Testing of the pigment Q-FIELD™, and its efficacy of disinfecting surfaces in different substrates

Rather than treat people post-infection, Spectrum Blue is looking to treat surfaces with quantum coatings to prevent infection from taking place. According to epidemiologists, humanity has entered the post-antibiotic era, in which therapeutic options are fewer and fewer due to the decrease in the number of effective antibiotics.¹ This resistance also extends to disinfectant agents. Climate change is making conditions for pathogen transmission more prevalent, and rising ambient carbon dioxide correlates with increased viral aerostability and infection risk. In our homes, mould is linked to allergies and childhood asthma and causes a monumental financial drain on the real estate sector, causing double-digit drops in property resale value. In the hospital environment, when patients, visitors, or healthcare workers touch contaminated surfaces, they can transmit the microbes to another person or themselves. In the healthcare environment, many assume surfaces that look clean are safe, yet this is not always the case. Protective strategies Protective strategies can involve a combination of preventive measures, such as wearing masks or not touching surfaces and, more importantly, cleaning and decontamination methods. When disinfecting a surface or decontaminating a facility, the efficacy of a disinfectant product is measured by its log reduction, also commonly known as log kills. The term comes from the logarithm scale, which is used to indicate the percentage of dead bacteria. The term ‘log reduction’ indicates a ten-fold reduction, which means that with every step, the number of bacteria present is reduced by 90%. Prevention through coating surfaces Surface contact is a huge source of contamination and the spread of infections. We share our bacteria and viruses by touching doorknobs, TV controls, tables, chairs, beds, etc.

Spectrum Blue AS is a Norwegian technology company specializing in the development and delivery of material technology designed to eliminate unwanted pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, mould, and algae. Our current main product, Q-Field, is based on a globally patented pigment with properties that address challenges across multiple industries, including the healthcare, real estate, aerospace, and maritime sectors. Our mission is to change the way industries combat microbial threats. We strive to develop innovative solutions that not only protect but also enhance the environments in which they are applied. Our vision is to be at the forefront of technological advancements in material science, driving positive change across diverse sectors worldwide. Bacterial infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare settings and agriculture contribute to the development of resistance, limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of treatment failure. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by bacteria and viruses are a major concern in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Transmission of pathogens between patients, healthcare workers, and the environment can lead to outbreaks and increase morbidity and mortality rates. In this project, a PhD student will assess the ability of Q-Field to reduce or eliminate these health threats. To this end, Q-Field-based materials will be tested for their ability to kill different pathogens, in a university laboratory specializing in microbiology and pathogens. In addition, Q-Field-based materials will be tested for their potential toxicity and thus, their safety, in standardized assays using human cells.