SafeTouch

The transmission of pathogens from contaminated surfaces to humans is a major threat for the public health as it is associated with Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) and Community Acquired Infections (CAIs). Maintaining surfaces clean from pathogens is an undisputable requirement but, at the same time, a laborious, manual, costly process that requires use of harmful chemicals. We propose the development of a novel microfilm, the iSafeTouch (iST) microfilm, that provides a heat shock to the pathogens on its surface, killing them instantly. Core element of the iST technology is the successful integration of heaters and touch sensors on flexible substrates. The proposed novel integration scheme, based on a scalable microfabrication process, is critical for achieving high performance and robust operation. We will microfabricate the iST microfilms and demonstrate that they are efficient in killing different pathogens in vitro and they are safe to use. Subsequently, we will develop two Proofs of Concept: a smart, wireless, door handle and a smart, wireless, light switch that integrate the iST microfilms. A mobile application will be developed for monitoring multiple iST units remotely. We will install the iST Proofs of Concept in a hospital and in a senior care facility and verify their antimicrobial activity at real-world conditions. Those two pilot studies will provide information about the acceptability of the technology by the end-users and will confirm that iST microfilm technology does not interference with current practices. The potentially low manufacturing cost, the minimum maintenance requirement by the user and the eco-friendlness of the iST microfilms, makes iST technology an ideal solution for use in any high touch, prone-to-contamination surface.