Overview
- RMIT researchers report a thin acrylic film with nanoscale pillars neutralized about 94% of human parainfluenza virus 3 in one hour under lab conditions.
- The surface disables viruses by gripping and stretching their fatty outer envelope until it tears, with intact genetic material indicating a purely mechanical effect.
- The strongest performance came from pillars spaced around 60 nanometers apart, while wider gaps sharply reduced or nearly erased the antiviral action.
- The film is low-cost, flexible plastic, and the team says its mold can be adapted to roll-to-roll manufacturing for large-scale production.
- Next steps include testing smaller and non-enveloped viruses and evaluating performance on curved, high-touch surfaces to judge durability and whether it can reduce reliance on chemical disinfectants.