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Antimicrobial Composite Material for Surface Coatings that Prevent the Spread of Disease

IP Title

Visible Light Photocatalysis with Titanium Dioxide and Water-Soluble Fullerenes (12692 iCOMBINED WITH 12691)

Detailed Technology Description

None

Application Date

Dec 22, 2010

Application No.

9,084,989

Others

*Abstract

Biocompatible, Water-Soluble Fullerenes and Titanium Dioxide Combine to Form Transparent, Light-Activated Coatings that Kill All Microbes

This composite material serves as the basis for transparent antimicrobial coatings and new household cleaners. It contains water-soluble fullerenes developed by researchers at the University of Florida as well as titanium dioxide. Photocatalytic coatings can be activated by natural or artificial light. Treated surfaces become self-cleaning, resistant to microbes, including fungi, and even purify the surrounding air. Titanium dioxide has, until now, been used mainly in industrial applications to destroy environmentally hazardous chemicals. Antimicrobial coatings made with the new fullerene technology can be applied to a wide range of surfaces in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, households, and public places to reduce the spread of disease-causing bacteria and viruses, guard against antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" and cut cleaning requirements.

Application

Composite that allows for new household cleaners and transparent antimicrobial coatings that can be applied to countertops, walls, ceilings, windows, furniture, etc.

Advantages

• Contains water-soluble fullerenes that are activated by artificial or natural light, enhancing versatility and convenience
• Features a transparent design, ensuring that the coating does not detract from the aesthetics of the underlying surface
• Protects surfaces against stains and sanitizes the surrounding air, increasing cleanliness
• Repels bacteria, fungi, viruses and chemical pollutants, safeguarding health
• Does not produce toxic by-products, giving it a competitive advantage over chemical disinfectants

Technology

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that certain biocompatible, water-soluble fullerenes accelerate photocatalytic coatings to rapidly destroy environmentally hazardous chemicals and infection-causing microbes without emitting toxic byproducts. To enhance photocatalytic activity in visible light, the water-soluble fullerenes must have specific molecular structures that enable them to effectively transfer electrons from the photocatalyst. The composite, which contains titanium dioxide (a photocatalyst) and water-soluble fullerenes, can be formulated on-site for easy application using conventional high-volume, low-pressure sprayers.

Related to technology 12692

*IP Issue Date

Jul 21, 2015

*IP Publication Date

May 12, 2011

*Principal Investigator

Name: Brij Moudgil

Department:

Name: Ben Koopman

Department:

Name: Vijay Krishna

Department:

Country/Region

USA