BRANCH: broad spectrum antimicrobial hybrid nanomaterial coatings

Overview

BRANCH (BRoad spectrum ANtimicrobial Coatings based on Hybrid nanomaterials) is an advanced coating technology developed to address the growing demand for effective antimicrobial surface solutions. The technology responds to heightened post-pandemic awareness of surface hygiene, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, and the need for alternative tools to combat harmful microorganisms.

The hybrid nanomaterial formulation has been validated against a representative panel of pathogens, including gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and a viral model (bacteriophage MS2). Testing followed the BS EN ISO22196 standard protocol, demonstrating that the coating achieves a reduction of up to three orders of magnitude—equivalent to 99.9% pathogen inactivation—within as little as one hour of exposure.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Hybrid nanomaterials engineered into a specially formulated coating for real-life surface application
• Broad-spectrum biocidal activity confirmed against bacterial and viral models
• Rapid antimicrobial action, achieving up to 99.9% pathogen inactivation in just 1 hour
• Sustained biocidal performance demonstrated over extended exposure periods of up to 24 hours
• Compatibility with industrial manufacturing processes, enabling scalable production
• Validated according to the BS EN ISO22196 testing protocol

How it works:

The antimicrobial performance is achieved through the intrinsic biocidal properties of the hybrid nanomaterials embedded within the coating matrix. When pathogens contact a treated surface, the nanomaterials interact with the microorganisms to inactivate them. The dual-pathway design—combining different nanomaterial components—enables activity across a wide range of pathogen types, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as viral agents.

Technology readiness level

BRANCH has progressed through laboratory validation, with biocidal efficacy confirmed against multiple pathogen models under the BS EN ISO22196 standard. The next phase focuses on developing key candidates tailored for specific end-user applications and scaling production through established industrial manufacturing processes.

A critical pathway to commercialization involves regulatory compliance. In the EU, biocidal products require registration of the active substance under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), enforced by ECHA. In the US, equivalent registration is governed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), enforced by the EPA. Addressing these regulatory requirements is a priority before market introduction.

The technology is well-suited for partners seeking to co-develop application-specific formulations, license the underlying intellectual property, or invest in bringing a scalable antimicrobial coating solution to market.