The material the research group has worked with and patented inactivates bacteria, and is already used on plasters and similar products for wound care. But it also proved effective against viruses, something that P4 Gothenburg was the first to tell.

When the coronary infection turned into a pandemic, the researchers asked if it would work on the virus as well.

- We then examined whether it was possible to test. but there was no lab for sars -Cov-2. Then we tested on other known coronaviruses. The result was that 99.9 percent of the virus was inactivated when it came into contact with our material, says Professor Martin Andersson of SVT News West and continues:

- We think we know that it works just as actively against the new corona virus.

Disables and kills

The material obtained by the researchers thus interacts with the virus, inactivates and destroys it. Thus, it cannot be spread further. And it can easily be applied to the production of protective equipment.

- Yes, the material is gel-like and is produced in the form of small particles. These can then be integrated into a solution that can be sprayed on, for example, says Martin Andersson.

According to the professor, the material remains proactive for months - much of the protective equipment, such as mouthguards, is discarded immediately after use. There may be some additional cost, he admits.

- But when it comes to our patches and such, we have come further in the production development, and there is hardly any additional cost anymore, says Martin Andersson.

Within a year

Are you all multi-millionaires now?

- No, but ... (laughs) It's fun if you can use the knowledge we have and the research we do on this problem, says Martin Andersson.

The new material must be tested a great deal before it is time to use it on hospital protective equipment. But Martin Andersson hopes and believes that it will be on the market within a year.