Scientists, researchers all over the world are striving to develop protective gear, treatment equipment to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the Earth. In a new development, scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a coating for disinfection procedures to be much rarer.
Scientists at the university have developed a Multilevel Antimicrobial Polymer coating – which can inactivate bacteria, viruses, and even hard-to-kill spores. So much so, the coating kills viruses that kills mumps, measles, rubella, and of course coronavirus of COVID – 19. And, it is active for up to 90 days, which scientists tested in a variety of settings. For example, a privacy curtain in a hospital after three weeks of applying the coating had 98.7% fewer bacteria than the one not sprayed with the chemical.
Long Trial Period of Coating bears Encouraging Results
“The experiment involved carrying field trial of the coating for seven months on privacy partition curtains in a local state hospital, and six-month field trial on bed linens in an elderly home,” said the lead scientist of the study. The results are very encouraging, with the total amount of bacteria lessened by 99% and 95.8% on curtains and bed linens respectively, the lead scientists added.
Chemically, multilevel antimicrobial polymer comprises several antimicrobial polymers. The coating when applied, disinfects the surface. And, it also physically prevents microbes from sticking on the surface. Further, when heat is applied, like from warm hands, or moisture is applied, these polymers release disinfectants that destroys microbes. Of course, the coating kills coronavirus of COVID-19, and actually, it’s not that hard. The best part is the coating stays for a long time, is non-toxic, and environment-friendly.
