Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a silver-based nanocomposite material that provides the antimicrobial benefits of silver without discoloring or staining surfaces. The clear, colorless non-toxic material enables manufacturers to produce coatings and disinfectants that can protect wood, plastic, metal, ceramic and fabric against bacteria, fungi and other harmful microbes.
Technical Details
The nanocomposite is made by co-loading silver nanoparticles with ionic silver and then using chelation to encapsulate the particles within a dielectric material, such as silica. Trapping and immobilizing the silver particles shifts the plasmon resonance of the silver out of the visible region (from 390 nm to 500 nm), thereby rendering the dielectric-silver nanocomposite transparent, free from discoloration, and usable on many surfaces. Additionally, the invention enables the extended release of silver, ensuring its prolonged efficacy as an antimicrobial agent.
Benefit
Protects against microbes without discoloring surfacesEliminates as much as 99 percent of microbes on surfaces and inhibits adherence and growthLow cost and non-toxic (encapsulated, nanoscale silver)Market Application
Spray-on disinfectant for surfaces such as wood, plastic and ceramicsAntimicrobial coating for molded plastics, medical applications, food processing facilities, bathroom and kitchen products, fabrics and clothing, toys, filtration units, and flooring
Brochure
