Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Stay-Fresh long-term disinfectant coatings for high-touched surfaces based on hydrogen peroxide as the active agent
EPA Contract Number: 68HERC21C0022Title: Stay-Fresh long-term disinfectant coatings for high-touched surfaces based on hydrogen peroxide as the active agent
Investigators: Liesenfeld, Bernd
Small Business: Quick-Med Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021
Project Amount: $99,968
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2021) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Homeland Security , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The stated and achieved aim of the funded project was to develop peroxide based antimicrobial and antiviral coatings that would be durable to provide continuous protection from both bacterial and viral contamination. Specific applications are transportation, including for flight where many people are currently anxious about surfaces they can’t help touching over extended periods. This coating can help provide hygiene and public health support, while using sustainable non- toxic chemistry, because the antimicrobial is peroxide, which degrades to water and oxygen only.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
We developed a coating that allows the durable sequestration of hydrogen peroxide in a dry state, using zinc oxide particulates as the ‘sink’, with binding provided by polyurethanes. These coatings were characterized by peroxide measurements, and tested in various systems and surfaces for durability and antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy. Fabrics and hard surfaces were successfully coated and showed strong, durable efficacy, tested per EPA protocols.
Conclusions:
The coatings that were tested to show >99% reduction of bacterial and viral load on surfaces at 2h exposure times, and were durable to laundering (fabric) and abrasive washing (coatings).
Fabrics were tested according to standard textile testing methods, showing >99.9% kill against relevant pathogens of public health interest (E coli and MRSA were tested for time kill). Fabrics were also tested against Human Coronavirus OC43, (selected because it is accepted by EPA as a surrogate test for SARS-CoV2). Treated fabrics showed 90% inactivation of virus within 2h and 99% inactivation in 4h (compared to initial titer). Home laundering was used to simulate extended use in upholstery applications. After laundering efficacy remained very strong: with >5 log kill against Staph aureus (tested at 2h exposure) and >5 log kill against Klebsiella pneumoniae (overnight exposure).
Hard surface treatments were tested on many surfaces, with development concentrating on ABS plastic substrates. The coatings showed >99% reduction of viral load on surfaces at 1h, and >99.99% at 4h. The coatings also demonstrated >99.9% kill for Gram+ and Gram- bacterial pathogens including MRSA within 2h of exposure time. Washed coatings remained effective against virus and bacterial pathogens after 20 wash cycles per EPA methods.
The majority of antimicrobial testing was executed internally at QMT labs. Samples of coated goods were also tested at partner labs, confirming QMT data. All viral testing was handled by BCS laboratory, in Gainesville FL. Original reporting is attached as appendices.
QMT has engaged with teams for multiple airframe manufacturers: this is because airlines default to the airplane manufacturers on all matters of cabin treatment and chemistry to ensure that no aspect of safety and airworthiness is compromised. Airplanes are most highly regulated vehicles, so meeting the requirements of the airplane cabin teams will ensure that other the needs of transport segments such as buses, trains, etc. will already be met. In addition to transport, the coatings can be applied where durable antimicrobial protection is beneficial, from institutional settings, to touch surfaces such as elevator buttons and ATMs, medical equipment, doorknobs, etc.
SBIR Phase II:
Stay-Fresh Long-Term Disinfectant Coatings for High-Touched Surfaces Based on Hydrogen Peroxide as the Active Agent | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.