Public Funding for Brass Age Limited

The Vetobac Antimicrobial Copper Project involves working with laboratories and professionals to set up test parameters and procedures and carrying out testing to give conclusive evidence of the antimicrobial efficacy of copper alloy touch surfaces in killing the SARS-Cov-2 virus. This would involve trials with typical use conditions to provide evidence that would promote general awareness of the unique and continuous antimicrobial properties of copper and its alloys. Some testing has already been carried out in the US but the test conditions do not accurately reflect actual use conditions in the wet and the dry state. Typically touch surface products in public areas such as door handles, handrails, washroom rails and hospital touch surfaces are manufactured from stainless steel or other metal or plastic surfaces. Bacteria and micro organisms remain alive on these surfaces for days and can easily be transferred between users including health care workers, patients. Copper alloy surfaces are known to be highly effective in killing a wide range of bacteria and viruses but these products become too expensive for every day use because of the manufacturing processes involved in producing the products with these materials. Detailed review of manufacturing processes is required along with production of dies and prototypes to be able to test and assess the the products for functionality and market acceptance aesthetically and longer term maintenance. Whilst a significant amount of technical work has already taken place we note that there needs to be some intense marketing activity to promote the concept and engage the public with access to these products. We are proposing to introduc website improvements, SEO, Google adwords and other forms of digital and social media marketing to promote the range of products.