I-Corps: A multifunctional metal-based nanoparticle solution for surface disinfection and decontamination

这个I-Corps项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发一种用于持久抗菌和自清洁表面的金属基纳米颗粒涂层解决方案。 消毒和清洁的表面对于对抗微生物和预防感染至关重要。然而，最常用的方法包括喷雾剂和擦拭物，涉及反复应用消毒剂，其中一些含有潜在有害的挥发性化学物质。该技术的目标是在易受微生物和污染物影响的表面上形成耐用的涂层。与现有的方法相比，该技术提高了方便性和效力，预计将在许多应用中找到用途，包括表面消毒，抗菌和自清洁涂层，以及废水处理系统。这个I-Corps项目是基于开发金属纳米颗粒涂层解决方案，以实现抗菌和自清洁表面。 金属纳米颗粒是广谱抗菌剂，可以通过多种机制抑制生长和消除微生物。调整金属纳米颗粒的尺寸、形状和表面性质可以显著提高其抗微生物效力。此外，表面改性可以在一种制剂中实现抗微生物和自清洁功能。与现有的消毒和自清洁方法相比，所提出的金属纳米颗粒集成解决方案具有其他可能的优点，包括作为独立产品或并入现有产品的灵活性。 金属微粒还可以与内置指示器组合，用于有效性的视觉读数，或者与附加的外部便携式扫描仪组合，用于准确读出和记录有效性，该扫描仪可以链接到智能手机应用程序以记录结果。这项技术可以创造出一种耐用的、自清洁的表面，可以抵御细菌、病毒、真菌和化学污染物。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of a metal-based nanoparticle coating solution for durable antimicrobial and self-cleaning surfaces. Disinfected and cleaned surfaces are critical to fight against microbes and to prevent infection. However, the most commonly used methods including sprays and wipes involve repeated applications of disinfectants, some containing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful. The goal of the proposed technology is to create a durable coating on surfaces that are susceptible to microbes and contaminants. Compared with existing methods, the proposed technology improves the convenience and potency and is expected to find use in a number of applications including surface disinfection, antimicrobial and self-cleaning coatings, and wastewater treatment systems.This I-Corps project is based on the development of a metal nanoparticle coating solution to enable antimicrobial and self-cleaning surfaces. Metal nanoparticles are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents that can suppress growth and eliminate microbes via multiple mechanisms. Tailoring the size, shape, and surface properties of the metal nanoparticles may improve their antimicrobial potency significantly. In addition, surface modification may enable antimicrobial and self-cleaning functions in one formulation. Compared to the existing disinfection and self-cleaning methods, the proposed metal nanoparticle-integrated solution has other possible advantages including the flexibility to be a stand-alone product or to be incorporated into existing products. The metal microparticles can also be combined with a built-in indicator for a visual readout of effectiveness or with an added external portable scanner for accurate readout and recording of effectiveness that may be linked to a smart-phone app to log the result. The proposed technology may create a durable, self-cleaning surface that protects against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and chemical contaminants.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.