Antibacterial and Antiviral Surfaces for a Healthier Environment

In public spaces, hospitals, and homes, surfaces can harbor bacteria and viruses and contribute to the spread of infections. Creating surfaces that actively reduce or eliminate pathogens can improve health outcomes and reduce illness transmission. This post explores how antibacterial and antiviral surfaces work, the materials involved, and practical examples of their use.

Copper-coated door handle reducing microbial presence

How Antibacterial and Antiviral Surfaces Work

Surfaces with antibacterial and antiviral properties either kill microbes on contact or prevent their growth. These surfaces use different mechanisms, or combination of those, depending on the materials and technology:

• Metal ions such as copper and silver disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and interfere with viral pathogens.

• Photo-catalytic coatings use light-activated compounds like titanium dioxide to produce reactive oxygen species that destroy microbes.

• Polymer coatings can contain antimicrobial agents that slowly release substances toxic to bacteria and viruses.

• Surface texture can be engineered to physically prevent microbes from settling or surviving.

  
  

Common Materials Used for Antimicrobial Surfaces

Several materials have proven effective in creating antibacterial and antiviral surfaces:

• Copper and Copper Alloys

  
  

Copper has natural antimicrobial properties. Studies show copper surfaces can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria within two hours. Hospitals have installed copper alloy bed rails, door handles, and IV poles to reduce infections.

• Silver and Silver Nano-particles

  
  

Silver ions disrupt bacterial DNA and proteins. Silver nano-particles are often embedded in coatings or textiles to provide long-lasting antimicrobial effects.

• Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

  
  

Used in photo-catalytic coatings, TiO2 activates under UV or visible light to produce reactive molecules that break down organic matter, including microbes. Transparent option on touch screens or onto medical applications.

• Graphene and Other Nano-materials

  
  

Emerging research shows graphene-based coatings can physically damage bacterial membranes and prevent viral adhesion.

What the Future Holds

The future of antibacterial and antiviral surfaces looks promising with continuous advances in material science and nanotechnology. NextGen Surfaces Finland Oy has the required knowledge and technologies to serve customers needs in surface functionality, from easy-to-clean to antibacterial surfaces.