PATHOGENS HANNAH MULLANE – CONTENT AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, BIOCOTE, UK


Reduce pathogens with antimicrobial technology


With harmful pathogens an ever-present danger to healthcare facilities, Hannah Mullane, content and communications specialist at BioCote, discusses the benefits of incorporating antimicrobial technology into clinical surfaces at the manufacturing stage.


Antimicrobial technology works continuously to reduce the presence of microbes


Clean looking’ does not necessarily mean ‘clean’. In busy healthcare environments, the role that surfaces play in the spread of microbes is becoming increasingly recognised. Even with thorough cleaning routines, areas like bed rails, medical trolleys, monitors, and touchscreens often remain common spots where microbes can be found. Many microorganisms are quick to


multiply, some can double in just a few minutes, and are known to survive on surfaces for long periods, from several days to even months. This build-up over time can lead to visible discolouration,


unpleasant smells, and wear on the materials themselves. In areas that are frequently touched, these effects can be more pronounced.


IFHE DIGEST 2026


Some of the most resilient microbes include the ESKAPE group, a set of six bacteria that are well-known for withstanding tough environments, especially within clinical settings. Their persistence continues to pose a challenge for those developing healthcare products and spaces where cleanliness, material performance, and user confidence are essential.


Hannah Mullane


Hannah Mullane is a content and communications specialist at BioCote, where she has spent the past three years communicating the role of


antimicrobial technology across industries. She works closely with technical experts to make


complex topics clear and engaging, helping share insights with a wider audience. Her focus is on


making science understandable and relevant, so the value of antimicrobial innovation comes through.


What are ESKAPE pathogens? The ESKAPE pathogens, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species, earned their name from their ability to ‘escape’ the effects of many commonly used antimicrobial treatments. Known for their resilience, these bacteria are a familiar concern in healthcare settings, particularly because of their resistance to antibiotics. What makes them especially difficult to manage is how long they can survive. Some can survive on surfaces for days, even weeks, which is a real consideration for those designing products or environments where


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