Anti-viral Materials Containing Copper (I) Oxide and Visible-light Photocatalyst

Transmission of viruses may occur through contaminated surfaces, where viruses can remain active for varying periods of time, from hours to several days, on different materials. To lower the possibility of spread of infections through contact with high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, grocery carts and door knobs, antimicrobial materials such as silver and copper ions are currently utilised. However, these solutions face challenges such as low durability and longer time needed to inactivate viruses.

To overcome these challenges, durable anti-viral materials containing Copper (I) Oxide (Cu₂O) and visible-light photocatalyst are developed. These materials are demonstrated to be able to inactivate >99% of viruses within an hour, even in environments without light. Using patented dispersion techniques, the active Cu₂O and visible-light photocatalyst materials remain as stable, nano-sized particles on the outermost surfaces of products that incorporate them. This provides a large reaction surface area for high performance and durable anti-viral property.

This technology is demonstrated to inactivate >99% of Influenza A virus (enveloped) and Feline calicivirus (non-enveloped) in an hour. It is also capable of eliminating bacteria such as Legionella, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (MDRP).

It is effective indoors, with or without lighting. The nano-sized Cu₂O and visible-light photocatalyst particles achieved using the patented dispersion techniques provide transparency and high performance. The desired level of performance is tunable based on varying concentrations of the material. These materials can maintain the virus inactivation performance for more than one year.

This technology is suitable to be incorporated into various high performance and durable products, including films, paints, coatings, moulded plastics, etc. These products are applicable for high-touch areas such as elevator buttons, grocery carts and door knobs, handles and public furniture, etc. Other product applications for both indoor and outdoor environments may also be explored.

• Inactivate both viruses and bacteria even in the dark
• Inactivate 99% viruses in an hour
• High durability of over one year