How Laser-Based 3D Printing Could Help Stop Infections Before They Spread
Researchers at Tver State University have developed a laser 3D-printing technology that creates antibacterial copper coatings on stainless steel surfaces. By combining selective laser powder bed fusion with computer modeling, the approach promises durable, cost-efficient protection against dangerous pathogens in public and medical spaces.
How It Works: Micron-Level Precision
In a world still grappling with the long-term consequences of the pandemic, sanitary safety in public spaces remains a critical concern. Against this backdrop, scientists are racing to reduce the transmission of infections via high-touch surfaces such as door handles, handrails, and medical equipment. A research team at Tver State University has now introduced a Russian breakthrough that combines laser-based 3D printing with the well-known antimicrobial properties of copper.
At the core of the approach is selective laser powder bed fusion, or L-PBF. Using this method, copper is locally fused into the surface of 304-grade stainless steel. Computer modeling allows researchers to precisely control the distribution of copper inclusions, ensuring that the coating does not peel, does not require a thick layer, and uses material as efficiently as possible. Crucially, laboratory tests show that dangerous bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii, die within an hour after contact with the treated surface, even though these pathogens are known for their resistance to antibiotics.
This represents more than an incremental improvement. Unlike spraying or painting, where coatings gradually wear off, laser fusion integrates copper directly into the metal’s structure. The result is a long-lasting surface with stable antibacterial performance, designed to withstand heavy use without losing effectiveness.
From Hospitals to Metro Systems
The potential applications are broad. Healthcare settings come first, including door handles, bedside rails, and surgical instruments. Beyond hospitals, the technology could be deployed in public transport and crowded spaces. Handrails in subways, grab bars on buses, and surfaces in airports or shopping centers could effectively become self-disinfecting. This is especially relevant as antibiotic-resistant infections continue to rise and healthcare systems face increasing strain.
The technology also strengthens Russia’s technological sovereignty. Localized production of such coatings reduces reliance on imported materials and supports the development of domestic solutions in additive manufacturing, a sector widely seen as central to industrial modernization.
The International Context
Antimicrobial coatings are not a new idea, but the Tver State University approach stands out for its combination of efficiency, cost control, and compatibility with industrial processes. In Europe and the United States, researchers have explored alternatives such as implants with silver or zinc additives, laser surface treatments, and 3D-printed hydrogels with antibacterial properties. Most of these solutions, however, remain confined to laboratory settings or require complex post-processing.
By contrast, the Russian development is already designed with scaling in mind. The research is supported by the Russian Science Foundation, and the results have been published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Physical Chemistry, underscoring the project’s international scientific credibility.
What Comes Next
Within the next one to two years, pilot deployments could begin in hospitals and transport systems. Over a three- to five-year horizon, the technology could become a standard for sanitary safety in public spaces. In the longer term, export opportunities are also emerging. Countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, where demand for post-pandemic infrastructure solutions is growing, could become key markets.
The research team is not stopping here. Plans include expanding the range of compatible materials, adapting the process to different types of 3D printers, and integrating it into automated production lines. This opens the door to an entire class of smart surfaces that not only kill bacteria but could eventually signal contamination or wear.
Developed in Tver, the technology illustrates how fundamental science can directly improve the quality of life for millions. It does more than eliminate bacteria. It points toward a new paradigm of sanitary safety that is simple, reliable, and accessible. At a time when technology is increasingly expected to serve human needs, innovations like this help bridge the gap between the laboratory and the real world, and Russia intends to play a leading role in that transition.
