Antimicrobial Surface Coatings & Testing

There is a growing demand for surfaces coated with antimicrobial agents, both in healthcare settings and in areas where many people are in close proximity. Key transmission points include objects such as handles, door knobs, switches, toilet seats, and other surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple individuals. This issue is further compounded by the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Significant challenges arise, especially with medical devices that remain in prolonged contact with the human body, such as catheters, drains, and wound dressings.

Other fields of application where antimicrobial surfaces play a crucial role include the food and packaging industries. For example, food packaged in antimicrobial film show extended shelf life. Additionally, the formation of unpleasant odors, such as in trash bins or clothing, can be reduced by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Wooden components can also be protected from fungal and insect infestations by incorporating antimicrobial additives into paints and coatings.

In addition to the immobilization of antimicrobial agents (such as silver, parabens, quaternary ammonium salts, and polymeric biocides), the development of germ-reduction methods based on photocatalysis and UV irradiation is a key area of research for our research group at GMBU e.V .

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We are her to help:

A team of microbiologists, chemists, and materials scientists develops a tailor-made antimicrobial protection strategy specifically designed to meet your needs and requirements. The assessment of antimicrobial efficacy can be conducted directly in our laboratories (risk groups S1 & S2) on selected test organisms (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae).

Expertise

• Biofilm assessment and development of antifouling strategies
• Development of antimicrobial surface coatings for various materials, including plastics, glass, metal, textiles, wood, paper, etc.
• Immobilization and controlled release of antimicrobial agents
• Selection and testing of antimicrobial additives for paints & coatings, as well as cooling & process water
• UV & photocatalytic germ reduction methods
• Method development for microbiological germ detection

Services

• Antimicrobial surface protection & efficacy testing
• Microbial count determination in various sample types (e.g., water, soil, air, surfaces, food)
• Biodosimetry / UV emitter assessment
• Investigation of photocatalytic properties
• Testing of antimicrobial properties of substances and surfaces
• Microbiological inhibition and activity tests (risk groups S1 & S2)
• Chemical analysis / chromatography

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ANSPRECHPARTNER:
Dr. Helfried Haufe
Fachsektion Dresden – “Funktionelle Schichten”
Tel.: 0351 / 2695 344
E-Mail: dresden@gmbu.de