ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A surface coating said to provide long-lasting germ-free protection has been developed in Canada.

Made from a combination of ionic fluids and copper nanoparticles, the compound could be used on high-touch surfaces such as door knobs and hand rails, say its inventors.

Researchers from the University of Windsor in Ontario claim the germ-free protection provided by the coating could last far longer than conventional bleach-based cleaning.

"The problem with conventional sanitisation techniques is that it's not a one-and-done kind of thing," said the team. "It requires either a dedicated employee or automation to keep surfaces germ-free. And when a surface is wiped frequently it can etch the underlying material, creating even more opportunities for pathogens to gather."

The new compound uses the natural germicidal properties of copper in a combination of materials said to be both durable and easy to apply.

Researcher Sima Dehghandokht claims the material's potential applications go beyond the scope of door knobs, hand rails and lift buttons. "They could also include hospitals, greenhouses, agri-food production facilities and even scientific labs where we deal with pathogens and harmful bacteria all the time," she said.

But there are still questions to be answered about the copper-based material, claim researchers. "We need to check the toxicity of the compound and determine exactly how long the coating remains effective," they said. "We also need to look at whether by changing the properties of the nanoparticles we could extend the antimicrobial life of the coating while also killing more aggressive bacteria that are not easily killed by a simple rub with bleach."