Hamilton researcher wins award for ‘groundbreaking’ superbug-killing product

A Hamilton researcher has won the Mitacs Innovation Award for her work developing a product that kills “superbugs” on contact.

Dr. Sara Imani is being recognized for developing a long-lasting antimicrobial coating for any high-touch surface that kills drug-resistant bacteria on contact.

With a provisional patent filed and preparations underway for scale-up, the product has demonstrated more than 99 per cent efficacy at killing pathogens like MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a resilient healthcare-associated bacteria known for causing hard-to-treat infections and contaminating hospital surfaces and medical equipment.

Imani explained that the product is simply applied like you would paint or surface finish.

She says the product remains effective over time and actively eliminates bacteria from surfaces it’s applied to.

Researchers claim this new product is unlike traditional disinfectants that are short-lived, saying Imani’s coating offers long-last protection – while also being a near-invisible film once applied.

Wear-and-tear tests also showed it remained effective after abrasion and UV exposure, making it excellent for use on high-touch surfaces in hospitals, schools, airports and other public environments.

Imani is a postdoctoral researcher at McMaster University under the supervision of Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Tohid Didar and Engineering Physics Professor Dr. Leyla Soleymani.

The award is set to be presented at a ceremony at the National Arts Center in Ottawa on Nov. 17.

More information about the Mitacs awards and a full list of winners can be found on their website.

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