Novel antimicrobial touch surfaces based on a nanocomposite electrodeposited metal matrix

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Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant health concern, are responsible for alarge number of deaths & substantial healthcare costs globally. It is estimated that 80% ofHAIs are spread by touch & despite improved cleaning protocols, their prevalence remainsunacceptably high.The development of surfaces & coatings that can actively kill microbes provides a significantopportunity to help maintain a microbially-clean environment, particularly for touch surfaceswhere healthcare workers, patients & visitors are in frequent contact & maintaining regularsurface disinfection is impossible. It is well documented that copper & its alloys (brass &bronze) have intrinsic antimicrobial properties with activity against a broad spectrum ofmicroorganisms. Studies on the incidence of HAIs in intensive care units showed a patient’srisk of acquiring a HAI can be reduced by up to 58% when just 6 key stainless steel touchsurfaces were replaced with antimicrobial copper alongside existing infection controlprocedures. However, the rising cost of copper & the expense of cast alloy products, limitswide uptake throughout the NHS.Karm Research Group Ltd (KRG) seek to develop a novel nanocomposite electrodepositedmetal matrix antimicrobial touch surface that is superior to the existing cast copper healthcaresector products in terms of antimoicrobial efficacy, surface characterisation, aestheticappearance & at a fraction of the cost. The project aims to incorporate nanoparticulates intothe antimicrobial metallic matrix & evaluate the enhancement in technical performance whilststill retaining high microbial destruction. KRG have recognised the need for lightweight,improved antimicrobial efficacy, metal coated medical devices, products & fixtures, andbelieve this project will provide a world leading coating solution in a completely new productarena with global market opportunities within a number of sectors.