What is it about?
Bacteria can form sticky layers called biofilms on surfaces, causing problems in hospitals, water systems, and industrial settings. This study explores a new coating material composed of a small amount of graphene—a special carbon-based material—mixed into a durable resin called Permate, developed by D&D Co. Ltd. This base resin is a long-lasting alkoxysilane-based polymer, known for its excellent weather and UV resistance, and it does not contain harmful PFAS. It is designed to require minimal maintenance for up to 30 years, making it ideal for real-world applications. The study aims to suppress biofilm formation on glass and other surfaces. Using Raman spectroscopy and ISO 4768-based evaluation methods, we analyzed the effectiveness of the graphene-polymer coating. Results indicate that this advanced material may offer a safe and sustainable approach to maintaining clean and biofilm-free surfaces in healthcare, industrial, and public environments.
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Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Biofilm contamination affects everything from hospital tools to water systems, raising serious hygiene and maintenance issues. Traditional coatings to prevent this can degrade over time or harm the environment. In contrast, our study utilizes a highly durable alkoxysilane-based resin (Permate), which is free from PFAS and offers exceptional environmental stability, even in the presence of UV light. This makes it a safer, long-term solution in a world increasingly concerned about microplastics and pollution. Moreover, we explore the biofilm-suppressing power of graphene, a cutting-edge carbon material. By combining graphene with this eco-friendly resin, our research offers a promising step toward sustainable, antimicrobial surface technology for real-world applications.
Perspectives
This research opens up new possibilities for applying graphene-based antimicrobial coatings to a wide range of surfaces, including metals, plastics, and even natural materials like wood, beyond glass. With the base resin demonstrating long-term durability and environmental safety, this technology could be applied to medical tools, food processing equipment, public transportation surfaces, or marine environments. The combination of graphene’s biological activity and the robust coating platform invites further exploration into innovative, sustainable materials that can self-protect or interact with their surroundings. It’s a promising step toward next-generation coatings with real-world impact.
Professor of The University of Osaka, &President of BEL Inc. Hideyuki Kanematsu
Osaka University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Antibiofilm potential of graphene-dispersed alkoxysilane coatings: a materials science perspective, Transactions of the IMF, July 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/00202967.2025.2520667.
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