S24: A Novel Technology for Enhancing Sanitization in Industrial & Food Processing Operations Based on a Removable Antimicrobial Coating

A unique water-based antimicrobial coating was developed to meet a growing demand for sanitization of hard to reach, vertical and ceiling surfaces in industrial and commercial operations to provide long-term antimicrobial protection for days to months. The coating is easily applied with a portable sprayer, can contain a dye for easy visualization and overspray forgiveness, has antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria and fungi on hard and porous surfaces, is removable with water while leaving low to no coating residue, and has ultra low VOCs. A variety of microbiological tests were used in the development of this unique coating including AOAC, ASTM and EPA regulatory tests (e.g., Non-Food Contact, Food Contact, Residual Sanitizing, and Fungistatic tests for porous and nonporous surfaces). Overall ≥ 3 log reductions were obtained in 5-min exposures for S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. coli O157:H7, S. enterica, P. aeruginosa and L. monocytogenes. Antiviral activity and fungistatic activity have also been demonstrated (e.g., A. niger). The effects of organic contamination, relative humidity, temperature, contact time, long-term stability and dye addition on microbial activity were optimized to provide a functionality that makes this coating as versatile and robust as possible. Adjustment of the contact time and/or actives concentration allows for the maintenance of the microbial efficacy of different formulations for a variety of applications. In addition, the basic coating formulation can be modified using a variety of antimicrobial actives (e.g., oxidative chemistries) and could provide a platform for different coating technology applications.