A research publication by scientists from the University of Rzeszów and the company ML System presents coatings with high antibacterial efficiency for use in protective glass applied to the touchscreens of smartphones and smartwatches.

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Sciences and the Institute of Materials Engineering (Faculty of Exact and Technical Sciences), the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Rzeszów, in collaboration with ML System based in Zaczernie, have developed a coating with outstanding antibacterial performance for use in protective glass applied to touchscreen displays in smartphones and smartwatches. The coatings, based on titanium dioxide doped with silver and platinum, demonstrate antibacterial effectiveness exceeding 90%—significantly higher than that of currently available market coatings, which typically offer a 30–60% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

The antibacterial properties of the new coatings are activated by visible light and enhanced through the release of silver ions. In addition, the nanocomposite exhibits hydrophilic properties and provides protection against mechanical damage to touchscreen displays.

The University of Rzeszów and ML System invite companies interested in implementing this coating for industrial-scale production—either directly or through an implementation grant—to collaborate.

The research article, entitled Structure and Properties of Silver-Platinum-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite Coating, authored by A. Dziedzic, D. Augustowski, P. Kwaśnicki, S. Adamiak, W. Bochnowski, A. Żaczek, P. Skała, B. Cieniek, P. Potera, J. Dziedzic, M. Kus-Liskiewicz, and D. Płoch, is available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050587