Tri-Filler antibacterial self-cleaning surface additive
Tri-Filler is a proprietary core-shell antimicrobial nanoparticle additive that transforms surfaces into self-cleaning, long-lasting barriers against bacteria, molds, and fungi. Using food-grade components, it significantly outperforms traditional disinfectants, making it ideal for integration into paints, concrete, and coatings for hospitals, schools, and public transit. Currently in advanced development, it offers a sustainable solution for high-contact environments requiring continuous protection.
Overview
Tri-Filler is an innovative, proprietary core-shell antimicrobial nanoparticle technology designed to create long-term self-cleaning and antibacterial surfaces. By encapsulating calcium hydroxide—a proven active antibacterial agent—within a protective calcium carbonate shell, this additive provides a durable, controlled-release solution for high-traffic environments. Unlike conventional disinfectants that require frequent re-application, Tri-Filler enables surfaces to continuously reduce microbial survival. It utilizes food-grade components, offering an environmentally friendly and safer alternative for infection prevention in critical areas such as hospitals, schools, daycares, and public transit.
Technical specifications
- Core-Shell Structure: Engineered core of calcium hydroxide protected by a calcium carbonate shell for enhanced stability and controlled release.
- Performance: Demonstrated over 200-fold increase in antibacterial efficacy compared to standard calcium hydroxide.
- Durability: Proven structural integrity and maintained antimicrobial properties after over one year of exposure to high humidity and temperature.
- Broad Spectrum: Validated 100% kill rates against various WHO priority pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria and fungi such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida auris.
- Material Compatibility: Designed for seamless integration into diverse substrates including paints, concrete, coatings, flooring, resins, and plastics.
Technology readiness level
- The technology is in an advanced development stage. While highly successful laboratory validation, peer-reviewed studies, and durability testing have been completed, it is currently progressing through real-world deployment preparations, including regulatory filings (Health Canada and U.S. EPA), manufacturing scale-up, and field-testing validation.
About University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a comprehensive public research university in Alberta, Canada, known for coupling academic depth with an entrepreneurial mindset. A research and technology park adjacent to campus colocates companies with faculty labs and venture incubators, enabling shared facilities and pilot‑stage development, while co‑op and work‑integrated learning programs create direct talent pipelines. Integration with the provincial health system brings clinical care, trials, and translational research into close proximity with campus researchers. Research activity is supported by Canadian federal agencies such as NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, with additional support from provincial programs and industry consortia. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation through standardized agreements.
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