Light-activated, disposable antiviral and antimicrobial plastic films for PPE and other applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry and Chemical Eng
Abstract
Idea: Dyes and semiconductor photocatalysts are able to generate a myriad of reactive oxygen
species which destroy viruses and bacteria. However, never before has this technology been
harnessed to make inexpensive, disposable anti-virial and anti-microbial plastic films before and
this is the primary aim of this research proposal. At present in hospitals and care homes thin
plastic disposable films are common in PPE (e.g. gowns and aprons) and curtains and coverings for
bedside cupboards and tables; but these films do not have any antiviral or antimicrobial activity,
despite the fact that this feature is desperately needed as many viruses and bacteria are able to
survive on plastic surfaces for several days (for COVID19: it is 3 days!); this project addresses this
need. The key work packages involve:
(i) Extrusion of thin, flexible antiviral/antibacterial plastic films containing either a visible light
absorbing photocatalyst or dye; with different dyes and photocatalysts to be tested to produce an
optimised product.
(ii) Testing of plastic films for antiviral activity and feedback to film production - so that an
optimised product can be generated
(iii) Testing of plastic films for antiviral activity and feedback to film production - so that an
optimised product can be generated
(iv) Engagement with commercial providers of healthcare PPE and related products, such as
Clonallon Ltd. a collaborator, in order to identify the best route to market.
Potential: As the materials to be used are inexpensive, the method of production of the thin plastic
films easily scaled, the likely impact is immeasurable.
species which destroy viruses and bacteria. However, never before has this technology been
harnessed to make inexpensive, disposable anti-virial and anti-microbial plastic films before and
this is the primary aim of this research proposal. At present in hospitals and care homes thin
plastic disposable films are common in PPE (e.g. gowns and aprons) and curtains and coverings for
bedside cupboards and tables; but these films do not have any antiviral or antimicrobial activity,
despite the fact that this feature is desperately needed as many viruses and bacteria are able to
survive on plastic surfaces for several days (for COVID19: it is 3 days!); this project addresses this
need. The key work packages involve:
(i) Extrusion of thin, flexible antiviral/antibacterial plastic films containing either a visible light
absorbing photocatalyst or dye; with different dyes and photocatalysts to be tested to produce an
optimised product.
(ii) Testing of plastic films for antiviral activity and feedback to film production - so that an
optimised product can be generated
(iii) Testing of plastic films for antiviral activity and feedback to film production - so that an
optimised product can be generated
(iv) Engagement with commercial providers of healthcare PPE and related products, such as
Clonallon Ltd. a collaborator, in order to identify the best route to market.
Potential: As the materials to be used are inexpensive, the method of production of the thin plastic
films easily scaled, the likely impact is immeasurable.
Publications
Han R
(2023)
3D printed photocatalytic reactor for air purification
in Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry
Han R
(2022)
Flexible, disposable photocatalytic plastic films for the destruction of viruses
in Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Mills A
(2023)
Colorimetric CO 2 Indicators
in Accounts of Materials Research
Zhou R
(2022)
3D printed, plastic photocatalytic flow reactors for water purification.
in Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology
| Description | This project demonstrated that it was possible to make via extrusion, a scalable process, a thin (30 micron) plastic film containing a photocatalyst that was able to render the film antimicrobial even under room light irradiation. Given this type of material (but non-photocatalytic) is already employed routinely as a disposable plastic film, in all healthcare environments (hospitals, surgeries etc), this low cost added value feature has great commercial prospects. In this project the photocatalytic film was successfully tested for activity using four different viruses, namely, two strains of influenza A virus (IAV), WSN, and a recombinant PR8, encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), and SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2). The results of this work were reported in an international journal and has attracted significant interest from the press and media, including a major article on the BBC. Work is now in progress to secure follow-on funding and appropriate industrial collaboration so as to advance the technology to a level suitable for commercialisation. |
| Exploitation Route | This project has demonstrated that thin, disposable, inexpensive plastic films can be produced via extrusion - a process that can be readily scaled. Efforts are now currently directed to identify a suitable industrial collaborator and the necessary follow-on funding for the eventual commercialisation of the technology. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The project has demonstrated a method for producing, thin, disposable, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, self-sterilising plastic films for healthcare (mainly) and other areas (such as food processing/handling) where disposable plastic films are commonly used. If a suitable collaborating company can be found and sufficient follow-on funding obtained - this technology is likely to have a significant impact in healthcare in particular. Already the paper announcing our findings has attracted significant academic and industrial interest - as well as that from the media and the general public. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural |