ABSTRACT
The risk of infection from contaminated surfaces has already been shown in several publications. Due to the increased demand for optimized infection control measures during the Corona pandemic, antimicrobial surface technologies have gained more an interest. Apart from many proofs of efficacy, there are only a few studies dealing with the durability of these surface coatings with regard to the material and the reprocessing measures. This work did therefore examine the impact of different materials and surface textures, as well as different detergents and disinfectants, on the durability of antimicrobial surface technologies. Differently structured materials (glass, wood, plastics, metal) and wallpaper bonded to plasterboard were coated with an TiO2Ag based antimicrobial coating (HECOSOL GmbH, Bamberg). These test samples are then used to perform abrasion tests with various cleaning and disinfecting agents and cloth systems (microfiber cloth, cotton cloth, foam cloth). The majority of the test samples in our experimental setup showed at least significant activity. According to our results, both the selection of cleaning and disinfection methods including wiping systems and the surface material have a major impact on the durability of antimicrobial coatings. In order to be able to come to conclusions about the long-term activity of these surface technologies, the effectiveness should be tested not only during the development phase, but also in the finished product and again after several reprocessing cycles in use. © 2021 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston.
ABSTRACT
Introduction The risk of infection from contaminated surfaces has already been demonstrated in several publications. Due to the increased demand for optimized hygiene measures during the Corona pandemic, antimicrobial surface technologies have become more important. Apart from many proofs of efficacy, there are only a few studies dealing with the durability of these surface coatings with regard to the material and the reprocessing measures.This work will therefore examine the influence of different materials and surface textures, as well as different detergents and disinfectants, on the durability of antimicrobial surface technologies. Methods Differently structured Wallpaper bonded to plasterboard was coated with an TiO2Ag based antimicrobial coating (HECOSOL GmbH, Bamberg). These test samples are then used to perform abrasion tests with various cleaning and disinfecting agents and cloth systems (microfiber cloth, cotton cloth, foam cloth). To determine the durability of the coating, the test samples are microbiologically contaminated in a standard procedure and the remaining antimicrobial activity is determined. Results The abrasion tests with various cleaning agents, disinfectants and wipe systems showed an influence of the material and the preparation on the antimicrobial efficacy. The majority of the test samples in our experimental setup showed at least slight efficacy. Even a strong remaining efficacy could be shown at 5 out of 47 tested samples. However, no residual antimicrobial activity could be detected in a further five of the test samples. Conclusion According to our results, both the choice of cleaning and disinfection methods and wiping systems and the surfaces materials have a major impact on the durability of antimicrobial coatings. In order to be able to make a statement about the long-term activity of these surface technologies, the effectiveness should be tested not only in advance, but also in the finished product and again after several reprocessing cycles.