BRAND-NEW
Stardust Powder Coatings Develops First Antiviral Powder Coating Against Human Coronavirus Stardust Powder Coatings, a manufacturer of powder coatings based in L’Aquila (Italy), has tested for the first time and with positive results an antiviral coating that can inhibit the human Coronavirus NL63
I
n March, Stardust Powder Coatings has started the development
amount of infectious virus in each suspension was quantified using
and testing of coatings with antiviral properties.
a TCID50 assay. For the assay to be valid, the material tested must
Powder coatings with antiviral properties are special virucidal
have no cytotoxic activity on the cells used to quantify the virus, nor
coatings that can inhibit the viruses present on the metal surfaces
interfere with cell sensitivity to infection.
they are applied on. These coatings find wide application wherever it
In the material treated with Stardust antiviral coating, virucidal activity
is necessary to reduce the risk of the active virus coming into contact
against human Coronavirus NL63 was observed with R value (antiviral
with humans due to a contaminated surface.
activity) 1.34 at a contact time of 2 hours, and with R value 1.10 at
While tests on other grades of powder coatings manufactured by
a contact time of 24 hours. An R value greater than 1 is considered
Stardust Powder Coatings are currently underway, the company
virucidal. Furthermore, no cytotoxic activity was detected against the
announced the first positive outcome for the Metalgrey 1050k
cells used to quantify the virus.
product, a metallic epoxy powder coating that is widely used in the
“Surface hygiene is one of the fundamental factors to reduce the
architecture and design sector.
risk of cross-contamination – an extremely current need, especially in crowded places such as public buildings, schools, hospitals,
The testing process
transportation, gyms, restaurants or coffee shops”, explains Guido
The tests, conducted by the Virology Research Services laboratory
Pozzoli, CEO of Stardust Powder Coatings. “To meet the growing
in London, were
demand for coatings
performed against the
that can ensure greater
human Coronavirus NL63
surface hygiene, we
according to the standard
immediately set to work
protocol ISO21702, which
to bring the protective
quantifies the antiviral
effectiveness of our
properties of surfaces.
coatings to the next level
The protocol entails the
in order to provide an
dispensation of a pre-
antiviral property as well”,
determined concentration
continues Pozzoli. “The
of virus on a surface treated
future goal of Stardust
with the antiviral coating
is in fact to expand the
and on an untreated
range of antiviral coatings
control surface. Both
to include any colour and
were incubated at room
finish, and any field of
temperature for 24 hours in
application”.
a humidified chamber. Next, the samples were recovered by washing with media (neutraliser), and the
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N. 66 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 - international PAINT&COATING magazine
For further information: © Louis Reed
www.stardust72.com