Antiviral technology refers to the materials, coatings or treatments that inhibit the spread of viruses on a particular surface. The technology aims to reduce the risk of viral transmission by touching that surface, making the product safer and more hygienic.
It is vital in environments where impeding viral growth is critical to safety, such as healthcare or food prep settings. However, it is also increasingly common in everyday consumer products, especially those that we interact closely with or that may be shared between multiple users.
On a fundamental level, technology is antiviral when it inhibits or destroys viruses, preventing them from infecting host cells and replicating. But we can achieve this in several ways:
Broadly speaking, we can break antiviral technologies into two groups—those that occur naturally and those we manufacture. Natural antiviral solutions are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as plants, herbs and other biological materials. Many everyday kitchen ingredients have antiviral properties, including garlic and ginger. Natural antivirals can have inherent antiviral properties, or we may have to process the substances to extract the active antiviral.
On the other hand, Manufactured antiviral solutions are synthesized in labs. With synthetic antivirals, we often draw inspiration from nature and attempt to mimic the properties and processes we see in natural substances. However, the controlled lab environment can enable us to improve natural antiviral performance and design entirely new antiviral compounds.
In the wake of the pandemic, we understand better than ever the importance of developing effective hygiene technologies that prevent viral growth and help us control the spread of dangerous viruses. They enable us to protect vulnerable populations better, safeguard those treating viral infections and minimize disruption to essential services and our everyday lives.
According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered the largest global economic crisis in more than a century, resulting in a “dramatic increase in inequality within and across countries”. The IMF calculates that the pandemic cost the global economy approximately $12.5 trillion (Reuters).
With this in mind, antiviral technology is vital for two principal reasons:
Polygiene ViralOff™ is an antiviral textile treatment that inhibits survival of viruses and microbes on fabrics. It uses silver chloride, which occurs naturally, reducing viral and microbial load on the surface.
In independent testing It has been shown to reduce tested viruses, including SARS-Cov-2 (Covid-19), Influenza A, and Bird Flu, by 99.99% and is a highly effective antiviral treatment. As it tackles other microbes, it also helps eliminate unpleasant odors and keeps textiles smelling and feeling fresh.
As Polygiene ViralOff™ is a textile treatment, businesses often utilize the technology in wearables, most notably clothing and apparel. While it is popular in fashion-oriented designs, it plays a critical role in enhancing performance in healthcare products, such as scrubs, gloves and facemasks. But its application is not limited to apparel. Manufacturers regularly incorporate it into furniture, bedsheets and accessories for handheld devices, amongst other products.
To learn more about our innovative antiviral technology, check out the Polygiene ViralOff™ product page or contact our experienced team to discuss how Polygiene solutions can add value to your products.
