A ClO2-based multilevel antimicrobial coating was developed for use in challenging environment with high level of microbial contaminations. The coating is based on controlled dosing of a biocidal ClO2 gas from a smart polymer capsules programmed to response with higher rate of dosing to touch and contamination. The coating exhibits �release-killing�, �contact-killing� and �anti-adhesion� properties and provides excellent bactericidal properties. Laboratory study on 25 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, known hospital pathogens and multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) shows that the coating to be capable of 2 log reduction in viable bacteria within 10 min contact. It was also shown to last for 30 days after coating. The coating was safe following a barrage of safety studies that included in vitro and in vivo tests. A small scale survey study was also carried out at the University to determine the acceptability of the coating to public use. The coating's tactile feel, olfactory smell and visual aesthetic were among the survey questions asked. The field test of antimicrobial coating was conducted in an elderly residence home that receives government subsidies. Two wards located on the first and second floors with identical floor plans were selected. The study was divided into two phases each lasting 4 weeks with 2 week washout period. Two weeks of pre- and post-studies were also conducted. The environmental microbial loads in the wards at the immediate vicinity of the patient's bed was collected and enumerated by standard microbiological techniques. The total bacteria count was used as an indicator of the cleanliness. The MRSA in the control ward was higher than the intervention ward. The data on MRSA is important in identifying its source, persistence and transmission under control and intervention conditions.

Effectiveness of an antimicrobial coating against MRSA in elderly residence home

248th National Meeting (2014)

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