Résultats de recherche

Une délégation de l’Université de Namur a participé à une mission exploratoire à l’Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) de Dakar, au Sénégal. L’objectif : découvrir les recherches menées sur le terrain, rencontrer les chercheurs de l’UCAD et initier de futures collaborations entre les deux institutions. 

Méfiance envers les institutions politiques traditionnelles et les élus, montée des logiques autoritaires, définancement des services publics… La démocratie semble aujourd’hui traverser une zone de turbulences. Dans ce contexte, quel rôle l’université joue-t-elle ? Pour éclairer cette question, nous avons rencontré quatre chercheurs issus de disciplines différentes : la pédagogue Sephora Boucenna, le philosophe Louis Carré, le politologue Vincent Jacquet, la juriste Aline Nardi. Leurs regards croisés dessinent les contours d’un enjeu plus que jamais d’actualité : penser et défendre le lien entre université et démocratie.

RésuméFrequently touched surfaces (fomites) serve as reservoirs for pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, and act as vectors for contact-mediated transmission. They contribute to the spread of healthcare-associated infections and represent an increased risk during epidemic outbreaks, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This thesis focuses on the development of antimicrobial coatings releasing silver (Ag) and copper (Cu), deposited by magnetron sputtering. Three coating matrices were investigated: hydrogenated amorphous carbon with or without chromium (a-C:H and Cr/CrN/a-CrC:H) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN).Antibacterial performance was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. To assess long-term efficacy, the antibacterial properties of the coatings were investigated through successive bacterial exposure cycles. Antiviral activity was evaluated against porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), a member of the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily to which SARS-CoV-2 also belongs. For this purpose, a rapid high-throughput antiviral screening assay was developed. This original method represents a promising approach for the standardized evaluation of antiviral surfaces. In addition to antimicrobial activity, the coatings were required to exhibit adequate mechanical properties and an attractive black appearance suitable for high-touch surfaces.The combination of Ag and Cu exhibited a synergistic effect, enhancing antimicrobial activity and broadening the spectrum of targeted pathogens. Optimization led to a TiAlN coating containing 0.9 at.% Ag and 1.7 at.% Cu, which provided the best compromise between mechanical, antibacterial, and antiviral performances. Tribological wear tests confirmed the preservation of its antimicrobial efficacy for up to two years. Perspectives for the further development and scientific validation of this prototype are discussed.JuryProf. Benoît MUYLKENS (UNamur), PrésidentProf. Stéphane LUCAS (UNamur), SecrétaireProf. Jean-Michel DOGNÉ (UNamur)Prof. Philippe STEYER (INSA de Lyon, Université de Lyon)Dr Sébastien PENNINCKX (UNamur)Dr Emile HAYE (Innovative Coating Solutions)

Contact Président Laurent Ravez laurent.ravez@unamur.be Vice-président Louis Carré louis.carre@unamur.be Secretariat Véronique Orose esphin@unamur.be S'affilier Si vous souhaitez vous affilier ou si vous souhaitez modifier votre affiliation, rendez-vous sur la page "affiliation aux instituts de recherche".