Lo Kwan-Yu (middle) and other research team members show the anti-COVID 3D printed material Photo: Courtesy of PolyU

As the Omicron variant makes its way in Hong Kong, local public venues are ramping up preventive measures. An interdisciplinary research team from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully developed the world's first anti-virus 3D printed material that can kill the virus that causes COVID-19 on surfaces as well as other common viruses and bacteria regardless of the variant.

Lo Kwan-Yu, associate professor of PolyU's Institute of Textiles and Clothing, who led the research team, told the Global Times on Thursday that "70 percent of coronavirus can be eliminated within two minutes, according to laboratory tests, and over 90 percent can be killed after 10 minutes. All viruses and bacteria on a surface can be basically terminated in 20 minutes." 

The anti-COVID 3D printed material is used to cover door pull handles. Photo: Courtesy of PolyU

The main component of the material is a resin with added anti-viral agents such as cationic compounds. "Using 3D printing technology, it can be produced in different forms catering to different needs. It is therefore highly flexible and can be used extensively in public facilities to provide epidemic prevention support to the community," Lo said. 

The research team has collaborated with the Home Affairs Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to produce a series of tools and equipment, including recycling bin handles, toilet doorknob covers and lift buttons, to conduct further tests and trials of the effectiveness and durability of the material to kill viruses.

"After being used for a year, no COVID-19 virus has been detected on the surface of the recycling bin handles. This proves that the efficacy of the material only diminishes gradually after three years of use and is effective in fighting against viruses and bacteria. Since the material kills viruses through physical means, it can still exert the same effect on virus variants," said Kan Chi-wai, member of the research team and professor of PolyU's Institute of Textiles and Clothing.

Kan added that because the disinfection components of the material are embedded in the products rather than coated on the surface, daily cleaning with disinfectants such as bleach does not compromise its anti-virus performance.

The anti-COVID 3D printed material is used to cover an elevator button. Photo: Courtesy of PolyU

The research team will collaborate with district offices in the future to produce doorknob protective covers to reduce the risk of virus transmission in buildings. The team hopes to apply the material to primary and secondary schools, healthcare facilities, and public transportation systems. 

Hong Kong will shut kindergartens and primary schools and start offering COVID-19 vaccines for children from the age of five, the HKSAR Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, said on Tuesday as the region grapples with an increase in coronavirus infections fueled by the Omicron variant.

Wednesday registered 14 new infections in Hong Kong, nine of which were imported from overseas. For the past 14 days, the region has reported over 375 COVID-19 positive cases, local media reports said.