ appearance and tactile feel. According to the Technical Standard for Disinfection issued by the National Health Commission in Mainland China, the coating is proven to be non-toxic and is safe for skin and the environment, hence it also allows MAP-1 to be made into hand sanitizers, paints and coating, filter materials for air and water purification, as well as clothing and surgical masks to safeguard the health of the individual and public.
Prevents Microbial Adhesion
The essence of new coating technology lies with the creation of surface moieties that actively disrupts the microbial envelope and biomolecules, rendering the microorganisms nonviable upon contact. The coating also prevents microbial adhesion on the surface and thus keeping it clean from microbial contaminants.
Using a special blend of antimicrobial polymers, the new coating effectively kills up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses through contact killing and anti-adhesion technology, including Rubella, avian influenza, H1N1 and FCV – a non-enveloped virus which is among the hardest to kill. According to U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guideline in 2016, being effective against FCV is equivalent to being able to inactivate the coronavirus – an enveloped virus which are easier to sterilize than the non-enveloped ones.
Coating Applied to Fight Covid-19 Outbreak
In efforts to help the society fight the Covid-19 outbreak, HKUST, in collaboration with its industrial partner Chiaphua Industries Limited (CIL), has applied the smart coating to over 70 daycare centers, elderly homes, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.
Other venues include shopping malls, school buses, churches and sports training facilities. CIL has also donated up to HK$1.5 million worth of anti-microbial air filters – a potent air purification technology developed by Prof Yeung’s team in 2017, to various hospitals in the mainland, including Wuhan’s emergency Huoshenshan Hospital.
Source: HKUST