Assessment of anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of metal-ion-filament laced 3D-printed personal protective equipment

3D-printed personal protective equipment can provide a locally-sourced manufacturing network to address shortages for Canadian front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, however little is known about the harmful germs that can live on 3D-printed material. Certain metals-ions are known to have anti-microbial properties and can be incorporated into 3D-printed plastics. We will study the anti-microbial properties of metal-laced 3D-printed plastics by assessing the presence of bacteria, and fungi on the plastics, and then determine optimal disinfection times and formulations to reduce contamination on 3D-printed personal protective equipment. We will also test the effectiveness of these metal-laced 3D-printed plastics in killing viruses, including the novel coronavirus.
At DECAP Research and Development Inc. our mission is to design, test and manufacture customizable 3D-printed protective equipment. Currently, our efforts are focused on optimizing and conducting research on 3D-printed personal protective equipment to enhance front-line worker safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Faculty Supervisor:

Horacio Bach

Student:

Ana Cecilia Lorenzo-Leal

Partner:

DECAP Research and Development Inc

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of British Columbia