Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a material that fights coronavirus and kills it when it is on surfaces, lasting for 90 days

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed an antimicrobial material that they say can kill the coronavirus when sprayed on surfaces.

Researchers at one of Hong Kong’s major universities said they had developed a new antimicrobial material that can be sprayed on surfaces to kill most bacteria and viruses – including the coronavirus – and its effect lasts for up to 90 days.

According to University of MAP-1, the antimicrobial material has been trialed for use across a range of surfaces including glass, metals, plastics, leathers and fabrics, according to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

According to HKUST, the surface spray lasts “much longer” than conventional disinfectants that use alcohol or bleach, which lose their function as the liquids evaporate. To help achieve that, it relies on heat-sensitive polymers whose inventors say they respond to contamination from touch or droplets. It does so by releasing more disinfectant when it senses an increase in temperature that can occur when our hands touch a surface or when humidity increases from the spray.

The antiviral coating is expected to spread in shops in Hong Kong in May after clinical tests in the city in February, according to Reuters. According to the researchers, shopping malls, schools, churches and sports training facilities in Hong Kong will use the material, according to the researchers, who also say its ingredients are non-toxic. HKUST did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether there are plans to make MAP-1 available in the United States or other countries.

The spread of the coronavirus appears to have eased in Hong Kong, where no new COVID-19 cases were reported for several days last week. As of Monday, Hong Kong had reported 1038 cases of coronavirus infections and four deaths.