New material can kill 96% of viruses

The new material was inspired by dragonflies and cicadas because these animals have nano-spikes on their wings that can kill bacteria and fungi.

To the naked eye, the surface of the material looks like a flat black mirror, but in fact, the researchers have designed nano-spikes that have the effect of killing viruses on it. Using ion streams to cut sections of a thin silicon wafer, the team created a surface with spikes just 290 nanometers high and spike tips just 2 nanometers thick, about 30,000 times thinner than a human hair.

A virus on the surface of a nano-spiked material when magnified 65,000 times. Photo: RMIT

The team claims the microspikes can kill up to 96% of viruses, enough to protect most healthy people from many pathogens that can be transmitted through surface contact. The material could be used in hospitals, scientific labs and other places that require sterility.

The scientists tested it on four different strains of influenza virus (hPIV-3), which causes diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia and croup. "This material can be integrated into common devices and surfaces to prevent the spread of viruses and reduce the use of disinfectants. After six hours, there was almost no virus activity left on the surface of the new material," said RMIT molecular biologist Natalie Borg.

If the material is widely produced and used in healthcare settings, it could make a huge difference, as hPIV is responsible for one-third of acute respiratory illnesses, especially in children. The team plans to continue testing other configurations of the material and on other viruses.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/vat-lieu-moi-co-the-tieu-diet-96-virus-196240413204546673.htm