Australian researchers have created a thin plastic film capable of eliminating viruses on contact, making it suitable for use on smartphone screens, keyboards, and medical equipment to reduce infection.
Unlike traditional antiviral coatings made of metals and silicone, this technology relies on mechanical deformation. The membrane surface is coated with microscopic nanorods that stretch and tear the virus's outer shell, thus destroying it. This method does not require harsh chemicals and can be applied to flexible, low-cost materials.
Furthermore, scientists discovered that stretching the viral envelope—unlike previous studies that focused on puncturing it—is more effective at destroying pathogens. Laboratory tests conducted on human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3), which causes severe respiratory illness, showed that approximately 94 percent of the virus particles were completely destroyed or damaged to the point where they lost their ability to replicate and cause infection within one hour of contact with the envelope.
The researchers pointed out that the decisive factor is not the height of the nanopiles, but rather the distance between them; the closer they are, the more effective they are at eliminating viruses. The highest effectiveness was recorded at a distance of approximately 60 nanometers, while antiviral activity decreased at 100 nanometers and almost disappeared at 200 nanometers.
According to lead researcher Samson Ma, this film is made from a cheap, flexible plastic that can be mass-produced, similar to plastic food wrap. This opens the door to widespread adoption of the technology, such as covering phone screens, keyboards, door handles, and hospital surfaces.
He said: "Our results provide a clearer understanding of which nanostructures are best suited for eliminating viruses. Perhaps one day we will be able to coat surfaces with this film to eliminate viruses on contact, without the need for harsh chemicals."
It is worth noting that studies to date have focused on viruses with a lipid envelope, such as human parainfluenza virus type 3, a class that is relatively easy to eliminate. The team plans to test the membrane's effectiveness against smaller viruses and non-enveloped pathogens, which lack an outer protective layer.
Professor Yelena Ivanova, who participated in the study, confirmed that the team is ready to cooperate with industrial companies to further develop this technology and apply it on a mass production scale.
