The main objective of KISSMat is to create a new material capable of preventing and treating infections. This encompasses infection issues encountered with packaging or production in the food industry, cosmetics, and the medical sector (both human and animal health). Bacteria and fungi are major problems in these sectors, and antibiotics or antifungals are becoming less effective, primarily due to the development of resistance mechanisms by these pathogens.

Food safety has recently faced significant challenges with contamination of processed food products leading to fatalities. There is a need for antimicrobial work surfaces and effective methods for cleaning production tools that are compatible with the food industry.

In the medical sector, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria promotes the formation of biofilms on implants and, more generally, on all medical devices. In 2022, 1 in 20 patients hospitalized in France contracted a nosocomial infection, representing 850,000 patients. The healing of chronic wounds, particularly among diabetics with 50% of ulcers infected, is also a major public health issue where infection prevention and treatment are critical.

The acronym KISSMat refers to materials based on the universal concept « Keep It Simple Stupid, » as the project emphasizes simple approaches using 100% natural products that are assembled without chemical processes to form antimicrobial materials.