Scientists Created a Material That Rips Viruses Apart on Contact
By Darren Orf
Published on April 28, 2026.
Scientists from RMIT University in Australia have developed a plastic film that can kill viruses on contact without needing to reappear. The film, inspired by the wings of insects, uses thousands of nanopillars placed 60 nanometers apart to stretch apart viruses, killing them or damaging them so they can replicate. The researchers tested their antiviral film on human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3), which typically infects the lungs causing bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. While the researchers reported a 94 percent success rate against this virus, more research is needed for other types of viruses. Successfully mass producing these films could help hospitals stay clean, or permanently sanitize smartphones and other high-touch surfaces.
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