Scientists have developed antibacterial glass for smartphones
Engineers from Corning (maker of Gorilla Glass), the Spanish Catalan Institute of Research (ICREA), and the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) have developed a new coating for smartphone glass that can kill bacteria on its own. The invention is called “transparent nanostructured copper surface” (TANCS).
Science has long known about the antibacterial properties of copper. However, this metal conducts electricity and is opaque. Neither is a good quality for something that will cover a touchscreen.
Scientists were able to make copper transparent and non-conductive, but retain its ability to destroy bacteria on contact. First, the engineers applied a 3.5 nanometer-thick copper film to Corning Gorilla Glass. Then the material was subjected to thermal firing – it was heated to 390 ºC and held at this temperature for 10 minutes, and then cooled. This resulted in the homogeneous copper film being transformed into many individual copper nanoparticles, which are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the glass.
Then the researchers applied water- and oil-repellent substances to the glass, which are commonly called oleophobic coatings.
Tests have shown that the created glass can kill 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria within two hours. The scientists clarified that if the user wipes such glass with alcohol twice a day for two years, the copper particles will not disappear and will continue to disinfect the screen surface.
The researchers are currently working on setting up mass production of antibacterial glass. They are planned to be used in smartphones, ATMs, and public self-service cash registers with touch screens.
