A new product to help combat mouldy walls, thanks to technology developed at the ICN2

The Terrassa-based chemical solutions company, Chemipol, and the ICN2 have been working together since 2009 to develop new products for the paints and coatings sector. The idea was to create a range of low-toxicity fungicides for use in paints to prevent the growth of mould and algae on treated surfaces. But how to achieve this?

The Encapsulation Division of the Supramolecular Nanochemistry and Materials Group, led by ICREA Prof. Daniel Maspochand Dr. Mary Cano, stepped in with its micro- and nanoencapsulation technologies and the idea that by containing fungicide molecules within nanocapsules, the active ingredient would remain intact and 'unused' until such a time as environmental conditions triggered its release. A series of preliminary joint R&D projects with Chemipol proved that not only was this possible, but that the process could also be scaled up to the levels required for commercialisation.

At this point, in 2012, a licence was granted to Chemipol for the further development and commercialisation of this product. Put on the market in 2015, it is an example of a long-term collaboration between the ICN2 and industry to bring advanced research in nanotechnology to the service of real consumer needs.

Provided by Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology