Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
In the two-bed room of the KARMIN research project, the beds are placed opposite to each other instead of next to each other.
Infection prevention through functional surfaces and new cleaning systems
Challenge
The goal of hospitals is to guarantee the best possible medical care for patients whilst simultaneously operating economically. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this challenge, as increasing requirements for improved infection control and new medical findings are placing significantly higher demands on medical specialists and care personnel.
Solution
Innovative plasma- and surface-technology solutions can contribute towards improved protection against infection. In addition to sustainable antimicrobial surfaces, mobile cleaning systems – e.g. on the basis of plasma technology or ozonated water – can also lead to improved patient protection. Simultaneously, operating costs can be optimized by monitoring energy and material flows through the implementation of a cyber system.
In this context, the Fraunhofer IST is developing sustainable prototypes which will then be tested in the patient room under realistic conditions.
Added value
The findings obtained during this collaboration are to be incorporated into future hospital planning with the involvement of political decision-makers. Practicable equipment elements and flexible, automated products will be selected and developed in such a way that the associated production processes can be easily transferred to industry in the future.