Researchers create anti-COVID cleaning spray

University of Queensland researchers have developed a long lasting surface spray that has the potential to kill viruses such as COVID-19 and potentially deadly bacteria. The spray contains a protein that allows it to stick to surfaces and remain effective for 24 hours and is being assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for commercial cleaning use. A team led by Dr Heather Shewan from UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering set out to create a spray for use on various surfaces to kill COVID-19 and bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus aureus. “We used hydrolysed gelatine which essentially helps create a thin film that allows the spray to stick on surfaces and can stay there for at least a day and potentially longer,” Dr Shewan said. “This durability means it is effective over a longer period than a standard cleaner and has the potential to be used in high-use areas such as in public...