Chinese researchers have developed an antimicrobial coating with effective protection lasting up to six months, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The antimicrobial materials widely used usually include alcohol compounds, phenolic compounds and metal salts. They can kill common microorganisms, but effective protection only lasts for a few hours.

The new coating was developed based on microcapsule technology. A microcapsule, a tiny capsule, contains materials such as drugs and flavors that are released when the capsule is broken, melted or dissolved.

With a specially designed microcapsule structure, the coating has antimicrobial active reagents as its core material and special resins as its wall material. Sprayed on the surface of objects, the coating can kill viruses and bacteria and rapidly form a thin layer of protective film through the slow release of the active reagents.

Developed by the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology under the CAS, the coating showed a remarkable disinfection effect on viruses and bacteria. It has passed the tests of authoritative institutions at home and abroad.

The coating has extensive application prospects in fields such as disinfection, air filtration, water purification and cold chain transportation. (Xinhua)

Figure. 1\2. Structure and morphology of microcapsule coating. 3. The product. 4\5. Antibacterial effect of microcapsule coating. (Image by SIAT)

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ZHANG Xiaomin 
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