Microbiology Lab affirms the efficacy of Oxygen as an antibacterial coating

Microbiology Lab affirms the efficacy of Oxygen as an antibacterial coating

McMasters Center for Microbial and Chemical Biology (CMCB) at the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious disease center affirms that after carrying out tests in accordance with the Kirby-Bauer halo and ISO 22196, Oxygen coating has antibacterial capabilities. When the lab tests were carried out in two time lines and on three sets of sample surfaces it was evident that the halo effect (or immunity shield) around the coated area showed no signs of bacteria penetration (99% kill rate) or growth while the control samples did not offer any bacterial protection as evidence of Oxygen coatings effectiveness.

In simple terms, this means that upon contact with any oxygenated surface, bacteria that can cause serious damage to human respiratory system is killed within minutes.

The pathogens used included Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram-positive).

These bacteria commonly inhabit the skin and nose but may enter the body through cuts or abrasions and or through respiratory inhalation which may be nearly invisible to see. Once inside the body, the bacterium may spread to a number of body systems and organs, including the heart, where the toxins produced by the bacterium may cause cardiac arrest. Once the bacterium has been identified as the cause of the illness, treatment is often in the form of antibiotics and, where possible, drainage of the infected area. However, many strains of this bacterium have become antibiotic resistant; for those suffering these kinds of infection, the body’s own immune system is the only defense against the disease. If that system is weakened or compromised, the disease may progress rapidly.[1] Anyone can contract Staph, but pregnant women, children, and people with chronic diseases or who are immuno-deficient are often more susceptible to contracting an infection.

Technical Report

Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Oxygen-Infused Coatings

Abstract

This report presents a technical evaluation of an oxygen-infused antimicrobial coating developed by Creative Oxygen Labs. Independent microbiological testing conducted by McMaster University’s Microbiology and Disease Control Center demonstrates that the coating exhibits significant antibacterial activity. Using standardized protocols, including ISO 22196 and the Kirby-Bauer method, the coating achieved a ≥99.9% reduction in viable bacterial populations within 24 hours. The formulation demonstrates efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and exhibits long-term antimicrobial durability when incorporated into architectural coatings.


1. Introduction

Microbial contamination of indoor surfaces is a well-documented vector for disease transmission, particularly in high-contact environments. Conventional mitigation strategies such as chemical disinfectants are limited by temporal effectiveness and require repeated application. As a result, there is increasing interest in passive antimicrobial coatings capable of continuous pathogen suppression.

Oxygen’s antimicrobial technology represent an emerging class of earth minerals that function through oxidative stress mechanisms, disrupting microbial cellular processes generated at or near coated surfaces. This reaction can induce membrane damage, protein denaturation, and DNA disruption in microorganisms.


2. Materials and Methods

2.1 Coating Composition

The evaluated coating consists of a proprietary inorganic formulation designed for integration with architectural paints and surface finishes. The system is engineered to provide sustained antimicrobial functionality without volatility or degradation under normal environmental conditions.

2.2 Microbiological Testing Protocols

Independent laboratory validation was conducted by McMaster Microbiology and Disease Control Center. Testing adhered to internationally recognized standards:

  • ISO 22196: Measurement of antibacterial activity on non-porous surfaces
  • Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Method: Assessment of antimicrobial inhibition zones

Samples were inoculated with clinically relevant bacterial strains and incubated under controlled environmental conditions for 24 hours.

2.3 Test Organisms

The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against a spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms, including:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) – Gram-positive
  • Escherichia coli – Gram-negative
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae – Gram-negative
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa – Gram-negative

3. Results

3.1 Antibacterial Performance

The oxygen-infused coating demonstrated:

  • ≥99.9% reduction in bacterial load within 24 hours under ISO 22196 conditions
  • Broad-spectrum efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
  • Consistent inhibition of bacterial proliferation across tested species

3.2 Durability and Longevity

When incorporated into architectural coatings:

  • Antimicrobial performance is sustained for extended durations (up to 10 years reported)
  • The coating maintains functional integrity without requiring reapplication
  • Activity persists under typical indoor environmental conditions

4. Mechanism of Action

The antibacterial activity of the oxygen-based coating is attributed to oxidative mechanisms, including:

  1. Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
    ROS induce oxidative stress, damaging microbial lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  2. Membrane Disruption
    Oxidative interactions compromise cell membrane integrity, leading to leakage and cell death.
  3. Metabolic Interference
    Oxidative species disrupt enzymatic pathways and nutrient transport systems.

These mechanisms align with established antimicrobial pathways observed in advanced inorganic and metal-ion-based coatings.


5. Results

The results indicate that oxygen-infused coatings provide a viable alternative to traditional antimicrobial strategies. Compared to conventional disinfectants, the coating offers:

  • Continuous antimicrobial activity without user intervention
  • Reduced reliance on chemical cleaning agents
  • Broad-spectrum efficacy against clinically relevant pathogens

Additionally, the coating’s long-term stability suggests strong potential for deployment in healthcare, residential, and commercial environments where indoor air quality and surface hygiene are critical.

The demonstrated efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA is particularly notable, given the global rise in antimicrobial resistance and the need for non-antibiotic-based interventions.


6. Conclusion

The oxygen-infused antimicrobial coating evaluated in this study exhibits significant and sustained antibacterial activity under standardized laboratory conditions. With a demonstrated ≥99.9% reduction in microbial populations and long-term durability, the technology represents a promising advancement in passive antimicrobial surface engineering.


7. References

  • Creative Oxygen Labs. Antibacterial lab test data and MSDS documentation
  • Peer-reviewed literature on antimicrobial coating mechanisms and ROS-mediated bacterial inactivation