A novel coating technology based upon polyatomic ions from plasma
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Electrical Engineering and Electronics
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| James Bradley (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Barnes MJ
(2020)
Plasma polymerization of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl in a collisional, capacitively coupled radio frequency discharge.
in Biointerphases
Sprick R
(2020)
Polymer photocatalysts with plasma-enhanced activity
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
| Description | We have already shown we can deposit polymeric thin films from plasma (pure TEMPO monomer precursor) from largely the arrival of intact molecular ions of the monomer species. Normally plasma deposition creates many dissociated species and scrambled chemistries. We have used a method of RF sheath biasing, developed at the University of Liverpool, to lower the positive acceleration and hence ion energy to the growing film allowing more soft landing of ions and less scrambling of the resultant film chemistry. We are working towards a publication to show this. We have shown that the initial stages of plasma deposition are highly dependent on the material onto which the coatings is being deposited. As the plasma polymer films grow, the coating becomes independent of the substrate influence. This happens by a thickness of ca. 30 nm. This finding may have significant implications on the amount of material used in depositing functional plasma coatings, reducing the amount used and consequently the environmental impact. A manuscript is being prepared and an abstract has been submitted to a leading plasma conference. During the height of the pandemic, we explored with Dr Munir Muhammad (Virologist, Lancaster University) and his team the anti-viral properties of plasma coatings. We have identified a plasma polymer bilayer combination that is splash-proof and exhibits significant anti-viral properties against COVID SARS-2. Furthermore, this coating works well at reduced temperature (4oC) and is an ideal for coating surfaces used in cooling and refrigeration. We are currently understanding how this coating works, using scanning probe microscopy in liquids in collaboration with Dr Sam Jarvis (Physics, Lancaster University). Lancaster University is reviewing a manuscript for patentable material. We (at the University of Liverpool) have demonstrated in a short collaborative study with the group of Prof Andy Cooper that this method of plasma polymerisation is effective in modifying the surface chemistry of polymer photocatalysts, revealing enhanced activity (journal publication). |
| Exploitation Route | As originally set out in the proposal, we have focused on developing coatings that can be used in the production of antimicrobial bandages and wound dressings. Plasma deposited TEMPO coatings are still being evaluated for their potential to prevent microbial attachment in collaboration with Prof Gordon Ramage at Glasgow University. The potential of amine surfaces is being evaluated at Lancaster by Dr. Tim Douglas and Prof Roger Pickup. The inclusion of the study of anti-viral properties is a new feature of this stud. This may well the most readily exploited by others. An initial review suggests that the coating may be patentable. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The plasma technology may find applications in the production of antimicrobial surfaces and we are initiating discussions with potential partners via the National Biofilm Innovation Centre. A manuscript is being reviewed for patentable material. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Title | High pressure plasma sources for polymerisation |
| Description | A plasma polymerising source to achieve selected chemistries in surfaces. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Nothing published yet. |
| Description | Blackpool Teaching Hospital |
| Organisation | Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We are producing using plasma polymerisation nitric oxide releasing coatings for the potential production of antimicrobial surfaces and bandages for applications in wound healing and eradication of biofilms. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr A Guleri, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the Blackpool Teaching Hospital will (together with our project partners at the University of Lancaster) as the project develops be testing the surfaces against selected pathogens. |
| Impact | None yet. |
| Start Year | 2019 |