"Revolutionary Silicon Spikes Eliminate 96% of Virus Particles: RMIT University Study"

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have developed a virus-killing surface that could potentially revolutionize the way we combat infectious diseases in high-risk environments such as hospitals and laboratories. This cutting-edge technology, designed by an international research team led by RMIT University, consists of silicon spikes that have proven to be effective in neutralizing up to 96% of virus particles.

The tiny nanospikes covering the silicon surface act as lethal weapons against viruses, including the hPIV-3 virus responsible for bronchitis, pneumonia, and croup. Through lab tests, researchers observed that the spikes either tore apart the viruses or damaged them to the extent that they were no longer capable of causing infections. These promising results, published in the prestigious nanoscience journal ACS Nano, highlight the potential of this material in preventing the transmission of harmful biological agents.

Dr. Natalie Borg, the corresponding author of the study, explained that the concept of skewering viruses may seem straightforward but required advanced technical expertise to execute. The nano spiked surfaces, manufactured at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, are meticulously crafted to have needles that are 30,000 times thinner than a human hair yet stand 290 nanometers tall. Inspired by nature, specifically the nanoscale spiked structure found on the wings of insects like dragonflies, this innovative approach aims to combat viruses on a microscopic level.

The team's interdisciplinary efforts, led by Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova, involved researchers from various institutions worldwide, including Spain's Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). By combining theoretical simulations and practical experiments, the scientists were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the spike design in damaging the external structure of viruses and puncturing their membranes, rendering them inactive within hours of contact with the nanostructured surface.

Samson Mah, the first author of the study, emphasized the practical implications of this research in enhancing safety measures in high-risk environments. Implementing this technology in laboratories and healthcare facilities could significantly improve containment measures against infectious diseases, creating safer spaces for researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients alike.

This groundbreaking study represents a significant milestone in the field of nanotechnology and antimicrobial surfaces, offering a promising solution to combat the spread of infectious diseases. The potential applications of this virus-killing surface could revolutionize the way we approach biosecurity in various settings, paving the way for a safer and healthier future for all.

Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1039029