‘Potent’ new disinfectant kills coronavirus on surfaces for 90 days, scientists say
A new disinfectant developed by scientists in Hong Kong can “inactivate” hard-to-kill bacteria and viruses — including the coronavirus — for up to 90 days.
The disinfectant, known as MAP-1, was created by researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and lasts on surfaces for up to 90 days, according to a university news release.
“Using a special blend of antimicrobial polymers, the new coating effectively kills up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses through contact killing and anti-adhesion technology, including Rubella, avian influenza, H1N1 and FCV – a non-enveloped virus which is among the hardest to kill,” the release states.
Inactivating FCV, or surrogate feline calicivirus, is the equivalent of killing the coronavirus, the university said, citing guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Scientists started working on the disinfectant long before the current pandemic.
It took 10 years to develop, Reuters reported.
MAP-1 works in two days, according to the university — it disrupts existing bacteria living on surfaces and prevents more bacteria from forming.
Regular disinfectants with alcohol and bleach “lose their function as the liquids evaporate,” CNET reported. But MAP-1, which lasts significantly longer, contains heat-sensitive polymers that enable it to respond to human touch.
Those polymers “encapsulate and release disinfectants upon human contact,” KUST Adjunct Professor Joseph Kwan, one of the chief researchers, told Reuters.
Professor Yeung King Lun, who led the team of researchers, called MAP-1 “a potent solution for infection control.”
The disinfectant was tested in field trials on hospital privacy curtains and nursing home bed linens for six to seven months, Yeung said.
“The results is very encouraging, with the total amount of bacteria reduced by over 99% and 95.8% on the curtains and bed linens, respectively,” Yeung said.
MAP-1 works on metal, concrete, wood, glass and plastic surfaces as well as fabric, leather and textile, researchers said.
The coating is non-toxic, safe for skin and the environment — meaning it can “be made into hand sanitizers, paints and coating, filter materials for air and water purification, as well as clothing and surgical masks to safeguard the health of the individual and public,” according to the university news release.
It’s already been applied to more than 70 daycare centers, nursing homes and schools as well as some shopping malls, school buses, churches and sports facilities, the release states.
Hong Kong Sports Institute had its entire facility sprayed with the disinfectant over the weekend, South China Morning Post reported. Close to 200 athletes, coaches and staff are currently living there, three of which have tested positive for the virus.
It costs between $20,000 HKD and $50,000 HKD ($2,600-$6,400 USD) to apply MAP-1 at schools, Reuters reported. Individual bottles of the disinfectant ranging in size from 50 ml to 200 ml will cost between $70 HKD and $250 HKD ($9-$32 USD).
MAP-1 was approved for consumer use in February, Reuters reported. It’s expected on shelves in Hong Kong in May.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 4:47 PM with the headline "‘Potent’ new disinfectant kills coronavirus on surfaces for 90 days, scientists say."
