TEXTILES.ORG
HeiQ has recently launched HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03, an antiviral and antimicrobial textile treatment that has tested effective against coronavirus, a news release from the company says.
According to HeiQ, the treatment in HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is proven effective against human coronavirus (229E) in face mask testing, enhancing the antiviral log reduction from 2.90 of untreated face masks to 4.48, more than a 99.99 percent reduction of virus infectivity. (Remark from HeiQ: A log reduction of 2 is equivalent to 100 times the effectiveness.)
The treatment is a combination of vesicle and silver technologies designed to inhibit the growth and persistence of bacteria and viruses. The company’s vesicle technology targets lipid-enveloped viruses, such as coronavirus, providing virus deactivation, while the HeiQ silver technology inhibits the replication of both bacteria and viruses, the company reports.
Besides testing on human coronavirus (229E), it has also demonstrated improved reduction of virus infectivity against Influenza types H1N1, H5N1, H7N9, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the company.
HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 may be applied to a spectrum of textile surfaces including face masks, air filters, medical gowns, curtains, drapes and more, the company reported.
Chinese protective masks producer Suzhou Bolisi is the lead adopter of the technology. American legwear manufacturer Kayser-Roth is planning to add the technology to their new product, Ghluv hands protector. Lufeng from China is evaluating the technology on other types of fabric used for garments, the release says. The company expects treated masks to be available on the market as early as April 2020.
Founded in 2005 as a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, HeiQ combines scientific research, specialty materials manufacturing and consumer ingredient branding for textile technologies.