Mapping Surfaces for Knowledge Driven Innovation
Antimicrobial glass coatings provide an important technology to prevent the formation of harmful biofilms on surfaces, which can contribute to transmission of infections or degeneration of the built environment. Antimicrobial glass can be incorporated in both exterior and interior spaces within the architectural industry, and can be applied to windows, walls, furniture and electronic device screens to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. NBIC’s Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the University of Liverpool have been working in collaboration with Pilkington Technology Management Limited (PTML), part of NSG Group, to guide the development of highly efficient antimicrobial coatings on glass through an NBIC Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) PhD project undertaken by Abbie Johnson. This project focusses on a novel antimicrobial glass coating, developed by PTML, that is suitable to be used in a range of settings including hospitals, schools and transportation.
Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to analyse novel antimicrobial glass coatings in NBIC’s Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces. Image by McCoy Wynne from the University of Liverpool.
Pilkington is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of glass. The company specialise in the production of flat glass using the float process, which was invented by Pilkington in the 1950s. This process revolutionised the way in which glass is produced and is now the world standard for high-quality flat glass manufacture. PTML have a huge range of products from energy-efficient glass to fire protection products and are more recently developing antimicrobial coated systems.
In this project, a range of techniques from physical science to life science are applied together to understand the chemistry and topography of the coating and how it relates to its interaction with bacteria. The advanced coating technology and glass expertise provided by PTML, combined with the advanced characterisation and detailed analysis at the University of Liverpool is crucial to improve the technology. The new scientific knowledge acquired will be used to guide the development of more effective antimicrobial coatings on glass. Verity Piercy, Advanced Technologist at Pilkington Technology Management Limited said,
“PTML is not set up to do the level of testing and analytical measurements that are available at the University of Liverpool, so being able to develop these links is crucial for us to better understand how these coatings work and to improve them further.”
Abbie Johnson, NBIC BITE PhD student said,
“As an NBIC student, I have had the opportunity to work in both University research laboratories and at Pilkington’s glass coating facilities. In addition to this I have been able to attend multiple NBIC training modules ranging from sequencing workshops to computational biofilm models as well as conferences. The combination of working in both academic and industry settings has not only enhanced my experience but has aided my career development by giving me a direct line of communication and the opportunity to expand my network.”