Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) affect more than one million patients annually resulting in over 100,000 deaths while costing health systems more than $40 billion each year. Harmful pathogens can live up to 7 months on environmental surfaces and common pathways between patients, workers and such surfaces are frequent vectors for HAI transmission.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an effective, durable and safe-to-use disinfectant coating that can rapidly kill a variety of pathogens. The substance is an all-natural compound whose active ingredient is derived from plant based essential oils which can be easily applied either via spray or brush without damaging the underlying surface.
A recently published study assessing its efficacy demonstrated a 99.9% kill rate of gram negative and gram positive (including MRSA) bacteria in addition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus when microorganisms were exposed to coated surfaces.(1) These results were achieved within a few minutes and in some cases a few seconds of exposure. In addition, treated surfaces maintained antimicrobial efficacy over six months of air exposure as well as when subjected to substantial mechanical, chemical and thermal duress. Even after its effectiveness diminished, the coating could be recharged by applying fresh material thereby renewing is antimicrobial activity.
“The coating could be a game changer in traditionally germ-laden public spaces like airports and hospitals,” said Anish Tuteja, professor at the University of Michigan and lead investigator.
The coating technology has been exclusively licensed to EnviraShield Health, LLC for application in all healthcare settings. EnviraShield Health is a privately held company with next generation antimicrobial coatings that combine a patent-pending polymeric formulation with broad spectrum anti-microbial activity. EnviraShield’s focus is to enhance patient care by creating safer healthcare environments that reduce the risk of infection caused by contaminated surface contact.
For Additional Information Contact:
David Holly, Chief Commercialization Officer,?Envirashield Health
Phone: (312) 285-5154
Email: [email protected]
(1). Dhyani A, Repetto T, Bartikofsky D, et. al. Surfaces with instant and persistent antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and SARS-CoV-2. Matter. 2022;8:018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2022.08.018.
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