Treated Fabric with Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties Rapidly Destroys 99.99% of Coronavirus

A new textile technology has proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 in the laboratory with tests demonstrating that the treated fabric achieved a 99.99% reduction of the virus.

The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03, developed by textile innovator HeiQ (Zurich, Switzerland) is a textile treatment for industrial use, designed to provide textiles with antiviral and antibacterial properties. The combination of silver antimicrobial technology and vesicle technology rapidly destroy enveloped viruses including coronaviruses. It has previously been tested against coronavirus 229E, another strain of virus in the coronavirus family.

The latest research project involved a disinfection test protocol that simulated the real-life interaction of small aerosol droplets contaminating clothing. A known concentration of SARS-CoV-2 virus was contacted with the sample fabric for 30 minutes, followed by measurement of remaining infectious SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The fabric sample treated with HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 had no infective viruses left after 30 minutes. The result indicated a SARS-CoV-2 virus reduction of 99.99% relative to the inoculum control.

"The confirmation of antiviral activity of HeiQ Viroblock against SARS-CoV-2 is an important milestone. This data forms part of our ongoing efforts to help provide textiles with greater levels of protection against viruses and contribute to efforts towards mitigation of the global pandemic," said Carlo Centonze, Swiss co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HeiQ Group.

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