Antimicrobial coatings are an application of invisible covering which contains antimicrobial agents like silver nanoparticles or biocides. They are designed to prevent the growth or spread of pathogens or disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, moulds, and yeasts, for a long period. They utilise the concept of cellular perturbation to prevent pathogenic microbes’ development and mutation on the surface.

In addition to protecting the surface from dangerous pathogens, antimicrobial coating also improves the surface’s appearance, durability, and corrosion resistance. They continue to perform even after repeated water exposure and regular cleaning.

A uniquely formulated antimicrobial coating can also keep surfaces free of human coronavirus for up to ninety days with one single application. This coating works by denaturing the virus’ proteins, effectively distorting them out of shape and attacking its protective fat layer.

Antibacterial coatings use agents which are only effective against broad-spectrum bacteria, such as MRSA and E.coli. They usually integrate silver active ingredients and work by inhibiting bacterial cells’ initial adhesion to a surface.

In contrast, antimicrobial coatings utilise chemical agents or technology toxic to various microorganisms, particularly those that are pathogenic, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They also contain additives which can shield surfaces from mildew and odour-causing bacteria. Their active ingredients typically include zinc or silver. Since they offer a greater level of protection than antibacterial coatings, they are often used in hygiene critical environments, such as hospitals, schools, and commercial kitchens.

Antimicrobial coatings provide numerous benefits, including:

• Protection against microbes: Antimicrobial coatings protect surfaces from various microbes’ growth by making the surfaces’ environment unfavourable for their growth. This condition also helps prevent staining, bad odour, and surface degradation.
• Utilise fewer disinfectants: Antimicrobial coatings reduce the need to use disinfectants and harsh cleaning agents to deal with obstinate germs in public facilities, resulting in environmental impact reduction.
• Improve cleanliness and health: The use of antimicrobial coatings in settings with a high possibility of infections, such as hospital, school, and office, help counter the spread of diseases to a significant extent. They also promote cleanliness and health by reducing germs in high-volume touchpoints, such as switches, doorknobs, furniture and railings.
• Prolong object’s lifespan: Protection against microbes along with the maintenance that the coatings offer, including protection against odour, discoloration, and other wear and tear caused by microbial activity, help increase the object’s general lifespan.
• Cost-effective: Since antimicrobial coatings help prevent discolouration, leeching, staining, or other factors that would affect the object’s appearance, they help cut down on additional financial burden and labour required for the object’s upkeep or replacement, thereby lowering the overall maintenance costs.
• Add value to infrastructure: The use of antimicrobial coatings on surfaces holds a profound message that the establishment cares about the environment’s cleanliness and people’s safety, thereby adding value to the building and its overall infrastructure.

Antimicrobial surface coatings are safe, odourless, maintain a low level of toxicity to their surrounding tissues, and have been registered to the EPA. Moreover, due to the SCENIHR or Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks’ insistence on prudent use of antimicrobials, manufacturers attempt to design antimicrobial coatings with safety as a priority, aside from convenience and cost-effectiveness. New technologies like safe-bacteria repelling surfaces and other innovative technologies have been utilised to neutralise antimicrobial coatings’ adverse effects.

The antimicrobial coating generally takes only a few minutes to dry to touch. However, specialists recommend leaving the coating to dry for about two hours to allow it to bond to the surface completely.

Users can apply antimicrobial spray or coating to the inner surface, the outer surface, or both. It is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including metals, plastic, glass, fibreglass, stone, ceramics, wood, natural materials, composites and materials, such as roofing materials like tiles and shingles, buildings components and materials like wallboard and siding, concrete products, ceiling tiles, stainless steel, grout mixes and dry concrete, and conveyor and humidifier belts.

Apart from finding the right antimicrobial treatment expert, clients need to prepare the facility to get the most out of the treatment. They have to determine what needs to be treated and ensure high touchpoint surfaces are free of dust, dirt, and debris.

If necessary, remove any obstacles or items on the object’s surfaces to be treated and arrange the furniture or equipment for best access. They also need to discuss with the cleaning company about other necessary preparations.

Generally, the areas for antimicrobial treatment will be closed off to allow the experts to perform their job on a full-scale without disturbance and ensure all critical touchpoints and surfaces are coated. If the facility or office must be occupied, the area should be left empty during treatment and for at least fifteen minutes after that or as per the services team’s recommendation.