Development and optimization of durable, non-release antiviral coatings for public spaces

As of 15 May 2020, more than 4.4 million COVID-19 cases have been reported across 188 countries and territories, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths. According to the World Health Organization reports, one of the main routes for transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases is by contact with surfaces in public spaces that are contaminated with infectious droplets produced by infected people. In order to slow down or stop the spread, cleaning and disinfection of ‘high-touch’ surfaces need to be performed regularly. However, the development of an effective antiviral surface coating provides an additional protection layer against disease transmission. In this work, we aim to develop a non-release antiviral coating. The application of the antiviral coating inactivates the viruses on the surfaces of public spaces such as schools, hospitals and grocery stores. The non-release approach for antiviral coating increases the antiviral efficiency of the coating with more consistency in long-term protection. The active agents have already shown the highest efficiency against the H1N1 virus. They will be examined against the novel coronavirus.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drew Higgins

Student:

Amir Kazemi

Partner:

Trimis Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

McMaster University