Antiviral resin destroys COVID-19 from plastic surfaces

Viruses can endure on solid surfaces for extended periods, contributing to a heightened risk of infection. Professor Varpu Marjomäki and her research team at the University of Jyväskylä's Department of Cell and Molecular Biology are investigating how different surfaces and materials can help curtail the transmission of viral diseases. They are examining how coronaviruses persist on diverse surfaces under varying humidity and temperature conditions.

The researchers at the Nanoscience Center of the University of Jyväskylä conducted experiments using plastic surfaces embedded with resin, testing them against both seasonal human coronaviruses and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study revealed that on untreated plastic surfaces, viruses remained infectious for over two days. In contrast, plastic surfaces treated with resin displayed strong antiviral activity within fifteen minutes of contact and outstanding efficacy after thirty minutes. Resin-treated plastic surfaces exhibit promise as antiviral surfaces.

This research is part of the BIOPROT project (Development of bio-based and antimicrobial materials and their use as protective equipment) supported by Business Finland and conducted in partnership with the Finnish company Premix Oy. The project's goal is to explore existing and create new antiviral solutions in collaboration with companies like Premix Oy, ultimately leading to the development of new products for future pandemics and epidemics.

The BIOPROT project, involving six universities, research institutes, and numerous companies, is coordinated by LUT University. Its primary objective is to develop sustainable and safe material solutions to combat infections, with a specific focus on respiratory and surgical masks as well as reusable industrial masks. The project also aims to enhance Europe's self-sufficiency in products and materials. Under Professor Marjomäki's supervision, the University of Jyväskylä is working on bio-based antiviral materials.

Effective, nature-derived antiviral solutions are available in Finland and can be used to functionalize masks and surfaces. Currently, there are limited bio-based functional solutions, providing an opportunity for pioneering work in this field.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Jyväskylä