QUT scientists discover wet-etching technique can kill COVID-19 virus on aluminium surfaces

A new way to kill COVID-19 virus on aluminium surfaces has been innovated by QUT scientists with the use of a wet-etching technique that forms random ‘nano-pillars’ proven to have both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Following the rounds of lab testing on the longevity of COVID-19 on metal surfaces, it has been found that the virus on a wet-etched surface dies in less than six hours.

QUT medical devices specialist Professor Prasad Yarlagadda and virologist Professor Kirsten Spann primarily led the research and testing. The wet-etching process was tested in a lab by being applied to commercially available aluminium alloy 6063, commonly used for doorknobs and frames, window panels, and hospital and medical equipment.

Professor Spann said they tested the virus that commonly causes infant bronchiolitis and pneumonia and rhinovirus on the wet-etched aluminium surfaces and found the latter significantly sped up the inactivation process of those two common pathogens.

“We then collaborated with Dr Alyssa Pyke, together with the Public Health virology team from Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services to test the nano-pillared aluminium against SARS-CoV-2 in their biological secure containment facility that is specially equipped with technology to prevent the virus from spreading,” said Professor Spann.

She also said, “We tested the COVID-19 virus on the surface eight times at each different time points: after 3 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours on the nano-pillar surface. Within six hours no viable virus could be recovered from the nanostructured aluminium, although the virus remained alive on smooth aluminium for longer than 24 hours and on plastic for longer than two days.”

Professor Yarlagadda said, “The simple wet-etching technique gives surfaces a nanoscale roughness that people cannot feel, but which kills a range of bacteria and viruses.”

He pointed out that surfaces on hospital medical devices, lift buttons, light switches, telephones, handrails, taps, benches, tables, sinks and toilets could benefit from this technology.

Currently, QUT scientists are working with a bus manufacturing company and one involved in manufacturing hospital beds and trolleys.

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