Tokyo - Japan's Toray Industries has announced that in-house testing of its Makspec V antiviral knitted fabric has confirmed its effectiveness in reducing concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
The fabric was subjected to JISL 1922 antiviral testing, with samples exposed to the virus before concentrations of the virus were assessed after a period of two hours.
As with earlier studies using the ATCC VR-1679 envelope strain, Toray found that the fabric reduced concentrations by more than 99.9 per cent on textiles, suggesting it could hold great potential on the healthcare frontline as people fight the contagion.
What’s also given researchers optimism is that the technology was similarly effective after 50 wash cycles, suggesting personal protective equipment exposed to the virus could be reused tens of times before it’s advised they’re discarded.
In light of these findings, Toray has indicated that it’ll look to position Makspec V as an idyllic solution across a range of garment types, given that hygiene concerns across industries will be heightened even post-pandemic.
Nursing, school uniforms and retail are just some of the sectors Toray sees its fabric being leveraged.
Looking ahead, the Japanese firm says it’ll draw on its textile processing technology and expertise to develop new materials with functionality in mind, offering other industries added value, particularly at a time like this when COVID-19 remains of high concern.
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