California, USA (CU)_ As a result of the efforts of Indian American researchers, a novel weapon is expected soon in the fight against COVID. Accordingly, the researchers have found a durable coating that can destroy bacteria and viruses on surfaces and continue to do so for at least six months. The coating, which is transparent and can be applied with a brush or a spray, derives its longevity and antimicrobial properties from a new combination of tried-and-true chemicals in a new method.
According to research headed by Anish Tuteja, a professor of material science and engineering at the University of Michigan, the technique employs antimicrobial molecules extracted from tea tree oil and cinnamon oil, both of which have remained in use for centuries as safe and effective antimicrobials that work in less than two minutes. The research was also published in the journal Matter.
Tuteja further explained, “Disinfectant cleaners can kill germs in only a minute or two but they dissipate quickly and leave surfaces vulnerable to reinfection. We do have long-lasting antibacterial surfaces based on metals like copper and zinc, but they take hours to kill bacteria. This coating offers the best of both worlds”. Geeta Mehta, associate professor of materials science and engineering and biomedical engineering, and Abhishek Dhyani and Taylor Repetto, PhD candidates in materials science and engineering, are the members of the study team.
The longevity of the coating is due to polyurethane, which is a durable, varnish-like sealant that is often applied to surfaces such as floors and furniture. The coating was lethal to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, E. coli, MRSA, and a number of other bacteria. Even after months of continuous washing, abrasion, and other punishment on real-world surfaces such as keyboards, mobile phone displays, and chicken-coated cutting boards, 99.9 percent of germs were eliminated.
In typically germ-ridden public venues, such as airports and hospitals, the innovative coating might be a revolutionary invention. Tuteja said, “The antimicrobials we tested are classified as ‘generally regarded as safe’ by the FDA, and some have even been approved as food additives”. He explained, “Polyurethane is a safe and very commonly used coating. But we did do toxicity testing just to be sure, and we found that our particular combination of ingredients is even safer than many of today’s antimicrobials”.
The coating might destroy germs for at least six months before its oil evaporates and reduces its disinfection properties. However, according to Tuteja, its power may be resumed by wiping it with new oil, which is reabsorbed by the surface and restarts the cycle. The technology has been licensed to Hygratek, a spin-off business that Tuteja established with the help of the university’s Innovation Partnerships. According to Tuteja, the technology will be commercially accessible within a year. The University of Michigan filed for a patent for this technique.
