Duurzame ontwikkeling van een veilig en biobased antimicrobieel, antischimmel en antiviraal nanoCOATing-platform (Triple-A-COAT )

Infectious diseases are a significant threat in both healthcare and community settings, as was demonstrated by the catastrophic consequences and costs of the recent outbreak of COVID19. Pathogen contaminated surfaces (fomites) are known to transmit diseases, especially in high traffic areas. The aim of this proposal is to develop a nanocellulose based platform for safe & biobased antimicrobial and antiviral nanocoatings, by two strategies: (i) either functionalized nanocellulose coatings where we will link antimicrobial and/or antiviral NP’s or other in-house bioinspired antimicrobials/antivirals to the nanocellulose or (ii) bio-inspired ‘patterned’ nanocellulose coatings (similar to insect exo-skeletons) inhibiting the adhesion of pathogens thus eliminating the use of antimicrobials/antivirals. Since, we want to develop a platform with a broad application potential, different linkers will be tested to bond the nanocellulose to a variety of surfaces. Two case studies will be selected to validate the technology: protective wear and metal (door, bus, train,…) handles, two important surfaces to limit the spread of pathogens and infection.