GrapheneCA, a graphene supplier and product manufacturer, has made the claim as a result of the ASTM E2180 testing protocol for determining antimicrobial activity of polymeric materials.
GrapheneCA’s Dr. Nano Flooring and Dr. Metal product lines have reportedly been shown in an independent laboratory test to provide ‘exceptional’ antimicrobial protection of different surfaces. The company has reported that the coatings demonstrated exceptional activity against gram-positive and gram-negative, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause severe respiratory infections.
The Dr. Nano Flooring and Dr. Metal product lines could be of particular use during the Covid-19 pandemic. Studies show that viruses can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic surfaces, however, it is important to note that bacteria do not always vanish with time. They may replicate, colonise an object, and embed themselves into a protective extracellular matrix.
GrapheneCA believes its coatings can serve as an additional line of defence against the spread of bacteria through objects people are constantly in contact with, such as doorknobs and elevator buttons. These coatings may also help to prevent the development of bacteria in dry or humid areas that are hard to reach, such as air ducts and other hotbeds for bacteria which contribute to lung complications or inflammation, such as Legionnaires’ Disease and other types of pneumonia.
Dr. Sergey Voskresensky, head of research and development at GrapheneCA, commented: “These coatings are ready-to-use products that can be purchased and used right now without the need for non-standard equipment and are similar to any other can of epoxy you would purchase from your local hardware store. We have developed durable, long-lasting coatings that both efficiently protect surfaces from damage as well as the health of those who touch them.”