Hygienic coatings: The next generation

Abstract

Hygienic coatings can be formulated both to provide ease of cleaning and to incorporate active ingredients which assist in the removal or deactivation of biocontamination. Such coatings systems can play an important role in restricting the spread of microbiological contamination. Hygienic coatings must withstand severe conditions, and their development and market growth are likely to depend on a range of emerging technologies such as photocatalysis, dendrimers, and fluorinated and fluorosilicone compounds. The nature of microbiological contamination and routes of transmission are reviewed and the market areas and design factors for hygienic coating systems are outlined with specific attention to some novel ingredients and technologies.