Superbug-fighting paint promises cleaner hospitals and safer public spaces

A bacteria-killing coating created by scientists has been used in trials of a new paint that can be applied to a range of surfaces to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including difficult-to-kill species such as MRSA, flu and COVID-19.

Scientists at the University of Nottingham's School of Pharmacy have trialed a new paint-on resin product that incorporates bacteria-killing chlorhexidine, which is often used by dentists to treat mouth infections and for pre-surgical cleaning.

The team have worked with Indestructible Paint to create a prototype antimicrobial paint using this new material and have found it effectively activates when dried to kill a range of pathogens.

Surfaces can act as a reservoir of bacteria, especially in medical settings, from hospital beds and toilet seats. As well as frequently touched surfaces in public spaces such as airplanes across the aerospace industry in the manufacture of seats and tray tables.

The new paint can be applied to a range of plastic and hard non-porous surfaces to provide an antimicrobial coating. As well as hospital settings, the paint can be used on any non-porous surface and the team are also investigating its use in the transport and aerospace industry.

Image source: University of Nottingham.