Hong Kong research team develops stainless steel that can kill nCoV

Researchers in Hong Kong (China) announced the development of the world's first stainless steel that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a few hours.

According to a report published by a team of researchers at the University of Hong Kong, the new alloy can neutralize 99.75% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 3 hours, and 99.99% in 6. hour. By comparison, with other metals, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on surfaces for more than two days.

The research team - led by Professor Huang Mingxin - has also contacted partners to test new materials in the fabrication of stainless steel products such as elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, etc. high-touch surfaces in public areas. The antibacterial properties of this alloy will last a long time even if it is damaged during use.

The new alloy can neutralize 99.75% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 3 hours.

The new material, if proven effective and promising for mass production, will significantly reduce the cost of routine disinfection in public areas such as airports, train stations, as well as other locations. other places where people congregate, such as movie theaters and sports stadiums.

According to the team of researchers, antibacterial stainless steel can be produced using existing "powder metallurgy" techniques, so costs will be low.

In addition, this material can also inactivate many other viruses and pathogens such as influenza A H1N1 virus, Escherichia coli bacteria.

The Covid-19 pandemic has infected more than 266 people and killed more than 5.2 million people. The SARS-CoV-2 virus itself has undergone many mutations, of which 5 are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of concern. The latest variant - Omicron, which was first discovered in southern Africa on November 24 - has quickly spread to nearly 50 countries and territories, forcing many governments to postpone reopening plans or impose restrictions. revert to strict restrictions.