(150y) Silver Oxide Coatings for Preventing Pathogen Transfer through Fomites

Infectious diseases can be spread through contact with contaminated solids, also known as fomites. Examples of fomites include door handles, railings, and touch screens. These contaminated objects are called fomites. To reduce the microbe transmission through fomites, antimicrobial coatings can be used to inactivate the virus or kill bacteria on surfaces.

In this study, we fabricated silver oxide-based surface coatings that greatly reduce the number of viable microbes on coated surfaces. We synthesized Ag2O micro particles and coated them on a glass substrate using a novel variant of the Stöber sol-gel process. The coatings were tested for antimicrobial properties against SARS-CoV-2 using the Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose and against bacteria using the Colony Forming Units methods. The results showed excellent antimicrobial activity, with the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 reduced by 99.8% and the number of bacteria reduced by >99.9% on average after one hour on coated surfaces. The coatings retained their potency even after multiple exposures to bacteria or abrasion and were not affected by light. The coatings were also transparent, making them suitable for use on cell phone touch screens and checkout facilities to limit the transmission of microbes.