A new surface coating has shown promising results in removing the coronavirus, new research in the US has shown.
Chemistry professor William Ducker and his team at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Virginia Tech State University have managed to produce a special coating designed to deactivate the existing coronavirus in the droplets that cover everyday objects. The new paint, called “Safe Coat” is made from a cuprous oxide, a frequent form of copper mixed with polymers. The rusty color of the coating is due to its coppery origin.
While originally working on the production of coatings intended to destroy bacteria, Ducker turned to fight the coronavirus after its rapid spread. Since mid-April, Ducker has been working with another researcher, Professor Leo Poon of the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health, to examine the effectiveness of the coating material. The new substance removed up to 99.9% of the coronavirus in one hour from the time it was originally applied to the analyzed surfaces. According to Ducker, the next goal is to go from an hour to just a few minutes. “The results have shown that the coating is robust. It doesn’t peel off after being cut with a razor blade, “Drucker said in a Virginia Tech press release.” It also retains its ability to inactivate the virus after multiple rounds of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and then disinfection or after being immersed in water for a week, according to tests. “
The results of the investigation, which first appeared in the American Chemical Society Journal of Applied Materials and Interfaces, appear to be promising, as many are concerned with touching common surfaces such as rails, door knobs, ATM buttons, and other everyday objects. Ducker said in the press release that “everyone is concerned about touching objects that may have the coronavirus, it would help people to relax a little bit.”
The only hurdle at the moment is funding, which Ducker hopes he can attract to start mass-producing the film.
However, this new magic paint is unlikely to replace existing coronavirus security measures.
