Ecocer™ antimicrobial mixed metal oxide ceramic powders for permanent surface coatings and cleaners

Overview

EcoCer™ is a mixed metal oxide ceramic powder technology that delivers robust, permanent antimicrobial protection across a wide range of surfaces and product formats. Unlike conventional disinfectants that require repeated application, EcoCer™ works continuously by spontaneously generating reactive oxygen species (such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals) at room temperature, with no need for light or heat activation. This makes it suitable for integration into permanent antimicrobial coatings, self-decontaminating plastics and composites, and cleansing products that leave a residual antimicrobial film.

The technology is designed to address the growing need for low-cost, non-toxic disinfection solutions in healthcare, public spaces, and consumer environments. Its inherent hardness also enables scouring and cleaning applications, combining mechanical cleaning with active antimicrobial action in a single step.

Technical specifications

Core mechanism:

• Spontaneous generation of reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂, hydroxyl radicals) detected via UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopies
• Antimicrobial action operates continuously without light, heat, or external activation

Performance validated:

• Greater than 99.99% viral inactivation and greater than 95% bacterial inactivation within 5 minutes at room temperature
• Algal inactivation also demonstrated
• Stable against heat, water, solvents, and caustic conditions

Particle characteristics:

• Particle sizes from 50 nm to 5 microns, repeatedly synthesized via both solution and solid-state processes
• Manufacturable at scale, with a joint development agreement established with a Fortune 200 company

Application formats:

• Blended with commercial binders to form permanent antimicrobial coatings on metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, wood, and textile/paper surfaces
• Incorporated into plastic or composite materials for inherent self-decontamination
• Suspended in cleansers to provide immediate disinfection plus a lasting residual antimicrobial film

Mechanical properties:

• Adhesion, flexibility, wear resistance, and impact resistance tested using ASTM standard methods

Technology readiness level

EcoCer™ is at an advanced stage of development with reproducible synthesis processes established for particle sizes ranging from 50 nm to 5 microns. Antimicrobial efficacy has been validated through repeated laboratory testing against viruses, bacteria, and algae using standardized surface challenge protocols. A manufacturing joint development agreement is already in place with a Fortune 200 company, indicating readiness for scaled production.

Next steps focus on validating performance under EPA and ISO standard procedures and against pathogens of commercial interest, optimizing doping levels and particle characteristics for enhanced efficacy, and demonstrating synergies when EcoCer™ is combined with established cleaning and disinfectant products. These efforts will further advance the technology toward broader commercial deployment.