Researchers at RMIT University in Australia say they have created an ultra-thin, flexible acrylic film covered with nanoscale pillars that can physically rupture viruses without relying on chemical disinfectants. In laboratory tests using human parainfluenza virus type 3, the team reported that about 94% of virus particles were damaged or destroyed within one hour.
Researchers at Australia’s RMIT University have reported a virus-inactivating plastic surface that works by mechanically rupturing virus particles rather than using chemical agents.
The material is a thin acrylic film engineered with nanoscale “nanopillars.” According to the researchers, these microscopic structures grip a virus and stretch its outer layer until it breaks, leaving the virus unable to reproduce.
In laboratory experiments using human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3), the team said the film damaged or destroyed about 94% of virus particles within one hour of contact. The work was published in the journal Advanced Science.
Study lead author Samson Mah, a PhD candidate at RMIT, said the approach was designed with manufacturing in mind.
"We could one day have surfaces like phone screens, keyboards and hospital tables covered with this film, killing viruses on contact without using harsh chemicals."
Mah added that the mold used to create the nanotexture could be adapted to roll-to-roll manufacturing, a common industrial process that could allow the material to be produced at scale.
The researchers described their results as an early step and said further testing is planned to assess how well the approach works against other viruses, including smaller and non-enveloped viruses, and on curved or more complex surfaces.
