Click here for a copy of the Convention Handbook.

ABSTRACT:

Novel Antimicrobial Coatings Using Silver Nanoparticles

Inhibit Coatings is a Wellington based company that develops antibacterial and antiviral coatings based on silver nanoparticle technology. Inhibit Coatings uses a unique silver nanoparticle functionalisation method that produces physically robust, low leaching and long life-time antimicrobial coatings. The technology produces silver particles evenly dispersed throughout the polymer coating.

Only very small amounts of silver are required - typically less than 0.1% - thanks to the excellent and well documented performance of silver as an antimicrobial agent, with proven activity against over 650 different microorganisms. The antimicrobial technology has been applied to a number of coating systems including acrylates, epoxies and polyurethanes. Independent laboratory testing of these coatings has shown them to be effective at reducing E. coli, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes by over 99.997%, and to have retained this antimicrobial activity after numerous cleanings with common cleaning agents. Antiviral testing has shown our coatings to be effective against influenza H1N1, feline calicivirus (a norovirus surrogate), and also human coronavirus with a reduction of > 99.9%.

Inhibit Coatings has been working with industry partners to develop antimicrobial coatings for textiles, food safety, transport and healthcare applications. Developments have included textile finishings, broadwall coatings and flooring systems.

BIOGRAPHY:

Inhibit Coatings Limited is a New Zealand based company producing leading edge antimicrobial coatings. Inhibit Coatings uses a unique silver nanoparticle functionalisation method that produces physically robust, low-leaching and long lifetime antimicrobial coatings.

Dr Eldon Tate graduated with a PhD in Chemistry from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, in 2016. He completed his PhD under the supervision of Professor Jim Johnston in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington.

His research focussed on functional materials, imparting new and interesting properties to plastics and paints through the incorporation of nanoparticles.