New coating technology uses 'nanoworms' to kill COVID-19

COVID–19 killing coating a spray away
Testing the coating. Credit: University of Queensland

An antiviral surface coating technology sprayed on face masks could provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and the flu.

The developed at The University of Queensland has already proven effective in killing the virus that causes COVID-19, and shows promise as a barrier against transmission on surfaces and face .

UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology researcher Professor Michael Monteiro said the water-based coating deployed worm-like structures that attack the virus.

"When were sprayed with these 'nanoworms," it resulted in complete inactivation of the Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A," Professor Monteiro said.

The coating was developed with Boeing as a joint research project, and was tested at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at The University of Melbourne.

"These polymer 'nanoworms' rupture the membrane of virus droplets transmitted through coughing, sneezing or saliva and damage their RNA," Professor Monteiro said.

"The chemistry involved is versatile, so the coating can be readily redesigned to target emerging viruses and aid in controlling future pandemics."

Professor Monteiro said would continue to be an important part of helping prevent or reduce community transmission of COVID-19.

"Antiviral coatings applied on mask surfaces could reduce infection and provide long-lasting to eliminate both surface and aerosolised transmission," he said.

"We know that COVID-19 remains infectious for many hours or days on some surfaces, and provides a direct route to infection.

"Therefore, there is greater emphasis on eliminating both and airborne transmission to complement vaccination of the population to stop the current pandemic."

The coating is environmentally friendly, water-based and its synthesis aligns with manufacturing techniques used in the paint and coatings industry.

The research is published in ACS Nano.

More information: Valentin A. Bobrin et al, Water-Borne Nanocoating for Rapid Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viruses, ACS Nano (2021). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05075

Journal information: ACS Nano

Citation: New coating technology uses 'nanoworms' to kill COVID-19 (2021, September 15) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2021-09-coating-technology-nanoworms-covid-.html
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