An ElectroThermal surface for rapid pathogen elimination on high-touch environments

The rapid and effective disinfection of high-touch environments is essential in minimizing pathogen transmission, particularly in healthcare and public spaces. This study presents the development of a novel electro-thermal (ET) surface, which rapidly eliminates pathogens through brief, high-temperature pulses. The ET surface integrates a microheater on a glass-reinforced epoxy substrate, allowing the ET surface to reach disinfection temperatures up to ̴100°C in seconds. Due to its low thermal mass, the ET surface absorbs only a small amount of energy, reducing the risk of burns upon touch. Fabricated using a standardized printed circuit board (PCB) process, the ET surface achieves pathogen reduction rates of over 95%, especially for heat-sensitive Gram-negative bacteria, and offers an energy-efficient, low-cost solution for scalable disinfection. Comparative testing across pathogens, namely Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Candida auris , demonstrated variations in thermal resistance, underscoring the necessity for optimizing temperature and duration of the heat pulse to maximize antimicrobial efficacy. This study introduces a scalable, efficient, and safe approach to pathogen control, with potential applications in both clinical and public settings to enhance hygiene protocols and reduce healthcare-associated infections. • Effective disinfection of high-touch surfaces is essential for preventing pathogen transmission, particularly in healthcare environments. • The proposed electro-thermal surface eliminates pathogens through short, high-temperature pulses, reaching ~100°C within seconds. • Over 95% reduction for various pathogens is achieved; particularly effective against heat-sensitive Gram-negative bacteria. • An affordable and adaptable solution, based on standard PCB fabrication technique.