University of South Dakota Researchers Granted a U.S. Patent for Antimicrobial Coating
The research team included Ying (Daisy) Deng, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and lead inventor for the project; Shahab Saeedi, a Ph.D. student in the biomedical engineering program; and Victor Huber, Ph.D., professor in the Division of Biomedical & Translational Sciences.
Their innovation provides durable protection on surfaces such as metals or paints without the need for additional chemical activation—offering a smarter, more sustainable approach to keeping spaces safer. Unlike many disinfectants, this bio-inspired antimicrobial material works immediately after application, can be “recharged” to keep working over time, and is stable and easy to apply. The chemistry is designed to mimic natural immune defense mechanisms that rapidly kill a broad spectrum of pathogens while avoiding the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
This technology could help reduce the spread of infections on frequently touched surfaces, ranging from medical devices to food-processing equipment.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this research is the opportunity to develop materials that can directly improve public health,” said Deng. “Creating antimicrobial surfaces that actively prevent bacterial growth has the potential to make hospitals, public spaces and everyday products safer. It is especially inspiring to see how fundamental chemistry research can lead to practical solutions that address global challenges such as infectious diseases.”
With the patent secured, this technology has moved to commercialization—bringing the potential impact into reality. The patent was licensed to AvantGuard, a venture-backed Cornell University spin-off and IndieBio alum advancing antimicrobial protection. The company designs products with applications spanning health care, defense and transportation.
“AvantGuard is focused on redefining what antimicrobial protection can be—and the antimicrobial chemistry that the University of South Dakota research team designed is the kind of innovation that drives this work forward,” said Ted Eveleth, CEO of AvantGuard. “This technology will have a real-world impact on public health. We appreciate USD’s innovative work and look forward to leveraging their chemistry to further develop broad-spectrum, long-lasting protection against pathogens."
AvantGuard recently reported breakthrough NIH-funded animal study results in which its antimicrobial wound treatment outperformed silver sulfadiazine, the current antibiotic standard of care for wounds and burns, by more than 90%. The company’s broader antimicrobial platform is designed to combat dangerous pathogens, including drug-resistant organisms such as Candida auris and ESKAPE pathogens, without the risk of resistance generation.
Going forward, the USD research team aims to continue developing new antimicrobial materials that are effective, durable and safe, and they will explore additional applications where these technologies can help protect people and improve quality of life.
Through their work on these advancements, the research team is also contributing to a larger culture of discovery at USD.
“The University of South Dakota provides strong support for interdisciplinary research and innovation. Our faculty and students have access to modern laboratory equipment, collaborative research environments and resources that encourage translating discoveries into real-world technologies,” Deng shared. “This culture of discovery makes it possible for teams to explore new ideas, develop novel materials and move promising research toward patents and practical applications.”
About AvantGuard
AvantGuard is a venture-backed, Cornell University spin-off and IndieBio alum developing the first line of defense against pathogens for a world where antibiotics are failing. Its patented Avantamine™ platform improves upon the biocompatible chemistry the human immune system naturally deploys, delivering broad-spectrum, long-lasting protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses—without the risk of resistance.
AvantGuard's product portfolio, including AvantSept, AvantGel, and Avant24, addresses indications from ringworm to MRSA, from chronic wounds to drug-resistant infections, across skin, mucosa, wounds, and surfaces—with applications in healthcare, defense, and transportation. Supported by more than $9 million in NIH, NSF, and federal grant funding, the company's platform can be incorporated into products representing over $60 billion in annual sales. Founded in Ithaca, New York, AvantGuard is redefining what antimicrobial protection can be. Visit avantguardinc.com.
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