How is a Hamilton researcher rethinking infection prevention on high-touch surfaces? 

The challenge: Tackling the global superbug threat

As world health leaders warn that superbugs are now an urgent global threat — predicted to kill 39 million people by 2050, according to a new global analysis — a Hamilton researcher develops cutting-edge work in long-lasting antimicrobial coating for any high-touch surface that effectively kills drug-resistant bacteria on contact.

The solution: A durable, contact-killing surface coating

Dr. Sara Imani, a postdoctoral researcher at McMaster University under the supervision of Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Tohid Didar and Engineering Physics Professor Dr. Leyla Soleymani, developed a first-of-its-kind antimicrobial coating that actively kills drug-resistant bacteria on contact.

Unlike standard disinfectants, the near-invisible coating forms a durable film that remains effective over time, even after exposure to abrasion or UV light. It can be applied like paint to any high-touch surface—bedrails, doorknobs, touchscreens, or other points of infection transmission—providing continuous protection against harmful pathogens.

The outcome: Coating that solves a global problem

With a provisional patent filed and scale-up plans underway with Oakville-based FendX Technologies, Dr. Imani’s innovation is poised to significantly reduce infection risks in public and clinical settings.

“Mitacs gave me the chance to think bigger,” said Dr. Imani. “Through their support, I gained experience in regulatory testing, scale-up, and commercializing a product—opportunities that most postdoctoral researchers don’t usually encounter in academia.”

The coating’s development reflects principles of public health, accessibility, and proactive infection prevention, offering a practical solution to a critical global problem.

Talent in action: Mitacs Innovation Awards winner

For her work, Dr. Imani received a Mitacs Innovation Award — Outstanding Innovation, recognizing her ability to turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact. The award was presented at a ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on November 17. She is one of 11 national award winners, selected from thousands of Mitacs program participants each year.

“This innovation demonstrates the power of connecting research talent with entrepreneurial and commercial support,” said Dr. Stephen Lucas, Mitacs CEO. “Our award winners show what’s possible when ideas, talent, and innovation come together to solve real-world challenges.”

About Mitacs  

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.   

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.   

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.   

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

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