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

这个i-Corps项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发一种基于金属的纳米颗粒涂层解决方案，用于耐用的抗菌和自清洁表面。消毒和清洁的表面对于对抗微生物和防止感染至关重要。然而，最常用的方法包括喷雾和湿巾，涉及反复使用消毒剂，其中一些含有潜在有害的挥发性化学物质。这项拟议技术的目标是在易受微生物和污染物影响的表面上创造一种耐用的涂层。与现有方法相比，建议的技术提高了方便性和有效性，有望在表面消毒、抗菌和自清洁涂层以及废水处理系统等领域得到应用。I-Corps项目基于开发一种金属纳米粒子涂层解决方案，以实现抗菌和自清洁表面。金属纳米粒子是一种广谱抗菌剂，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大小、形状和表面属性可能会显著提高它们的抗菌效力。此外，表面改性可以在一种配方中实现抗菌和自清洁功能。与现有的消毒和自清洁方法相比，拟议的金属纳米颗粒集成解决方案还有其他可能的优势，包括可以作为独立产品或整合到现有产品中。金属微粒还可以与内置指示器相结合，以直观地读出效果，或者与增加的外部便携式扫描仪相结合，以准确读取和记录效果，该扫描仪可能会链接到智能手机应用程序以记录结果。这项拟议的技术可能会创造一种耐用的、自清洁的表面，防止细菌、病毒、真菌和化学污染物。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势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.