SciTransfer
RELIANCE · Project

Smart Bio-Based Antimicrobial Nanocoatings for Self-Disinfecting Surfaces

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Imagine a surface that doesn't just sit there but actively fights germs using a mix of copper and natural plant oils. It's like a smart shield that releases its cleaning power only when it detects a change in temperature or acidity. These coatings can be printed or sprayed onto plastics, metals, and fabrics to keep them clean for longer without using harsh chemicals.

By the numbers
120 nm
Average nanoparticle size
700-1000 m2/g
Specific surface area of nanoparticles
47%
Industry ratio in consortium
The business problem

What needed solving

Conventional antimicrobial surfaces often rely on harsh chemicals that degrade quickly or lack the ability to respond to environmental changes. This leads to frequent re-application and reduced effectiveness over time.

The solution

What was built

A range of smart antimicrobial nanocoatings using copper-doped silica nanoparticles and bio-based additives. These include stimuli-responsive polymer brushes for controlled release of essential oils.

Audience

Who needs this

Hospital equipment manufacturersPublic transport interior suppliersHigh-end textile producersConsumer electronics housing manufacturers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Healthcare
enterprise
Target: Medical device manufacturer

If you are a medical device manufacturer dealing with hospital-acquired infections — this project developed nanocoatings that combine contact killing and controlled release of bioactives to keep surfaces sterile. This reduces the need for frequent manual chemical disinfection.

Textiles
SME
Target: Technical fabric producer

If you are a technical fabric producer dealing with odor and bacteria buildup in high-performance gear — this project developed a way to attach antimicrobial peptides to nanoparticles for long-term action. This ensures the fabric remains hygienic over an extended period.

Consumer Electronics
mid-size
Target: Plastic casing manufacturer

If you are a plastic casing manufacturer dealing with surface contamination on high-touch devices — this project developed a non-sticking antimicrobial coating applied via digital printing or spraying. This adds a permanent layer of protection to the product's exterior.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost of implementing these coatings?

Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost-per-square-meter is not provided.

Can this be produced at an industrial scale?

Yes, the project reports that different versions of the nanoparticles have already been prepared at a semi-industrial scale by partner Millidyne.

How is the intellectual property handled or licensed?

Based on available project data, specific licensing terms or patent numbers are not listed in the summary.

How do these coatings integrate with existing manufacturing?

The coatings are designed for high throughput spraying, selective digital printing, or direct deposition by cold-atmospheric plasma, making them compatible with various industrial processes.

What is the timeline for market availability?

The project period runs from 2022-06-01 to 2026-08-31, suggesting the technology is currently in the development and testing phase.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is strongly geared toward commercialization, with a 47% industry ratio comprising 7 industrial partners, including 4 SMEs. The collaboration spans 10 countries and balances academic research (3 universities, 4 research centers) with industrial application, ensuring that the developed nanocoatings are viable for real-world manufacturing.

How to reach the team

Contact FUNDACION TEKNIKER in Spain for licensing and partnership inquiries.

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to connect with the RELIANCE consortium for pilot testing opportunities.

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