A fabric coating that isolates virus particles could be applied to air filters and masks to prevent the transmission of flu virus, according to a report from The Telegraph.
The coating uses molecules that mimic carbohydrate structures on respiratory airway cell lining. In trials of the technology the structures were able to capture more than 99 percent of viral flu cells.
"Our research does indeed show that this technology can slow the spread of flu viruses," Ian Rowles, PhD, told The Telegraph. "We hope that eventually we'll be able to tackle all pathogens by using this technology."
While researchers work to hone the technology to be effective against other airborne pathogens such as the bacteria responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, British commercial firms are looking to take on strategic partners to scale the flu trap coating into a marketable format, according to The Telegraph.