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The antiviral nanospikes created by researchers at RMIT University in Australia form an antiviral silicon surface capable of piercing viruses through mechanical action, without biocides, with potential applications in hospitals, public transport, offices, schools, screens, keyboards, and handrails.
Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have developed a nanostructured antiviral surface made of silicon capable of inactivating up to 96% of viral infectivity in about 6 hours. The technology uses invisible antiviral nanospikes to pierce viral particles through physical action, without biocides or aggressive chemical coatings.
The innovation was created to reduce the presence of viruses on frequently contacted surfaces, such as tables, doorknobs, screens, transport bars, and shared equipment. Instead of relying solely on constant cleaning, the proposal uses the surface design itself to act on the viruses.
The material appears black and uniform to the naked eye, but changes completely at the nanoscale. At this dimension, the surface is covered with millions of extremely sharp nanopillars, structures so small they cannot be seen directly without appropriate instruments.
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Antiviral nanospikes pierce the viral membrane
When a viral particle comes into contact with the antiviral surface, the nanopillars pierce the viral lipid envelope. This membrane acts as a protective layer that allows the virus to infect cells, and its rupture causes the particle to lose integrity and cease to be infectious.
The operation occurs without chemical reaction and without progressive degradation. The action of the antiviral nanospikes is described as mechanical destruction, based on the pressure exerted by the nanoscale tips on the viral structure.
Tests were conducted with the respiratory virus hPIV-3. The surface was able to eliminate up to 96% of infectivity in about 6 hours, while viruses kept on smooth surfaces remained practically intact in the same type of comparison.
The distance between the nanopillars also influences the outcome. The closer the antiviral nanospikes are, the greater the number of pressure points on each viral particle, increasing the likelihood of rupture.
Hospitals, transport, and screens are among the applications
The antiviral surface was designed for environments where contact with shared objects is frequent. Among the cited applications are hospital tables and equipment, where viral load can have a direct impact on safety and hygiene routines.
The technology can also be applied to touch-sensitive screens, including cell phones and ATMs. Other possible uses involve public transport, especially bars and areas repeatedly touched by passengers throughout the day.
Schools, offices, and other spaces with high foot traffic also appear among the places of interest. In these environments, the antiviral nanospikes could act passively on common-use surfaces, without requiring continuous intervention.
The adaptation of the material to existing industrial processes is one of the highlighted points in the development. The roll-to-roll process, used to manufacture plastic films on a large scale, appears as a possible route to bring the technology closer to real applications.
Technology still needs to undergo new validations
Despite the results with hPIV-3, the efficacy of the antiviral surface against other viruses still needs to be experimentally validated on this specific material. SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are among the agents yet to be tested on this surface.
The durability of the coating under intense use also remains an aspect to be evaluated. Abrasion, dirt, and routine cleaning may influence the performance of a nanostructured surface outside controlled laboratory conditions.
Cost is another challenge for large-scale adoption. To advance, the technology will have to compete with cheaper, though less sustainable, solutions currently used in surface disinfection.
Fewer disinfectants and less environmental impact
The proposal also involves reducing the constant use of disinfectants in high-traffic areas. As the action occurs through the physical structure of the antiviral nanospikes, the technology seeks a passive alternative, without the release of chemicals onto treated surfaces.
Previous research with bactericidal surfaces already indicated that texture can play as important a role as the material. This line of development reinforces interest in coatings capable of combating microorganisms through structural design, and not just chemical composition.
RMIT’s antiviral surface extends this path by demonstrating viral inactivation through direct contact with nanopillars. With 96% infectivity reduced in 6 hours, the antiviral nanospikes join the group of technologies that can change how shared areas are protected against viruses.
Click here to access the study.
