I-GLAD: A New Strategy for Fabricating Antimicrobial Surfaces
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Overview:
Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed a novel nanofabrication process for creating a new antimicrobial surface through a unique inverted-glancing angle deposition (I-GLAD) method. The proprietary manufacturing process allows production of new sheets that can be applied to various surfaces to induce antimicrobial activity against both Gram negative bacteria (E. coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) tests. These sheets can be used in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, workplaces, schools, and other places at high risk for spreading contagions. The nature-inspired array of nanoneedles ensures a more robust surface that does not require an additional layer of film for protection unlike some other similar products.
Highlights:
- Self-cleaning properties are enhanced by adsorbed water droplets for removing the ruptured debris from the surface
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images have confirmed effectiveness of the disintegration of E. coli and S. aureus while maintaining the morphology of the nanoneedles
- Cost-effective manufacturing and a scalable process such as roll-to-roll fabrication
Benefits:
- The array of nanoneedles is a flexible sheet that enables for more durability and customization allowing the sheets to be applied to a variety of surfaces requiring disinfection
- Creates new three-dimensional nanoneedles with the tips less than 10 nm, which can be extremely difficult to achieve when compared to other architectures of nanostructures
- No pre-seeding step is required for the I-GLAD method, creating a more efficient process
Applications:
Market applications include, but are not limited to, prevention of infections, antimicrobial surfaces, sterilization of medical devices, industrial settings, and healthcare applications.
IP Status:
Patent pending
Inventors:
- Chuang Qu
- Kevin Walsh
- Shamus McNamara