Advancing surface safety: the role of sol-gel nanocoatings in the context of MIRIA European project
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Among the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, significant efforts have been undertaken to develop antimicrobial/antiviral surfaces by exploiting coating solutions. In this article, we review the actions undertaken by the EU project MIRIA, the main one being the reduction of pathogen transmission on high-traffic surfaces in public and healthcare environments. The project implements several synergies from key antimicrobial/antiviral element selection to the grafting of complex-shaped surfaces. The focus is given to one of the project’s key strategies: the adoption of sol-gel technology, known for its efficiency in creating versatile, cost-effective coatings suitable for a wide range of substrates. The project rigorously tests the coatings in simulated environments, such as operating theatres, ensuring their effectiveness and safety. This includes comprehensive durability testing against environmental, chemical, and mechanical stresses, guaranteeing the coatings’ long-term functionality. MIRIA’s validation process encompasses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral testing in line with international standards, confirming their broad-spectrum pathogen resistance. Along with this overview, the impact of the initiative is elucidated, extending beyond healthcare, enhancing public health, creating safer living, and working environments, and reducing economic losses due to illness. To this, the MIRIA project is expected to significantly contribute to the European research and innovation in antimicrobial coatings, addressing challenges like scalability and efficacy against various pathogens. The emphasis on sustainable synthesis, including bio-based materials which align with ecological goals, positions MIRIA as a pivotal initiative in enhancing health safety standards and resilience across Europe.
Authors: Alessia Bezzon, Luigi Aurisicchio, Evelyn Castlunger, Tommaso Ceccatelli Martellini, Dominik Czerwiński, Ilaria Favuzzi, Olgierd Jeremiasz, Angelo Meduri, Jiří Mosinger, Witold Kurylak, Sylvie Motellier, Henric Nedéus, Thierry Rabilloud, Edoardo Rossi, Patricia Royo, Petri Sorsa, Saara Söyrinki, Mario Tului
Institutions: RINA Consulting - Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A. (Italy), National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Helioenergia (Poland), Charles University, Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals, Łukasiewicz Research Network, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux, Roma Tre University, Idener (Spain), Millidyne (Finland), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,790
OpenAlex ID: W4402724393