Visible light-activated surface disinfecting household paint with biogenic magnesium
A novel household paint formulated with engineered biogenic magnesium particles that activate under visible light to provide continuous, non-toxic surface disinfection. Designed for walls and surfaces in homes, schools, and hospitals, this environmentally benign antimicrobial coating eliminates reliance on high-energy UV radiation and offers an inexpensive, safe microbial control solution.
Overview
This solution is a household paint infused with engineered biogenic magnesium particles designed to provide photocatalytic disinfection when activated by ordinary visible light sources such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. The technology addresses the need for safe, continuous, and environmentally benign surface disinfection in residential, educational, and healthcare environments without depending on harmful UV or IR radiation. By tuning the band gap of biogenic magnesium for visible light activation and ensuring stable dispersion within paint matrices, the product delivers ongoing antimicrobial action on painted walls and surfaces.
The core value proposition is a non-toxic, inexpensive, and easy-to-apply disinfection method that works passively under normal indoor lighting conditions. Potential applications include infection control in hospitals, hygiene maintenance in schools, and general microbial reduction in homes, particularly in high-touch areas.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Biogenic magnesium particles synthesized from phytochemical plant extracts via induced molecular nucleation
- Molecularly engineered band gap optimized for visible light-induced photocatalytic activation
- Stable formulation with controlled particle size, surface charge, shape, crystal structure, and functional groups
- Compatible dispersion into various types of household paints
- Antimicrobial efficacy tested using standard Halo assay against multiple microbial targets
- Activation under standard incandescent or fluorescent lighting without requiring UV exposure
The development approach involves three stages: synthesis and characterization of biogenic magnesium, optimization of visible light-activated photocatalytic properties, and paint formulation combined with antimicrobial testing. Performance is validated both in dark conditions and under visible light exposure across different microbial species to confirm broad-spectrum disinfecting capability.
Technology readiness level
The underlying biogenic magnesium synthesis technology has been previously validated by the research team for pharmaceutical applications, with demonstrated control over physicochemical properties including particle size, surface charge, shape, crystal structure, and functional groups. The current project represents the next development phase, extending this proven synthesis platform to photocatalytic applications. The proposed validation plan includes formulation testing and antimicrobial efficacy assessment using established microbiological assays, positioning the technology at an early-to-mid stage of development toward a commercially viable paint product.
About University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UTC is a mid-sized public research university in downtown Chattanooga and part of the University of Tennessee System, noted for an applied, partnership‑driven approach. Industry access is strengthened by co‑located high‑performance computing at the SimCenter and a university research institute that assembles multidisciplinary, contract‑ready teams. The MLK Smart Corridor and EPB’s citywide high‑speed fiber create a living urban testbed with the City of Chattanooga for piloting solutions at city scale. An engineering co‑op program links talent with regional employers, and the campus sits minutes from an advanced manufacturing hub anchored by Volkswagen. Research receives competitive federal support from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Transportation; system‑wide tech transfer through the University of Tennessee Research Foundation advances IP, licensing and startups.
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