We are excited to share the latest publication from PhD student Philipp Meier, titled: “The release and cytotoxicity of novel light-inducible antimicrobial coatings after incineration”
Published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Elsevier).
Read the open-access article

This study explores the environmental and human safety of innovative antimicrobial coatings that are activated by light and based on hydrophobic carbon quantum dots (hCQDs) and up-conversion particles (UPC). These coatings are designed to reduce pathogen transmission on surfaces in enclosed public spaces, using materials that are both effective and Safe-by-Design.

A key question addressed in this work: What happens if these coated materials are exposed to fire or incineration?

The research team simulated such accident conditions and analyzed:

• Whether toxic substances (like PAHs) are released,

• The composition of airborne soot, and

• Possible cytotoxic or inflammatory effects in human lung cells.

Key finding: No additional toxic compounds were identified from coated vs. non-coated surfaces and no major acute lung cytotoxicity was detected.

Congratulations to Philipp Meier and his NOVA project colleagues Giacomo Reina, Peter Wick, Maria Kovacova, Zdenko Spitalsky, Simone Schulte, Stefan Fischer and Pascal Kock and the rest of the team for this important step toward safer nanomaterials.

Access the full publication here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118421