Advancing multilayer surface disinfection technologies for modern pandemic protection

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Pathogens can persist on surfaces for several days, necessitating cleaning between uses to prevent disease transmission. However, conventional surface disinfection methods when used alone are impractical, short-lived, and/or too targeted for use in large-scale, high-traffic, and frequently contaminated areas such as hospitals and industrial facilities. Furthermore, common methods such as chemical sprays negatively impact health and the environment, limiting their use in healthcare facilities where patients are already vulnerable. Multilayer disinfection strategies can be used to overcome these challenges, while also preventing new variants from gaining resistance against a single disinfection agent. This project aims to develop and test a new multilayer disinfection strategy that integrates two innovative technologies, nanoparticles containing quats and ozone nanobubbles, to increase disinfection efficacy and kill a wider range of pathogens for a healthier community. We will test this integrated approach under lab conditions using model viruses and bacteria, as well as inside healthcare facilities to better understand its effectiveness in real-world settings. This partnership among industry, healthcare, and academia will help advance these technologies so that they can be adopted on a wide scale.Advanced surface disinfection will become the new norm in Canada going forward. Such multilayer approaches will prevent outbreaks and associated lockdowns, which will in turn help strengthen the Canadian economy, increase societal resiliency, and safeguard Canadians against future pandemics.