HeiQ and Xefco, Australian-based materials science and technology start-ups, have collaborated for the launch of XViroblock – a thin-film antimicrobial copper surface treatment for textiles.
The development is aimed at reducing the activity against SARS-CoV-2 after only 5 minutes.
The innovation has been tested in Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) where the studies revealed that the textiles finished with XViroblock inactivated SARS-CoV-2, with significant inactivation occurring within 5 minutes of direct contact.
With the development, the Xefco aims to reduce transmission of disease by reducing the persistence of pathogens on treated surfaces.
“The antimicrobial properties of copper are well-established. Our technology harnesses these incredible attributes through our unique process of applying an ultra-thin surface coating of the metal onto textiles,” said Tom Hussey, CEO and Co-founder, Xefco.
Furthermore, XViroblock can also be used on hydrophobic materials that are little complex to be coated via conventional textile finishing methods. It has application in personal protective equipment, medical textiles and air filtration aiding the defence against COVID-19.
The coating helps in reducing the transmission of infectious viruses particularly in applications where the materials cannot be easily replenished, such as PPE.
