PATHOGENS
From an operational perspective,
antimicrobial surfaces provide an additional layer of protection by continuously inhibiting microbial growth, complementing existing cleaning protocols without adding complexity or disrupting manufacturing processes. This resilience can also extend the life of frequently handled items, reducing maintenance costs and product replacements. In healthcare settings, specifying
products with integrated antimicrobial technology provides a way to support hygiene standards, operational efficiency, and long-term product performance.
What to consider when exploring antimicrobial integration As expectations for hygiene, durability, and patient experience continue to evolve, so too must the materials and technologies used in healthcare environments. Built-in antimicrobial protection offers a long-term approach to surface innovation, one that aligns with the operational priorities of healthcare engineers and the strategic goals of facility managers. For those involved in the specification
high-touch surfaces compared to Unit B. In fact, treated surfaces showed reductions ranging from 62 per cent to 98 per cent in bacteria levels. Interestingly, even untreated surfaces in Unit A averaged 43.5 per cent fewer bacteria than their counterparts in Unit B, a sign that a ‘halo effect’ may occur when multiple treated surfaces exist in the same space.
The takeaway Antimicrobial technology does not replace cleaning, but it complements it by continuously working in the background, even between disinfection cycles. The trial demonstrated that treated products can help slow microbial accumulation, creating a cleaner environment for longer and supporting a cleaner environment for longer without adding operational burden.
Compatible across a wide range of materials Material compatibility is an essential consideration when integrating antimicrobial technology into healthcare products. Healthcare settings use a wide range of materials, each with unique manufacturing processes, applications, and hygienic requirements. Common materials include plastics,
ceramics, textiles, and coated metals. Each presents different opportunities and challenges for antimicrobial integration. For instance, polymers can often be compounded with an antimicrobial masterbatch at the manufacturing site,
IFHE DIGEST 2026
whereas painted or coated surfaces might require a solution that is applied on the surface.
Maintaining both functional
performance and regulatory compliance requires an understanding of how antimicrobial additives interact with various material types. Factors such as surface porosity, temperature stability, and intended use all influence how effectively the technology can be incorporated. Early conversations between producers and antimicrobial partners can therefore help guarantee that antimicrobial efficacy is attained without interfering with existing manufacturing processes or compromising the finish of the final product.
Supporting better product outcomes In healthcare environments, even small improvements in surface hygiene can have an impact on patient and staff confidence. For healthcare engineers and facility managers, integrating antimicrobial technology into surfaces offers a practical way to enhance cleanliness between routine cleaning cycles, supporting infection prevention efforts. The technology helps reduce the
presence of microbes on high-touch surfaces, such as bed rails, door handles, and medical equipment, which are often hotspots for pathogen transmission. By embedding antimicrobial protection, healthcare facilities can demonstrate their commitment to hygiene, helping to reassure patients, visitors, and staff alike.
or development of high-touch products and surfaces, considering antimicrobial integration early in the design process can support more resilient outcomes. When embedded correctly, the technology works continuously alongside routine cleaning protocols without altering the appearance, function, or recyclability of materials. With international regulations
tightening and growing demand for solutions that support hygiene performance, antimicrobial surface technology is no longer an emerging trend, it is becoming a core component of future-ready healthcare design.
Looking ahead As healthcare environments evolve, so must the materials and technologies within them. Incorporating antimicrobial solutions directly into surfaces is one way to enhance product longevity, material resilience, and microbial resistance without disrupting core cleaning and maintenance protocols. By addressing the challenge of ESKAPE pathogens and emerging threats like Candida auris, built-in antimicrobial technology supports a smarter, forward- thinking approach to healthcare surface design. For those developing products for clinical spaces, early consideration of material compatibility, compliance, and performance can shape more effective, durable solutions. Selecting well-tested antimicrobial technologies ensures that practical, measurable outcomes are achieved.
IFHE 93
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