Professor Kevin Golovin, who leads the Durable Repellent Engineered Advanced Materials (DREAM) Laboratory at the University of Toronto, emphasizes the limitations of existing disinfection methods. “Currently, surfaces are mainly cleaned using harsh chemicals like bleach, which pose risks to the health of healthcare workers and can contribute to the evolution of resistant microbial strains,” he explains. This reality underscores the urgent need for safer, more efficient surface coatings that prevent microbial contamination without relying on toxic substances.

Golovin and his team specialize in designing engineered surfaces that repel specific molecules, with applications ranging from preventing ice accumulation on airplane wings to creating novel non-stick cookware. Their latest research, recently published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, directs this expertise toward preventing the attachment of bacteria-causing proteins, thereby inhibiting infection transmission via surface contact.

Key to this research is the role of proteins secreted by microbes. These proteins form sticky layers that facilitate bacterial adhesion to surfaces, enabling microbes to establish colonies and cause infections. By disrupting this initial protein layer formation, the transmission of disease-causing pathogens can be thwarted at a critical early stage, effectively altering the microbial lifecycle on contact surfaces.

The team focused on polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS, known for its biocompatibility, transparency, and flexibility. PDMS sees widespread use in the medical field, from contact lenses to implantable devices. Despite its mild bacterial repellency, Golovin’s group hypothesized that they could amplify PDMS’s non-stick properties by manipulating its molecular architecture, creating a surface that would be inhospitable to protein adhesion.

Traditional use of PDMS involves cross-linking the polymer chains to create a solid silicone rubber. Instead, the researchers developed a “brush-like” surface composed of long, flexible PDMS chains that extend from the substrate. These mobile bristles mimic a liquid-like interface, differing fundamentally from rigid solid surfaces in their interaction with proteins.

This dynamic, brush-coated surface physically impedes bacteria’s proteins from acquiring a foothold. The PDMS chains’ mobility prevents proteins from establishing stable contact, causing them to detach easily. When bovine serum albumen (BSA)—a proxy for bacterial proteins—was tested, protein residues failed to form the typical “coffee ring” pattern seen on conventional coatings. Instead, the residue shrank as the droplet evaporated and finally flaked off effortlessly when disturbed.

What sets this innovative coating apart is its remarkable resistance to protein adhesion, surpassing even well-known substances like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including Teflon. Importantly, whereas PFAS have garnered concern due to links to various health risks including carcinogenicity, PDMS presents a far safer profile for both healthcare environments and broader consumer applications.

The implications of this technology extend beyond hospital surfaces. By enabling easier cleaning with just water and eliminating the need for harsh chemical disinfectants, this PDMS brush coating offers a sustainable and non-toxic solution to one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges: infection control. Its scalable coating process positions it well for integration into medical devices, high-touch surfaces, and potentially single-use products.

Looking ahead, the University of Toronto team plans collaborations with microbiologists to verify the coating’s efficacy against real pathogenic bacteria, moving beyond protein proxies. Concurrently, industry partnerships are exploring commercialization opportunities, aiming to bring this protective technology into widespread use where it can make the greatest impact in safeguarding patients and healthcare workers.

Dr. Nektaria Markoglou of Meltech Innovation Canada, a key collaborator and funder, underscores the importance of such partnerships for innovation in infection prevention. She highlights how the research leverages expert surface engineering to develop more sophisticated and resilient antimicrobial products, reinforcing a commitment to science-driven solutions that protect public health.

Despite the enthusiasm, Golovin candidly notes that deploying the coating commercially will require optimizing manufacturing processes for cost efficiency and scalable application. Nonetheless, the prospect of significantly reducing hospital-acquired infections with a non-toxic, protein-repelling surface heralds a new era of safer healthcare environments and infection control strategies.

This advancement at the intersection of polymer engineering and biomedical applications exemplifies how targeted surface chemistry can transform everyday materials into advanced functional surfaces with critical, life-saving properties. The research marks a pivotal step towards safer, cleaner, and more sustainable health infrastructures worldwide.

Subject of Research: Development of non-toxic, protein-repelling surface coatings using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brush-like polymers for infection prevention.

Article Title: University of Toronto Engineers Develop Innovative PDMS Brush Coating to Prevent Protein Adhesion and Combat Hospital-Acquired Infections

News Publication Date: Not specified in the content.

Web References:
– DREAM Laboratory: https://golovin.mie.utoronto.ca/
– Chemical Engineering Journal Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894726008764
– DOI Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.173417

Image Credits: Image by Mehdi Sadeghi / University of Toronto Engineering

Keywords

PDMS, protein adhesion, antimicrobial coatings, infection prevention, polymer engineering, hospital-acquired infections, non-toxic surface coatings, biomedical polymers, surface chemistry, microbial resistance, protein repulsion, material science

The significance of antibacterial surface coatings has grown substantially in recent years, driven by the urgent need to combat the spread of infectious diseases, especially in healthcare environments. Surfaces frequently touched by hands become hotspots for microbial transmission, with studies estimating that up to 40% of hospital-acquired infections can be linked to contaminated surfaces. In response, coatings activated by light—mainly UV-A, the prominent component of sunlight—have been developed to harness the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that actively kill bacteria upon exposure.

The University of Tartu team set out to understand how prolonged exposure to UV-A radiation affects the structural integrity and antimicrobial effectiveness of two widely studied photocatalytic agents: TiO2 and zinc oxide (ZnO). By applying acrylic-based coatings embedded with nanoparticles of either TiO2 or ZnO onto steel substrates, the researchers subjected these samples to conditions designed to simulate intense everyday light exposure, with high humidity levels, over nine weeks. This accelerated aging allowed them to closely monitor chemical and physical changes rarely captured in short-term studies.

Initial results confirmed that TiO2 nanoparticles effectively produced antibacterial ROS under UV-A activation, consistent with prior literature citing their potent bactericidal activity. However, the investigators observed a deleterious feedback mechanism beginning as early as three weeks into exposure. The chemically aggressive ROS began degrading the very acrylic matrix that held the nanoparticles in place. This auto-degradative process not only compromised the protective lacquer but also led to the loss of TiO2 particles. Consequently, the surface’s overall antibacterial performance waned significantly, undermining the coating’s intended purpose to provide sustained microbial resistance.

In stark contrast, coatings incorporating ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable stability throughout the duration of the study. Despite possessing similar photocatalytic antibacterial properties, ZnO-based acrylic films resisted chemical degradation and maintained their structural integrity under the same intensive UV-A exposure conditions. Notably, their antimicrobial effectiveness persisted, signifying that ZnO may offer a superior alternative in applications demanding prolonged activity and durability.

These unexpected disparities highlight the complexity inherent in designing photocatalytic antibacterial surfaces. While TiO2 has traditionally been favored due to its well-documented photocatalytic efficiency and low cost, the findings underscore the need to evaluate the trade-offs between initial activity and longer-term stability. ZnO’s resilience suggests that alternate photocatalysts or composite materials could prove invaluable in overcoming the limitations of titanium dioxide-based coatings.

The study profoundly emphasizes the necessity of incorporating long-term aging and durability testing into the development pipeline for antimicrobial materials. Short-term tests, though informative, fail to capture critical degradation pathways and performance declines that emerge only over extended periods. This oversight can lead to premature adoption of coatings that underdeliver in practical settings, potentially fostering a false sense of security and contributing indirectly to microbial transmission.

The researchers advocate for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates photochemistry, materials science, and microbiology in the quest to engineer next-generation surfaces that offer both immediate efficacy and durability under realistic environmental stresses. Novel formulations might include better protective matrices, stabilized nanoparticle dispersions, or hybrid compounds designed to mitigate oxidative self-degradation while preserving antibacterial function.

Furthermore, the research provides valuable guidance for healthcare facilities, public infrastructure managers, and industries invested in infection control technologies. Understanding that not all antibacterial coatings are created equal, especially over time, will inform maintenance schedules, replacement strategies, and investment decisions for surface treatments intended to reduce pathogen spread on high-contact areas.

The study, titled “Artificial aging induced changes in ZnO- and TiO₂-based polyacrylic surface coatings,” published on January 17, 2026, contributes to a growing body of literature advocating for a paradigm shift in how surface antimicrobial technologies are evaluated. It challenges the prevailing focus solely on initial antimicrobial efficacy by foregrounding the pivotal role of physicochemical aging processes.

By supporting open access publication, the University of Tartu has ensured that these critical insights reach a broad audience, sparking potential collaborations and encouraging further innovation aimed at overcoming the identified challenges. The research team comprised Mati Kook, Celeste Peterson, Aadil Shafi Bhat, Alexandra Nefedova, Alexander Vanetsev, Angela Ivask, and Vambola Kisand, whose combined expertise spans the diverse scientific fields vital to this interdisciplinary investigation.

In conclusion, this landmark study reveals the intricate balance between achieving strong antibacterial action and maintaining material integrity under continuous environmental stressors. It serves as a cautionary tale against overreliance on short-term performance metrics and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive testing protocols that reflect real-world conditions. Moving forward, tailoring photocatalytic coatings’ composition with durability at the forefront promises to elevate infection control strategies worldwide.

Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Artificial aging induced changes in ZnO- and TiO₂-based polyacrylic surface coatings
News Publication Date: 17-Jan-2026
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-026-00741-8
References: Kook, M. et al. Artificial aging induced changes in ZnO- and TiO₂-based polyacrylic surface coatings. npj Materials Degradation, 2026.
Image Credits: Author: Mati Kook

Keywords: antibacterial coatings, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, photocatalytic coatings, reactive oxygen species, UV-A radiation, surface degradation, antimicrobial durability, polyacrylic coatings, infectious disease control, surface contamination, material aging

The significance of effective communication in healthcare cannot be overstated. As healthcare systems evolve to face new challenges, the synergy between different health professionals, especially pharmacists and infection control practitioners, becomes paramount. This research outlines how their collaboration is essential not only to optimize medication management but also to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections, a persistent challenge in healthcare facilities worldwide.

The study employs a qualitative methodology, which is instrumental in understanding the nuanced interactions that happen in clinical settings. By engaging with pharmacists and infection control staff through interviews and focus groups, the researchers were able to gather rich, detailed narratives that provide insight into the lived experiences of these professionals. This approach facilitates a depth of understanding that quantitative methods may fail to capture, highlighting the subjective nature of communication in a high-stakes environment.

One of the key findings of the research is the identification of barriers that hinder effective communication. Participants expressed concerns about the physical and organizational structures that can isolate pharmacists from infection control teams. For instance, differences in work schedules and departmental silos were noted as significant obstacles. The implications of these findings suggest that without intentional strategies to bridge these communication gaps, both medication management and infection control could suffer, leading to adverse outcomes for patients.

Moreover, the study reveals that shared language and understanding of roles are crucial for effective collaboration. Participants emphasized the need for pharmacists to be more integrated within the infection control teams, which would promote mutual awareness of each other’s challenges and competencies. This integration could involve joint training sessions or interdisciplinary meetings, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaborative practices.

Another important aspect highlighted in the study is the impact of technology on communication processes. Participants noted that electronic health records (EHRs) could serve as double-edged swords. On one hand, they facilitate the sharing of critical information; on the other hand, they can create dependencies that may lead to distortions in direct communication. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach that leverages technology while ensuring that face-to-face interactions are not sidelined.

The theme of trust also emerged prominently from the discussions. Trust acts as a foundational element of effective communication, enabling team members to feel secure in sharing information and concerns. The researchers found that building trust requires consistent and open dialogue, which may take time but is essential for fostering a collaborative environment. This trust not only enhances immediate communication but also encourages a long-term commitment to joint efforts in safeguarding patient health.

Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of a supportive organizational culture that champions interdisciplinary collaboration. When healthcare organizations prioritize communication and collaboration as core values, it sets the stage for improved outcomes. The researchers suggest that leadership within healthcare systems should actively promote policies that encourage interaction and collaboration among different departments.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the findings from this study are timely. With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and new infectious diseases emerging globally, the role of pharmacists in infection control cannot be underestimated. Their unique position allows them to make significant contributions to antibiotic stewardship initiatives, yet this potential can only be fully realized when communication channels are open and effective.

The implications of this research extend beyond the local setting of Riyadh’s Ministry of Health hospitals. Globally, healthcare systems must take note of the barriers to effective communication identified in this study. By addressing these challenges, they can foster teamwork, enhance patient safety, and ultimately reduce the burden of infections acquired within healthcare settings.

In conclusion, the qualitative study led by Althemery and colleagues offers valuable insights into the critical interactions between pharmacists and infection control staff. As hospitals strive for excellence in patient care, prioritizing effective communication is imperative. The study not only highlights the current shortcomings but also calls for actionable changes to enable better collaboration, ultimately aiming for an environment where both medication safety and infection control efforts thrive together.

As we look to the future, it is clear that healthcare professionals must evolve alongside the complexities of modern medicine. Through fostering open lines of communication and cultivating collaborative relationships, teams can better navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that patient safety remains at the forefront of all initiatives.

Subject of Research: Communication between pharmacists and infection control staff in healthcare settings.

Article Title: Exploring communication between pharmacists and infection control staff: a qualitative study in ministry of health hospitals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Article References:

Althemery, A.U., Alfaifi, A., Alshehri, A. et al. Exploring communication between pharmacists and infection control staff: a qualitative study in ministry of health hospitals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
BMC Health Serv Res 25, 1372 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13556-1

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Communication, pharmacists, infection control, qualitative study, patient safety.