A surface technology solution for sustainable sanitisation
John Browne , CEO and founder of Kastus , addresses why mass antimicrobial coating technology integration could greatly reduce touchscreen contagion worldwide
With COVID-19 serving as a global game-changer in our awareness of viruses , a shift in thinking by customers and consumers , along with the urgent need for antiviral measures and treatments for disinfecting surfaces , is driving the development of intelligent antimicrobial embedded technology for touchscreen and electronic device applications . This has also been backed up by a recent study , which showed that 83 % of those interviewed had become more concerned about germs and viruses since the pandemic started . 1 Fewer than a third ( 31 %) knew that human coronavirus can live on smooth surfaces on equipment , such as touchscreen displays , commercial tablet devices and self-service screens , for up to 28 days . However , when scientific studies revealed that touchscreens typically harbour ten times more germs than a public toilet seat , 81 % of users said permanent antiviral and antibacterial protection should be a standard feature .
Digital age mosquito
Described as the ‘ mosquito of the digital age ’ for being vectors of infectious disease , contaminated devices present a high risk of transmitting everything from E . Coli to staphylococcus infections and even COVID-19 . “ From a hygiene viewpoint , touchscreens are an obvious breeding ground for infectious disease ,” says infection control
COVID-19 can live for up to 28 days on the surface of a touchscreen
specialist Dr Hugh Hayden . “ Commercial touchscreens and other glass surfaces , including smartphone devices , should ideally be sanitised after every use with the likes of manufacturer-approved disinfectant wipes .” However , that , Hayden adds , “ is too onerous and not always practical to monitor ,” and it would be better for tech manufacturers to block the potential spread of harmful bacteria and viruses from screens with a permanent , in-built antimicrobial feature . Customer demand is now seeing some touchscreen manufacturers exploring exactly this .
A self-disinfecting solution
One approach is Kastus ’ s patented , ISO-validated nanotechnology , which kills over 99 % of harmful bacteria and viruses , including COVID-19 . The coating is applied during manufacturing and permanently sintered into ( baked in ) the surface layer of the glass or ceramic surface during firing . During this process , it becomes physically bound to the glass , which means that it is extremely durable and non-leaching . To fight bacteria and viruses , a unique photo-physical coating process is used , primarily fuelled by ambient air moisture and light . The reactive
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