Greek innovation claims to offer more than 99% reduction of COVID-19 on painted surfaces
A Greek innovation claims to be the world’s first paint technology to offer more than 99% reduction of COVID-19 on painted surfaces.
According to the manufacturer Vitex S.A. the technology offers effective antiviral and antibacterial properties on painted surfaces following extensive testing conducted in 3 European laboratories.
The innovation, VAIROTM Healthcare Technology was developed by the R&D department of VITEX S.A. during the previous months, in order to address the requirements and the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the new VAIROTM technology, the company claims the paint inhibits the growth of viruses and bacteria – including SARS-CoV2 – and virtually nullifies their ability to be transmitted through painted surfaces.
VAIRO was developed by using the integration of suitable antimicrobial structures into the paint, which based on silver ions and the utilisation of interfacial tension phenomena, where a slippery hydrophilic coating surface unfolds, which proved to be inhospitable for viruses and bacteria.
According to the company announcement, the extensive microbiological independent testing in three established European laboratories, found that the use of VAIRO in paints, deactivates 99%-99.99% of several viruses (including SARS-CoV2) and simultaneously is effective in reducing many bacteria like E. coli, St. Aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa which are accused of nosocomial infection.
As Aristoteles Nikolakopoulos R&D Director, VITEX S.A. explained: “Our R&D scientists are very proud to have developed this advanced functional paint technology, using highly engineered tailor-made polymers, smart antimicrobials and production processes. We are excited about the results and look forward to offering real added value solutions, by applying VAIRO Healthcare technology in several products across different substrates.”