Researchers Develop Antiviral paint From Waste Plastic

Researchers have a coating spray from plastic waste that has anti-viral properties. Using graphene found in waste plastic, researchers from ABV-IIITM (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management), Gwalior and Kumaun University, Uttarakhand have developed an antiviral spray that can be used for various surfaces.

The team, led by professor of the Kumaon University Nanda Gopal Sahoo, applied for a patent for the paint. He claims that "graphene, soap-based paint is first of its kind, cheap and effective in killing several viruses, including coronavirus." The patent was passed by the patent office of the central government this week.

The professor asserts that the paint would be highly beneficial in protecting public places from viruses as it works on the principle of "trap and kill mechanism.” Sahoo, in an interview with The Times of India, said," It has been reported that viruses exist for up to two weeks, depending on the type of surface. Therefore, open surfaces need to be urgently protected for a long time to stop the spread of deadly viruses."

He added" The paint contains graphene, special kinds of fatty acids including soap, zinc oxide and titanium oxide-based nanoparticles, apart from some patented components.” He said that the spray will not only protect the surfaces from possible virus exposure but also kill the viruses already present on them and stop their mutation.

As the product uses graphene as a key component in its production, it would be very cost-effective, if produced on a large-scale. Sahoo said that the material can easily be used in places such as public transport, offices, schools, and especially, hospitals. “The formulation can be varied according to the nature of the surface," he added.