Falling Walls Falling Walls Science Summit 2022

Invisible Antimicrobial Coating Spray: Breaking the Wall of Sustainable Antimicrobial Clothing

JJ Richardson

Emerging Talents Global Call Winner

Using silver and natural plant polyphenols (the molecules behind hard-to-remove wine stains), JJ Richardson creates antimicrobial coatings that stick to any surface and neutralize viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Richardson’s universally adherent antimicrobial coatings can be sprayed on by non-experts in the home or hospital, are so thin you can’t see them, but so strong they can last through multiple washes.

JJ Richardson

The University of Tokyo & Swiff

Joseph (JJ) Richardson was born in Florida, spent most of his adult life in Australia, and is now a postdoc at the University of Tokyo. This global journey includes degrees in Philosophy (BA), Industrial and Systems Engineering (MS) and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (PhD). JJ cares about the ethical, economic, and scientific implications of his nanotech-focused research and specializes in using sustainable materials to improve society. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to multiple start-ups in different biotechnology areas, and he has also organized social-focused breakdance programs globally.