Infections caused by bacteria or viruses cause millions of deaths yearly. It is necessary to find an optimal way to stop microbe spreading and protect the public from infections passed on by textiles and surfaces. The APNaCoS project will implement and demonstrate the antibacterial and antiviral activity of zinc and copper oxide nanoparticles on different surfaces (textiles, plastics, metal) in three steps. 

​

First, by preparation and characterization of zinc and copper oxide nanoparticles. 

Second, by coating textiles with nanoparticles.

Third, by determination of the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains and investigate the COVID-19 proteins binding on nanoparticles to resolve the capacity of virus binding on coated surfaces.

 

The action gives enough time for the proposed work packages through carefully planned consecutive and overlapping research objectives, project and data management, training and transfer of knowledge from the host to the researcher and from the researcher to the host, and through carefully planned dissemination and communication in line with Open science practices. The action focuses on developing underpinning scientific knowledge that will form a platform for further scientific research and facilitate possible implementation. Lowering the number of infections caused by viruses and drug-resistant bacteria due to nanomaterials with good antimicrobial activity has the potential for decreasing mortality. The proposed research is consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goal to end the epidemics of communicable diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.