Scientists from Technion’s Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering have developed smart disinfectants that destroy the coronavirus infection mechanism and remain active over time. These products are expected to replace household bleach and other chlorine-based products whose disinfecting powers diminish rapidly.

Prof. Shady Farah, head of the research group, has been awarded a European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Health COVID-19 Rapid Response grant in order to accelerate its development process and market launch.

Prof. Farah’s group focuses on polymers for medical use and smart drug delivery technologies. When the COVID-19 epidemic broke out, they immediately turned their attention to special anti-viral polymers that act on the virus in two ways: by altering and damaging its structure so that its infection capability is impaired; and by attacking and destroying the virus’ envelope. The disinfecting substance is released in a controlled and continuous manner so that the effect is long-lasting. The new disinfectant technology is based on low-cost and readily available raw materials.