Nottingham scientists work with industry to create bacteria-killing paint

University of Nottingham

SCIENTISTS at the University of Nottingham in the UK have developed a paint-on resin that has been shown to eliminate a range of harmful microbes, including bacteria and viruses such as flu and COVID-19.

Researchers at the university’s School of Pharmacy have developed a resin containing chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial agent commonly used in dental treatments and products like Corsodyl to treat throat infections.

The team collaborated with industrial manufacturer Indestructible Paint to make the antimicrobial paint, which can protect hard and non-porous surfaces from pathogens, including E. coli.

Felicity de Cogan, associate professor in pharmaceutical science of biological medicines, said: “This new study showed clearly that surfaces with this paint applied had no bacteria and as soon as it dries it is active.”

SCIENTISTS at the University of Nottingham in the UK have developed a paint-on resin that has been shown to eliminate a range of harmful microbes, including bacteria and viruses such as flu and COVID-19.

Researchers at the university’s School of Pharmacy have developed a resin containing chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial agent commonly used in dental treatments and products like Corsodyl to treat throat infections.

The team collaborated with industrial manufacturer Indestructible Paint to make the antimicrobial paint, which can protect hard and non-porous surfaces from pathogens, including E. coli.

Felicity de Cogan, associate professor in pharmaceutical science of biological medicines, said: “This new study showed clearly that surfaces with this paint applied had no bacteria and as soon as it dries it is active.”

Versatile paint

In the study, the resin was applied on various steel surfaces and was found to have a “significant” reproducible antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans.

The scientists note that the paint is best suited for public spaces on frequently touched surfaces –such as hospital beds and aeroplane seats – where infectious microorganisms can persist for several months.

De Cogan, said: “Research has shown that contaminated surfaces can act as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes, encouraging the spread of antimicrobial resistance across bacterial species through horizontal gene transfer despite deep cleaning practices.”

Indestructible Paint work across various aerospace industries, as well as with the defence and energy industries.

The Nottingham researchers are aiming to advance the material’s development by creating a water-based resin, which they say would offer a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Brian Norton, managing director of Indestructible Paint, said: “It’s still in the early stages but we look forward to further testing with the aim of rolling this out commercially.”