Self-sterilizing polymers — otherwise known as anionic polymers — can potentially be used to coat surfaces to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Researchers from North Carolina State University, Boston University and Kraton Corporation discovered that when anionic polymers absorb water, protons are summoned to the surface via nanoscale channels. This, according to researchers, creates an extremely acidic environment where viruses can be inactivated and mold and bacteria can be destroyed.

This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round gold objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. Source: NIAID-RML

Applied to surfaces such as countertops, walls and textiles, the anionic polymers could potentially inactivate the coronavirus quickly — reportedly in just five minutes — thereby slowing its spread via surface transmissions.

According to researchers, all that is necessary to maintain the inactivation is humidity.

The paper, Rapid and Repetitive Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Coronavirus on Self-Disinfecting Anionic Polymers, appears in the journal Advanced Science.