Researchers from a Siberian Institute unveil a photoactive coating to combat viruses and pathogens
Researchers at the Institute of Chemical Technologies at Novosibirsk State University have announced a patented composition designed to form a photoactive coating on both porous and non-porous surfaces. The coating targets and neutralizes a broad range of chemical compounds and biomolecules that make up DNA and RNA viruses. The information comes from the institute’s press service, which shared the development with socialbites.ca.
Early testing indicates strong disinfecting properties and the potential for long-term application. The coating appears affordable to produce, raising the possibility of widespread use to shield laboratories, educational facilities, healthcare settings, and other public spaces from pathogens. This could translate into safer environments in schools, clinics, hospitals, and community centers across Canada and the United States, where routine disinfection is a critical public health measure.
According to the director of the Institute of Chemical Technologies at Novosibirsk State University, Denis Kozlov, the technology is particularly effective for large surface areas. He noted that the disinfection depends on illumination rather than the specific light source. Whether illuminated by natural sunlight or by artificial lighting, surfaces treated with the coating exhibit high disinfecting efficiency. The substance is described as capable of evenly distributing its antimicrobial action across walls, floors, furniture, and other common surfaces when exposed to light, enabling practical, real-world implementation in diverse environments.
The development follows a track record of innovation in Russia related to wound healing and bioactive materials. Earlier work in this field included a glow-assisted gel with applications in medical treatment, which demonstrates the broader interest in photoactive and luminescent systems within the regional scientific community. The new coating adds a distinct approach by focusing on surface disinfection through light-activated chemistry, potentially reducing the need for frequent reapplication and enhancing protection in high-traffic areas.
Experts emphasise the importance of translating laboratory success into scalable, field-ready solutions. The proposed coating would need to meet regulatory standards for safety, compatibility with various materials, and effectiveness under different lighting conditions found in real-world settings. If these criteria are met, the technology could become a valuable tool for infection control in institutions such as schools, laboratories, clinics, and public transit facilities, where maintaining clean, pathogen-free environments is a top priority.
In the context of global health, the ability to deploy a durable, photoactivated surface treatment with broad-spectrum antiviral capabilities could support ongoing efforts to reduce transmission in busy public spaces. The researchers indicate that the material remains active under continuous illumination and can be applied to a wide range of surface textures. The practical benefits include lower maintenance costs and improved safety outcomes for workers and students exposed to potentially infectious environments.
As the research proceeds toward potential commercialization, stakeholders will be watching for demonstrations of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and real-world performance across varied climates and lighting ecosystems. The promise of a long-lasting coating that can be applied to large surfaces aligns with public health goals of creating safer indoor environments while minimizing the logistical burden of frequent cleanup procedures.
With this advancement, the scientific community in Russia contributes to a growing portfolio of light-activated materials designed to combat microbial threats. The ongoing dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and industry partners will shape how such innovations are evaluated, approved, and ultimately integrated into everyday life in North America and beyond.
Note: The information above reflects a summary of the institute’s public briefing and subsequent commentary from its leadership. For broader context, readers are encouraged to consider parallel developments in photochemical disinfection and surface chemistry from institutions worldwide. Source attribution: Institute of Chemical Technologies, Novosibirsk State University