Antimicrobial coatings

Antimicrobial surfaces due to innovative ORMOCER® coatings

Function Antimicrobial
© Fraunhofer ISC

 

ORMOCER® coatings can be modified in such a way that they have an antimicrobial effect and are therefore effective against bacteria and other microorganisms on certain surfaces. The antimicrobial mechanisms of action of ORMOCER® coatings can be divided into three methods.

  • “Contact Mechanism” is a method for antimicrobial effects in ORMOCER® coatings in which the active substances are covalently bound to the ORMOCER® matrix. This leads to a long-term antimicrobial effect and prevents migration and leaching of the substances. However, this method often proves to be less effective in destroying the microorganisms. Examples of this mechanism of action are chitosan and ammonium silanes, which can be bound to the ORMOCER® matrix.
  • Another mode of action of antimicrobial ORMOCER® coatings is the use of a “Release Mechanism”. This means that active substances such as chitosan, sorbic acid or benzoic acid are integrated into the coating, which can migrate into their environment. This method proves to be extremely effective against microorganisms, but such coatings cannot guarantee a long-term effect.
  • Various approaches are summarized under the third mode of action. On the one hand, the effect is created by the interaction of active (nano) particles (usually silver or zinc) with the environment. Other active additives include photocatalytic particles or structures that can be incorporated into the ORMOCER® layer to destroy microorganisms. In the latter case, UV radiation is used to provide the energy required to initiate the process. However, special spray-dried particles (so-called supraparticles) can also be used, which contain an active substance that is released during abrasion. In this respect, this mode of action is also part of the “Release Mechanism”.

Antimicrobial ORMOCER® coatings can be applied to different substrates:

 

  • Textiles: Clothing, car seat covers or similar
  • Wood / foils: mainly in the furniture and living area
  • Plastic: public areas such as transportation, public buildings, etc.
  • Glass: Touch displays
Sports equipment antimicrobial
© freepik
Antimicrobial coatings for sporting goods and textiles
Antimicrobially coated plastics
© freepik
Animicrobial coated surfaces in public transport
Antimicrobially coated touch display
© freepik
Touch displays with antimicrobial ORMOCER® coating

Antimicrobial ORMOCER® coatings can contribute to better hygiene in various areas:

  • In the medical sector, ORMOCER® applications on textiles, plastic and glass surfaces prevent the transmission of germs.
  • On sportswear, antimicrobial ORMOCER® coatings contribute to greater wearer comfort, as the coating reduces bacteria - and therefore unwanted odors.
  • In public areas, antimicrobial ORMOCER® coatings on plastic or glass ensure hygiene, for example on elevator buttons, touch displays or grab handles in buses or trains. Car seats can also be provided with an antimicrobial coating, for example for car-sharing vehicles.

ORMOCER® coatings can apply their antimicrobial properties to various microorganisms. At the Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies of the Fraunhofer ISC, the following tests are carried out on the antimicrobial behavior of the coatings:

  • ORMOCER® coating of an ETFE film: Hemmhof test to measure effectiveness against Aspergillus Niger DSM 1957 -> The tests have shown that the effectiveness against microorganisms lasts for at least six weeks.
  • ORMOCER® coating of a PP film: Hemmhof test to measure the effectiveness against Saccaromyces Cerevesiae and Micrococcus Luteus -> The tests have shown that no bacterial growth takes place on the polymer film with ORMOCER® coating.
 

»Antimicrobial coatings«

All information about our antimicrobial ORMOCER® coatings at a glance.