Research
Our research resulted in the development of innovative new generation varnishes with unique biocidal properties. The patented solution envisages using new-generation bioactive nanocomposite particles with innovative chemical composition – Al2O3/SiO2/Ag/Cu.
The resulting nano-composite coatings offer:
Virtually 100% efficacy tested against a wide range of tested microbial strains strains – both in laboratory and in real-life environments, thanks to the unique hyperadditive synergistic effect of Ag and Cu nanoparticles.
Long-term dispersion stability, thanks to stabilisation of silver and copper nanoparticles with ceramic coating.
Versatility, which enables its use in a wide range of printing applications.
A significant boost to the safety of printed products thanks to preventing the release of Ag and Cu nanoparticles by embedding them in a nanocomposite system.
Microbiological assays and data collected from literature clearly show that coatings containing nano-additives in the form of Al2O3/SiO2/Ag/Cu nanoparticles exhibit virtually 100% antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogen strains – this means that they destroy all pathogenic cells that end up on their surface.
Microbiological assays carried out in laboratory model conditions have shown that the varnish made using the developed method, as well as coatings made of it have very good biocidal properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli – the source of most infections associated with poor hygiene:
Figure – Bar graph showing the quantitative result of the microbiological assays on samples analysed in laboratory conditions according to ISO 22196:2011 standard.
Microbiological assays carried out in real-life conditions with coated products showed 83% better efficiency of the biocidal varnish compared to a varnish without nanoparticles. This confirms that coatings with added nanoparticles are far more sterile, compared to reference coatings without added nanoparticles. It should be noted that contact tests performed on product samples used for one week under normal conditions – with microbial intensity typical for players’ hands and in room temperature provide the final answer to the question of what the actual biocidal effect will be in normal conditions of use for the final product.
Figure – Example images of experimental systems prepared as part of contact tests for samples analysed in actual use conditions according to ISO 22196:2011 standard.
Figure – Example results of microbiological purity assays carried out on product surfaces after use in non-sterile conditions. The slide on the left is the control sample. Slide on the right is the test sample. The bar graph shows the quantitative result from the assays performed.
The tests and assays enabled us to prove that in contrast to nanosilver, such materials are safe for the environment while maintaining excellent biocidal properties. Safe and effective self-cleaning products developed as a result of R&D work constitute a major breakthrough and a world-first innovation.
These new products bring about a radical change in the biological properties, while significantly increasing the safety of their use. Our technology allows them to be used in areas, which are particularly vulnerable to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Given the growing demand for products that are safe for health and effective against microorganisms that are increasingly resistant to antibiotics, traditional products that harbour high levels of bacteria are increasingly unattractive and obsolete, as they no longer respond to the users’ needs and expectations.