Recyclable antimicrobial SEBS/PP blend with copper-based antimicrobial technology
A recyclable thermoplastic elastomeric blend combining SEBS and polypropylene embedded with a copper-based antimicrobial composite. Designed for strong, long-lasting antimicrobial performance and comparable mechanical properties after closed-loop recycling, with demonstrated safety for skin contact and efficacy against bacteria including MRSA.
Overview
This solution is a recyclable antimicrobial polymer blend made from Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) and polypropylene (PP) embedded with a copper-based antimicrobial composite. The blend is designed to deliver strong and durable antimicrobial protection while maintaining comparable mechanical performance after at least one closed-loop recycling cycle. Both SEBS and PP are recognized by the FDA as non-toxic, non-allergic, and safe for skin contact, with additional benefits including aging resistance and UV resistance.
The technology targets applications requiring flexible, skin-safe materials with built-in infection control, such as prosthetic sockets, medical device components, consumer products, and high-touch surfaces. By combining antimicrobial efficacy with recyclability, the blend supports sustainability goals while reducing the risk of microbial contamination on everyday products.
Technical specifications
Material composition:
- SEBS and PP blend at an 80/20 weight ratio
- Copper-based antimicrobial composite incorporated at 1 wt% of the blend
- Customizable hardness (Shore durometer) through SEBS/PP ratio adjustment
Antimicrobial performance:
- Validated against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli per ISO 22196
- Demonstrated 99.99% reduction of S. aureus and MRSA
- Demonstrated 99.56% reduction of E. coli after accelerated aging equivalent to one year
Mechanical targets:
- Compressive elasticity between 110–150 kPa
- Shear elasticity between 20–40 kPa
- Designed to maintain comparable mechanical characteristics before and after one closed-loop recycling cycle
Safety profile:
- Non-cytotoxic per ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-12
- Safe for skin contact applications
Technology readiness level
The underlying copper-based antimicrobial composite has been validated in a prior NASA-funded project, where a polylactic acid biopolymer with 1% of the copper-based composite achieved 99.99% antimicrobial effectiveness against S. aureus and MRSA and passed cytotoxicity testing. The current SEBS/PP blend formulation is undergoing validation, with planned batch production, ISO 22196 antimicrobial testing before and after accelerated aging, cytotoxicity and skin contact testing, and mechanical characterization for prototyping a flexible inner socket. The project timeline is approximately one year for completion of validation studies.
About University of Nebraska Omaha
The University of Nebraska Omaha is a comprehensive public research university serving a large metropolitan region, combining applied scholarship with workforce development. Co-located, industry-partnered facilities sit beside an adjacent innovation district, enabling internships, capstone collaborations, shared labs, and rapid prototyping. Proximity to a major academic medical center in Omaha supports translational studies and clinical collaborations. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense, alongside state and corporate sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office and entrepreneurship resources provide IP strategy, licensing, and support for startup formation.
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