A new antimicrobial coating created by scientists has been used in trials of a new paint that can be applied to a range of surfaces to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including difficult to kill species such as MRSA, flu and COVID-19.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy have trialled a new paint-on resin product that incorporates bacteria killing chlorhexidine, which is often used by dentists to treat mouth infections and for pre-surgical cleaning.
The team worked with Indestructible Paint to create a prototype antimicrobial paint using this new material and found that it effectively activates when dried to kill a range of pathogens.
Antimicrobial drugs prevent efficient infection control
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn increased attention to hospital-acquired infections, as it has been estimated that 20% of all patients hospitalised with COVID-19 contracted the virus while already in hospital.
It has been estimated that in 2016/17, 4.7% of adult hospital inpatients contracted an infection whilst in hospital, with 22,800 patients dying due to these infections, despite these deaths being preventable.
The most common pathogens that cause hospital-acquired infections are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile. Outbreaks of infection in the clinic are frequently caused by strains resistant to antimicrobial drugs.
Dr Felicity de Cogan, Associate Professor in Pharmaceutical Science of Biological Medicines, who led the research, said: “As the bacteria killing paint is widely used as it is a versatile, cheap and durable material, it can be applied to any surface. These plastic and metal surfaces found widely in public spaces do have drawbacks.
“Research has shown that contaminated surfaces can act as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistant genes, encouraging the spread of antimicrobial resistance across bacterial species through horizontal gene transfer despite deep cleaning practices.”
She added: “It is paramount that new technologies such as this antimicrobial paint are developed to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to vulnerable patients and address the ever-increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance.”
Antimicrobial coatings for a wide range of industries
The bacteria killing paint can be applied to various plastic and hard non-porous surfaces to provide an antimicrobial coating.
In hospital settings, the paint can be used on any non-porous surface, and the team is also investigating its use in the transport and aerospace industry.
Surfaces can act as a reservoir of bacteria, especially in medical settings, from hospital beds and toilet seats to frequently touched surfaces in public spaces such as aeroplanes across the aerospace industry in the manufacture of seats and tray tables.
Some microbial species can survive despite enhanced cleaning regimes. In a hospital, this can lead to an increased risk of patients getting infections, which then need antibiotic treatment. These microorganisms can survive and remain infectious on abiotic surfaces for extended periods, sometimes up to several months.
Dr de Cogan commented: “It’s hugely exciting to see this research being applied in a practical way.
“In our initial research, we incorporated the disinfectant into the polymer to create a new antimicrobial paint with excellent efficacy; it also doesn’t spread into the environment or leach from the surface when touched.
“This new study showed clearly that surfaces with this paint applied had no bacteria, and as soon as it dries, it is active. By adding this to paint, we can create an effective bacteria killing coating that is easy to apply and cost-effective.”
