Healthcare facilities are among the most common applications for antimicrobial and antibacterial coatings, according to an article on the FacilitiesNet website.
Antimicrobial agents are toxic to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while antibacterial agents are effective against bacteria.
Antimicrobial agents destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These coatings contain additives that protect surfaces from odor-causing bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew.
Antibacterial agents work by preventing initial adhesion of microorganism cells to a surface. One example is anodizing the surface with a finish containing a polymer and calcium phosphate coating containing chlorhexadine.