Bacterial growth poses a significant disadvantage by causing numerous diseases in humans, such as infections, allergies, and food poisoning. Furthermore, certain environments, including operating rooms, laboratories, hospitals, and various industries, must maintain bacteria-free conditions to ensure optimal performance and avoid complications. Previous research has explored antimicrobial materials composed of activated carbon (C) as a substrate for in situ decoration of surfaces with graphene oxide (GO) particles and bioactive TiO2/Ag nanocomposites. However, these materials require photoactivation to exhibit antimicrobial effects, which can reduce bacterial populations but fail to achieve complete inhibition. Additionally, these materials often exhibit cytotoxic effects and low stability. In this context, researchers from the University Jaume I (UJI) (Spain) have developed a novel antimicrobial composite material. This innovative material offers improved stability, reduced cytotoxicity, and effective antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
The combination of a semiconductor material, a metal and graphite results in a semiconductor/metallic nanoparticle heterojunction that enhances electron flow between the semiconductor and the nanoparticle. This increased electron flow significantly boosts the generation of reactive oxygen species, even in the absence of light, thereby providing the material with antimicrobial properties. The resulting composite material has versatile applications: it can be used as an antibacterial coating on various substrates and can be directly incorporated into the production of injectable and mouldable polymer products.
Benefits:
- Enhanced stability and reduced cytotoxicity.
- Non-reliant on photoactivation to exhibit antimicrobial effects, and improved antimicrobial activity.
- Versatile application. It can be used as an antimicrobial agent on different surfaces and as an antimicrobial additive in various polymer bases.
- Efficient synthesis of the material. It synthesized in a single-step, low-temperature, and short-duration process that does not produce secondary synthetic residues.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to the commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Laboratory (QTC) at the University Jaume I (UJI) in Castellón, Spain
TRL: The material has been proven at laboratory scale.
Protection status: A patent application has been submitted.
Contact: Ana Carlota de la Cruz / tech@viromii.com
