Photodynamic polymer coatings for visible-light surface disinfection
Light-activated antimicrobial polymer technology that inactivates bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces using singlet oxygen generation. Effective against drug-resistant pathogens and compatible with PPE, medical textiles, and consumer spray products at minimal added cost.
Overview
This technology translates visible-light-activated photodynamic polymers into practical surface disinfection solutions for healthcare and consumer use. The polymers generate singlet oxygen upon exposure to visible light, rapidly inactivating a broad spectrum of pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, and fungi. Critically, they are effective against drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA and ESKAPE pathogens. Designed for affordability, the materials add only pennies to the cost of common PPE, making them suitable for both hard non-porous and soft porous surfaces in hospitals, clinics, and homes.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Generates singlet oxygen under modest visible-light intensities to achieve 99.9–99.9999% pathogen inactivation within 5–60 minutes
- Effective against human coronavirus, influenza, E. coli, MRSA/staph, and other ESKAPE pathogens
- Compatible with physical incorporation into bulk polymers, coatings, or spray formulations for textiles, nonwovens, and hard surfaces
- Retains antimicrobial activity for over one month on treated surfaces
- Designed for use with FDA/EPA-registered, commercially available photosensitizers to streamline regulatory pathways
- Applicable to face masks and shields, hospital linens and clothing, and consumer surface-disinfection sprays
Technology readiness level
The core photodynamic polymer chemistry has been validated through 15+ peer-reviewed publications demonstrating efficacy against bacteria and viruses on coated surfaces. Current efforts focus on translating these laboratory-validated materials into two product formats: a photoactive spray for consumer use and formulations compatible with in-line PPE and textile manufacturing. Ongoing validation includes efficacy testing against ESKAPE pathogens and coronaviruses, along with chemical-structure-property studies to optimize disinfection performance. The technology is advancing toward pilot-scale production and pre-commercial readiness.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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