Researchers at Novosibirsk State University (NSU) have introduced self-cleaning fabrics designed to destroy chemicals, macromolecules such as DNA and RNA, and to neutralize viruses and bacteria. This material shows promise for sewing protective clothing intended for medical workers and laboratory staff. The findings were shared by the university press service to socialbites.ca.
The key enhancement comes from a photoactive impregnation developed at the NSU Institute of Chemical Technologies. When the fabric surface hosts organic substances or microorganisms, exposure to light triggers the formation of active oxidizing particles on a specially coated surface. These particles interact with contaminants to break them down into carbon dioxide and water, while pathogens are neutralized. In essence, the fabric gains the ability to cleanse itself through light exposure, reducing the need for frequent washing and chemical treatment.
Beyond self-cleaning properties, the material demonstrates improved strength and functionality in humid and hot environments. Its moisture resistance and resilience against fungi and bacteria make it suitable for workwear in settings such as medical facilities, laboratories, and food production environments where cleanliness and reliability are critical.
The initiative has already attracted interest from Aerolife Plant LLC, a Moscow-based company. The enterprise has expressed particular enthusiasm about scaling up the production of self-cleaning fabrics, noting that sewing garments from these materials could lower costs and simplify post-production processing compared with traditional fabrics.
Denis Kozlov, Doctor of Chemical Sciences and director of the NSU Institute of Chemical Technologies Scientific and Educational Center, explained that the photocatalyst composition can be adjusted to meet different objectives. They emphasize that garment design must account for practical wearing conditions such as room proximity, air humidity, and the specific nature of the work activity, whether laboratory tasks or food processing. The research team stresses that tailoring the catalyst formulation helps optimize performance for diverse use cases, from tight indoor environments to more spacious settings with higher exposure requirements.
Earlier work from NSU researchers has also yielded promising results in medical diagnostics, including a gel designed to improve the effectiveness of skin cancer detection. This broader line of inquiry reflects NSU’s ongoing commitment to translating chemical science into tangible, real-world applications that enhance safety, efficiency, and public health across multiple sectors. The current fabric development aligns with global needs for protective clothing that can maintain cleanliness and performance with fewer interventions, a goal that resonates with health service providers, manufacturers, and researchers alike. Whether deployed in North American hospitals or regional laboratories, the technology holds potential to reduce contamination risks while supporting safer, more efficient work environments. The team continues to investigate long-term durability, washability, and real-world testing under varying climatic and occupational conditions, aiming to deliver scalable solutions that meet international standards. In parallel, researchers are exploring integrations with filtration layers and antimicrobial treatments that could further enhance protective capabilities without compromising comfort or fabric breathability. This holistic approach underscores NSU’s strategy of combining chemical innovation with practical engineering to meet the needs of modern healthcare and industry. The findings are set to inform future collaborations and pilot programs that could bring these advanced textiles to the market in North America and beyond, contributing to safer workwear options for frontline professionals. The ongoing research underscores a broader commitment to materials science that addresses health, safety, and productivity in real-world settings, backed by rigorous scientific evaluation and cross-disciplinary partnerships with industry stakeholders. Marked citations from NSU and affiliated centers attribute these developments to ongoing academic research and prospective commercial partnerships intended to accelerate adoption in diverse environments.