Summary of the technology
There is a growing evidence the SARS-CoV-2 survives well on various surfaces even up to several days (e.g., on plastic and stainless steel). However, it is not clear if the common practice of disinfection of surfaces is the optimal one, how effective it is, and if it can be improved. In many cases the drying of disinfection chemicals might leave behind stable thin liquid films and tiny microdroplets (termed microscopic surface wetness), invisible to the naked eye, which likely impacts viruses’ survival.
In our lab we commonly study the survival of microorganisms on drying surfaces and in microscopic surface wetness. We recently showed that bacteria can survive in such microscopic wetness even for days. Yet, it is unknown how viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 can survive and remain stable on drying surfaces in particular after disinfection treatment.
To study this question, we will test viral stability and survival on several surface types (e.g., plastic stainless steel, glass and cardboard), following suggested disinfectant treatments for SARS-CoV-2 and under various realistic environmental conditions. Then, we will work toward modifications of treatments or recommendations for post treatment steps (e.g. washing with specific agent), to improve common disinfection practices and reduce virus survival on surfaces.
Project ID : 47-2020-10897
Description of the technology
There is a growing evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 survives well on various surfaces up to several days (e.g., on plastic and stainless steel). However, it is not clear if the common practice of disinfecting surfaces is optimal, effective or if it can be improved.
In many cases, when the disinfecting chemicals dry, they leave behind stable thin liquid films and tiny micro droplets (termed microscopic surface wetness), which are invisible to the naked eye and which likely impact the viruses’ survival.
In our lab we commonly study the survival of microorganisms on drying surfaces and microscopic surface wetness. We recently demonstrated that bacteria can survive in such microscopic wetness for days. It is still unknown, however, how viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 survive and remain stable on drying surfaces in particular after disinfection treatment.
To study this question, we will test viral stability and survival on several surface types (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, glass and cardboard), using suggested disinfectant treatments for SARS-CoV-2 and under various realistic environmental conditions. Then, we will work towards modifications of treatments or recommendations for post treatment steps (e.g. washing with specific agent), to improve common disinfection practices and reduce virus survival on surfaces.
Project manager
Ilya Pittel
VP, BD AGTECH, FOODTECH, VETERINARY & ENVIRONMENT
Project researchers
Nadav Kashtan
HUJI, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences
Environmental Economics and Management
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