SCHLIEREN – HeiQ is launching Viroblock NPJ03 as an antiviral and antimicrobial textile treatment which has tested effective against human coronavirus when used in face masks.
The tests proved the treatment significantly improves the antiviral log reduction of 2.90 for untreated face masks to 4.48 – an over 99.99% reduction of virus infectivity (a log reduction of 2 is equivalent to 100 times the effectiveness).
“Virologist Dr. Thierry Pelet of HeiQ’s Scientific Advisory Board brought us a profound depth of knowledge and accelerated our efforts to address the urgent problem of a global pandemic”, said HeiQ Group CEO Carlo Centonze. “Our goal is to prevent textiles from becoming a host surface for propagating harmful viruses and bacteria and contribute to reduce the risk and speed of contamination and transmission.”
According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 1-14 days. Social distancing and wearing a mask are common measures that people in countries like South Korea and Taiwan take to avoid spreading the virus.
Chinese protective masks producer Suzhou Bolisi is the lead adopter of HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 anfd the treated masks will be available on the market as early as this April.
US legwear manufacturer Kayser-Roth is also planning to add the technology to its new product, Ghluv hands protector, while Lufeng from China is evaluating the technology on other types of fabric used for garments.
“HeiQ strives to help improve the lives of people through bringing breakthrough innovations to textiles,” said Centonze. “We have pushed hard to bring the HeiQ Viroblock technology to reality to assist at this time of urgent need for society around the world.”
HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is a unique combination of vesicle and silver technologies designed to inhibit the growth and persistence of bacteria and viruses. The HeiQ vesicle technology targets lipid-enveloped viruses, such as coronavirus, providing rapid virus deactivation, while the HeiQ silver technology inhibits the replication of both bacteria and viruses. HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 can be applied to a wide spectrum of textile surfaces including face masks, air filters, medical gowns, curtains, drapes etc.
Both 229E and Covid-19 are two of seven types of human coronaviruses. Besides testing on human coronavirus (229E), HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 also demonstrates dramatically improved reduction of virus infectivity against influenza types H1N1, H5N1, H7N9, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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