As a consequence of globalisation, disease outbreaks can spread rapidly across borders, posing major risks to public health, social stability, and economic resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of frequently touched surfaces in pathogen transmission and the need for effective preventive measures. High-traffic environments such as hospitals, public transport, schools, workplaces and public buildings remain particularly vulnerable to contamination by viruses, bacteria and fungi. In this context, antimicrobial surface technologies that reduce microbial adhesion and inactivate pathogens provide an important complement to conventional hygiene and disinfection practices.
Nanoparticle-enabled coatings have demonstrated strong antimicrobial potential against a wide range of microorganisms, yet broader industrial uptake remains limited due to challenges related to long-term performance, durability under real conditions, safety for users and the environment, and compliance with evolving European regulatory and sustainability requirements. At the same time, European initiatives such as the European Green Deal, the EU Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance and the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design framework emphasise the need for innovative and responsible advanced materials solutions.
Within this context, the SUPREME project develops next-generation antimicrobial nanomaterials and multifunctional coatings combining high performance, durability, safety and sustainability. Its objectives include designing advanced nanostructures, engineering coatings for diverse substrates, validating antimicrobial and photocatalytic performance under realistic conditions, integrating modelling tools to understand microbial interactions, and assessing safety and environmental impacts across the material life cycle.
SUPREME links fundamental research with application-oriented validation through harmonised testing, inter-laboratory collaboration and engagement with industrial partners to support scalable technologies. By enabling durable antimicrobial surfaces for high-risk environments, the project contributes to improved infection prevention, reduced microbial contamination and enhanced preparedness for future health crises, while supporting European priorities in public health, sustainable materials and industrial innovation.
