Researchers from São Paulo–based company Nanox have developed a fabric containing silver nanoparticles that can inactivate the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Composed of a mixture of polyester and cotton, the fabric contains two types of silver microparticles, which are adhered to its surface through a process of immersion, drying, and fixation. Created in collaboration with teams from the University of São Paulo (USP), the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), and Jaume I University in Spain and funded by FAPESP, 99% of viruses on the fabric were nonviable after two minutes of contact in laboratory tests. The company now plans to determine the duration of the antiviral effect. According to Nanox, the fabric retains the ability to eliminate fungi and bacteria even after 30 washes. “We filed a patent application for the technology and we have partnerships with two textiles manufacturers in Brazil that will use it to make protective masks and hospital clothes,” Luiz Gustavo Pagotto Simões, director of the company, told Agência FAPESP.
RepublishCOVID-19
A SARS-CoV-2-proof fabric
Nanox
