Liverpool scientists developing new anti-viral technologies to limit spread of COVID-19
Reusable PPE, anti-viral touch screens and self-cleansing chip and machines are all in the pipeline
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have been awarded three Innovate UK grants to develop new anti-viral technology that will limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) from touching contaminated surfaces in areas such as hospitals, train stations or restaurants and shops.
The consortium involves researchers from the University’s Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces alongside local industry and partners. It will use Innovate UK funding to create anti-viral surfaces that will mitigate the potential of the virus to spread from surfaces that people come into regular contact with.
Covid-19 has proven to be particularly resilient and can remain active on plastic and glass surfaces for several days which poses a significant barrier to resuming public services, reopening hospitality and welcoming workers back to their offices.
The projects will target three main applications: anti-viral coatings to create reusable face visors and goggles with high optical performance; a transparent anti-viral touch screen coating for ticket machines used widely in public transport and healthcare; and a point-of-sale cleansing system for the retail sector to rapidly disinfect card readers after every use.
The University’s Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces has a strong track record in surface science research and innovation and will use its extensive industrial partnerships and supply chains to develop these new smart anti-viral and anti-bacterial surface technologies.
The first two projects are in partnership with Gencoa Ltd and its supply chain, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and will involve end-users Northern Rail and Alder Hey while the final project is being developed with Biaccon Ltd who are supported by several collaborators including BIRA.
Professor Rasmita Raval, Director of the Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces, said: “Anti-viral surfaces are at the frontline of COVID control and new surface-based technologies have the potential to break and contain chains of transmission. This project creates an excellent opportunity to translate our state-of-the-art surface science research into the region’s innovation pipeline and help our regional SME companies to create new products that will enable key sectors in our city and the UK to open up again”.