Researchers Work to Create a Surface Coating that Will Kill COVID-19 on Contact
WATERLOO, Ontario — New research is underway to develop a coating that will kill the COVID-19 virus immediately upon contact with any surface. The antiviral coating could be applied to all personal protective equipment and high-touch surfaces, greatly reducing the risk of community transmission of the virus. The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) within the University of Waterloo, is working in collaboration with SiO2 Innovation Labs on the research.
“The COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for 24 hours or more,” said Sushanta Mitra, Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and lead researcher on the project. “In order to protect frontline workers and the general public, it’s important that the virus be neutralized immediately when it comes into contact with any surface; our work will culminate in the production of an anti-viral coating that will do just that.”