Cornell University Background
Viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, remain viable and infectious on surfaces for days.
Traditional liquid disinfectants, such as chlorine products are highly effective and relatively safe to use, but only decontaminate a surface at the time of application and have no long-lasting effect
Copper-based surfaces have prolonged antiviral properties, but require long drying time or long contact time to be effective
There is an unmet need for effective, fast-acting, and long-lasting products to eliminate viruses on surfaces
Technology Overview
Cornell researchers have developed a safe, inexpensive, and scalable membrane with long-lasting, exceptional killing efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses
After chlorination, the membrane achieves a more than 6 log reduction within several minutes against all bacterial strains tested, including gram-positive, gram-negative, and drug-resistant ones as well as a clinical bacterial cocktail.
The membrane inactivates SARS-CoV-2 with an over 5 log reduction after only 10 minutes of contact.
Further Details:
Liu, Y. Zhang, W. Liu, L.H. Wang, Y.W. Choi, M. Fulton, S. Fuchs, K. Shariati, M. Qiao, V. Bernat, M. Ma, “A Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial and Antiviral Membrane Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in Minutes” Advanced Functional Materials, 2021, p.2103477.
Benefits
Rapid and sustained antimicrobial and antiviral effect
Rechargeable surface
Safe and inexpensive to produce
Applications
This antiviral membrane may be attached to high‐touch surfaces or used in air filters and personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide continuous protection and minimize transmission risks