Improved protection once morest viruses and bacteria in prospect
A newly developed spray for coating of surfaces is intended to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses and might also help in the fight once morest COVID-19.
In a new study involving experts from University of Sydney it was investigated whether coating surfaces with a special spray can prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses over a longer period of time. The results were published in the journal “Advanced Science” released.
Contaminated surfaces one of the main causes of infections
According to the researchers, the spread of viral and bacterial pathogens through contact with surfaces is one of the Main causes of infections worldwide. In addition, the contamination of surfaces also plays an extremely important role in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.
„Without a barrier, viruses like coronavirus can remain on surfaces and remain infectious for up to a week. Other viruses, such as reoviruses that cause things like the common cold or diarrhea, can remain on surfaces for several weeks and cause large outbreaks in healthcare and elderly care facilities‘ explains the author of the study Professor Antonio Tricoli from the University of Sydney in a press release.
„Like a lotus leaf, the surface spray forms a water-repellent layer. Since the pathogens like to be in the water, they remain trapped in the droplets and the surface is protected from contamination‘ the doctor continues.
„When this mechanism fails, a second ion impact is triggered by carefully engineered nanomaterials dispersed throughout the coating‘ adds the expert.
The spray works in two different ways. On the one hand, it pushes viruses and bacteria through a air-filled barrier away. On the other hand, it kills pathogens with the help of microscopic materialsif the layer is damaged, the team said.
Coating reliable alternative to disinfectants
The coating represents a reliable alternative to conventional disinfectants, which have to be applied regularly and whose effectiveness decreases over time. It forms one permanent surface layerwhich has been shown to protect once morest contamination by pathogens.
Coating safer than disinfectant
Another advantage of the coating is that safer than disinfectants is. The coating has no harmful side effects and is more stable in its effectiveness than, for example, silver nanoparticles, which are considered an effective non-disinfectant for killing bacteria, the team reports.
Use in public facilities
The new spray might be used on surfaces in particular public institutions Find application. For example, might Stair rails or buttons in elevators sprayed to curb the spread of viruses and bacteria, the researchers explain.
What surfaces does the spray work on?
„We identified the mechanical processes underlying how the spray works and quantified its effectiveness in different environments“, emphasizes the author of the study Professor David NisbetDirektor des University of Melbourne’s Graeme Clark Institute.
For the current study, use on metal surfaces was tested. “However, in the past we have shown that the spray can be applied to any surface including blotting paper, plastic, brick, tile, glass and metal“, reports the expert.
The coating has reduced bacterial growth on the surfaces by more than 99 percent and one 11-fold reduction in viral contamination effected compared to uncoated surfaces.
Next to the Protection once morest bacteria and viruses might the spray also help that Research in the field of antipathogenic technologies to advance significantly. The team has already set up a start-up company to further develop the technology and bring the spray to market within the next three years if possible. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Deepu Ashok, Mahdiar Taheri, Puneet Garg, Daryl Webb, Pawan Parajuli, et al.: Shielding Surfaces from Viruses and Bacteria with a Multiscale Coating; in: Advanced Science (published 03.07.2022), Advanced Science
- University of Sydney: News_ COVID shield: spray coating to shield surfaces from viruses, bacteria (veröffentlicht 21.07.2022), University of Sydney
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
