Highlights

  • Plastic film developd that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus
  • Scientists at Queen's University Belfast, UK have invented the film
  • The film reportedly can kill the virus with just room light

Latest news

'Deva' trailer released: Shahid Kapoor shines as rebel cop in action-packed thriller

'Deva' trailer released: Shahid Kapoor shines as rebel cop in action-packed thriller

Saif Ali Khan knife attack: Detained man unrelated to the case, says Mumbai Police

Saif Ali Khan knife attack: Detained man unrelated to the case, says Mumbai Police

Centre says closely monitoring food prices

Centre says closely monitoring food prices

Ranji Trophy: Kohli named in 22-member provisional squad for Delhi's next game

Ranji Trophy: Kohli named in 22-member provisional squad for Delhi's next game

Arvind Kejriwal hits back at BJP, calls their manifesto 'a bunch of lies'

Arvind Kejriwal hits back at BJP, calls their manifesto 'a bunch of lies'

Sambhal demolishes 123 dilapidated houses, takes action on illegal encroachments

Sambhal demolishes 123 dilapidated houses, takes action on illegal encroachments

Global stock market indices performance today - January 17, 2025

Global stock market indices performance today - January 17, 2025

England's Saqib Mahmood secures visa for India tour after delay

England's Saqib Mahmood secures visa for India tour after delay

Scientists develop eco-friendly plastic film that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus

The film is coated with a thin layer of particles that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and produce reactive oxygen species -- ROS.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected

      Scientists in the UK have developed a plastic film that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which land on its surface with just room light.

      The self-sterilising film developed by a team at Queen's University Belfast, UK, is less costly to produce, can be readily scaled and used for disposable aprons, tablecloths, and curtains in hospitals.

      The film is coated with a thin layer of particles that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and produce reactive oxygen species -- ROS.

      These kill viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the researchers said. The technology used to create the film also ensures it is degradable -- unlike the current disposable plastic films -- making it environment-friendly, the researchers said.

      The research, published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, could lead to a significant reduction in the transmission of viruses in healthcare environments but also in other settings that uses plastic films.

      The researchers tested the film for anti-viral activity using four different viruses -- two strains of influenza A virus, a highly-stable picornavirus called EMCV and SARS-CoV-2.

      They exposed the film to either UVA radiation or with light from a cool white light fluorescent lamp. The researchers found that the film is effective at killing all of the viruses - even in a room lit with just white fluorescent tubes. SARS-CoV-2 was particularly prone to photocatalytic inactivation even under very low UV irradiation conditions, they said.

      "This film could replace many of the disposable plastic films used in the healthcare industry as it has the added value of being self-sterilising at no real extra cost," said Professor Andrew Mills from Queen's University Belfast.

      "Through rigorous testing we have found that it is effective at killing viruses with just room light – this is the first time that anything like this has been developed and we hope that it will be a huge benefit to society,” Mills said. The researchers noted that pathogenic viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza will continue to be global problem for years to come.

      "In developing self-sterilising thin plastic films, we have created a low-cost technology that could have a significant impact on the transmission of such concerning viruses in a healthcare environment and other sectors where they are used," Professor Andrew Mills added.

      Also Watch| Explained: why scientists think nasal Covid vaccines will be a gamechanger

      Varun

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Up Next

      Scientists develop eco-friendly plastic film that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus

      Scientists develop eco-friendly plastic film that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus

      Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in graft case

      Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in graft case

      US Secretary of State Blinken interrupted by journalist over Israel-Gaza conflict

      US Secretary of State Blinken interrupted by journalist over Israel-Gaza conflict

      Indian-origin man sentenced to 8 years for White House attack attempt

      Indian-origin man sentenced to 8 years for White House attack attempt

      Timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict: From devastation to ceasefire

      Timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict: From devastation to ceasefire

      Israeli cabinet to meet on ceasefire after PM says hostage deal finalised

      Israeli cabinet to meet on ceasefire after PM says hostage deal finalised

      ADVERTISEMENT

      editorji-whatsApp

      More videos

      SpaceX catches Starship booster again, but upper stage explodes

      SpaceX catches Starship booster again, but upper stage explodes

      Thai PM targeted by AI-driven scam mimicking world leader's voice

      Thai PM targeted by AI-driven scam mimicking world leader's voice

      US Business forum calls for bold reforms in India’s budget to boost growth and investments

      US Business forum calls for bold reforms in India’s budget to boost growth and investments

      Netanyahu thanks Trump and Biden for facilitating Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

      Netanyahu thanks Trump and Biden for facilitating Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

      Qatar, US announce Gaza truce, hostage release deal

      Qatar, US announce Gaza truce, hostage release deal

      Joe Biden warns of Trump 'oligarchy' in dark farewell speech

      Joe Biden warns of Trump 'oligarchy' in dark farewell speech

      Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 24 Palestinians, say rescuers

      Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 24 Palestinians, say rescuers

      PIA under investigation after 9/11-resembling ad sparks outrage

      PIA under investigation after 9/11-resembling ad sparks outrage

      Russia targets Ukraine's energy sites in 'massive' barrage

      Russia targets Ukraine's energy sites in 'massive' barrage

      From ban to buyout: What next for TikTok in the US?

      From ban to buyout: What next for TikTok in the US?

      Editorji Technologies Pvt. Ltd. © 2022 All Rights Reserved.