Posted on 04/17/2006 3:26:56 PM PDT by blam
Antiviral coating may help fight epidemics
15:00 14 April 2006
From New Scientist Print Edition
BANKNOTES, vending machines and photocopiers could help fight off future epidemics if a novel antiviral coating can be made to work safely.
Materials researcher Guagang Ren at Queen Mary, University of London, has discovered a raft of metal, metal oxide and ceramic nanoparticles that have strong antiviral properties. He hopes to create a face mask impregnated with the particles to destroy certain airborne viruses before people breathe them in.
Ren has joined forces with UK-based Qinetiq Nanomaterials and London research firm Retroscreen Virology. Qinetiq's technology chief Paul Reip says that applying the coatings to buttons on vending machines, workplace photocopiers and fax machines could limit the spread of viruses.
Maybe they'll make one for the kool-aid drinkers...
Actually, I see better applications in a hospital setting.
As it is, surfaces harbor too many germs and the only way to stop them is use virally resistance alloys or trying to clean and sterilize in every nook and cranny. Surfacing makes more sense and would be a lot cheaper.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.