An interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Kwan Yu Chris LO (middle), Associate Professor of PolyU's Institute of Textiles and Clothing has successfully developed the world's first “anti-virus 3D printing material”.
The research team has produced doorknob covers and lift buttons. 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.
Researchers from PolyU have developed the world’s first 3D printing material with a surface that can kill the coronavirus and can be used to produce low-cost, durable lift buttons and door handles to reduce infection risks.
Dr Chris Lo Kwan-yu, Associate Professor of PolyU's Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), who led the research team, said they found the material could still kill 70% of the COVID-19 virus and other viruses/bacteria in two minutes, and almost eliminate them in 20 minutes.
The team announced it would collaborate with the Sham Shui Po District Office to make doorknob protective covers for more than 100 poorly maintained buildings that lacked any management organisations. They would also consider applying the material to primary and secondary schools, health care facilities, and public transport.
Professor Kan Chi-wai of ITC said the disinfection components of the material were embedded in the products rather than coated on the surface, preventing daily cleaning from compromising its antiviral performance.
Dr Amber Chiou Jia-chi, Assistant professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, said it could also kill virus variants because it physically attacked viruses’ membranes, regardless of what proteins they contained.
Press release
理大研發全新防病毒三維打印物料十分鐘殺滅逾九成新冠病毒 (Chinese)
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