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New Disinfectant Can Kill Corona Virus on Surfaces for 90 Days

The coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which mainly results in severe acute respiratory syndrome. The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Till now, there is no known vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for it. So, prevention from it is the main aspect which is being advised by the doctors. To ‘kill’ the virus, we must inactivate it as viruses are not considered to be alive, they only replicate and propagate when they find a host. Thus to inactivate it, proper and regular disinfection and sanitization are necessary.

To combat this situation, the researchers at a top university in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in a university news release, disclosed that they are successful in developing a new anti-microbial coating, named Multilevel Antimicrobial Polymer (MAP-1) that can inactivate or kill up to 99.9 per cent of viruses, bacteria and other hard to kill microorganisms, for up to 90 days. It is also claimed to be more resistant and capable to inactivate the coronavirus that caused COVID-19, and can widely be used as an effective disinfectant.

The university news release states that the new MAP-1 coating is very versatile, which can last up to 90 days.  MAP-1 coating provides effective protection and disinfects the surface to provide protection against microbial contamination. The polymer can be used on a variety of surfaces, which includes metals, wood, concrete, glass, plastics, fabrics, leathers and textiles, without changing the appearance of the materials and the actual feel. The polymer was developed by a team, led by Prof. Yeung King Lun, a professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at HKUST.

The working of the MAPS-1 is mainly based on the formation of “surface moiety”, which bursts the envelope coating of the microbes, thus killing or inactivating the microorganisms. The polymer forms a layer on the surface of the substance and does not allow any microbe to reside on it. The surface coating of the polymer lasts much longer than the conventional disinfectants that are usually alcohol or bleach. It is because the conventional disinfectants lose their function as soon as the liquid evaporates. But the MAPS-1 can retain itself on the surface for up to 90 days, according to HKUST.

The coating has also been proven to be non-toxic by the Technical Standard for Disinfection, issued by the National Health Commission in Mainland China, and is safe for skin and the environment, thus allowing MAP-1 to be made into hand sanitizers,  filter materials for air and water purification, as well as clothing and surgical masks.

According to the university news release, in the initial field studies, in two of the hospital and health care centres, MAP-1 coating was confirmed to be effective against drug-resistant microorganisms and its use in the hospital “saw over 98.7% reduction in drug-resistant bacteria in 3 weeks”. The HKUST, in collaboration with its industrial partner Chiaphua Industries Limited, has successfully applied MAPS-1 coating to several daycare centres, elderly homes, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.  Other venues such as shopping malls, churches, buses, and sports training facilities are also sterilized using MAPS-1.  

This revolutionary anti-microbial coating, which can combat COVID-19 and other deadly microorganisms and viruses, is expected to be made available in stores of Hong Kong in May. The transmission of the coronavirus seems to have reduced in Hong Kong. This might be a new ray of hope and can act as an armour to shield us against the overpowering attack of COVID-19.