Self-sterilising plastic could be the future of PPE and other hospital disposables

The BBC have reported on the development of a self-sterilising plastic, which demonstrates the ability to render viruses such as Influenza A and SARS COV-2 inactive.

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a thin plastic that is treated with titanium oxide, which means that when it is exposed to light, it destroys viruses through a photocatalytic process.

Studies have shown that viruses such as SARS COV-2 can exist outside of the body for up to 72 hours, whilst norovirus (commonly known as winter vomiting bug) can exist on surfaces for anything up to 2 weeks.

Therefore, it is hoped that this thin plastic film might be used for aprons, curtains and table coverings in healthcare settings.

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Self-sterilising plastic kills viruses like Covid

Flexible, disposable photocatalytic plastic films for the destruction of viruses