New Plastic Film Design Destroys Viruses

Every day, people touch many surfaces, like kitchen counters, public transport handrails, and phone screens. Germs and viruses can easily spread through these surfaces.

Infection often happens when someone touches a contaminated surface and then their face. Although chemical cleaners can disinfect surfaces, they may harm the environment or cause germs to resist medicines, a problem called antimicrobial resistance.

Recently, researchers developed a new type of thin plastic surface with tiny features called nanotextures, as small as a billionth of a meter. These mimic surfaces found on insect wings, which can break apart viruses, specifically targeting a virus known as hPIV-3.

This new material could help reduce the spread of diseases on surfaces like hospital equipment and phones. Current disinfection methods need the surface to stay wet to kill germs, which isn’t always practical, and can use harsh chemicals.

In nature, some insect wings naturally kill bacteria. Inspired by this, researchers created a material with tiny pillars that pierce and destroy viruses. In tests, up to 94% of hPIV-3 virus particles were damaged in an hour.

The technology could be used in many settings, including food packaging and public transport. Although these surfaces are durable, they face wear and tear over time. This approach may offer a new way to protect against viruses without relying on chemicals.

How much do you know?

What is the size of the tiny features on the new plastic surface developed by researchers?

One meter

One millimeter

One billionth of a meter

One centimeter

What type of virus does the new material specifically target?

hPIV-3

COVID-19

Influenza

Ebola

What is a major drawback of current disinfection methods mentioned?

They are always effective

They require surfaces to remain wet

They are environmentally friendly

They use no chemicals

What inspired researchers to create the new material?

Plastic surfaces

Chemical cleaners

Insect wings

Hospital equipment

Up to what percentage of hPIV-3 virus particles were damaged in the tests?

50%

75%

94%

100%

In which settings could the new technology be used?

Only hospitals

Food packaging and public transport

Private homes

Only schools

Germs and viruses can spread through surfaces like kitchen counters and phone screens.

True False

Chemical cleaners always benefit the environment.

True False

The new plastic surface is designed to mimic surfaces found on insect wings.

True False

Current disinfection methods do not require any specific conditions to be effective.

True False

Researchers have found a way to destroy viruses using chemical means only.

True False

The new material can help reduce the spread of diseases on surfaces.

True False

Infection often happens when someone touches a contaminated surface and then their .

This new material could help reduce the spread of on surfaces like hospital equipment.

Some insect wings naturally kill .

The technology could be used in many settings, including food packaging and .

Although these surfaces are durable, they face wear and tear over .

The problem of antimicrobial resistance may occur when chemical cleaners .

This question is required