Researchers have developed a transparent nanostructured copper surface (TANCS) that has antimicrobial properties suitable for personal and multi-user touch screens. Traditional methods like alcohol sprays and wipes are not ideal for delicate displays, so this innovative solution provides a long-lasting and transparent alternative.
The fabrication process involved depositing a thin copper film onto a glass substrate and using a rapid thermal annealing process to form dewetted copper nanoparticles. This surface showed over 99.9% effectiveness in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus within two hours under dry test conditions, maintaining optical transparency and color neutrality.
The TANCS coating also demonstrated durability after rigorous wipe-testing procedures. Researchers from ICFO and Corning collaborated on this study, aiming to create a multi-attribute product that combines high efficacy antimicrobial properties with physical attributes suitable for touch-enabled display use cases.
Wageesha Senaratne, a researcher at Corning and co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of understanding the connections between biological performance and physical attributes to guide future research in this area. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for incorporating antimicrobial solutions into various display devices without compromising their functionality or visual clarity.
The study was published in the journal Communications Materials, providing valuable insights into the development and effectiveness of transparent copper-containing antimicrobial surfaces. This research paves the way for new advancements in touchscreen technology that prioritize user safety and hygiene.
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