Nanocoating for air filters helps fight COVID-19 spread

A nanocoating from Curran Biotech is said to stop the spread and lingering impact of viruses (including SARS-COV-2). When applied to common air filters for either home or commercial HCVAC systems, Curran Biotech’s Capture Coating permanently bonds to the porous materials within a filter, stopping viruses, bacteria and fungi, whilst not impacting airflow/breathability.

Curran Biotech is a materials science manufacturing company that provides nanocoating solutions to industry. With the emergence of the worldwide pandemic, a new approach to protecting buildings and inside air from the transmission of contagions was required. The hydrophobic nanocoating was developed to combat the airborne nature of the coronavirus.

Standard air filters are rated using the MERV system – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV rated 8 filters are typical). With the Curran Biotech Capture Coating, filters perform better with regard to viral protection – outperforming higher rated filters – without impacting airflow (static air pressure). The solution is available now from distributors and retailers across the globe.

"Rather than just using a form of detergent to kill the virus in real time—having no real long-lasting benefits—we approached the problem of protecting buildings from airborne transmission in a different way," said CEO, Eileen Mellon. "We have developed a nanoscale coating that can wrap itself around the individual fibres of HVAC air filtration media, rendering them superhydrophobic without affecting critical HVAC operational parameters."

Curran Biotech treated filters operate normally with regards to dust and other dry particulates but reject aqueous/liquid-phase contaminants. Because the coronavirus in its most infectious state is surrounded by an aqueous liquid-phase environment, Capture Coating physically stops the virus at the surface of the air filter.

"Capture CoatingTM has helped our offices get back to their everyday routine, with less worry about COVID-19," says Director of Sales & Marketing, David Berlinga. "We are excited about decreasing the chances of contracting the virus."

"2020 has forced us to rethink things," says Becky Scott, Curran Biotech’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Being able to participate in life – to breathe without worry – is normal, right? We can’t always be outside. We’ve developed an innovative nanocoating that makes your regular air filters work better – it stops the virus – without impacting breathability."