Nanotextured Plastic Film Destroys Viruses Through Physical Force
Researchers have developed a thin, flexible plastic film with a nanoscale texture that can damage or destroy virus particles through physical force. Laboratory tests showed the material damaged a high percentage of a specific test virus within one hour of contact. The approach, which mimics structures found on some insect wings, uses mechanical action rather than chemical agents.
How It Works: A Mechanical Kill Switch
The antiviral effect is attributed to the material's physical topography. A research team has created an acrylic film textured with microscopic nanopillars.
In laboratory tests using human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3) as a model, approximately 94% of virus particles were either ruptured or damaged to the point where they could no longer replicate after one hour of contact with the surface.
The nanopillars grab and stretch the outer shell, or envelope, of the virus until it ruptures. Researchers found that the spacing between these nanopillars, particularly a distance of about 60 nanometers, was a critical factor for effectiveness.
From Insect Wings to Industrial Production
The work, published in the journal Advanced Science, builds on over a decade of research. Initial efforts focused on ultra-smooth surfaces to repel germs, but this approach was found to be ineffective. Subsequent investigation turned to insect wings, such as those of cicadas and dragonflies, which are known to have bactericidal properties due to their physical nanostructures.
The new material represents a shift from previous antiviral surface modifications, which often relied on chemical agents. Chemical disinfectants must remain wet to work, can damage equipment, and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance over time.
The developed film is a lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective acrylic. It is manufactured using a moulding process that the researchers state can be scaled for industrial production. Study authors indicate the mould could be adapted for roll-to-roll manufacturing, potentially allowing large-scale production using existing factory equipment.
Potential Applications and Limitations
Potential applications mentioned by the researchers include use on:
- Phones and other high-touch devices
- Hospital equipment
- Food packaging
- Public transport systems
- Office desks
The researchers note that, like all materials, these nanostructured surfaces will degrade over time due to physical, chemical, and environmental stressors.
Next Steps for Research
The research to date has focused on hPIV-3, which is an enveloped virus with a fatty outer membrane.
The research team plans to test the surface's effectiveness against smaller viruses and non-enveloped viruses to determine the breadth of its application.
Additional research is also needed to study the texturing's effectiveness on curved surfaces.