You never get bored from 2020 onwards: between Covid, monkeypox and even a return of Poliomyelitis, the attention to hygiene is higher than ever. For once, however, there is good news that does not divide public opinion between "for" and "against", but they all agree: a newly developed coating is able to keep surfaces free from germs for months afterwards. its application.
Scientists fromUniversity of Michigan have developed a durable coating that constantly kills viruses and bacteria: found here the excerpt of their work. It is a transparent coating, which can be deposited or even sprayed on many surfaces: designed primarily for hospitals, airports and other high-density areas, it could be used to eliminate germs anywhere. Touch screens, personal computer keyboards, cutting boards for food. The only limit is the imagination: where will these damned nestle?
Only one adjective: formidable
To eliminate germs from surfaces, disinfectants such as bleach, alcohol and UV rays are now known. Although they work quickly, they do not provide lasting protection - it only takes a few minutes and the surface can be reinfected. On the other hand, some copper-based alloys (still being studied for hospitals) make it difficult for germs to survive, but they work slowly.
The coating from the University of Michigan appears to be a formidable fusion: it acts quickly and remains effective for a long time. A very long time.
Laboratory tests have shown that the coating is capable of killing SARS-CoV-2 (the virus associated with COVID-19), E. coli, MRSA and a number of other common pathogens. And he continues to do it like a killer: 99,9% of the germs were killed constantly for six months (this was the duration of the experiment). During this period of time the surfaces studied were used (by beating the chicken on the cutting boards, pressing the keys of keyboards or smartphones, etc.).
The comparison was merciless: on the treated surfaces there were far fewer germs than those found on other surfaces. Even on those that were constantly cleaned, exposed to UV rays and subjected to obsessive levels of hygiene.
Ok, it kills germs: but is it safe for health?
If you're wondering how such a substance can destroy germs for months and be safe for anyone who comes in contact with it, there is more good news. The key elements that give this coating its "killer" ability are all derived from two simple natural extracts: tea tree oil and cinnamon oil.
They can even be found in food.
The level of protection from germs, as mentioned, begins to decrease after the first six months, but (and there are three good news, too many for one article) just "reload" the coating to make it effective again. Where's the catch? I haven't been this high since they discovered that coating that repairs car scratches in 30 seconds simply by exposing the car to the sun.
I can't wait for it to be commercialized.
