An interdisciplinary research team led by Dr Kwan Yu Chris LO from ITC (middle), with two of its members Prof. Chi-wai KAN from ITC (left) and Dr Amber CHIOU Jia-chi from ABCT (right)
The materials can be used to produce doorknob covers and lift buttons
3D printed lift buttons created using the newly developed antivirus material
An interdisciplinary research team formed by the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) and the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at PolyU has successfully developed the world's first “anti-virus 3D printing material” that can eliminate over 90% of the COVID-19 viruses on a surface within 10 minutes, and terminate almost all viruses and bacteria in 20 minutes.
The main component of the material is resin, added with anti-viral agents such as cationic compounds, to pierce the cell membrane of the virus and destroy its structure to kill the virus and bacteria. The material can be produced in different forms using 3D printing technology, and could be used extensively in public facilities to provide epidemic prevention support to the community.
The research team has collaborated with different organizations such as the Home Affairs Department and the Hong Kong Wetland Park over the past year to produce recycling bin handles, toilet doorknob covers, lift buttons, braille boards and more. As the disinfection components of the material are embedded in the products rather than coated on the surface, daily cleaning with disinfectants such as bleach does not compromise its anti-virus performance. The team has applied patent of this technology and application, and will put it into commercial use in the future.
For more details, please visit the PolyU website.
