In a healthcare setting, micro-patterned films applied to high-touch environmental surfaces would likely experience physical wear and oily residue from hand contact. This study demonstrates that the previously studied Sharklet micro-pattern offers significant bacterial inhibition even after being pre-conditioned by physical wear like fingernail scratches and hand lotion residue. In addition, the recently engineered 10×2 Sharklet micro-pattern offers improved optical clarity and is just as effective in reducing microbial colonization as the 2×2 pattern. The results suggest that the 10×2 pattern could be effective for reducing surface contamination on hand-held devices, monitors, and other screens that could harbor bacteria in a healthcare setting.
Download the poster from the 51st ICACC Conference in 2011.