Self-Cleaning Film LOTUS Foil: Czech Patent Protects Public Touch Screens

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when hygiene and disinfection were crucial, the idea to create a project focused on protecting touch screens from the accumulation of organic pollutants was born. This need brought together the academic sphere and industrial partners in an ambitious effort to develop an innovative technology that would increase the safety of using touch displays. The project was led by FORTES interactive, a company specializing in touch panel manufacturing. One of the partners was the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University of Technology, specifically the Laboratory of Photochemistry, which contributed to the development of the protective film. The project was discussed by the Dean of the Faculty and Professor of the Department of Physical and Consumer Chemistry Michal Veselý, Associate Professor and Vice Dean for External Relations Petr Dzik, and PhD student Michaela Fanglová, who also works at FORTES interactive. The result of this collaboration is the unique protective film LOTUS Foil, which has been successfully applied to touch kiosks at the faculty’s premises. This product represents a combination of cutting-edge science and innovation, addressing the current challenges in hygiene and safety for public spaces.

From Idea to Commercial Success

The provider of the project "Permanent Protection for Touch Screens to Prevent the Accumulation of Organic Pollutants on Their Surface" was the Czech Technology Agency, and it ran from 2021 to 2024. The result is a self-cleaning, transparent, and antimicrobial film that continuously removes harmful organisms from the surface of touch screens. Laboratory tests have shown that LOTUS Foil eliminates more than 99% of the COVID-19 virus and over 99.9% of bacteria, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

The idea behind the protection of touch screens came from Libor Vošický, the director of FORTES interactive, a company specializing in outdoor touch technologies. Michaela Fanglová, a PhD student at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at Brno University of Technology, also works for the company and was excited by the potential applications of the film. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed customer concerns about touching screens. So, we were looking for a solution that would protect them and also provide a sense of security," she explains.

The collaboration between FORTES interactive and the faculty contributed to the rapid development of the project. "We knew we had compounds that react to light and produce oxygen radicals. These substances, along with conventional biocides in extremely low concentrations, are capable of eliminating bacteria and viruses, and that’s how the idea for the protective film for touch screens came about," explains Michal Veselý.

The project involved several partners, each with a specific role. These include the Faculty of Technology at Tomas Bata University in Zlín and the manufacturing company SYNPO. The most significant success of the project is that it didn’t remain just a theoretical technology or laboratory sample. The resulting protective film has entered commercial production and is already available on the market.

From Laboratory to Production

The faculty team, consisting of experts from the Photochemistry Laboratory, utilized their knowledge in the fields of thin films, photochemistry, and material printing. They specifically focused on creating and characterizing ultra-thin layers. These layers were studied from optical, physical, chemical, and microbiological perspectives, including testing their antibacterial activity. "We worked on depositions, partly on testing antimicrobial effectiveness, and learned a lot during the process. Now, in ongoing projects, we serve as a specialized facility for testing the antimicrobial properties of these materials," explains Petr Dzik.

One of the key contributions of the faculty was developing the methodology for testing antimicrobial activity. Since the layer uses light-activated substances, it was crucial to standardize the experimental conditions. "We had to control the active radiation – the light that triggers the process. Thanks to our expertise in photometry and radiometry, we set uniform conditions that ensured the comparability of results across different facilities," he adds. A significant advantage was that the photoactive substance does not require UV radiation. Ordinary visible light, including from LEDs or standard light bulbs, is sufficient.

The resulting layer is capable of suppressing microbial populations, contributing to a healthier environment. However, it is not a self-disinfecting surface; the layer keeps microorganisms at low levels due to the combined effect of biocides and the photoactive substance.

‍Easy Installation, High Durability

The films have been tested in real-world conditions at fast food counters, supermarkets, and airports. They are currently being used by the DM drugstore chain, where they protect screens on self-checkout terminals. FORTES interactive is also targeting hospitals, where visitors interact with systems such as call buttons, potentially exposing them to higher infection risks. "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene, but as the pandemic receded, people often fail to recognize the risks associated with touchscreens. Touchscreens in public places are used by people with varying hygiene habits, leading to the accumulation of microorganisms and increasing the risk of infection transmission. The LOTUS film actively eliminates unwanted microorganisms, significantly enhancing hygiene safety," explains Libor Vošický.

Manufacturers strive for maximum user-friendliness. The company provides training for employees who will apply the films. It is recommended to replace the film every three months during regular checkout maintenance. However, the lifespan depends on the screen’s usage and mechanical durability.

During testing, the films demonstrated exceptional durability – they can withstand up to 30,000 touches with a woman's artificial nail. Maintenance is also simple. The films can be wiped with disinfectants and a microfiber cloth, and the low-adhesion adhesive layer allows for easy removal.

Wide Range of Self-Cleaning Surfaces

Based on the experience gained, the team plans to expand the technology. "We are continuously working on and developing the application potential of the LOTUS self-cleaning technology. Our goal is to enable its use on a wide range of surfaces and materials – not just on films, but also directly on the surfaces of specific objects such as handles, door knobs, or shopping carts," describes Libor Vošický.

In the Czech Republic, the technology is protected by a patent, and a patent application has been submitted in the USA. With its easy application, high durability, and extensive potential uses, the film has the potential to become the global standard for protecting touchscreens.

Author: Jana Otoupalíková, FCH VUT

Resource: https://www.fch.vut.cz/f96620/d278872