In the ongoing battle against harmful pathogens, especially those that have become resistant to antibiotics, researchers have developed a groundbreaking material that could limit the spread of diseases and revolutionize current cleaning protocols. Scientists from the University of Windsor, utilizing the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan, have engineered a compound consisting of ionic fluids and copper nanoparticles that can effectively coat surfaces and provide long-lasting germ-free protection. This development could eliminate the need for frequent application of bleach-based cleaning agents and offer a more efficient and durable solution for high-touch surfaces like door knobs and handrails.
Dr. Abhinandan (Ronnie) Banerjee, the lead researcher on the project, considers the composite material far superior to traditional cleaning methods involving bleach and rags. The team, known as the Trant Team and focused on synthetic bioorganic materials, aimed to improve sanitizing protocols during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conventional cleaning techniques require continuous efforts to keep surfaces germ-free and may cause damage to the underlying material, providing opportunities for pathogens to thrive. With their innovative material, the team takes advantage of copper’s natural germicidal properties. The copper nanoparticles in the compound are electrostatically drawn to the cell walls of pathogens, weakening and breaking them down, resulting in bacterial eradication.
Their research, titled “Lethal Weapon IL (Ionic Liquid),” has been published in the journal RSC Sustainability. Furthermore, Banerjee and the team have been awarded a provisional patent, providing them with time to find an industrial sponsor to support the eventual commercialization of the microbial coating material.
Sima Dehghandokht, a Ph.D. student at the University of Windsor who contributed her expertise in food microbiology to the Trant Team, emphasized that the applications of this material extend beyond high-touch surfaces. Its potential use cases include hospitals, greenhouses, agri-food production facilities, and scientific laboratories where dealing with pathogens and harmful bacteria is a constant concern. Not only can this material simplify the lives of scientists working in such environments, but it also addresses the environmental impact of antimicrobial agents like bleach. These agents require repeated applications and subsequent disposal, leading to potential harm to the environment.
While the copper-based material shows promise, there are still questions to be answered. Determining the longevity of the coating’s effectiveness and exploring the antimicrobial effects of other nanoparticles, such as zinc and iron, are important next steps. Banerjee suggests that altering the properties of the nanoparticles could extend the antimicrobial life of the coating and increase its effectiveness against more resilient bacteria that are not easily eliminated by bleach.
Considering the compound’s safety is another crucial aspect of the research. Dehghandokht noted the need to assess whether contact with the material could trigger allergic reactions. Fortunately, the Trant Team has access to a 3D bioprinter that can replicate human skin cell lines for further testing.
The researchers recognize the vital role played by the CLS in the development of their antimicrobial coating. The high-intensity light of the CLS allowed them to observe the behavior of copper nanoparticles over time, particularly how they released a toxic payload against bacteria. The CLS has proven to be an integral part of their research.
With further advancements and collaborations, this antimicrobial coating has the potential to transform cleaning and sanitation practices across various industries, making them more efficient, sustainable, and effective in combating harmful pathogens.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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