New Surface Coating Painted on Common Objects Inactivates 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in One Hour

A new surface coating that when painted on common objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, shopping carts, can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The solution has been developed by William Ducker, a chemical engineering professor at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) who has been working since mid-April to test the film’s success at inactivating the virus. The results of the tests have been outstanding, according to Ducker. When the coating is painted on glass or stainless steel, the amount of virus is reduced by 99.9% in one hour, as compared to the uncoated sample.

So far, one hour is the shortest period for which the coating has been tested and tests at shorter periods are currently underway. Ducker expects the coating to inactivate the virus in minutes. Studies have proved that the coating is robust and does not peel off after being slashed with a razor blade. The coating also retains its ability to inactivate the virus after multiple rounds of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and then disinfection or after being submerged in water for a week, based on the tests. The film does not aim to replace other safety measures that people need to take to stop the spread of the coronavirus, such as handwashing, physical distancing, and wearing a mask, but marks a significant discovery in fighting the virus’ spread.

“The idea is when the droplets land on a solid object, the virus within the droplets will be inactivated,” Ducker said. “We have to use our chemical knowledge and experience of other viruses to guess what would kill it (SARS-CoV-2).”

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