Antimicrobial polymeric paints: An up-to-date review

A wreaking havoc condition in current urges the use of antimicrobial materials at its maximum. The various sectors such as health-care institutions, food packaging, textile industry, water-purification system, and so on, have high demand for the use of antimicrobial materials and paint industry is one amongst them. Since millennium, paints has been used to decorate the surroundings we live in. The transformation of use of paints can be observed from prehistoric to modern day walls as a protective and a feature enhancing substance. The paints with antimicrobial property have experienced tremendous growth to improve microbial quality in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial applications for its need to control the microbial growth which prevents the spread and reduces the risk of infections. Antimicrobial paints kill microorganisms upon contact while still retaining their durability which withstands the inevitable deterioration of paints. Antimicrobial paint additives can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured into all types of solvent-based, water-based, liquid, oil or powder paints and coatings. This review provides an insight on the use of polymers in developing antimicrobial paints and their use as binder, emulsifier, latexes, varnishes, and so on, against various pathogenic waterborne and airborne microorganisms. The literature also defines the replacement of solvent-based paints to water-based paints which are environmentally friendly and act as good filling binder.