In addition to stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols, incorporating antimicrobial building materials can greatly aid in maintaining hygienic spaces. With increased awareness about the spread of COVID-19, the demand for hygienic surfaces is stronger than ever.
Nonporous materials like terrazzo are a great way to prevent bacteria from growing and spreading. Additionally, epoxy terrazzo has zero VOCs and is easy to clean with disinfectant solutions.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface is a manmade material that was first marketed as an alternative to natural stone, and it can be molded to shape for counters or sinks. It consists of a mix of synthetic materials that create a range of colors, and can be supplemented with flecks of color or veining for designers’ preferences.
Solid surfaces are nonporous, so they resist the absorption of liquids and can be easily wiped clean. Their slick surfaces also prevent bacteria and germs from sticking to the countertops, making them more hygienic than traditional materials that can harbor harmful organisms in crevices.
When fabricated and installed properly, solid surface counters can also be resistant to chemicals found in cleaners or disinfectants used in healthcare projects. These surfaces can withstand contact with concentrated acids, such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, X-ray developer fluid, Wright’s stain, methylene blue, and betadine.
Due to their hygienic properties and versatility, solid surface countertops are popular in healthcare spaces, hotels, restaurants, and college dormitories. These durable materials can withstand heavy traffic throughout the day and still look brand new, even after years of use. They are the ideal choice for spaces that require a high level of hygiene to protect patients and prevent HAIs. Solid surface products also provide an excellent alternative to traditional wood or laminate counters, which are more prone to damage and wear.
Stainless Steel Fixtures
Stainless steel is a durable and stylish material that is popular in modern design. It is resistant to rust and corrosion and is easy to clean. It also looks great in the kitchen or bathroom with a smooth surface that doesn’t produce small pores or crevices where bacteria can harbor.
Due to a huge increase in antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, it is becoming increasingly important to find new antimicrobial surfaces for medical applications. Metallic biomaterials like Stainless Steel (SS) are frequently used in medical applications such as orthopedic prosthesis or cardiovascular stents/valves, however they do not exhibit desired antibacterial properties [2].
A large amount of studies focus on different types of surface modification strategies to improve the antimicrobial performance of SS. These studies aim to alter the physico-chemical characteristics of the SS surface by changing its surface chemistry, topography and wettability/surface energy without influencing bulk attributes of the SS material.
For example, electropolishing a Stainless Steel surface increases the roughness of the surface and decreases its wettability. This reduces the ability of bacteria to adhere to the SS surface and promotes the formation of a protective biofilm. Another way to reduce the bacterial load on a Stainless Steel fixture is to use a coating that prevents limescale and other deposits from accumulating. Delta offers Spotshield Stainless, which is a clear coating that can be applied to the finish of a Stainless Steel sink or faucet and helps to keep the fixtures looking cleaner longer.
Antimicrobial Coatings
As an anti-bacterial building material, coatings are a powerful weapon in the battle against fomites. These coatings protect high-touch surfaces such as door handles, arm supports and railings, as well as HVAC vents, faucets, furniture, walls and more. Studies* show that these coatings are an effective method of reducing the transmission of pathogens in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
While these coatings reduce the need for harsh cleaning and disinfectant chemicals, they do not eliminate them completely. Instead, they help to limit their environmental impact and allow for less frequent and more gentle cleaning.
These coatings can be either antimicrobial or antifouling in nature. Surfaces that kill microorganisms that touch or come close to them are considered antimicrobial, whereas surfaces that simply prevent them from attaching and growing on the surface are referred to as antifouling.
Antimicrobial coatings can be made from a wide variety of active ingredients, including hydroxyl acids, silver, zinc, quaternary ammonium compounds, isothiazolinones and other isothiocyanates, copper, and more. These substances have been tested against specific pathogens, such as E coli, to determine their effectiveness against bacteria and fungal growth. However, they are not generally tested in combination or for long-term activity. Furthermore, a lack of testing standards for antimicrobial surface coatings makes it difficult to compare products and assess their performance over time. AMiCI is working toward the development of these standards.
Antimicrobial Textiles
Antimicrobial textiles are a popular option in the healthcare industry to ensure cleanliness, hygiene and infection control. Applied to fabrics like privacy curtains and upholstery, they reduce the spread of germs by inhibiting growth of odor-causing bacteria and minimizing mold and mildew. These fabrics are also used in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and aprons to help minimize pathogen transmission.
Textiles treated with silver are naturally antimicrobial, but more recently, manufacturers have turned to N-halamines and chitosan to create long-lasting antibacterial finishes. These antimicrobial additives work by reducing the activity of bacterial enzymes. This prevents the microbe from producing energy and degrades its membrane, thus limiting its ability to function.
Other metal oxides like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are also being explored for their antimicrobial properties. They act by blocking the bacterium’s oxidative enzymes, which leads to the death of the cell.
Many standardized test methods are available to assess the antimicrobial properties of a fabric. These tests determine if the fabric is leaching or non-leaching and can be conducted by observing the size of the zone of inhibition around the tested fabric during an agar well diffusion assay. A larger zone indicates higher diffusion of the active compound and a smaller zone indicates a non-leaching antimicrobial finish. This information is important when selecting an antimicrobial finish for a particular application, fabric type or laundry specifications.