No chance for viruses and bacteria

Buchele presents for the first time door panels and door handles with a certified antiviral coating. (Image source: Buchele GmbH)

The door with antiviral coating functions like a glass door and can be used not only in cleanrooms or other sensitive areas but also in office rooms. (Image source: Buchele GmbH)

Viruses and bacteria accumulate on doors and door handles – a challenge especially for medical, medical-technical, or other sensitive environments. The steel door manufacturer Buchele is presenting for the first time a multifunctional door made of thermoplastic with an antiviral coating made of nano-silver particles. Its effectiveness has been tested in accordance with the RKI guideline (1995) and according to ISO 21702:2019 against bacteria and a bovine coronavirus, which is related to SARS-CoV-2. "Our solution with certified coating is ideal for use in cleanrooms and laboratories, as well as in other areas that previously did not have such high requirements," says Managing Director Jürgen Buchele.

Multifunctional and antiviral door solutions

Nano-silver particles can demonstrably render viruses harmless and prevent their spread. If needed, the coated polycarbonate doors can also be equipped with soundproofing, burglary protection, and bullet resistance. Shielding against X-ray radiation is also possible thanks to the special construction of the doors. The load-bearing structure and frame profiles are made of aluminum. For barrier-free opening and closing, a compact rotary door drive is used, which stops when the door leaf is touched, and automatically reverses. The installation of additional safety components such as laser scanners is therefore not necessary. "The coated door construction, together with the rotary drive, provides the ideal solution where germ-free conditions and quick, safe opening and closing procedures are required," says Jürgen Buchele. "This can be the case, for example, in nursing homes and hospitals, but also in cleanrooms of research facilities and companies from industries such as microelectronics, optics, or genetic and food technology." The design of the door leaf surfaces can be customized according to customer wishes, so that they blend seamlessly into the environment.

Easy replacement of existing doors

Most existing doors can be easily replaced with Buchele's innovative doors with antiviral coating. "Antiviral coated door handles are included in the delivery," explains Jürgen Buchele. "The door leaves can also be equipped with additional functions such as soundproofing, burglary protection, or bullet resistance," he adds, "for example, in combination with an automatically lowering seal to the floor." In most frame types with corresponding bottom seals, the frame can remain in place. This ensures a smooth and cost-effective installation of the new door leaves.

Active against viruses with nanosilver

Various studies confirm that nano-silver particles can reduce bacterial and viral loads. For example, a practical test at the University of Regensburg showed that the coated surfaces remain effective even after daily cleaning and disinfection for up to three months. Additionally, the effectiveness of the coating against bacteria and a bovine coronavirus related to SARS-CoV-2 was tested in June 2020 by the Eurovir hygiene laboratory – in accordance with the RKI guideline (1995) and ISO 21702:2019.