Copper-based self-disinfecting paint for hospital surfaces
Clinical Ecosystem Surfaces for Improved Disinfection Outcomes and the Prevention of HAI Transmission
This project is creating a copper-containing paint additive to make hospital surfaces that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi to help lower infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iasis Molecular Sciences, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Spokane, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11361757 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I'm a patient, this project aims to coat hospital walls and high-touch surfaces with a new organometallic copper ingredient that can kill germs on contact. The team is scaling up manufacturing of the additive and making liquid and powder paint formulations. They will test those coatings in the lab against bacteria, viruses, and fungi and generate data to support an EPA filing. If hospitals start using the approved paint, it could reduce the germs I might encounter during a stay and lower my chance of getting a healthcare-associated infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who spend time in hospitals—especially those in intensive care, long-term care, or with weakened immune systems—would be the most likely to benefit.
Not a fit: People who rarely enter hospitals or whose infections are transmitted primarily person-to-person rather than via surfaces may not see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lower health care-associated infections by reducing the amount of live germs on hospital surfaces.
How similar studies have performed: Related products using copper surfaces and antimicrobial paints have reduced surface contamination and some hospital studies reported fewer infections, but findings have been mixed and product-specific data are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Spokane, United States
- Iasis Molecular Sciences, INC — Spokane, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vachon, David John — Iasis Molecular Sciences, INC
- Study coordinator: Vachon, David John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.