Human history has consistently been marked by tragic pandemics, ranging from ancient cholera and smallpox epidemics to more recent occurrences such as SARS, MERS-CoV, and Ebola. The ongoing threat of emerging strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria adds an unprecedented dimension to the dangers we face.
The current pandemic underscores a critical lesson: viruses and bacteria can persist on various surfaces for extended periods, significantly increasing the risk of cross-infections. The ability to have surfaces that autonomously disinfect themselves in the event of contamination would represent a valuable tool in containing the spread of the virus.
Surfaces with antibacterial and virucidal properties are not a recent development; they have been extensively utilized across various sectors, including plastic, paints, and tiles. However, their widespread adoption has historically been limited, primarily because the demand for such characteristics was confined to specific areas like healthcare facilities.
In recent months, there has been a surge in new proposals, ranging from silver-based liquids for self-sterilizing garments and fabrics to the utilization of copper-based products (cuprates) and the reemergence of Titanium Dioxide in the paint and glass sectors. The ceramic tile industry already possesses substantial knowledge regarding the application of these products. It would be unfortunate if it failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this pandemic to offer products that not only exhibit aesthetic appeal but also provide new functional surfaces to combat the virus.