This antibacterial coating can be applied to any surface and has the additional benefits of heat resistance, hydrophobicity and flexibility, according to Frost & Sullivan research analyst Ankit Ashokkumar Shukla.
“Ease of application and the ability to be customised to suit the needs of specific applications and industries highlights its potential to replace existing antibacterial coating products,” he added.
Nanopool’s application of silicon dioxide at a nanometric scale as an antimicrobial coating ensures that liquid glass attains the disinfectant properties previously achieved only by silver nanocoatings.
While the toxicity of silver has been an area of concern, liquid glass has been subjected to several clinical tests and is compliant with DIN EN ISO 10993 (1-12) standards and completely biocompatible.
“In addition to being antibacterial and safe, the nanocoating product offers many benefits: it is repellent to water and dirt, making coated surfaces easy to clean and maintain,” said Shukla.
“Moreover, the transparency of the coating renders it almost invisible, hence restoring the aesthetic appeal of the original surface.”
Nanopool’s liquid glass can resist heat and cold as it functions at a wide range of temperatures (–150 to +450ºC). This enables it to be used in appliances such as ovens and air conditioners. It can also protect a surface for more than 10 years, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
The product can be wiped or sprayed onto the surface, reducing the need for assistance in coating. The possibility of dipping small items into the liquid product enhances the convenience of the coating process.
Nanopool’s liquid glass can be used for numerous applications ranging from plant protection for agriculture to providing solutions for highly technological sectors such as aerospace and biomedical.
“Nanopool has successfully partnered with supermarket and food chains to provide protection for surfaces against microbes which, in turn, protects foods from infestation,” Shukla said.
“In addition to industrial applications, the company works with social institutions such as kindergartens, schools, retirement homes and hospitals to effectively prevent the proliferation of bacteria.”
Frost & Sullivan’s New Product Innovation Award is presented to the company that has excelled in the following criteria: innovative element of the product, leverage leading edge technologies in product, value added features/benefits, increased customer ROI and customer acquisition/penetration potential.
Headquartered in Schwalbach, Nanopool develops coating solutions based on silicon dioxide chemistry for almost every field of application and for most surface materials.
