Biotechnology UK CU – Scientists have developed a plastic film that could take sterilization to new heights. Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have produced a plastic film capable of destroying viruses that settle on its surface with room light.
The self-sterilizing film is a new product that is economical, easy to produce and can be utilized by disposable aprons, tablecloths, and curtains in medical settings.
The plastic film is coated with a layer of components capable of absorbing UV light and synthesizing reactive oxygen species which could destroy viruses, including SARS2.
This technology also has green credentials as the film is biodegradable as opposed to the disposable plastic films generally used.The invention has the potential to significantly bring down viral transmissions in medical settings and even food production centers.
The findings indicated that the film is capable of destroying all of the viruses, even in rooms with just white fluorescent tubes.
The study was conducted by Professor Andrew Mills, Dr Ri Han and Dr Christopher O’Rourke in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast and Dr Connor Bamford and Dr Jonathon D. Coey from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine in the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s.
Professor Andrew Mills stated that the plastic film could replace others currently being used as it had the ability to economically self-sterilize, further pointing out that rigorous testing had demonstrated that the film could wipe out viruses with an ordinary light at room temperature.
Dr Connor Bamford says: “Pathogenic viruses like SARS2 and influenza will continue to be global problem for years to come. In developing self-sterilising thin plastic films, we have created a low-cost technology that could have a significant impact on the transmission of such concerning viruses in a healthcare environment and other sectors where they are used.”
