NOVA · Next Generation BiOactiVe NAnocoatings

NOVA aims to provide a comprehensive approach to antimicrobial coating development by creating an effective feedback loop between coating design, end use and functional/safety testing. This consists of combinatorial optimisation of 4 coating technologies: i) light activated based on: UV up-converters, nanoscale photocatalysts and hydrophobic carbon-based Quantum Dots and ii) contact killing biopolymers (chain-length controlled supramolecular assemblies of polypeptides and polysaccharides). The coatings will be adjusted in a use case driven specifications for having the capacity to coat different substrates in the same environment such as hospitals. In order to guarantee safety for citizens and environment, the coatings will be developed with a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach taking into account the environmental risks. NOVA will develop advanced tissue tests and immunotoxicity tests optimized for coatings to provide tools for the regulatory bodies an in depth analysis of future coatings. For demonstrating practical efficacy, real-life mimicking, innovative antimicrobial tests will be developed. The validated coatings will be developed for commercial exploitation by upscaling using the capacities of the industrial partners. For easier adoption specific coating application devices will be designed within the project. Finally, the experimental data generated within the project together with the historical data of coating developers of the consortium will be used for developing predictive models using machine learning methodologies for expedited coating development methodologies in the future. NOVA aims to bring high efficiency, eco-friendly, stable coatings demonstrated within the project in 4 main use cases (textiles, paints, tactile electronics and frequently touched hard surfaces with high hygienical relevance like e.g. in hospitals and common hygienical relevance in public spaces) which can be then expanded for more widespread utilization.