In an era where mobility faces increasingly complex challenges—environmental, technological, and even sanitary—an Italian project is offering a solution that is as innovative as it is necessary: antimicrobial materials for car interiors. It is called AMATEVI (Antimicrobial Materials for Vehicles Interiors), and it is one of the most advanced initiatives within Spoke 11 of the CO-SMART project, a partnership funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) that brings together universities, companies, and institutions to build sustainable, intelligent and safe mobility.
Developed in particular by the Marche Polytechnic University, with support from other universities and national research centres, AMATEVI tackles an often-overlooked issue: the hygiene of enclosed, high-traffic spaces—such as the interior of a vehicle.
Fishing nets and nanotechnologies: how antimicrobial fabric is created
At the core of the project lies an unexpected source: discarded fishing nets made of polyamide 6 (PA6), recovered and transformed into fibres through advanced recycling techniques. These fibres are then used to produce non-woven fabrics via electrospinning, a process that enables the creation of micro- and nanofibres with enhanced physical and mechanical properties.
But the true innovation leap comes with the addition of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH)—nanostructures functionalised with antibacterial agents, incorporated directly into the material. The result is an antimicrobial polymer film capable of actively limiting the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms on surfaces commonly touched by passengers.
Laboratory tested, ready for industry
The materials developed have gone well beyond the laboratory phase. They have undergone full characterisation: thermal resistance, ageing stability, mechanical properties, and long-term durability. The demonstrator prototypes passed all tests with flying colours, confirming not only their antimicrobial effectiveness but also their robustness for real-world application.
The project has reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 2/3 and 5/6, signalling that industrial applications are no longer a distant possibility but a concrete, near-term prospect.
The car as a safe space
In a post-pandemic context where hygiene awareness has increased significantly, the idea of a car cabin as a “protected space” is no longer just a futuristic concept. Thanks to AMATEVI, a new standard in passive safety is emerging—one not tied to impact resistance or assisted driving, but to silent, continuous protection against bacteria and germs.
It is a proposal that speaks not only to the automotive sector but also to public transport, hospitality on wheels, advanced logistics and shared mobility fleets.
Research and environment: a viable synergy
AMATEVI’s added value lies not only in its technological innovation but also in its alignment with circular economy principles. Starting from waste (fishing nets), the project creates an advanced and sustainable product, with real industrial applications and potential for export. A perfect example of how public research can generate concrete, environmental and economic impact.
The scientific contributions and coordination are led by Professor Simona Sabbatini and her research team at the Marche Polytechnic University, with publications already underway in international journals and presentations announced at major conferences such as AICING 2025 and AIMAT 2025.
The future of mobility is also a matter of health
AMATEVI shows that rethinking mobility means rethinking the daily experience of those who travel—making it more comfortable, safer and, above all, more hygienic. Because the journey towards sustainability is not only about zero emissions, but also about low biological risk. And in this race, Italy is proudly in pole position.
